Protective case for use with device grip

A protective case system includes an extendable device grip and a protective case. The extendable device grip includes an attachment mechanism and has a stowed configuration and extended configuration. The protective case includes a shell and a receiver. The shell is configured for receiving and removably retaining an electronic device. The shell has at least a back wall and side walls. The outer surface of the back wall of the shell includes a recessed or concave area. The extendable device grip is removably attachable to the receiver for removably attaching the extendable device grip to the protective case. The receiver is positioned in the recessed or concave area of the back wall of the shell such that at least a portion of the extendable device grip is within the recessed area when the extendable device grip is attached to the protective case and is in the stowed configuration.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices, are used for a growing variety of purposes, as well as in a growing variety of situations. Examples of portable electronic devices include smartphones, tablet computers, gaming devices, audio players, video players, cameras, portable computers, two-way radios, GPS receivers, and/or other portable devices. Portable electronic devices are susceptible to damage from a variety or forces or elements such as dropping, impact, and scratching. At the same time the cost of portable electronic devices is increasing. Improved apparatuses and techniques for protecting and holding portable and personal electronic devices are needed for better accommodating these changing use models.

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a protective case system for use with an electronic device includes an extendable device grip and a protective case. The extendable device grip includes an attachment mechanism and has a stowed configuration and extended configuration. The extendable device grip is configured to be transitioned between the stowed configuration and the extended configuration by a user. The protective case includes a shell and a receiver. The shell is configured for receiving and removably retaining the electronic device. The shell has at least a back wall and side walls. The back and side walls of the shell are configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the shell. The outer surface of the back wall of the shell includes a recessed or concave area. The extendable device grip is removably attachable to the receiver of the shell for removably attaching the extendable device grip to the protective case. The receiver is positioned in the recessed or concave area of the outer surface of the back wall of the shell such that at least a portion of the extendable device grip is within the recessed area when the extendable device grip is attached to the protective case and is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, only one of the protective case and extendable device grip may be included.

In another embodiment, a protective case is configured for use with an electronic device and with a device grip. The protective case includes a body configured for receiving and removably retaining the electronic device. The body has at least a back wall and side walls which are configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the body. The protective case also includes a grip aperture extending through the back wall of the body. The grip aperture has a size and/or a shape adapted to permit direct attachment of the device grip to a back surface of the installed electronic device through the grip aperture. A thickness of the back wall proximate the grip aperture is greater than thicknesses of other portions of the back wall such that an outer surface of the back wall is approximately flush with an end of the device grip when the device grip is attached to the installed electronic device and is in a non-extended position.

In another embodiment, a protective case is configured for use with an electronic device and a device grip. The protective case includes a body configured for receiving and removably retaining the electronic device. The body has at least a back and side walls configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the body. The protective case also includes a grip aperture extending through the back wall of the body. The grip aperture has a size and a shape adapted to permit direct attachment of the device grip to a back surface of the installed electronic device through the grip aperture. An outer surface of the back wall of the body is non-planar such that the outer surface of the back wall is approximately flush with an end of the device grip when the device grip is attached to the installed electronic device and is in a non-extended position.

In yet another embodiment, a protective case or cover is adapted for use with an electronic device and a device grip. The device grip has a proximal end and a distal end. The protective case or cover includes a body adapted for receiving and removably retaining the electronic device. The body has at least a back wall and side wall. The back and side walls are adapted to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the body. A grip aperture extends through the back wall of the body, the grip aperture is adapted to permit direct attachment of the proximal end of the device grip to a back surface of the installed electronic device through the grip aperture. An outer surface of the back wall of the body has a non-planar shape or contour and is adapted such that an outer edge of the grip aperture is proximate the distal end of the device grip when the device grip is attached to the installed electronic device and is in a storage position.

In a further embodiment, a protective case system for use with an electronic device includes a device grip and a protective case. The device grip is configured to be attachable to a back of the electronic device. The device grip is extendable and configured for facilitating holding of the electronic device when attached to the electronic device. The protective case includes a body and a grip aperture. The body is configured for receiving and removably retaining the electronic device. The body has at least a back and side walls. The back and side walls are configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the body. The grip aperture extends through the back wall of the body. The grip aperture has a size and a shape adapted to permit direct attachment of the device grip to a back surface of the installed electronic device through the grip aperture. The outer surface of the back wall of the body is non-planar such that the outer surface of the back wall is approximately flush with an end of the device grip when the device grip is attached to the installed electronic device and is in a non-extended position.

