Electronic device case

A case configured to protect at least a portion of an electronic device. The case can comprise a first portion and a second portion that connect to one another via a hinge. The first portion can be configured to cover a first portion of a back side of the electronic device when fully installed on the electronic device. The second portion can be configured to cover a remaining portion of the back side of the electronic device when also fully installed on the electronic device. The second portion and the first portion can pivot with respect to one another via the hinge. Accordingly, by one approach, the second portion can be pivoted away from the electronic device while the first portion remains installed on the electronic device. In such a case, and by one approach, the second portion can serve as a stand for the electronic device.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates to electronic devices and more particularly to cases for electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, including numerous portable electronic devices, have gained widespread use and may provide a variety of functions including, for example, telephonic, electronic messaging and other personal information manager (PIM) application functions. Electronic devices include, for example, several types of mobile stations such as simple cellular telephones, so-called smart telephones or (smart phones), wireless personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital audio/video players, digital audio/video recorders, navigation devices (such as global positioning system navigators), remote controls, and laptop or pad/tablet-styled computers, which may have wireless 802.11, Bluetooth™, and/or near-field communications capabilities.

Many electronic devices are not only portable (capable of being readily moved from place to place) but may also be handheld (that is, sized and shaped to be held and carried in a human hand, and capable of being used while held or carried). Some electronic devices, including some electronic devices that can be used while held or carried, can be used while the electronic device rests upon a supporting surface such as a table or desk. Although portability may have many advantages, portability may also entail risks of a variety of accidents or incidents (such as dropping the device or bringing the device into harsh contact with another object or surface) that can lead to cosmetic blemishes, immediate failure of the device, or a shortened operating lifetime for the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, described herein are illustrative embodiments of cases for electronic devices that may furnish protection against impacts (preventing or reducing damage to the electronic device from some impacts) while also enhancing the functionality or usefulness of the device. Although various cases serve to protect electronic devices from damage such as drops and impacts, or reduce the damage, such cases typically do not contribute to enhancing the functionality of the electronic device.

The following describes an apparatus configured for use with a corresponding electronic device. The apparatus can comprise, for example, a case configured to protect at least a portion of that electronic device. (In this disclosure, elements may be described as “configured to” perform or “configured for” performing one or more functions. In general, an element that is configured for performing or configured to perform a function is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.) That case can comprise a first portion and a second portion that connect to one another via a hinge. These two portions can be configured to each separately attach to the electronic device. The first portion can be configured to cover a first portion of a back side of the electronic device when fully installed on the electronic device. The second portion can be configured to cover a remaining portion of the back side of the electronic device when also fully installed on the electronic device.

The second portion and the first portion can pivot with respect to one another via the aforementioned hinge. Accordingly, by one approach, the second portion can be pivoted away from the electronic device while the first portion remains installed on the electronic device. In such a case, and by one approach, the second portion can serve as a stand for the electronic device.

The present teachings are highly flexible in practice and will accommodate a wide variety of variations and practices in these regards. For example, by one approach the first and second portions, along with the hinge, can comprise a unitary structure (such as, but not limited to, a co-molded structure). As another example, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith the first and second portions can be comprised of both a rigid layer and a flexible layer. So configured, the rigid layer can face outwardly of the electronic device to provide considerable protection for the electronic device against impact with other surfaces. The flexible layer, in turn, can provide a softer physical interface and buffer between the rigid exterior of the case and the electronic device itself. The flexible layer can also aid in helping to secure the case in an installed state on the electronic device.

By one approach the aforementioned hinge can comprise the aforementioned flexible layer. If desired, the hinge can include, at least in part, a groove formed in the flexile layer. Also if desired, one or more slots or openings (that is, an absence or void of material) can be formed within that groove to further contribute to the ease with which the hinge can serve as a pivot point for the first and second portions of the case.

So configured, a useful case can be readily installed and uninstalled as desired. While installed the case provides considerable protection for the back side of the electronic device as well as, in some cases, the corners of the electronic device. By moving the second portion between a fully-installed state and a stand state the case can also provide a useful stand by which the electronic device can be placed in an upright position to facilitate hands-free viewing of the electronic device. Other benefits are discussed further below.

FIGS. 1, 2, and 3present various views of a case100that is configured for use with a corresponding electronic device. For purposes of illustration, the case100will be depicted in the context of use with a so-called smart telephone or a tablet-styled computer. Although the term “case” will be used, the case may also be described, for example, as a container, casing, holder, shell or other receptacle. The case100may be sized and shaped for use with a particular electronic device or a group of electronic devices. The specific form factor of the case100can be varied or otherwise configured to suit the particular requirements of a given electronic device. For example, the case100may be sized and shaped to hold or receive an electronic device, or may have one or more physical features (such as cutouts, notches, openings, flaps and the like) to accommodate various physical features of the device. An example of such an accommodating feature will be described below.

