Abstract:
A system and apparatus providing protection and functionally for mobile devices by providing a protective cover, a variable angle stand, and a more convenient user input device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. The Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    The disclosure relates to electronic mobile devices and providing protection for them from everyday wear to more extreme accidental situations. More specifically, the disclosure relates to protecting mobile devices with a relatively large display and touch screen functionality. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The current protective devices are often inadequate to fully protect an expensive mobile device. A damaged mobile device could mean data loss and unnecessary expense to the user. Some current protective devices are visually pleasing or provide increased gripping. However, most current protective devices rely on the mobile device to provide structural integrity, often merely being nothing more than expensive scratch protectors. Many allow easy access to the display, which can also allow easy exposure to damage and danger. Other problems with current devices is that they can make using the mobile device more cumbersome either by making the control areas hard to reach or by preventing secure tactile holding. 
         [0006]    Despite the advantages of known mobile device protectors, improvements are still being sought and the prior art is thus characterized by several disadvantages that are addressed by the disclosure. The disclosure minimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures, and other problems, by utilizing the apparatus and system features described herein. 
         [0007]    The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the features and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    One problem commonly encountered by mobile devices is damage to the device itself either because no protective device is used or because the protective device used was ineffective. Accordingly, if a protective device inhibits usability it will not be used. What is needed is a protective device that also increases the functionality of a mobile device. 
         [0009]    The disclosure addresses these and other problems by providing a structurally sound protective device that complements the features and functions of the mobile device. 
         [0010]    For example, in order for the protective device to fully protect the functionality of the mobile device it must provide its own structural integrity. Accordingly, the protective device disclosed herein may comprise a form factor similar to a mobile device to be protected wherein the protector may be configured such that the mobile device nests into the protector and may, thus, have a shell constructed of a substantially rigid material. The embodiment may also have a configuration such that the face or display of the mobile device is covered and may have a shock absorbing layer, but provides openings to allow electronic connections to be made to the device. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment the shock absorbing layer may also be configured to prevent scratches or breakage on the mobile device. A suitable material for the shock absorbing layer may be neoprene or a foam material. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment the protective device might have a shell made from a metal, such as aluminum, and may have other rigid features, such as a stand built-in, which positions the mobile device in a plurality of positions or angles for optimal use. 
         [0013]    An embodiment of the protective device may be configured to be moved from covering the face or display of the mobile device to the back of the mobile device so that the mobile device can be used. It may also be attached to the back of the mobile device for storage so that the protective device does not become lost from being set down while the device is being used. 
         [0014]    An embodiment may comprise a stand built into the protective device so that the mobile device can be viewed from the proper viewing angle during use, such that the device may be located or positioned in a plurality of positions or angles relative to the stand. The stand may be attached to the shell of the protective device and may have a combination of rigid and flexible portions to allow the stand to be folded. 
         [0015]    An embodiment may have more than one stand structure built into the protective device, thereby allowing a user to select differing angles during use. The plurality of stand structures may nest within each other and share a common hinge. The plurality of stand structures may also be disposed opposite each other in the protective device so as to allow the full width of the stand to be used for both structures thereby increasing the strength. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment the protective device may have a slot recessed into either the shell or the shock absorbing layer to allow a stand structure to be folded and tucked back into the protective device in a substantially flush manner. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment the protective device may provide additional input devices for the mobile device to improve the functionality of the mobile device. The input device may be a keyboard that is fixed within the protective device. The shell or shock absorbing layer may be provided with a recess to accommodate the keyboard therein. The shell may also be provided with higher walls to accommodate the input device. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment the protective device may provide an electronic connection or a wireless connection between an input device and the mobile device. Such an embodiment may also provide a slot recessed into the shock absorbing layer to allow the electronic connector to be tucked out of the way. 
         [0019]    The protective device may be bundled with a mobile device for convenience at the time of purchase. An embodiment of such a system would include a mobile device therein and the above features would be tailored to the included mobile device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    These and other features and advantages of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings of certain preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, and in which: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a popular type of mobile device nested within a protective device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device nested within a protective device when the mobile device is not being used. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device nested within a protective device when the mobile device is being used. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device being elevated by integrated stands. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protector in the closed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device is being elevated by integrated stands. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device is being elevated by integrated stands at a reduced angle. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device is being elevated by integrated stands at an angle and having an improved user input device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a mobile device protector having an improved user input device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device is being elevated by integrated stands at an angle and is having an improved user input device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device is being elevated by integrated stands at an angle, and includes an improved user input device that is connected to the mobile device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device protector is configured with a plurality of stands in opposing positions, particularly the stands are each illustrated in an open position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment wherein a mobile device protector is configured with a plurality of stands in opposing positions, particularly the stands are each illustrated in a closed position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment wherein a plurality of viewing angles of a mobile device are shown by the adjustment of the mobile device relative to the stand or support structure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a front view of an embodiment illustrating the mobile device protector  205 , including the stand or support structure, that may be used to support the mobile device  211  either in landscape mode or portrait mode. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed. 