In yet another embodiment, a protective case is configured for use with an electronic device and an extendable device grip having a stowed position and a use position. The protective case includes a shell configured for receiving and removably retaining the electronic device. The shell has at least a back wall and side walls. The back and side walls are configured to cover at least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the shell. An outer surface of the back wall of the shell has a concave or recessed area. The protective case also includes a receiver to which the extendable device grip is removably attachable. The receiver is positioned in the concave or recessed area of the outer surface of the back wall of the shell such that at least a portion of the extendable device grip is within the concave or recessed area when the extendable device grip is attached to the receiver and is in the stowed position.

Other embodiments, including various combinations of the features disclosed herein, are also envisioned. Many combinations of the features are possible, including combinations that do not include all of the described features and/or include other features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electronic devices are increasingly used with protective cases and/or covers that protect the electronic devices from a variety or forces or elements such as dropping, impact, and scratching. As people carry electronic devices with them more frequently, they have become more interested in using them for a wider variety of tasks and in a wider variety of situations. Electronic devices, particularly portable electronic devices, are being used now more than ever and the longer devices are held by the user the greater the chance that they are dropped or otherwise damaged. In addition, people are using their electronic devices in a greater variety of situations. This may also increase the chance that an electronic device is dropped or otherwise damaged. In some cases, these challenges are coupled with an increasing need for holders or stands that hold the device in a particular preferred configuration or location when the user wants the device to be visible and/or in a particular orientation but may not necessarily be holding it.

While most of the electronic device cases and/or covers discussed herein are described as “protective” cases, the apparatuses and techniques disclosed herein do not necessarily require that the case is protective and could apply to any type of electronic device case, cover, sleeve, sheath, attachment panel, etc. In other examples, the case may be water-resistant or water proof for protecting the electronic device from water or other liquids. In yet other examples, the case may have other characteristics, such as but not limited to, chemical resistance or antimicrobial characteristics.

FIG. 1illustrates a device grip190which may be used with electronic devices and protective cases or covers as described herein. Device grip190is one example of a device grip, or holder, which is currently available in the market. The particular device grip illustrated inFIG. 1is a PopSocket® sold by PopSockets of Boulder, Colo. Device grip190is used in the examples herein only for explanation purposes. The improvements discussed herein are not limited to the particular device grip190illustrated inFIG. 1and may be applicable to many different types of device grips, holders, and/or stands. Accommodating different grips, holders, and/or stands may include changing shapes, sizes, dimensions, geometries, quantities, and/or positions of case features described herein to accommodate other grips, holders, or stands. In some cases, device grip190may also be called a grip device, a ring holder, a finger loop, or a holder.

Device grip190includes a grip end191, an expanding portion192, and a foot193. Foot193is attached to an object, permanently or removably, to allow device grip190to assist in the holding the object and/or make it less likely the object is dropped. Expanding portion192has an accordion or tapered accordion structure to allow it to be expanded or adjusted into various positions. For example, device grip190may have an extended or use position in which expanding portion192is partially or fully extended. Device grip190may also have a non-extended, stowed, or compressed position in which a height of device grip190is reduced or minimized in order to reduce its interference with other objects or activities when it is not in use.

The tapered accordion shape of expanding portion192may allow it to nest within itself to some extent when in the non-extended position. Device grip190may also have other positions as will be discussed with respect to other figures. The techniques and improvements herein may be practiced with a wide variety of other device grips and/or other device grip designs. Device grip190ofFIG. 1is used herein only for purposes of explanation and the improvements disclosed herein are not to be limited to any specific design or type of grip or holder.