In this illustrative example, the case100includes both a first portion101and a second portion102. The first portion101is configured (via an appropriate size and shape) to cover a first portion of the back side of the aforementioned electronic device when fully installed thereon. In a typical example, the back side of an electronic device represents a side of the device with which the user may have less interaction. In a tablet computer, for instance, the user may ordinarily or predominantly interact with a touch screen display on the front side of the tablet, and may interact less often with the obverse or back side of the tablet. The back side may be devoid of functional components, but need not be; various electronic devices may include a camera, microphone, or connection port on the back side, for example.

The second portion102, in turn, is similarly configured to cover a remaining portion of the back side of the electronic device when fully installed on the electronic device. Generally speaking, “to cover” includes to overlay, to surround, to shield, to house, and to protect. As discussed below, covering includes fully or completely covering, as well as substantially covering. Covering, as shown by the figures and accompanying description, does not necessarily mean that the entire electronic device is encased, nor that the electronic device is concealed from view. Indeed, various embodiments described herein involve cases that may leave the entire front side of the device uncovered for ready interaction by or with a user. Further, the cover100is “fully installed” when the electronic device is completely engaged with or retained by the cover100. Typically, the electronic device is fully engaged with the cover100when the device fits substantially completely, perhaps snugly, in the cover100. In a typical embodiment, the electronic device will not physically separate from a fully installed cover100in ordinary usage, although a user may typically engage the device to or disengage the device from the cover100without a need for tools. Also, as discussed herein, the cover100may include two or more portions, and each portion may independently be fully installed on the device.

In this particular example ofFIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the first portion101and the second portion102are of essentially equal size and hence each accounts for nearly one half of the case100. Such proportions, however, are not a requirement. If desired, for example, the second portion102could comprise one fourth of the entire case, or three fourths of the entire case, or essentially any other percentage or proportion. Further, there is no requirement that there be two and only two portions.

Also as will become clearer below, per this specific example, these two portions101and102of the case100in combination cover essentially the entire back side of the electronic device. Again, however, the specifics of this illustrative example should not be taken as a suggestion regarding any limitations in these regards. Instead, if and as desired, it would be possible for the first portion101of the case100to cover a first portion of the electronic device's back side and for the second portion102of the case100to cover a remaining portion of the electronic device's back side that does not constitute all of the remaining area of that back side (in other words, the “remaining portion” covered by the second portion102of the case100need not always be the entire portion of the back side that remains uncovered by the first portion101of the case100).

Each of these portions101and102has a pair of corners103. These corners103are configured to fit snuggly over the corners of the electronic device. So configured, these corners103serve to retain the case100in an installed position on the electronic device (via, for example, a friction fit or a retaining lip) while also providing impact protection to those electronic device corners. In general, a case100may be configured to protect an electronic device when part of the case covers or shields or guards or is interposed between a part of the electronic device that may be at risk of impact or at risk of damage from an impact, and the item being impacted (e.g., the floor).

FIG. 4presents the case100fully installed on a corresponding electronic device400. Notwithstanding this installed state the electronic device's display401remains fully visible as no part of the case100serves to occlude any part of the display401. From the point of view of the user, the display401is on the front side of the device400. In some embodiments, part of the front side, such as corners or edges, may be covered by the case100. As depicted inFIG. 4, a very small or negligible percentage of the front side of the device400may be covered.

It will be noted that in this illustrative example these corners103are relatively free standing such that significant gaps104exist between each pair of adjacent corners103. These gaps104, in turn, can provide space for various control surfaces and interfaces402on the sides of the electronic device (such as, but not limited to, headphone sockets, volume controls, Universal Serial Bus (USB) sockets, charging electrodes, and so forth). Accordingly, the various control surfaces and interfaces that may be present on the sides of a given electronic device can remain readily accessible to the user notwithstanding installation of such a case100. The gaps104may also supply some gross flexibility to the cover400, which may be useful in assisting a user installing the cover100on the electronic device400.

Further, these gaps may help to ensure an obstruction-free gesturing experience for the user. For example, a user's gesture403formed using a finger404can begin to the side of the electronic device400and move across the electronic device400without likely contacting any part of the case100. Such a configuration can help to provide the user with a more intuitive and natural gesturing experience notwithstanding the presence of the case100during use of the electronic device400.