         [0037]    It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0038]    In describing and claiming the disclosure, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. 
         [0039]    As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. 
         [0040]    As used herein, the phrase “consisting of” and grammatical equivalents thereof exclude any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. 
         [0041]    As used herein, the phrase “consisting essentially of” and grammatical equivalents thereof limit the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic or characteristics of the claimed disclosure. 
         [0042]    Embodiments of a system and apparatus which represent examples of the application of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. Variations to this system and apparatus which represent other embodiments will also be described. 
         [0043]    For purposes of illustration, the embodiment will be described in the context of the mobile device protector in use or in condition for use. The details of the embodiments and of this specific implementation may be set forth in order to illustrate, and not to limit, the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is defined only by the appended claims. 
         [0044]    Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments that may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, may be also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined only by reference to the appended claims. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , an embodiment of a mobile device and mobile device protector will be discussed. Illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a mobile device and mobile device protector system  100 . The system  100  may comprise a protector  105  and a mobile device  111  to be protected. As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the protector  105  is covering the face or display portion of a mobile device  111 . For illustration purposes, a logo has been placed on the back of the mobile device  111  so that the back of the device can be readily identified in the figures. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates how similar the dimensions are as between the mobile device  111  and the protector  105 . The dimensional similarity provides a protector  105  that is not overly bulky and will not increase the size of the system  100  significantly. Also the shape of the protector  105  and the shape of the mobile device  111  are similar, again reducing the bulk of the system  100 . Additionally, because the shape and size are similar a friction fit is possible wherein no additional latches or attachment means need be used. Also facilitating the friction fit between the components of the system  100  is the presence of a shock absorption layer  115 . 
         [0048]    Shock absorption layer  115  may be configured to prevent damaging forces from being transferred from the protector  105  to the mobile device  111 . The shock absorption layer  115  may be of a resilient compressible material, such as neoprene or a foam material, thereby providing a bias force holding the components together through friction. The shock absorption layer  115  may also be designed to refract any impact forces so that only a fraction of the original force is transmitted to the mobile device  111 . By selecting a material having significantly differing transmissive properties from the materials making up the protector  105  and mobile device  111 , fractional amounts of any impact force will be dissipated at the transitional boundaries between components of the system  100 . Additionally, the shock absorption layer  115  may be configured to dissipate forces internally by the nature of the material chosen. Other material suitable for the shock absorption layer  115 , for example may be; leather, foam, rubber, felt and the like. 
         [0049]    Because the shock absorption layer  115  is in contact with the mobile device  111  it may be desirable for the layer to protect the device  111  from scratches or breakage. Accordingly, the shock absorption layer  115  may comprise a soft anti scratch or anti breakage component or sub-layer. The shock absorption layer  115  may be of a homogeneous material or may be a composite of differing materials. 
         [0050]      FIG. 3  illustrates the system  100  and its components in a ready state for use. As can be seen in the figure, the protector  105  has been attached to cover the back of the mobile device  111  so that the mobile device display  118  is facing outward ready for use. Protector  105  may comprise a substantially rigid shell  110 . By having a rigid shell  110  the protector  105  is structurally sound and capable of holding its own shape when exposed to expected forces. The rigid shell  110  also allows the protector  105  to exert a retentive force into the system  100  such that the components of the system are able to remain affixed one to another. Additionally, the shell  110  may be able to withstand typical forces exerted on the system  100  because of its rigid properties. Many mobile devices today have aluminum components because it is light, rigid, and corrosion resistant. It is also aesthetically pleasing. Likewise, the shell  110  may be constructed of aluminum. The shell  110  may be made of a homogeneous material or may be a composite of many materials. Example, of other materials that may be used are; steel, fiber glass, carbon fiber, titanium, plastic, and the like. 
         [0051]    The shock absorption layer  115  may be attached inside the shell  105  with adhesives or may stay in due to any resilient qualities it may possess. The shock absorption layer  115  may cover all of the interior of the shell  105  or may only be applied to portions. 
         [0052]    With reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , those figures illustrate an embodiment of a mobile device and mobile device protector ready for use. Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is a mobile device and mobile device protector system  200  having a stand  225  therein. The system  200  may comprise a protector  205  and a mobile device  211  to be protected. As can be seen in the figure, the mobile device  211  is propped up on a stand structure  225  like a kick stand. The stand  225  may hold the mobile device  211  at a predetermined angle so as to improve the usability of the mobile device  211 . A secondary stand  227  may be employed to provide a second angle of view. In the embodiment the second stand  227  is nested within the first stand  225  and share a hinge and axis of rotation. 
         [0053]    The adjustment of the distance between, or tilting of, the base of the mobile device and the stand  225  may allow a viewing angle between about twenty-five and about ninety degrees. While the small or secondary stand  227  may be primarily used for typing and may allow for fewer angle options than the first stand  225  for the device  211 , the larger or first stand  225  allows for multiple angles for the device  211  from its greater radial reach. 
