Abstract:
A mobile electronic device case for protecting and securing a mobile electronic device in multiple positions. The case having a base for retaining a mobile electronic device, a cover for enclosing the mobile electronic device, and dual hinge linkage to allow pivotal rotation of the base and cover. The cover and base are affixed to the dual hinge linkage which allows the cover and base to rotate and secure into multiple positions including the closed position, the upright seated position, and the hand-held carry position. The dual hinge linkage is also used to provide increased stability and added protection. A flexible and adjustable strap is mounted within a recess on the outside surface of the cover and allows a user to hold the case in one hand while using the device with the other hand in the hand-held carry position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     n/a 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     n/a 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application is directed to a case for a mobile electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As mobile electronic devices become more technologically advanced and include more features, use of the devices is more widespread. Accordingly, protective cases designed to prevent device damage or breakage are in higher demand, but existing cases lack many desirable features. 
     In particular, elastic and resilient materials that absorb impact forces (“soft cases”) and fracture-resistant plastics (“hard cases”) have been used in protective cases to reduce the impact force on mobile electronic devices. The resultant protective cases often suffer from numerous limitations as well as a low quality user experience. For example, cases exclusively composed of high durometer plastics, or similarly hard materials, often include jagged or sharp corners. The jagged or sharp corners can cause discomfort in the user&#39;s hand. Also, high durometer plastic cases, while lending overall durability to the protective case, can rupture at connection points thereby leaving the mobile electronic device unprotected and exposed. 
     Conversely, soft resilient cases such as those made from rubber or other elastomeric materials, while providing impact protection, are often large and unwieldy thereby mitigating the benefits of having a slim profile mobile electronic device. Further, rubber and other elastomeric materials have high coefficients of friction which can cause cases to adhere to various surfaces and make it difficult to easily move the case off a particular surface. Consumers often remove these bulky and unwieldy cases leaving the mobile electronic device unprotected and vulnerable. 
     In addition, although some soft cases provide a viewing platform for supporting and positioning a tablet at different angles, the viewing platform is an accessory component separate from the protective portion of the case. Conventional cases for mobile electronic devices lack multiple integrated convenience features that enhance the user&#39;s experience. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention advantageously provides a case for holding a mobile electronic device having a base configured to releasably retain the mobile electronic device, a cover, and a dual hinge linkage. The dual hinge linkage includes a first-end link body pivotably coupled to the base and a second-end link body pivotably coupled to the cover. The dual hinge linkage is configured to allow movement of the base with respect to the cover between a closed position, an upright seated position and a hand-held carry position. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the case for holding a mobile electronic device has a cover, a base and a dual hinge linkage. The cover has a first-end link body, a first substantially planar cover surface, a second substantially planar cover surface opposite the first substantially planar cover surface and a plurality of substantially linear cover sidewall portions that define a perimeter around the first substantially planar cover surface and the second substantially planar cover surface. The base is configured to releasably retain the mobile electronic device and has a first planar base surface opposite the second planar base surface and a second-end link body. The dual hinge linkage has a first mating element pivotally coupled to the first-end link body. The dual hinge linkage also has a second mating element pivotally coupled to the second-end link body. The dual hinge linkage is configured to allow movement of the base with respect to the cover to facilitate positioning of the case between a closed potion, an upright seated position and a hand-held carry position. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a case for holding a mobile electronic device has a cover, a base and a dual hinge linkage. The cover has at least one track with at least one stop and a first-end link body that includes an upper edge. The base is configured to releasably retain the mobile electronic device and has a second-end link body. The base is configured to engage with the at least one stop on the cover when the base is in the upright seated position. The dual hinge linkage includes a first mating element and a second mating element. The first mating element may be connected to the upper edge of the first-end link body on the cover. The first mating element may be pivotally coupled to the first-end link body and the second mating element may be pivotally coupled to the second-end link body. The first mating element and the second mating element may each be arranged to allow movement of the base with respect to the cover such that the base and the cover are transitionable between a closed position, an upright seated position and a hand-held carry position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded rear perspective view of a mobile electronic device protective case with integrated convenience features in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the mobile electronic device protective case shown in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the mobile electronic device protective case shown in an upright seated position; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the mobile electronic device case just before the case is locked into the hand-held carry position; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of the base of the mobile electronic device protective case; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the mobile electronic device case showing the rear side of the cover in the closed position; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the mobile electronic device protective case showing the rear side of the base in the closed position; 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of a mobile electronic device protective case; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the mobile electronic device retained in the protective case transitioning into the upright seated position; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the mobile electronic device retained in the mobile electronic device protective case in the upright seated position; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the mobile electronic device protective case with the case in the upright seated position; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the mobile electronic device protective case transitioning from the upright seated position into the closed position; 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed view of the stops in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a detailed view of the rolling notches in  FIG. 11 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a rear perspective view of the mobile electronic device protective case transitioning into the hand-held carry position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Now referring to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in  FIG. 1  a mobile electronic device case constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally as “ 10 .” The case  10  includes a cover  12 , dual hinge linkage  14 , and a base  16  sized to receive and at least partially enclose the mobile electronic device when retained in the base  16 . 
