Customizable device case

A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a rigid plastic frame bonded to a stretchable rubber cover and a back panel insert that can be removably inserted into a pocket in the rear of the stretchable rubber cover and plastic frame. To position a device in the case, the device is simply inserted into the front opening of the rigid plastic frame and stretchable rubber cover such that the edges of the stretchable cover stretch over the device and secure the device in the case. A variety of different removable back panels allow the stand to be easily reconfigured to include a stand for the device case, a pocket adapted to hold payment cards, a folding style wallet, a mirror or a fabric covering.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of different types and designs of cases for portable electronic devices are known. One problem with existing device cases is that consumers like a variety of different cases and like to change and update their cases and devices often. This means the manufacturers must build and stock a wide variety of different styles and sizes of device cases and consumers are often forced to buy a new case to obtain a new design or functionality even though the old case is still functional. Therefore, what is needed is an advanced customizable case design that can be easily changed into a number of different configurations.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a protective case for a portable electronic device. The protective case includes a rigid plastic frame, a stretchable rubber cover and a back panel that can be removably inserted into a pocket on a rear of the stretchable rubber cover. The stretchable cover is preferably attached to the rigid plastic frame by the manufacturer. To put a device in the case, the device is simply inserted into front opening of the rigid plastic frame and the edges of the stretchable rubber cover stretch over the portable electronic device such that the device is secured in the protective case. The back panel includes a hooked lip and locking tabs positioned around the outer perimeter of the back panel that mate with a corresponding hooked lip and cavities positioned around the inner edges of the pocket in the rear of the case assembly. An assortment of different back panels can be inserted into the pocket in the case assembly to alter the appearance or function of the case. These back panels include a stand for the device case. The stand back panel has a pair sloped edges on a foot of a foldable stand that allow the stand to support the device case in either a horizontal or vertical position. The back panel can also have a payment card pocket adapted to hold payment cards with a protrusion in the pocket that applies pressure to any payment cards placed in the pocket to securely hold them. Another back panel having a folding wallet attached to the panel provides the case with the functionality of a wallet as well as a viewing stand. The back panels can also have a variety of different surfaces and designs such as a mirror or a recess adapted for fabric adhesion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an adaptable protective device case with a removable back panel or insert that can be replaced with an assortment of inserts that have different designs and/or functions. The device case preferably includes a rigid plastic frame bonded to an outer stretchable rubber cover or bumper that fits around the edges of the rigid frame and holds enclosed device. A removable back panel snaps into an opening in the back of the stretchable rubber cover.

The design of the platform allows a user of the case to mix and match different rubber covers and back panels with a standardized rigid frame to create different case designs and functions. A single case can easily be changed into different configurations by simply inserting a different insert into the rear of the main case assembly. For example, the case may include a back panel tooled for fabric adhesion, a back panel of plain plastic in various colors, patterns and designs, a back panel for in mold lamination, a back with a payment card holder, a back with a folding wallet, a back with a kick stand, and a back with a mirror. In addition, the case assembly of the present invention is readily adaptable to different device sizes and styles from various manufacturers. The cases are preferably sold in a kit that includes a rigid plastic frame bonded to a rubber bumper or cover and a matching back panel insert. However, the back panels may also be sold individually or in sets.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a drawing of an unassembled embodiment of the present invention without a back panel inserted, in the main case assembly is shown. The main case assembly1consists of a stretchable rubber cover2and a relatively rigid plastic frame4that are preferably bonded together during production. To insert a device into the case assembly1, the device is simply pushed into the opening in the front of the case assembly1and the edges of the rubber cover2stretch over the device such that the device is securely held inside both the rubber cover2and plastic frame4of the case assembly. Raised bumpers17on the plastic frame extend through corresponding openings15in the rubber cover2.

The rubber cover2and plastic frame4have an opening or pocket6in the rear with edges5that are adapted to receive and securely hold a matching back panel or insert.FIG. 2(a)is a drawing of a back panel insert8that snaps into the back opening in the stretchable rubber cover2and plastic frame4.FIG. 2(b)is close up cross sectional view of the mating of the hooked back panel edge11with the hooked edge13of the rubber cover2. The back panels hooked edge or lip11is provided with locking tabs9that fit into corresponding cavities on the rubber cover2. The hooked edge11of the back panel8mates with the corresponding hooked edge13on the rubber cover2to securely hold the back panel8in position with respect to the rubber cover2.FIG. 2(c)is a drawing of a cavity19in the rubber cover2that receives a locking tab9. The locking tab9rests in the corresponding cavity19on the rubber cover2such that the back panel is fixed and prevented from sliding with respect to the rubber cover2or plastic frame4.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a drawing of the embodiment ofFIG. 1with a solid plastic back panel8inserted into the pocket6on the back of the main case assembly is shown. As discussed in more detail below and above, the edges8of the pocket in the back of the rubber bumper2and plastic frame4have features such as hooked edges that allow them to grip and hold an insert inserted into the back pocket6. The solid back panel8can easily be replaced by simply pulling it off of the rubber cover2and replacing it with an alternative back panel having a different design or surface, such as a mirrored surface, to alter the design, appearance or function of the case. The solid back panels8can also include a recessed plastic surface and channel that are adapted to receive fabric such that a pleasing fabric or leather back can be provided to the case. In addition, alternative stretchable covers2can be provided that have different designs or fabric surfaces, but a standardized back pocket6that can receive any available back panel.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a drawing of an unassembled stand back panel insert21for an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. The stand back panel insert21includes three plastic pieces foot20, mounting member22and mounting member24, two hinge pins26and a main back panel.28. The main back panel28includes cavities30and holes32into which the plastic pieces20,22and24and hinge pins26are inserted when the stand back panel insert is fully assembled. The main back panel28includes a hooked lip34with protrusions or tabs36around its outer perimeter that function together with matching hooked lips and cavities on the inner edges of the opening in the of the case assembly discussed above with respect toFIG. 1to securely hold the back panel in the back of the case assembly.

FIG. 5is drawing of the assembled stand back panel40ofFIG. 4inserted into the case assembly42ofFIG. 1with the stand arm44in the extended or open position. When the stand is open position, the edges46of the stand arm44function to hold the case and device in either a horizontal or vertical viewing position depending upon how the case is positioned on the supporting surface.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a drawing of an embodiment of the present invention with a payment card style back panel insert50inserted into the main case assembly52is shown. The payment card style hack panel insert50includes a pocket54sized to accept payment cards and/or folded cash. The pocket52has a central protrusion56that flexes and applies pressure to items held in the pocket52so that the items do not fall out of the pocket. Similar features, such as tabs and hooked lips, to those discussed above with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 5are provided around the edges of the back panel insert50to secure it in the rear well of the case assembly52.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a drawing of an embodiment of the present invention with a wallet style back panel insert60inserted into the main case assembly62is shown. The wallet style back panel insert60includes a fold open wallet portion64that functions like a standard. fold open wallet with a pocket66and a latch68, which may be magnetic, that holds the wallet closed when folded. The wallet portion64can also be folded back to form a stand for the device as shown inFIG. 8.

Although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Customizable Device Case, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.