Referring again toFIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the case100can comprise, if desired, a unitary structure (such as a co-molded structure) where the various components of the case100are permanently and integrally connected to one another. By one approach the case can comprise, at least in part, a rigid layer105and a flexible layer106. As an example in these regards, the rigid layer105can comprise a polycarbonate material while the flexible layer106can comprise a thermoplastic elastomer. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that such materials can be co-molded as co-layers with one another using, for example, a two-shot injection machine as is known in the art. These materials are for purposes of illustration, and additional or different materials may be used. For example, rigid components may be constructed from one or more materials such as plastic, metal, silicone, or ceramic, and flexible components may be constructed from one or more materials such as plastic, silicone, rubber, elastic, or cloth. Materials may be selected in consideration of factors such as durability, robustness, impact resistance, structural integrity, weight, electrical conductive, or insulative properties, cosmetic appearance, texture, comfort, and the like. As noted above, some components may be integrally formed, e.g., part of a single-piece article that may share structures and materials, or may comprise discrete components that may be fastened together in any fashion. Further, the terms rigid and flexible are used herein in relation to one another. For example, a rigid material may be significantly stiffer than a flexible material, but may nevertheless have a modest degree of flexibility (e.g., enough capability of deforming to enable a case100or a portion thereof to become fully engaged with the electronic device retained in the case100).

By one approach, and as illustrated, the flexible layer106can include the inside surfaces (and edge surfaces) of the aforementioned corners103. So configured, this flexible layer106can help to both cushion the corners of the electronic device400while also serving to help captivate the corners103and hence hold the case100in an installed state on the electronic device400via friction. The flexible material106may also offer an additional benefit of making the corners resistive to slipping, which may be helpful when the case100is used as a support as discussed below.

If desired, and as shown inFIG. 3, the flexible layer106can have a plurality of holes301disposed therethrough. Such an approach can help to ensure an appropriate fit of the case100on the electronic device400. The holes301may also be an artifact of manufacturing techniques, and in any event are not necessary to the concept described herein.

The first and second portions101and102of the case100pivotally connect to one another via a hinge107. The hinge107is any structure that enables the first and second portions101and102to move relative to one another while remaining physically connected to one another. By one approach this hinge107is formed using the flexible layer106only (i.e., without also employing the rigid layer105). If desired, this hinge107can further include a groove108formed in the flexible layer106. By one approach, for example, this groove108can have an inverted isosceles trapezoidal shape as a cross section (though other cross-sectional shapes are possible).

By one optional approach, and as illustrated, this hinge107can also include one or more elongated openings109disposed through the flexible layer106within the groove108. These elongated openings109, in turn, can further contribute to the ease by which the two case portions101and102can be pivoted or swung with respect to one another about the hinge107. These teachings will accommodate a variety of approaches in these regards, such as a greater or lesser number of openings, openings of different sizes and shapes, and even a plurality of openings that are differently sized and/or shaped as compared to one another as desired.

These teachings will readily accommodate other embellishments or variations. For example, one portion or the other can include one or more openings disposed fully therethrough to accommodate, for example, specific features of the electronic device400. In this illustration, and by way of example, the first portion101of the case100includes such an opening110to accommodate a camera lens and flash as comprises a part of the electronic device400. The opening110is an example of an accommodating feature that enables camera apparatus to be used when the case100is fully installed on the electronic device.

FIG. 5depicts the case100with the first portion101fully installed on the electronic device400and the second portion102disposed away from and rearwardly of the electronic device400(that is, away from the front side of the device400) about the hinge107. So configured, the corners103of the second portion102serve as a stand to hold or support the electronic device400in an upright or substantially upright orientation on a surface such as a desk or table to facilitate, for example, viewing the electronic device400without a need for the user to hold the electronic device400. By employing the aforementioned inverted isosceles trapezoidal cross-sectional shape for the hinge groove108, the second portion102will tend to come to a stop when the two sides of the groove108meet and hence help to maintain this stand state. In the event the device400is fully installed in the cover100, such as is depicted inFIG. 4, and the user may support the device400as shown inFIG. 5by disengaging the second portion102from the device400and moving the second portion102rearward. In this way, the device400and the cover100can cooperate to form a stable base that can rest on a surface such as a desk, and the display of the device400can be propped up for convenient viewing or other interaction. The user can also return the case100and device to the depiction ofFIG. 4by re-engaging the second portion102with the device400so that the second portion102is once again fully installed on the device400.

This pivoting capability of the two case portions101and102can serve in other regards if desired. In the illustrative examples shown atFIGS. 6 and 7the electronic device400is readily placed in a charging dock600notwithstanding that the case100remains installed on the electronic device400via the first portion101of the case100. Such a configuration is possible because the second portion102of the case100is separated from the electronic device400and pivoted away from the electronic device400to thereby permit the base of the electronic device400to enter the charging dock600without obstructing the electronic device's charging interface.

