Abstract:
A protective case for a portable electronic device including a reading assistance lens assembly, and a case housing. The reading assistance lens assembly includes a housing having a front, back and side perimeter, and at least one lens associated with said housing. The case housing includes a frame, and an extension/retraction mechanism attached to the frame. The frame is configured to provide the reading assistance lens assembly to be extended and recessed within the protective case. The reading assistance lens assembly can be deployed by a sliding assembly, a biased hinge assembly, or a biased spring loaded assembly.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable electronic device protective case that has incorporated into its design a frame and mechanism to facilitate the housing of an extendable and retractable reading assistance lens assembly. 
         [0003]    The present invention primarily relates to portable electronic devices such cellphone/mobile phones, iPhone™ communication devices, personal digital assistant devices and the like. More particularly, it relates to hard protective carrying cases for such devices, which have enhanced capabilities beyond their protective properties. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    Protective cases for personal electronic devices are well known and in common use. Personal electronic communications devices that consumers carry very usually on their person are subject to damage through normal use. To this end, prior art has developed a variety of protective cases in which the portable electronic device is housed when carried by the consumer. 
         [0006]    There are three things that virtually everyone in the developed world will have on their person (or within reach) at all times: their keys, their wallet/purse/Credit Card and their mobile phone. The other critically important thing to have on hand for a great many people is their reading glasses. 
         [0007]    Those people requiring magnification assistance for comfortable reading will invariably have their (very likely expensive) prescription reading glasses as diagnosed and supplied by an Optometrist. In addition to their expensive prescription glasses they will have any number of cheap non-prescription magnified reading assistance glasses distributed about their home and office or car. Despite the number of spare reading glasses secreted about their usual environs it is when those clear vision challenged persons are away from their usual environs that the necessity of being able to read a single line on a menu or a single word on a label that the absence of their reading glasses is most distressing. 
         [0008]    The inevitable situation then occurs whereby the use of reading glasses would be very convenient to quickly read a menu or wine label or other small typeface written material. Carrying your reading glasses everywhere is a burden that those that need that reading assistance have to bear. Given the opportunity not to have to bother is an option that will be taken up by many. 
         [0009]    It is therefore the object of this invention to overcome those irritating, embarrassing and unforeseen moments of reading assistance absence. 
         [0010]    Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved device case incorporating a reading lens that can be used for providing a deployable reading lens with a device case. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the device case incorporating a reading lens according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provide an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a deployable reading lens with a device case. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of protective cases for personal electronic devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved device case incorporating a reading lens, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved device case incorporating a reading lens and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a device case incorporating a reading lens which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
         [0012]    To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a protective case for a portable electronic device including a reading assistance lens assembly, and a case housing. The reading assistance lens assembly includes a housing having a front, back and side perimeter, and at least one lens associated with said housing. The case housing includes a frame, and an extension/retraction mechanism attached to the frame. The frame is configured to provide the reading assistance lens assembly to be extended and recessed within the protective case. The reading assistance lens assembly can be deployed by a sliding assembly or a biased hinge assembly or a spring loaded, switch operated assembly or a manually operated rotating arm assembly. 
         [0013]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. 
         [0014]    The case housing of the present invention may also include a movable switch, a pivot point, and a spring element. The switch can be moveable in and out of contact with the reading assistance lens assembly. The pivot point can be rotatably coupled to the reading assistance lens assembly. The spring element can be in biased contact with the reading assistance lens assembly so as to bias the reading assistance lens assembly about the pivot point when the switch is moved out of contact with the reading assistance lens assembly. 
         [0015]    The case housing of the present invention may also include a moveable button operatively associated with a flexible arm that is operatively associated with a hook, a coil spring, and a pivot point. The reading assistance lens assembly may also include an eye. With the hook configured to be releasable engageable with the eye upon activation of the button. With the pivot point being rotatably coupled to the reading assistance lens assembly. With the coil spring configured to be in biased contact with the reading assistance lens assembly so as to bias the reading assistance lens assembly about the pivot point when the hook is released from said eye of the reading assistance lens assembly. 