         [0054]    For instance, when the device  211  bottom or base is up against the larger stand  225 , the device may be at about a 90 degree angle. However, in addition to this 90 degree angle, the angle of the device  211  may be infinitely variable between that position and when the bottom or base of the device  211  finally hits the edge of the case, which may be about twenty-five degrees. In other words, the large stand  225  may allow the device to be placed at a comfortable angle between about ninety degrees and about twenty-five degrees by varying the distance between the bottom or base of the mobile device  211  and the stand  225 . The stands may be made having substantially rigid portion  242  and a substantially compliant portion  244 . The rigid portion supplies enough support to hold the mobile device  211  in place. The compliant portion  244  allows for the adjustability of rigid portion  242  and restrains the stand from rotating too far. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  illustrates a collapsed protector  205  without the presence of the mobile device  211  wherein the stand  225  is in the folded down position. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  illustrates the system  200  and its components in a ready state for use and propped up to a viewing angle. As can be seen in the figure, the stand  225  abuts against the back of the mobile device  211  to prop it up into position. A recessed slot  228  in the shock absorption layer  215  allows for the stand  225  to be folded down flush with the shock absorption layer  215 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  illustrates the viewing angle change when the second stand  227  is used. The second viewing angle may be appropriate when using a touch screen keyboard on the mobile device  211 . 
         [0058]    With reference to  FIGS. 8-11 , the figures illustrate an embodiment of a mobile device and mobile device protector ready for use having an improved input device. Illustrated in  FIG. 8  is a mobile device and mobile device protector system  300  having a stand  325  and improved input device therein. The system  300  may comprise a protector  305  and a mobile device  311  to be protected. As can be seen in the figure, the mobile device  311  is propped up on a stand structure  325  like a kick stand. The stand  325  may hold the mobile device  311  at a predetermined angle so as to improve the usability of the mobile device  311 . The tilting of the device relative to the stand, or adjusting the distance between the bottom or base of the device and the stand, may allow a viewing angle between about twenty-five and about ninety degrees. Further illustrated in the figure is the presence of an improved input device, in this embodiment it is a keyboard  330 . Touch screen keyboards often lack the feel and efficiency of a regular tactile keyboard. As seen in  FIG. 10 , a recessed keyboard slot  331  in the shock absorption layer  315  allows for the keyboard  330  to rest flush with the shock absorption layer  315 . The keyboard  330  may be connected to the mobile device  311  wirelessly, such as BlueTooth technology, or other wireless transmission. 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  illustrates a protector  305  without the presence of the mobile device  311  wherein the keyboard  330  is in position and the stand  325  is folded down in the collapsed position. 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  illustrates the system  300  and its components in a ready state for use and propped up to a viewing angle. As can be seen in the figure, the stand  325  abuts against the back of the mobile device  311  to prop it up into position. A recessed slot  328  in the shock absorption layer  315  allows for the stand  325  to be folded down flush with the shock absorption layer  315 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 11  illustrates the system  300 , wherein the keyboard  330  is connected to the mobile device  311  by connector  337 . The keyboard  330  may be battery power or electrically connected to and powered by the mobile device by an appropriate connector. The keyboard  330  may be permanently affixed to the protector  305  or may be removable. The keyboard may be powered by the mobile device  311  or may have its own power source. 
         [0062]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment of a protector  405  having a first stand  425  and a second stand  427  disposed opposite each other with in the protector  405 .  FIG. 13  illustrates an embodiment of a protector  405  with opposing stands in the folded down collapsed position. 
         [0063]      FIG. 14  illustrates an embodiment wherein a plurality of viewing angles of a mobile device are shown by the adjustment of the distance between, or tilting of, the base of the mobile device relative to the support structure or stand. As discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 , the larger or first stand allows for multiple angles for viewing the device by varying its greater radial reach. For instance, when the device bottom is up against the larger stand, the device may be at a 90 degree angle. However, in addition to this 90 degree angle, the angle of the device is infinitely variable between there and when the bottom finally hits the edge of the case, which may be about twenty-five degrees. In other words, the large stand allows for the device to be placed at a comfortable angle between about ninety degrees and about twenty-five degrees by adjusting the distance between, or tilting, the base of the mobile device and the first stand by varied amounts as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 15  is a front view of an embodiment illustrating the mobile device protector  205 , including the stand or support structure, that may be used to support the mobile device  211  either in landscape mode or portrait mode. It will be appreciated that mobile devices  211  may be used in various modes depending upon the orientation of the device relative to the user. The protector  205  may include a plurality of stands or support structures  225  and  227  disclosed herein is uniquely designed to accommodate both landscape and portrait modes. Thus, no matter the orientation of the mobile device  211 , the plurality of stands disclosed herein may be utilized by the user without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0065]    In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the disclosure reflects, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. 
         [0066]    It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has been shown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.