Abstract:
A protective and decorative casing for handheld devices such as a cellular phone, mobile computing device, or portable digital media player. The casing comprises a device stand. The casing expands to allow insertion of the handheld device. The casing has an accessory storage area.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims the benefit of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/376,232, filed Aug. 23, 2010, the contents and disclosure of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to protective and decorative casings for handheld devices such as a cellular phone, mobile computing device, or portable digital media player. Conventional protective casings comprise of hard material that engage onto the mobile device via a friction fit where it is mated into place in multiple pieces or around the contour of the device. This conventional method may often times provide simple attachment and removal of the case, but differences in manufacturing tolerances of the case and the device cause a noticeable amount of backlash allowing the mobile device to shift within its protective case. 
         [0003]    Designer toys is a term used to describe toys and other collectibles that are produced in limited editions (as few as 10 or as many as 2000 pieces) in various forms ranging from stylized animals to anthropomorphic forms. The toys range in size from around 2 inches to 20 inch tall figures. Materials used to create these collectables are most commonly ABS plastic and vinyl, though wood, metal, and resin are occasionally used. In most instances, these vinyl toys provide no utility and are used for display purposes. 
         [0004]    Mobile device stands provide the user the ability to prop their device upright allowing for hands free viewing of media. Most of the current stands in the market are little more than just bent pieces of metal or cut plastic. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The objective of this invention is to enhance convenience of removal and attachment of a protective case to a device as well as provide an improved fit by significantly reducing play. Both issues are addressed through the utilization of a mechanism similar to a clasp, buckle, or lever actuated cam lock to tighten the protective case around the cellular phone or related device. The invention comprises of a protective material to shield a mobile device from damage and a mechanism to eliminate play. 
         [0006]    This invention combines the styling and design of vinyl toys with the utility of mobile device stands. In the case of a smart phone such as the iPhone 4, an application can be designed to replace the facial features of the toy providing an electronic representation that provides alerts and responds to music being played on the device. 
         [0007]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the presently described apparatus and method of its use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0008]    Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the best mode embodiments of the present invention In such drawing(s): 
           [0009]      FIG. 1-2  shows protective cases for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  shows a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6-7  shows a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  shows a system of interchangeable accessories designed for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9-10  shows protective cases for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 11-18  shows protective cases for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 19-20  shows protective casings used as stands according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 21  shows a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 22  shows an exploded view of a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 23-24  shows various views of a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 25  shows an exploded view of a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 26  shows a protective case for a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as it transitions from an open to a close position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The above described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatus and its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best mode embodiment, which is further defined in detail in the following description. Those having ordinary skill in the art may be able to make alterations and modifications to what is described herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only for the purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the present apparatus and its method of use. 
         [0023]    With reference to the Figures, particularly  FIGS. 25-26 , a protective casing according to at least one embodiment comprises: a frame  100  and an actuator  200 . 
         [0024]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A , the frame  100  may be operable to enclose the periphery of the handheld device and secure the device therein. Specifically, the frame comprises a diameter that is the largest distance between opposing sides of the frame. The actuator  200  is integral to the frame and causes the frame to be in at least one of an open position and a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . While in the open position, the frame diameter is expanded, allowing for the handheld device to be inserted between the opposing sides of the frame. While in the closed position, the frame diameter is contracted so that the periphery of the handheld device is enclosed by the frame, and the device is held securely within. While in the closed position, the handheld device is secured by the frame so as to substantially reduce sheer movement between the frame and the handheld device. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the actuator may comprise a latch  3  hingedly attached to a lever  2 . The latch may extend from the lever to engage the frame at a latch point  15  located on the frame. The latch point is preferably a grove or aperture having an edge that engages the latch and secures it therein. The latch may be hingedly coupled to the lever via a first pin, and the lever may be hingedly coupled to the frame via a second pin such that movement of the lever about the second pin causes the latch to transition between being engaged with the frame to being disengaged with the frame. The lever also preferably engages the frame when in the closed position so as to be substantially flush therewith. Thus, the casing preferably has a unitary appearance, or one without protrusions. This is further illustrated in  FIG. 26  which shows the actuator causing the frame to be in an open position (FIG.  26 A,C) and a closed position ( FIG. 26B ). 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , the actuator may comprise a flexible tab  47  integral to the frame and extending therefrom. The tab may be formed so as to permit the frame to expand to the open position and to contract to the closed position. Specifically, the tab preferably permits slight flexion at each corner of the frame in response to an outward force, the flexion causing the diameter of the frame to expand. Furthermore, the tab and frame are preferably elastic, so that the tab and frame return to a closed position on the cessation of the force. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the actuator may comprise a coupling section  28 ( 31 ). The coupling section engages the frame  27 ( 32 ) at least one post (not shown) of the frame. At least one fastener  29 ( 34 ), preferably Allen screws, engage the coupling section. The tightening of the fastener exert pressure on the post, causing the post to deform. The deformation of the post wedges the post into the frame so as to secure the frame to the coupling section thereby causing the frame to be in a closed position. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the frame may be a bifurcated frame comprising a first frame segment  43  and a second frame segment  45 . The actuator may comprise a hinge coupling the first frame segment to the second frame segment. The hinge may permit movement of the first frame segment relative to the second frame segment so as to cause the frame to be in one of the open position and the closed position. The open position may permit the insertion of the handheld device. The closed position may secure the handheld device within the frame and substantially prevent removal. 