     The dimensions of the base  16  may be pre-fabricated to contour a specific mobile electronic device (shown as electronic device  54  in  FIG. 3 ) and therefore may vary depending on the size of the mobile electronic device  54 . The base  16  may include a first planar base surface  18  affixed to and substantially perpendicular to a plurality of base sidewall portions  20 . The first planar base surface  18  and the plurality of base sidewalls portions  20  may be composed of a first material and may further define a length, width, and height commensurate with the dimensions of a mobile electronic device  54  and may operate to receive and retain the mobile electronic device  54  in a closed position, an upright seated position, or a hand-held carry position. The first material may include a substantially rigid material, for example, polycarbonate (PC), or a similarly rigid material having a comparable durometer hardness. The base  16  may further include a plurality of support tabs  22  disposed along a base sidewall portion  20 . The support tabs  22  may be composed of the first material, may be rectangular or square in shape, and may be substantially shorter in length than the mobile electronic device. Further, the support tabs  22  may extend outwardly and may project away from and in substantially perpendicular orientation to the plurality of base sidewall portions  20 . The support tabs  22  may be substantially angled and, as discussed below, operate to secure the base  16  to the cover  12  in the upright seated position. The cover  12  may be pivotally connected to the base  16  to allow at least a 90 degree angle when the base  16  is in the upright seated position. 
     The base  16  may also include at least a recessed edge  26  disposed within a base sidewall portion  20 . In one embodiment, the recessed edge  26  may be located around the upper edge  27  of the first planar base surface  18 . The recessed edge  26  may be substantially rectangular or square in shape, and shorter in length than the length of the corresponding base sidewall portion  20 . Further, the recessed edge  26  may be substantially perpendicular with the plurality of base sidewall portions  20 . The recessed edge  26  may operate the female part of a lock to secure the base  16  to the cover  12  and may also provide additional structural support to the case  10  in the closed position. 
     The base  16  may further define a plurality of apertures  28 . The apertures  28  may be cut-out from the first material of the base  16  in a shape and sized to accommodate the push-buttons on the mobile electronic device to allow a user to actuate the push-buttons, to allow an unimpeded view for an image capturing device on the mobile electronic device and to insert a headphone plug into a corresponding jack on the mobile electronic device. The base  16  may have one aperture  28  to allow access to at least a portion of the mobile electronic device  54 . 
     The base  16  may include a second-end link body  30 . The second-end link body  30  may be affixed to the midpoint of the first planar base surface  18  and may be composed of the first material. It is contemplated that the second-end link body  30  may be positioned anywhere on the base  16  so that the dual hinge linkage  14  may operate to connect the cover  12  and the base  16  while also permitting the pivotal rotation of the cover  12  and the base  16  into multiple positions. The cover  12  and the base  16  may be affixed to the dual hinge linkage  14  to allow pivotal rotation into the closed position and the hand-held carry position. Further, the second-end link body  30  may be releasably attached to the second mating element  34  of the dual hinge linkage  14 . The second mating element  34  of the dual hinge linkage  14  may be pivotally affixed at approximately a midpoint of the base  16 . The second-end link body  30  may contain an embedded rotational device, for example, an axle to enable the base  16  to pivotally rotate into multiple positions. 