         [0016]    There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
         [0017]    Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0018]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0019]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device case incorporating a reading lens that has all of the advantages of the prior art protective cases for personal electronic devices and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved device case incorporating a reading lens that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
         [0021]    An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved device case incorporating a reading lens that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such device case incorporating a reading lens economically available to the buying public. 
         [0022]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new device case incorporating a reading lens that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
         [0023]    Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a reading assistance lens set into the back of a portable electronic device protective case, including: 
         [0024]    a lens of a size and rigidity to be able to be machined into a shape so as to be hinged into the case material; 
         [0025]    a lens that is of a magnifying or dioptre strength so as to be useful to a person requiring same; 
         [0026]    a lens that is of a minimal thickness so as to be able to be slid away into the recess in the case to keep it protected and secure; 
         [0027]    a lens that comprises two lenses set slightly apart to facilitate viewing through both eyes; and a lens comprising a single eye lens or twin eye lens configuration with a nose bridge for comfort and focal length assistance. 
         [0028]    Alternatively, the lens being drilled and pivoted as a means of attachment to the case. 
         [0029]    Alternatively, the lens being a loose item that can be withdrawn entirely out of the back of the case or being a loose item that is secured with an extended and then retracted action. 
         [0030]    The case being supplied with a variety of magnification dioptre strength lens for the user to choose from. 
         [0031]    The lens frame assembly can be supplied sans lens giving the user the option to have their own prescription lens fitted by their optometrist. 
         [0032]    The lens being lightweight but strong enough to withstand constant use. 
         [0033]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0035]      FIGS. 1 a  and 1 b    are a planar view of an embodiment of the reading assistance lens assembly base with a single lens design and a twin lens design along with a nose-bridge. 
           [0036]      FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    are a rear planar view of the reading assistance lens assembly base with a single lens design and a twin lens design. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a base end planar view of the portable electronic device in hard case with shoulders maintaining a central housing for a reading assistance lens assembly base. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a planar view of the reading assistance lens assembly base with a single lens option housed inside the protective case. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a planar view of the reading assistance lens assembly base with a single lens in a ready to use position outside an otherwise housed position inside the protective case. 
           [0040]      FIGS. 6 a , 6 b  and 6 c    collectively are an assembled planar view and an exploded planar view of a base plate and a top plate of the protective case. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 7 a , and 7 c    are an exploded planar view and a side planar view of the reading assistance lens assembly base with a twin lens design along with a nose-bridge. The coil spring  20  can be seen in  FIG. 7   b.    
           [0042]      FIG. 8 a    is a front planar view of the base plate.  FIG. 8 b    is a view of the reading assistance lens assembly base housed and attached to the base plate including a release mechanism button. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8 c    is a planar view of the reading assistance lens assembly base with a twin lens in the extended and ready to use position outside an otherwise housed position inside the protective case. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9 a    describes an assembled side view of the base plate, reading assistance assembly and top plate as attached to a device case.  FIGS. 9 b , 9 c  and 9 d    collectively illustrate an exploded side view of the base plate, the reading assistance lens assembly base, and the top plate. 
           [0045]      FIGS. 10 a  and 10 b    together shows an exploded planar view of the reading lens assembly with pinion and coil spring loaded rack on sliding track with switch and switch track. 
           [0046]      FIG. 11 a    is a planar view of the base plate.  FIG. 11 b    is a planar view of the top plate of the protective case. Also seen here in  11   c  are the rack and the rack track. 
           [0047]      FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    collectively are a front planar view of the reading assistance lens assembly base attached to the base plate including the spring loaded rack and pinion with switch release mechanism, showing both the extended and retracted positions. Also shown in  12   c  and  12   d  is the exploded view of the reading lens assembly with pinion and coil spring loaded rack on sliding track with switch and switch track. 
