RETRACTABLE HANDLE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND PROTECTIVE CASES AND METHOD OF USE

In one embodiment, a protective case comprises at least one retractable handle and a means for extending the handle. The means for extending the handle comprising a pull-tab, tab-locks, hooks, or button releasing mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In another embodiment, the protective case comprises a retractable handle, a means for extending the handle, coil springs or their equivalents, and a means for securing the handle in the retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad ordinary and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or arrangement. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 1, a protective case100(a housing for portable electronic devices) comprises a retractable handle102and a pull-tab104as means for extending the handle102. When a user desires to have a better grip on the electronic device106, such as a cell phone, a user extends retractable handle102by pulling outward on pull-tab104. The user may then grip handle102to better secure the electronic device from the risk of damage or theft, or to aid the user in holding the device better for gameplay or other uses. Handle102may be made of metals, plastics, carbon fibers, or other substantially rigid materials. Further, handle102may be solid or may be a frame as illustrated inFIG. 1. Pull-tab104may be made from the same materials as the handle102, but may also be made from cloths, rubbers, silicones, or any other material that a user may sufficiently grip so as to extend handle102from protective case100. Further, protective case100may be from materials known to those in the industry, such as plastics, aluminums, rubbers, carbon fibers, etc.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, one embodiment shows a protective case200comprising retractable handle202and pull-tab204as a means of extending retractable handle202. AsFIG. 1andFIG. 2illustrate, retractable handles102,202may extend laterally (perpendicularly), vertically (longitudinally), or at any other location that allows for retraction of the handle. While the figures only illustrate a protective case or housing having one handle, it will be appreciated that multiple handles may be used and would be beneficial for activities such as gameplay.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, a protective case300comprises a retractable handle302and a hook304as a securing device. When a user desires to use retractable handle302, the user slides or pivots hook304using lever306to release the handle302. A user may then pull on handle302to extend it to the desired position.

In another embodiment, as seen inFIG. 4, protective case400comprises retractable handle402and locking tabs404as a securing means. Locking tabs404engage handle apertures406to secure handle402within protective case400. When a user desires to extend handle402, a user presses locking tabs404, which pivot and allow the inner portion of locking tabs404to disengage apertures406, releasing the handle402.

In yet another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 5, protective case500comprises retractable handle502and spring mechanisms504. Spring mechanisms504may comprise coil springs506in a housing or channel508or equivalent means of keeping the springs in place during retraction and extension. Spring mechanisms504allow the handle502to easily extended when a securing mechanism, such as locking-tabs510, are released by a user. For example, protective case500may have apertures512for engaging locking-tabs510on handle502. A user pushes locking-tabs510through the apertures512, allowing the coil springs506to extend, thereby extending handle502from within protective case500. Further, it will be appreciated that handle502may be in the shape of a “U” as illustrated inFIG. 5, or, as more fully illustrated inFIG. 6, a retractable handle602may be of one continuous manufacture.

FIG. 6further illustrates that spring mechanism604may be in alternate positions within a protective case as long as the same or similar result is achieved.

In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG. 7, protective case700comprises retractable handle702, spring mechanism704, and restricting device706. Restricting device706is an additional means of prohibiting full extension or withdrawal of the handle702. Spring mechanisms704may comprise a first restricting means708such as solder, a weld, glue, or other means known to those of skill in the art. An additional restricting device706functions as a secondary restricting means. As illustrated, restricting device706comprises a solid section, such as plastic, rubber, or other suitable material, that is irremovably connected to case700or formed as a portion of case700. This additional means assists in theft prevention if the user has a firm grip on handle702. As a thief pulls on case700, if the first restricting means708fail, secondary restricting means706prevent the handle from being withdrawn and released from the case700.

FIG. 8illustrates protective case800with a retractable handle802. Retractable handle802has inner portion804that is larger than opening806of the protective case800so as to prevent the handle802from being fully removed from protective case800. Further, inner portion804may fit inside of an inner channel or void created by walls808or may be sized so as to fit the dimensions of case800.

InFIG. 9A, protective case900illustrates a handle902having an extendable support leg904. Extendable support leg904pivots at pivot points906, as more fully illustrated inFIG. 9B. Therefore, a user desiring to have a hands-free stand for the electronic device may extend handle902from protective case900, then extend support leg904, which may slide vertically in a channel908and temporarily lock in place for added stability (or by other methods known to those in the art), and then rest the protective case and device on an appropriate surface.

As seen inFIG. 9C, protective case910may have retractable handle912, extendable support leg914, and locking leg916. Locking leg916is pivotally attached to extendable support leg914and slides in grooves within retractable handle912. A user desiring a stand may extend handle912, extend support leg914by pulling outwardly, which allows locking leg916to slide down handle912into a position suitable for keeping extendable support leg916from collapsing. A suitable position may be when locking leg916is substantially horizontal or when it otherwise engages a stopping means, such as grooves, to hold it in place until released by a user.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the housing for an electronic device comprises a retractable handle. For example, a manufacturer of cell phones or tablet computers may manufacture the electronic device with the retractable handle built into the housing of the electronic device itself so that a user does not have to purchase an additional accessory, such as a protective case, to have the retractable handle.