FIG. 8depicts a further variation in which the case100includes a first portion801, a second portion802, a third portion803, and a fourth portion804. These portions are connected by way of two hinges805and806, which may be substantially perpendicular to one another. The intersection of the hinges805and806may be, but need not be, proximate to the geometric center of the case100. As shown inFIG. 8, the intersection of the hinges805and806is offset from the geometric center, and the hinge806is longer than the hinge805because the device400and the case100may have a substantially rectangular or rounded rectangular form factor.

As depicted inFIG. 8, the first portion801and second portion802are fully installed on the electronic device400, while the third portion803and fourth portion804have been moved rearward. The first portion801and second portion802are substantially co-planar with each other. The third portion803and fourth portion804are substantially co-planar with each other, and are depicted as pivoted away from the plane of the first portion801and second portion802by way of the longer hinge806. The first portion801and second portion802are fully installed on the electronic device400, while the third portion803and fourth portion804, in concert with the device400, form a stable base that can rest on a surface such as a desk.

FIG. 9shows the same embodiment of same case as shown inFIG. 8, but in this depiction, the second portion802and fourth portion804are fully installed on the electronic device400, while the first portion801and third portion803have been moved rearward. In this depiction, the shorter hinge805provides the pivoting action.FIGS. 8 and 9together illustrate how a single case100, through manipulation of various portions of the case100, can form at least two supports or stands, one propping the electronic device400in a landscape orientation and the other propping the electronic device400in a portrait orientation.

Different numbers and positions and shapes of portions and hinges may be deployed in addition to those specifically shown. Implementation of one or more embodiments may realize one or more potential advantages, some of which have been mentioned already. So configured, such a case100can provide considerable protection to an electronic device without also presenting any (or hardly any) visual or physical interference between the user and the display side of the electronic device400. The case100need not add much additional bulk to the device400, either in terms of size or weight, and may have a negligible impact on portability. Further, a single case100can perform multiple disparate functions (such as protecting the device400from impacts and serving as support). This case100is readily manipulated between various configurations and states to accommodate a variety of use paradigms and situations without requiring that the entire case100be removed from the electronic device400(such as propping up or interacting with another component such as a charging dock600). In configurations or states in which a portion of the case100is or remains fully installed on the electronic device400, there can be less risk that the case100will be inadvertently lost or misplaced. This also helps to ensure that the user will make continued or at least regular use of the case100and hence receive the protective benefits of that use.

In the typical configuration discussed herein, such a case100will protect principally the back side of the electronic device and the corner areas of the electronic device when fully installed on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the case may protect only the back side and corners; for many electronic devices and many application settings, such an approach provides a good level of protection for the electronic device from impact damage. Notably, although the expected general usage may entail protecting the back side of the electronic device (and the concept has been described in the context of this general usage), a user may choose to install the case backward, so as to protect principally the front side of the device rather than the back side.

Such a case can be economically formed. These teachings are also highly scalable and will accommodate a wide variety of differently-sized and differently-shaped electronic devices. That said, it will be appreciated that in this particular instance the case100can be mounted on the opposite side of the electronic device400rather than on the back side in precisely the same way. A user may choose such an approach to installation, for example, before placing the electronic device400in a suitcase, briefcase, or the like to protect the display screen. In such a case these teachings will further accommodate including, for example, a magnet in the case100that, when detected by a corresponding sensor or switch in the electronic device400to enter a sleep mode of operation when the case100is installed on the front side of the electronic device400. Further, various electronic devices may have a variety of components and functionality, and one or more accommodating features may accommodate such components and functionality.

Although various words and phrases have been used to describe some of the components or elements of some embodiments of the concept, the components or elements may also be described as means for performing the a function described or shown. For example, a hinge may alternatively be described as a means for hingeably connecting one element to another.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. By way of some non-limiting examples in these regards,FIGS. 10 through 13present cases100having a variety of differently configured hinge arrangements. InFIG. 10, for example, the longitudinal and lateral hinges1001and1002are curved rather than straight (with an X-Y coordinate axis1003being provided to help illustrate those curves by way of comparison). InFIG. 11, the longitudinal hinge1101is straight whereas the lateral hinge1102is curved and assumes, in this particular depiction, a somewhat parabolic shape.FIG. 12presents a case100having a straight longitudinal hinge1201while having two (rather than one) lateral hinges1202and1203. These two lateral hinges1202and1203, in turn, are each comprised of two relatively straight segments having their corresponding vertices1204and1205oriented towards one another. And inFIG. 13the case100has a single longitudinal hinge1301that intersects at the vertex1303of a pair of hinge lines that together form a lateral hinge1302across the case100. The present teachings will accommodate numerous other variations in these regards as well.