           [0048]      FIGS. 13 b  and 13 c    is exploded planar view of the pinion and channel plus the reading lens assembly frame shown unattached to the channel. Also shown in  13   a  is the end view of the channel and lens assembly frame. 
           [0049]      FIG. 13 d    is a planar view of the pinion and channel with the reading lens assembly frame inserted into the channel; also shown in  FIG. 13 d    is the reading lens assembly frame locked into the channel ready for retracting into its case. 
           [0050]      FIG. 14 a    through to  14   k  shows the back planar and side profile views of one of the embodiments of the LenZcase™ wherein the case holding the reading assistance lens is attached to any electronic device case using double sided pressure tape. 
       
    
    
       [0051]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures. 
       DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0052]    Referring now to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1-14   k,  an embodiment of the device case incorporating a reading lens of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . 
         [0053]    The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the embodiments and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. 
         [0054]    The present invention relates to a portable, self-contained lens for the assistance to reading small printed material in the absence of the users normal reading glasses. 
         [0055]    An important feature of the invention is that the user may not normally require reading glasses but will use the inherent magnification characteristic of the lens in times of bad light or exceptionally small print. 
         [0056]    Another important feature of the preferred embodiment is the ability for the said lens to withdraw entirely back into its recess during non-use and for protection. 
         [0057]    In another embodiment the method of attachment will be via a pivot point machined into the case and lens. 
         [0058]    In another embodiment the method of withdrawing the lens would be by spring loaded action release with a switch. 
         [0059]    In another embodiment the method of use would be by detaching the reading lens assembly from its deployed frame and thereafter use, re-attaching into its frame and retracting back into its case. 
         [0060]    In another embodiment the reading assistance lens is protected within its own hard case with attachment to any electronic device by way of double sided pressure tape. 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 1   b,  a reading assistance lens assembly base  10  with a single lens  12 , and a twin lens design  11 , as seen in  FIG. 1   a,  with both featuring a nose-bridge  14 , are illustrated and described. 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 2 a    is seen the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  with the single lens design  12  and the twin lens design  11  as seen in  FIG. 2 b   , is illustrated and described. Also seen is a rear view of the portable electronic device hard case  13  with a slide window  15  for extraction of reading lens assembly  10 . The thumb slide window  15  is configured to allow a user to slide the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  out from the hard case  13  by using a thumb or finger to push against the reading assistance lens assembly base  10 . It can be appreciated that the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  can be slidably received in a groove, track or any other sliding arrangement so as to allow the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  to slide out of the hard case  13  so that the lens  11 ,  12  is viewable by the user from exterior of the hard case  13 . 
         [0063]    In  FIG. 3 , a portable electronic device  16  received in the hard case  13 , is illustrated and described. The hard case  13  includes shoulders  17  that maintain a central location for the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  with the twin lens  11  showing convex downwards being in a protected zone between the shoulders  17 . The assembly seen is housed into the case  13 . The hard case  13  can include an extended portion featuring an opening that slidably receives the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  therethrough. The shoulders  17  can be located in the opening or any portion of the hard case  13  that receives the reading assistance lens assembly base  10 . 
         [0064]    In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , an alternate embodiment of the protective case, is illustrated and described. With regard to  FIG. 4 , the alternate embodiment protective case includes a base plate  34  that is attachable to the portable electronic device and is configured to house therein the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  with the single lens  12  option. The reading assistance lens assembly base  10  is held against a bar spring  25  by virtue of a locking and releasing mechanism  28 . The lens assembly  10  rotates on a pivot pole or point  26  when released. The pivot point  26  can be attached to the base plate so that the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  is housed in the alternate embodiment protective case and pivotably deployed so that the lens  12  is exterior of the protective case  13  when the locking and releasing mechanism  28  is operated. The bar spring  25  includes a bar spring tail portion  27  that is in contact with the reading assistance lens assembly base  10 . The spring tension accumulated in the bar spring tail  27  will thrust the lens assembly  10  out of its housed position within the second alternate embodiment protective case  13 . The release switch  28  impedes this action when not activated, and allows this action when moved so as not to be in contact with the reading assistance lens assembly base  10 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 5 , the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  with the single lens  12  is in the ready to use position outside its otherwise housed position inside the alternate embodiment protective case  13 , is illustrated and described. The bar spring tail  27  can be seen to be now in its relaxed state  27   a.  The locking/releasing switch  28  is now seen in its open state  28   a.  The bar spring tail  27  is configured to have a biasing force against the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  so that it pivots about the pivot point  26 . 
