Convertible container for electronic devices

A container for an electronic device has pivotally coupled first and second portions. The first portion is configured to house the electronic device and has an opening for receiving the electronic device and for displaying the electronic device when the container is configured in a first configuration. The second portion is configured to act as a mount for mounting the container on a surface when the container is configured in the first configuration and the first portion is displaying the electronic device. The second portion is further configured to cover the opening in the first portion, and thus the electronic device, when the container is configured in a second configuration.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to containers and in particular the present disclosure relates to a convertible container for electronic devices that can be converted between a first configuration for displaying and mounting the electronic device and a second configuration for storing and/or transporting the electronic device.

BACKGROUND

One purpose of a container (e.g. a case) for an electronic device is to protect the device from wear and to help protect the device from shock if the case with the electronic device therein is dropped. Generally, such containers are designed to be lightweight so that a user can easily transport the device comfortably, without strain. Containers for electronic devices are numerous and varied in design. For example, some containers may include carrying handles, structural portions, and purposeful cushioning areas, all of which enable the user to more safely transport the electronic device without damage.

One purpose of a vehicle mounting apparatus for an electronic device is to affix the electronic device, either temporarily or permanently, in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile, for the purpose of allowing the electronic device to be viewed, heard, or physically operated. Prior art shows that electronic devices are typically secured to the dashboard, floor, or windshield, or other surfaces of an automobile, using suction cups, adhesive tape, screws, plastic clips, or any other type of fasteners known in the art. Some of these fasteners result in permanent mounting of the electronic device.

Permanent mounting of devices has several drawbacks, such as preventing the user from moving the device to an alternate vehicle and preventing the user from retaining the electronic device if and when the user dispossesses the vehicle. Additionally, the permanent mounting of electronic devices in a vehicle, if attempted to be undone, almost inevitably results in damage to the surface of the vehicle where mounting hardware was affixed. For example, screw-holes or non-removable adhesive residue may be left in or on the mounting surface. This can lower re-sale value and is usually forbidden on leased vehicles.

Non-permanent mounting apparatus for electronic devices thus have merit over permanent mounting apparatus but, nevertheless, still have there own drawbacks. Prior art shows that non-permanent mounting apparatus for electronic devices are typically large and/or heavy, sometimes 2 to 3 times larger than the average size of the electronic device and sometimes 4 to 5 times heavier than the electronic device. The relative size and weight of the non-permanent mounting device allows the non-permanent mounting device to non-permanently affix the electronic device in or on the automobile and to have some portability for moving the device and mounting apparatus to an alternative vehicle. However, the non-permanent mounting apparatus shown in the prior art offer no protection to the electronic device when being transported and offer no ability to safely transport the electronic device, via airplane, train, etc., without potential damage. Additionally, the relative size and weight of the non-permanent mounting apparatus shown in the prior art prevents the non-permanent mounting apparatus from being suitably comfortable or purposeful for transporting the electronic device and mounting apparatus.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for alternative containers for devices, such as electronic devices, and mounting equipment therefore.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the disclosure provides a container for an electronic device, including pivotally coupled first and second portions. The first portion is configured to house the electronic device and has an opening for receiving the electronic device and for displaying the electronic device when the container is configured in a first configuration. The second portion is configured to act as a mount for mounting the container on a surface when the container is configured in the first configuration and the first portion is displaying the electronic device. The second portion is further configured to cover the opening in the first portion, and thus the electronic device, when the container is configured in a second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components throughout the several views. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1is a front isometric view of a container50(e.g., a case), such as a portable container, for an electronic device113, such as a portable electronic device, according to an embodiment. Non-limiting examples of electronic devices that may be used with container50include global positioning systems, radios, cellular telephones, two-way radios, personal digital assistants, mp3 players, etc.

FIG. 1illustrates container50in a first mode of use (e.g., an open configuration) for displaying electronic device113.FIG. 2is a front view illustrating container50in a second mode of use (e.g., a closed configuration) for storing and/or transporting electronic device113. In the closed configuration, container50covers and cushions electronic device113and protects electronic device113from wear and shock. As such, container50is convertible in that it can be converted between the open and closed configurations.

Container50includes a portion (e.g., a housing)100and a portion (e.g., a housing)101pivotally coupled to housing100by a hinge107, as shown inFIG. 1and inFIG. 3, a front isometric view of container50with electronic device113removed. For one embodiment, each of housings100and101is substantially half of container50.

Housing101is configured to house electronic device113and has an opening52for receiving electronic device113and for displaying electronic device113when container50is configured in the open configuration, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. Housing100is configured to act as a mount for mounting container50, and thus electronic device113, on a surface114, e.g., a surface within a motor vehicle, such as a dashboard, when container50is configured in the open configuration and housing101is displaying electronic device113, as shown inFIG. 4.FIG. 4is a cutaway view taken along line4-4ofFIG. 5, a rear isometric view of container50in the open configuration. Housing100is further configured to cover the opening52in housing101, and thus electronic device113, when container50is configured in the closed configuration, as shown inFIG. 6, a cross-sectional view parallel to the front view ofFIG. 2.