     The base  16  may further define a second layer of material  36  molded or affixed to the first planar base surface  18 . The second layer of material  36  may be at least partially composed of a substantially elastic durable material, for example, polyurethane (PU) or similarly flexible material having a high coefficient of friction (2-3μ). The second layer of material  36  may be patterned, for example with stippling, substantially commensurate to the dimensions of the base  16 , and designed to protect the base  16  from inadvertent impact or sliding. 
     The cover  12  includes a first at least substantially planar cover surface  38  connected to and substantially perpendicular to a plurality of cover sidewall portions  40 . Each of the plurality of cover sidewall portions  40  defines a length, width, and height substantially commensurate with the dimensions of a mobile electronic device  54 . The cover  12  and the base  16  may be pivotally rotated via the dual hinge linkage  14  to enclose the mobile electronic device  54  in the closed position and to also provide impact absorption for the mobile electronic device  54 . The cover  12  may include a recess  42  that can be molded into the first at least substantially planar cover surface  38 . In one embodiment, the cover  12  may include a recess  42  that may be molded into the midpoint of the first at least substantially planar cover surface  38  as discussed in more detail in  FIG. 6  below. The recess  42  is arranged to receive and retain an adjustable strap  44 . The adjustable strap  44  may be at least partially composed of a flexible material, for example, rubber or a similar fiber that stretches to the varying shape and contour of the user&#39;s hand. Additionally, the adjustable strap  44  may also contain an adjustable fastener. The adjustable strap  44  functions to allow the user to securely hold the case  10  in one hand, and operate the mobile electronic device  54  with the other hand. The adjustable strap  44  may be accessible when the mobile electronic device case  10  is in the hand-held carry position. 
     The cover  12  may also include a first-end link body  32  affixed to and substantially perpendicular to one of the plurality of cover sidewall portions  40 . The first-end link body  32  may be commensurate with the length of the dual hinge linkage  14  and may be composed of the first material molded as part of the cover. Further, the first-end link body  32  may contain an embedded rotational device, for example, an axle which operates to enable the cover  12  to pivotally rotate into multiple positions such as the closed position, the upright seated position, and the hand-held carry position. In one embodiment, the cover  12  may include a first layer of cover material  46  molded or affixed to the first at least substantially planar cover surface  38 . The first layer of cover material  46  may be at least partially composed of a substantially elastic durable material, for example, polyurethane (PU), or similarly flexible material with a high coefficient of friction (2-3μ). Additionally, the first layer of cover material  46  may also be at least partially composed of the same material as the second layer of material  36 . The first layer of cover material  46  may be any shape and may include at least one design or pattern. In one embodiment, the first layer of cover material  46  may be substantially rectangular or circular in shape, and substantially commensurate to the dimensions of the cover  12  and may include a plurality of designs or patterns which operate to protect the cover  12  from inadvertent impact and sliding. 
     The dual hinge linkage  14  may be releasably attached to the cover  12  and the base  16  at the first mating element  48  and the second mating element  34  respectively. The first mating element  48  may be pivotally coupled to the first-end link body  32 . The first-end link body  32  may include an upper edge  33 . The first mating element  48  may be connected to the upper edge  33  of the first-end link body  32 . The second mating element  34  may be pivotally coupled to the second-end link body  30 . In one embodiment, the dual hinge linkage  14  may have the first mating element  48  configured to fit into the first-end link body  32  and the second mating element  34  configured to fit into the second-end link body  30  where the second-end link body  30  allows pivotal rotation of the cover  12  about the base  16 . The cover  12  may include the first-end link body  32  and the first mating element  48  of the dual hinge linkage  14  being be pivotally affixed to the first-end link body  32 . The first mating element  48  and the second mating element  34  may be arranged to allow movement of the base  16  with respect to the cover  12  so that the base  16  and the cover  12  are transitionable between a closed position, an upright seated position and a hand-held carry position. 