         [0066]    In  FIGS. 6-9 , an additional alternate embodiment of the protective portable electronic device case is illustrated and described. With regard to  FIGS. 6 a , 6 b , and 6 c    collectively, the additional alternate embodiment protective case  13  includes a top plate  32  attachable to the base plate  34 , with the base plate being attachable to the portable electronic device. The top plate  32  further includes a release mechanism button  24 . 
         [0067]    The reading assistance lens assembly base  10 , including the twin lens  11 , is shown in  FIG. 7 a    featuring a pivot hole  19   a,  the nose bridge  14 , and an eye  21  adjacent the nose bridge.  FIG. 7 b    illustrates the coil spring  20 . A notched section can be defined in the lens assembly base  10  adjacent the pivot pole  19   a.  The eye  21  can be located between the twin lenses  11 .  FIG. 7 c    shows the side view of lens assembly base  10 . 
         [0068]    In  FIG. 8 b   , the reading assistance lens assembly base  10  with the twin lens  11  design assembled with the base plate  34 , is illustrated and described. In  FIG. 8 a    the base plate  34  further includes a flexible arm  22 , a hook  23 , and a pivot pole  19 . The pivot hole  19   a  as seen in  FIG. 8 c    is configured to receive the pivot pole  19  thereby allowing the lens assembly base  10  to pivot about the pivot pole  19  to a deployed position exterior of the protective case. When assembled, the lens assembly  10  is attached to the base plate  34  so that the pivot pole  19  is received in the pivot hole  19   a,  and that the coiled spring  20  is wound around the pivot pole  19  and attached to the lens assembly  10  so as to provide a biasing force to the lens assembly  10  at position  18 . In this non-deployed position as seen in  FIG. 8 b   , the lens assembly base  10  is held in situ by the hook  23  which is engageable with the eye  21 . 
         [0069]    To deploy the lens assembly  10 , the release mechanism button  24  is operated which acts upon the flexible arm  22  to pull the hook  23  downwards and out of the eye  21 , thereby releasing the lens assembly base  10  and causing the coiled spring  20  tension to rotate out of the housed position to a perpendicular user position. The rotation of the coiled spring  20  acts on the lens assembly  10  which rotates the lens assembly  10  about the pivot pole  19 . This can be seen in  FIG. 8 a   . The hook  23  is in operable configuration with a flexible arm  22  and release mechanism button  24 . 
         [0070]    In  FIG. 8 c    the reading assembly lens  10  can be seen in the deployed position with the coil spring tension unleashed and holding the reading assembly perpendicular to the case. 
         [0071]      FIG. 9 a    shows the side view of the device hard case  13 , the top plate  32  attached to the base plate  34  so as to cover the lens assembly base  10 . Showing inside in between the base plate  34  and the top plate  32  is the lens assembly base  10  and the pivot pole  19 . Seen in side profile in  FIG. 9 b    is the base plate  34  with the pivot pole  19 , the release mechanism button  24  and the hook  23 .  FIG. 9 c    shows the lens assembly base  10  and  FIG. 9 d    shows the unattached top plate  32 . 
         [0072]    The reading assistance lens assembly base  10 , including the twin lens  11 , is shown in  FIG. 10 a    featuring a pinion  47 . The lens assembly  10  includes a pivot hole  19   a,  the nose bridge  14 . Also, seen in  FIG. 10 b   , is the tensioned coil spring  40  attached to the rack  41  with teeth  45  sliding along the track  42 . The switch  43  located on its track  44  is show engaged with the rack  41 .  46  and  46   a  show each the two directions facilitated by the rack and switch tracks respectively. 