One or more (e.g., a pair of) connective loops105, such as D-rings, may be attached to housing100, e.g., by stitching or the like, as shown inFIG. 2, for attaching carrying handles and/or carrying straps to container50. For example, a wrist strap118may be removably attached to container50by removably clipping a clip at one end of wrist strap118to a loop105, as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, a shoulder strap115may be removably attached to container50by removably clipping clips at the ends of shoulder strap115to the loops105, as shown inFIG. 5. For one embodiment, a fastener, such as a zipper116(FIG. 5), hook-and-loop material, etc., is used to fasten housings100and101together along a seam111(FIG. 2) when container50is configured in the closed configuration.

One or more openings102(e.g., slots) may be formed in sidewalls of housing101, e.g., around a perimeter of housing101. Openings102serve as access ports to electronic device113and are configured to pass cords, such as one or more cords122(FIG. 1), from the electronic device to an exterior of the container50, e.g., for connecting electronic device113to a power source or user accessories, such as headphones.

For one embodiment, housings100and101may be formed from a soft, compliant material, such as vinyl. Alternatively, housings100and101may be formed from a hard, non-compliant material, such as aluminum, hard plastic, molded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, or the like, to afford greater protection to electronic device113.

Housing101includes a fastener, such as adhesive tape, contoured foam, elastic straps, hook-and-loop material, or the like configured to attach electronic device113within housing101. For one embodiment, the fastener may be configured to removably attach electronic device113within housing101.

For example, for one embodiment, the fastener may include a patch105(FIGS. 3,4, and6) of hook material permanently affixed to a bottom interior surface of housing101, e.g., by gluing, stitching, or the like, and a tape119of loop material backed by an adhesive for removably or permanently affixing the loop material to a rear surface of electronic device113so that tape119can removably attach to patch105. An optional spacer112may be interposed between patch105and tape119, as shown inFIGS. 4and6. For example, spacer112may have loop material on one surface for removably engaging the hook material of patch105and hook material on an opposite surface for removably engaging the loop material of tape119. Alternatively, patch105may be loop material and tape119may be hook material in which case spacer112would be inverted. Spacer113acts to form a space55(FIG. 6) between the rear surface of electronic device113and patch105for passing cords between the rear surface of electronic device113and patch105.

Alternatively, patch105may be adhesive tape or contoured foam for directly removably or permanently attaching to the rear surface of electronic device113. In addition, optional spacer112may have an adhesive disposed on one or both of its surfaces for removably or permanently attaching to patch105and thus to the rear surface of electronic device113.

For one embodiment, a portion of housing100is covered by an anti-skid material110that is exposed and that forms a bottom surface of container50when container50is configured in the open configuration, as shownFIGS. 1,3, and4. For one embodiment, anti-skid material110may also provide cushioning to cushion electronic device against shock.

Material110frictionally engages the surface114when housing100is acting as a base for mounting container50on surface114. Anti-skid material110may be compliant so as to conform to a contour of surface114when in frictional engagement with surface114, as shown inFIG. 4. A non-limiting example of a suitable material110is expanded foam with a synthetic or natural rubber additive.

Anti-skid material110may include roughness elements, e.g., embossed on anti-skid material110, for further increasing the friction between container50and surface114. Anti-skid material110may be disposed on a fabric backing120(FIGS. 4 and 6) that has a relatively low coefficient of friction. Note that when container50is configured in the closed configuration, anti-skid material110faces electronic device113, as shown inFIG. 6.

For one embodiment, anti-skid material110forms a bounding wall60of a pocket106within an interior of housing100, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 6. Bounding wall60may include a closure123, e.g., snaps, hook-and-loop material, a zipper, etc, for selectively closing an opening (shown as closed inFIGS. 1,4, and6) formed in bounding wall60between portions60aand60bof wall60. For example, closure123may include hook material123aaffixed to wall portion60aand loop material123baffixed to wall portion60b, as shown inFIG. 1, or vice versa.

Closure123configures pocket106to removably contain a weight108, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 6. That is, weight108can be inserted into and removed from pocket106through the opening formed in bounding wall60between portions60aand60bof wall60. Alternatively, pocket106may be permanently closed, e.g., by stitching, so that weight108is permanently contained within pocket106. However, it is desirable to be able to remove weight from pocket106to reduce weight to facilitate transporting case50in the closed configuration while containing electronic device113.

Weight108may be of sufficient weight to assist in holding the container on surface114, e.g., about 24 oz. Note that weight108assists in holding the container on surface114by increasing the weight of container50, and thus the friction between material110and surface114.

Weight108may be of a malleable (e.g., compliant) material that can conform to the contour of surface114, as shown inFIG. 4. For example, the compliant material may include hard, dense particles, such as steel particles, e.g., steel shot, contained in a bag that is disposed in pocket106. Alternatively, the hard, dense particles may be disposed directly in pocket106for embodiments where pocket106is permanently closed.