     The dual hinge linkage  14  can be in any shape designed to fit within corresponding recesses and is also designed to rotate into different positions. In one embodiment, the dual hinge linkage  14  may be substantially rectangular or square shaped, composed of the first material, and commensurate to the length of the first-end link body  32 . The dual hinge linkage  14  rotatably connects the cover  12  and the base  16  by permitting the pivotal rotation of the cover  12  and the base  16  into the closed position, the upright seated position, and the hand-held carry position. The dual hinge linkage  14  may include the second layer of material  36  molded or affixed to the second planar surface of the dual hinge linkage  50 . The second layer of material  36  may be substantially commensurate to the dimensions of the dual hinge linkage  14  and designed to further protect the dual hinge linkage  14  from inadvertent impact or sliding. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , where the base  16  of the mobile electronic device case can be seen in a closed position, the base  16  and the dual hinge linkage  14  may be shifted from the closed position to the upright seated position or the hand-held carry position by releasing a locking latch  52 . When the base  16  is in the closed position, the base  16  and the cover  12  may be substantially parallel to one another and securely releasably engaged to each other. The locking latch  52  may be composed of the first material and may be substantially rectangular or squared shaped, and shorter in length than the mobile electronic device. The locking latch  52  may be affixed to and substantially parallel with the plurality of first base sidewall portions  20 . Further, the locking latch  52  may contain a substantially concave curvature about the midpoint sized to releasably engage the recessed edge  26  and to provide a locking mechanism for the cover  12  when in the closed position. When the mobile electronic device case  10  is in the closed position, the dual hinge linkage  14  is rotated so that the base  16  rotates until the surface of the mobile electronic device  54  is lying horizontally on top of the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  thereby allowing the locking latch  52  to secure to the recessed edge  26 . When the mobile electronic device case  10  is in the closed position, the substantially linear base sidewall portion  20  may have a locking latch  52  engaged with the recessed edge  26 . The cover sidewall portions  40  may be substantially linear and define a perimeter around the first substantially planar cover surface  38  and the second substantially planar cover surface  58 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3 , where the mobile electronic device case  10  is shown holding a mobile electronic device  54  in the upright seated position, the mobile electronic device  54  may be received and retained in the base  16 . The base  16  and support tabs  22  may be seated within the plurality of tracks  56  affixed to the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  as discussed in greater detail in  FIGS. 9-10 . The second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  may be opposite the first at least substantially planar cover surface  38 . The second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  may further include a plurality of tracks  56  affixed to and substantially perpendicular with the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58 . The plurality of tracks  56  may be composed of the first material and may be substantially rectangular in shape. Further, the plurality of tracks  56  may have a length that is less than the length of the mobile electronic device  54  but still operable to provide a stable foundation for the case  10  in the upright seated position. A plurality of stops  60  may be molded or affixed to the plurality of tracks  56  on the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58 . Each of the stops  60  may be composed of a first material and may be commensurate in length, width, and height to the dimensions of the support tabs  22  while further operating to secure the base  16  to the cover  12  in the upright seated position. The cover  12  may releasably retain the base  16  in the upright seated position by at least one of the plurality of stops  60 . The base  16  may be configured to engage with at least one stop  60  from the cover  12  when the base  16  is in the upright seated position. Two adjacent stops  60  define a slot there between. In one embodiment, the plurality of stops  60  can be arranged in two substantially parallel and spaced apart tracks. The cover  12  may relesably retain the base  16  in the upright seated position with at least one stop  60  on a first track  56  of the spaced apart tracks  56  and within at least one stop  60  on a second track  56  of the spaced apart tracks  56 . The user can secure the case in the upright seated position which allows the user the ability to adjust the viewing angle of the base  16  to a variety of desired angles while the case  10  is secure. More specifically, the support tabs  22  may be seated in any of the stops  60  within the plurality of tracks  56  so that the mobile electronic device  54  is in a desired position and angle. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4 , where the case is shown just before the mobile electronic device case  10  is locked into the hand-held carry position. The cover  12  may be secured to the base  16  when the locking latch  52  is secured to the recessed edge  26 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 5 , where the base  16  of the case is shown, the mobile electronic device  54  may be received and releasably retained within the plurality of base sidewall portions  20  which are affixed to and substantially perpendicular with the second planar base surface  62 . The second planar base surface  62  may be opposite the first planar base surface  18 . The second planar base surface  62  may be substantially composed of the first material and may be commensurate with the dimensions of the mobile electronic device  54 . Further, the second i.e. inner planar base surface  62 , provides structural integrity to the base  16  as well as cushioning against an inadvertent impact to the mobile electronic device  54 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 6-7 , where a perspective view of the mobile electronic device case showing the rear side of the cover  12  and the rear side of the base  16  in the closed position is shown, there is a recess  42  on the cover  12  which may be molded within first at least substantially planar cover surface  38 . The recess  42  may be defined by a plurality of third sidewall portions  64  affixed to and substantially parallel with the third planar cover surface  66 . The plurality of third sidewall portions  64  and the third planar cover surface  66  may be composed of the first material, and may be commensurate with the dimensions of the adjustable strap  44 . Further, the recess  42  may ensure that the adjustable strap  44  is at least substantially planar to the first at least substantially planar cover surface  38  in the upright seated position. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 8-10 , where the case can be seen transitioning from the closed position to the upright seated position, the locking latch  52  has been disengaged and released from the recessed edge  26  of the first planar base surface  18 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first at least substantially planar cover surface  38  is pivotally rotating about base  16  using a first-end link body  32  and a second-end link body  30 . The dual hinge linkage  14  is shifting vertically from a substantially parallel position with the first planar base surface  18  of the second mating element  34  to an angled position. The base  16  is pivotally rotating about the second-end link body  30  until the first side of the base  16  is substantially parallel with the second planar surface of the dual hinge linkage  50 . The case  10  continues to pivotally rotate such that the cover  12  is substantially perpendicular with the base  16 , and the second planar surface of the dual hinge linkage  50  is substantially parallel to the first planar base surface  18 . The support tabs  22  are angled toward the plurality of tracks  56  and the plurality of stops  60  during this transition. Once the user has found the preferred viewing angle, the user will simply place the support tabs  22  into the plurality of tracks  56  until the support tabs  22  are seated within the plurality of stops  60 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 11 , a view of the base sidewall portions  20  fitting into at least one of the plurality of rolling notches  68  to form a desired viewing angle can be seen. In one embodiment, the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  is defined by a plurality of rolling notches  68 . The rolling notches  68  may be molded or affixed to the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  and may be at least partially composed of the first material. Further, the dimensions of the plurality of rolling notches  68  may be at least substantially commensurate to the width of the plurality of cover sidewall portions  40  and may form a sealed male-female coupling when the case  10  is in the upright seated position. 
       FIG. 12  is a view showing the mobile electronic device case  10  moving into the closed position. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the base  16  rotates toward the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  until the surface of the mobile electronic device  54  is lying horizontally on top of the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  allowing the locking latch  52  to secure to the recessed edge  26 . The stops  60  may be molded to or affixed within the plurality of tracks  56  or may be made out of the first material of the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 , a detailed view of exemplary stops  60  are shown. The stops  60  may be substantially molded or affixed to the plurality of tracks  56 . The plurality of tracks  56  may be molded as a part of the cover  12 . Also, he support tabs  22  fit into the stops  60  located within the plurality of tracks  56 . The stops  60  may be composed of the first material, or alternatively may be at least partially composed of polyurethane or another foam-like material that may provide shock absorption. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 14 , the rolling notches  68  may be molded or affixed to the second at least substantially planar cover surface  58  and composed of the first material. The dimensions of the rolling notches  68  may be substantially commensurate with the width of the plurality of second base sidewall portions  20 . The rolling notches  68  and the base  16  may form a male-female coupling to prevent shock absorption to the case  10  in the second upright seated position. The base sidewall portions  20  of the base  16  may be placed in the rolling notch  68  so that the case  10  is secure and the mobile electronic device  54  can be viewed at various angles. The cover  12  may be configured to releasbly retain the base  16  in the upright seated position by at least one of the plurality of rolling notches  68 . 
     The transitioning of the base  16  and the cover  12  into the hand-held carry position is shown in  FIG. 15 . The cover  12  is pivotally rotated toward the second planar base surface  62  about the first-end link body  32  until releasably engaged to the first-end link body  32  to secure the case  10  in the third hand-held carry position. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.