         [0073]    In  FIG. 11   a,  the base plate  34  is shown with pivot pole  19  and rack and switch tracks  42  and  44  respectively incorporated into the mould. Additionally shown in  FIG. 11 a    is the cut out  9  of base plate  34  for the camera and spot light space. Top plate  32 , seen in  FIG. 11 b    also shows switch cut out  48  and switch track  44 . Rack  42  with teeth  45  and rack track  42  can be seen in end view profile can be seen in  FIG. 11   c.    
         [0074]      FIGS. 12 a  and 12 b    shows the reading lens assembly  10  with rack and pinion with sliding switch embodiment in both the retracted and extended positions. Also seen is  FIG. 12 c    showing the reading assistance lens assembly base  10 , including the twin lens  11  attached to the pinion  47  as well as the lens assembly  10  including a pivot hole  19   a,  and the nose bridge  14 . In  FIG. 12 d    the tensioned coil spring  40  can be seen, attached to the rack  41  with teeth  45  sliding along the track  42 . The switch  43  located on its track  44  is shown engaged with the rack  41 .  46  and  46   a  indicate each the two directions facilitated by the rack track and switch tracks respectively. 
         [0075]    In  FIGS. 13 a , 13 b , 13 c , 13 d  and 13 e    collectively show the reading lens assembly  51  along with twin lens  11  and nose notch  14  can be seen in three stages of attachment/detachment from channel  50  with pinion  46  and pivot hole  19   a.  Also seen in  FIG. 13 a    is end profile view of channel  50  and reading lens assembly  51 .  FIG. 13 d    shows reading lens assembly  51  first slid into channel  50  before being locked into place as shown in  FIG. 13   e.    
         [0076]      FIGS. 14 a , 14 b , 14 c , 14 d , 14 e  and 14 f    collectively shows an exploded planar view of the back of a portable electronic device hard case  13 , attached is the top plate  32 ; also showing is release mechanism button  24 . Double sided adhesive pressure tape  36  is used to attach base plate  34  to the back of the portable electronic device hard case  13 . The Reading Assistance Lens assembly base  10  with twin lens design  11  along with nose-bridge  14  and hook hole  21  is attached to base plate  34  by the pivot pole  19  through pivot hole  19   a  and coil spring  20 . Also seen here housed on the base plate  34  is the release mechanism button  24 , the flexible arm  22  and the hook  23 . The top plate  32  also shows the release mechanism button  24 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 14 g , 14 h , 14 i , 14 j  and 14 k    collectively shows an exploded side view of a portable electronic device hard case  13  with attached base plate  34  and connected top plate  32 . Specifically  FIG. 14 h    shows the double sided pressure tape  36 . Showing inside in between base plate  34  and top plate  32  is the Reading Assistance Lens base  10  and pivot pole  19 . On the base plate  34  the pivot pole  19 , release mechanism button  24  and hook  23  can be seen in side profile. Also seen is the Reading Assistance Lens base  10  and unattached top plate  32 . 
         [0078]    The method of withdrawing the lens can be similar to that on a pocket knife; i.e. with a fingernail groove to facilitate grasping and extending thereof or in a spring loaded switch operated switchblade style of extended and retracted action. 
         [0079]    In summary the portable electronic device protective case, LenZcase, is a product comprising a standard portable electronic device protective case with access to a reading assistance lens for quick and convenient use in the absence of usual prescription reading glasses. 
         [0080]    The present invention relates predominately to assisting those persons who normally use reading glasses but for any number of reasons do not have them available at the time of need. 
         [0081]    Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. 
         [0082]    In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” is used in the sense of “including”, i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention. 
         [0083]    While embodiments of the device case incorporating a reading lens have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. And although providing a deployable reading lens with a device case have been described, it should be appreciated that the device case incorporating a reading lens herein described is also suitable for an device cover or apparatus associated with reading. 
         [0084]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.