         [0029]    As shown, for example in  FIGS. 4B and 7 , the frame may comprise a substantially elastic inner membrane and a substantially inelastic outer shell. The inner membrane engages the periphery of the handheld device and secures it within the frame. The combination of the inner membrane and the outer shell provides protection against dropping, scratching, or otherwise damaging the handheld device. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the protective casing may further comprise at least one insert  300 . This insert is preferably planar insert, but may be non-planar or web-like as well. The insert may form at least one of a back plate and a face plate for the casing. The insert may be of transparent or opaque material. The frame may be operable enclose the periphery of the insert secure the insert therein. Alternatively, the insert may be integral to the frame, forming a unitary structure therewith. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 22 , the casing may further comprise at least one aperture  110  whereby a user interface of the handheld device is accessible. Such interfaces may include a volume control, a headphone jack, a power control, a ringer on/off control, or any other interface present on the handheld device. The aperture may be located on at least one of: the frame and the actuator. There may be a peg  112  associated with the aperture, the peg engaging the aperture and enabling user operation of the associated interface. For example, one aperture and peg may be associated with the power button of the handheld device such that pressing the peg causes the power button to be pressed. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the frame is constructed of at least one of: wood, rubber, plastic and metal. In some embodiments, the actuator is constructed of a strong durable metal such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, alloys and metal plating. In some embodiments the insert is constructed of at least one of: wood, rubber, plastic, metal, and glass. 
         [0033]    With reference to the reference drawings, in particular  FIGS. 1-3 , the iPhone 4 protective case comprises of a lever  2  that operates a latch  3 . The latch and lever are fabricated in a strong, non-brittle material such as aluminum or steel. Pins  4  and hinges  5  secure the latch and lever to the main case body  1 . Along with offering ornamental and styling features to the phone case, the latch and lever provide a method to securely tighten the case around the iPhone 4, thus eliminating the play that is often found in other iPhone cases of similar design. 
         [0034]    The frame of the main case body is constructed of a strong durable material such as plastic, wood, or metal. A split in main body allows the body to expand slightly to allow for ease of removal or addition of the mobile phone. 
         [0035]    A groove that runs along the inside face of the body of the case ensures proper alignment of the mobile phone. It enables the external buttons  9 ,  10  of the case to precisely line up with the buttons on the mobile phone. The buttons on the case can be actuated to activate the buttons on the phone. A movable switch  8  corresponds to the audible/silent switch on the iPhone  4 . This switch can be reversed based on if the user prefers a default audible or silent option. As shown in  FIGS. 3 , the reversibility ensures a consistent styling and rectilinear alignment against the buttons  14 . Button  7  activates the sleep/wake function on the iPhone. A cutout  12  corresponds to the position of the of the headphone jack. A cutout  13  is for the speaker, microphone and docking port. Further iterations may include a protective backing or cover. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4B  shows an embodiment of the invention where the case is bifurcated. A hinge joint  41  moveably connects a first segment  43  and a second segment  45  of the case. Each of the first and second segments are comprised of a soft inner membrane and a hard outer shell. Furthermore, the case comprises a window that may be glass, plastic, or the like, or that may be just an opening. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4A  shows an embodiment of the invention where the case has a tab  47 . The tab allows for flexibility in the case frame and permits the mobile device to be inserted. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a plastic frame  27  that is joined to a metal section  28  by, for example, an Allen screw  29 . The metal section surrounds a post on the plastic frame. By inserting the screw, the plastic expands and wedges itself into the metal section of the frame. A plastic case  31  has a metal element  31  that connects to a fabric lanyard strap  30 . A strap  33  connects to a metal section of the case. This variation shows the plastic case with exposed screws that are used to connect it to the metal elements. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  shows alternative embodiments of the case having a tab. Here, the tab  47  has a lanyard attached thereto. In an alternative construction, the tab  47  may also be flexible material, permitting the mobile device to be inserted into the frame. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8  shows a system of interchangeable accessories designed for a mobile device such as the iPhone  4 . An attachment point  21  for a mobile accessory, such as a headphone cord wrap  20 , is included. The attachment point can be attached to the mobile device  25  with various methods including a suction cup, or with a case that splits  22  allowing for the easy removal of mounting point and accessory. A tripod accessory  23  and a combination belt clip and headphone wrap  24  are conceived.  FIG. 8  shows a method of headphone cord management that is integrated into the mobile media device case. It utilizes a groove  26  around the perimeter of the case to hold headphone cables in place. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  shows a protective case  90  having a front  92  and rear (not shown) surface. The mobile device is completely enclosed within the case. As with other embodiments, the case may be constructed of both soft materials and hard materials. 
         [0042]      FIG. 10  shows a case that acts as a support stand  100 . In one embodiment, the case, is able to fully encloses the mobile device. In one embodiment, the case enables the mobile device to change a support angle. 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the casing has a stylus receptacle  110 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 12-18  shows various alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0045]      FIG. 19  shows a cases operable as supports in various forms including a tentacled character  15 , a toy bear  16 , and a character  17  with its face represented in an application residing on a smart phone.  FIG. 20  shows a stand  18  having a simplified human form with a face that is represented within a smart phone application. Variations in device orientation  19  are shown along with a possible animal form. 
         [0046]      FIG. 21  shows various alternative embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0047]    The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over the prior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of at least one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to the achievement of the above described objectives. The words used in this specification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification: structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word or words describing the element. 
         [0048]    The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein are meant to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements described and its various embodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. 
         [0049]    Changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and its various embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and also what incorporates the essential ideas. 
         [0050]    The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims and it is made clear, here, that each named inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what is intended to be patented.