Hinge107allows housings100and101to pivot relative to each other between their relative positions when the container is in the open configuration (FIGS. 1,3,4, and5) and their relative positions when the container is in the closed configuration, with housing100covering opening52in housing101(FIGS. 2 and 6). For example, housings100and101can be pivoted apart by an angle B of about 300 degrees, as shown inFIG. 5.

For one embodiment, container50is configured so that an angle a formed between housings100and101when container50is configured in the open configuration, as shown inFIG. 4, is adjustable. For example, the angle a may range from about 15 to about 90 degrees.

A support103(e.g., a strap) may be selectively, removably connectable between housings100and101to selectively maintain container50in the open configuration. That is, support103may be permanently and pivotally attached to a location70on housing100(FIG. 5) and be selectively, removably attachable to one or more locations on housing101. For example, the one or more locations on housing101may respectively correspond to one or more snaps109disposed on housing101, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, so that support103can selectively, removably snap to the one or more snaps109.

Note that selectively snapping support103to the different snaps acts to adjust angle a, and thus the display angle at which electronic device113is displayed. That is, snapping support to different ones of snaps109respectively sets housing101at a different angles a. Note further that the pivotal coupling of support103to housing100allows support103to be pivoted, relative to housing100, to the different snaps109.

As such, support103is configured to selectively, removably connect between different ones of the snaps109on housing101and location70on housing100for selectively maintaining (e.g. supporting or propping) housing101at respective ones of a plurality of pivot angles a with respect to housing100, where each of the plurality of the pivot angles a defines a different configuration of the open configuration.

Alternatively, support103may be selectively, removably attached to housing101using hook-and-loop material. Note that the hook-and-loop material increases the number attachment locations on housing101, resulting in essentially an infinite number of attachment locations and thus producing essentially an infinite number of angles a.

Support103may be selectively, removably connected between location70on housing100and a location72on housing100(FIG. 5), when container50is configured in the closed configuration. Note that support103can be selectively pivoted, with respect to housing100, between the attachment locations on housing101and attachment location72on housing100. A snap73and/or hook-and-loop material may be used to removably attach support103to location72.

For another embodiment, a loop104, e.g., of elastic, may be attached to support103for holding a power cord or other accessory of the electronic device. In addition, a user's belt may be threaded through loop104for attaching container50to the user for transporting container50, and thus electronic device113, when container50is configured in the closed configuration.

Support103may include a resilient material, such as resilient plastic, that is of sufficient rigidity for supporting housing101, with electronic device113housed therein, without buckling. Alternatively, support103may be of a rigid material, such as hard plastic, aluminum, etc. The resilient or rigid material may be enclosed in fabric that permanently, pivotally attaches support103to housing100, e.g. a portion of the fabric may be permanently stitched or riveted to housing100.

To use container50, electronic device113is attached (e.g., removably or permanently) within the interior of housing101so that electronic device113is visible through opening52in housing101. Housing101is then pivoted with respect to housing100to a certain angle a between housings100and101, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, into the open configuration (e.g., display mode of use). Housings100and101are then removably connected, using support103, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, to maintain housing101at the certain angle a, thereby maintaining the container in the open configuration. Container50is then positioned on surface114to mount container50, and thus electronic device113, in the open configuration, on surface114, so that anti-skid material110frictionally engages surface114, as shown inFIG. 4.

Weight108may be inserted into pocket106within an interior of housing100, as shown inFIG. 4, to increase the weight of container50and thus the friction between anti-skid material110and surface114. One or more cords122may be passed through one or more openings102and connected to electronic device113, as shown inFIG. 1. For one embodiment, spacer112may be positioned between electronic device113and patch105to form space55(FIG. 6) between the rear surface of electronic device113and patch105, and the one or more cords122may be further passed through space55between the rear surface of electronic device113and patch105.

To store or transport container50, and thus electronic device113, housing101, with electronic device113attached within, is pivoted, with respect to housing100, from the certain angle a until housing100covers opening52in housing101, as shown inFIG. 6, to configure container50in the closed configuration (e.g., in a non-display mode of use). For one embodiment, portions of housings100and101may be fastened together, e.g., using zipper116or the like, when container50is configured in the closed configuration. For one embodiment, weight108may be removed from pocket106before housing100covers opening52and before fastening the portions of housings100and101together.

Various embodiments of the disclosure provide a portable, convertible container for an electronic device that can be converted between a first mode of use and a second mode of use. In the first mode of use, the container is configured to display the electronic device, e.g., for the purpose of allowing the electronic device to be viewed, heard, or physically operated, and to non-permanently mount the electronic device on a surface, such as a surface within a motor vehicle. In the second mode of use, the container covers the electronic device, allowing a user to comfortably and safely transport with the electronic device.

CONCLUSION