FIG. 2illustrates a front view of protective case100for an electronic device. Protective case100includes a body110and an inner surface120. Inner surface120provides the primary surface(s) for receiving and holding the electronic device in the protective case. Inner surface120may contact the electronic device on any one or more of a back surface, on one or more side surfaces, and/or on a portion of a front surface of the electronic device. In some situations, inner surface120may also be referred to as or may include a cushion layer, cushioning member, or cushion liner. Inner surface120can be made of any suitable material such as an elastomer. The elastomer may be, but is not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone rubber. Inner surface120may comprise a material that is softer than a material of body110for purposes of cushioning, protecting, and/or retaining the electronic device.

Inner surface120may be configured to cushion an installed electronic device from external forces, impacts, sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration, and other forces experienced at outer surfaces of protective case100. Further, the compliant nature of inner surface120may allow it to flexibly hold the electronic device to reduce movement, shifting, or rattling of the electronic device within protective case100. Inner surface120may contain cavities, coring, reliefs, ribs, channels, recesses, a grid pattern, protrusions, and/or other similar features for holding the electronic device in place, for protecting the electronic device, and/or for potentially reducing the surface area of contact between inner surface120and the installed electronic device.

In some embodiments, inner surface120may not cover the entire internal surface of the protective case. In one specific example, inner surface120may extend around an internal perimeter of the protective case and may not span the entire back of the protective case or the installed electronic device.

Protective case100also includes a front opening which permits or allows access to at least some portion of the installed electronic device. In one example, the front opening permits access to an interactive interface of the electronic device such as a touchscreen, a touch screen interface, a resistive touchscreen, a display, and/or a capacitive touchscreen. The front opening may contain a lip or edge that removably retains the electronic device in the protective case such that it does not easily or readily come out of the protective case, but can still be intentionally removed by a user when desired. The front opening may also include a lip, ledge, protrusion, raised edge, rim, elevated rim, elevated protective rim, or other raised feature around at least a portion of the front opening to reduce the chances of a front surface of the installed electronic device from coming into contact with another object or surface, particularly when protective case100is laid face down on a flat surface, such as a table.

Body110of protective case100may also be referred to as a structural layer, a frame, a rigid layer, a bottom shell, a shell member, an outer shell, and/or a shell of protective case100. Body110extends around some or all of the outer surface of inner surface120. Body110will typically be manufactured from a material that is harder, more rigid, stiffer, more puncture resistant, more crush resistant, more chemical resistant, and/or more abrasion resistant than the material of inner surface120. The material of body110can be any suitable material such as a thermoplastic polymer or a synthetic polymer. The material can include polycarbonate, nylon, or glass filled nylon. Alternately, any other material, or combination of materials, that provide rigidity to protective enclosure100can be used. Body110can be formed using any suitable process, such as an injection molding process. The back or sides of body110may also include stylistic patterns, images, graphics, and/or one or more color combinations.

Protective case100also includes camera aperture150in a back surface of protective case100. Camera aperture150provides optical access and/or an optical path to/from a camera and/or a flash of an installed electronic device. In other words, camera aperture150permits use of the camera and/or flash even though the electronic device is installed in protective case100and much of the back of the electronic device is covered by protective case100. Camera aperture150may be covered with a clear, mostly clear, transparent, or mostly transparent membrane, lens, or film that protects the camera and/or the flash but also still permits optical access and/or an optical path to/from the camera and/or flash. In some examples, the membrane or film may serve a lensing function and/or provide an optical effect, such as magnification.

Protective case100provides protection for an installed electronic device against external forces by reducing or eliminating transfer of those forces to the installed electronic device, as well as providing a relatively soft contact surface for the installed electronic device. The relatively soft contact surface can resist scratching, scraping, marring, and/or rub marks. While providing protection, protective case100enables a user to still use the electronic device while it is in protective case100.

In one embodiment, one of inner surface120and body110may be comolded (or co-molded) onto the other, comolded with the other, or overmolded onto the other. In another embodiment, they may be molded as separate pieces and adhered together after the molding process. In yet other embodiments, inner surface120and body110may not be formed, molded, or adhered together but may fit together as an assembly. Inner surface120and body110may have approximately the same thickness throughout protective enclosure100and in other embodiments can vary in thickness. The thickness can vary depending on the manufacturing process and/or the design of protective enclosure100. In yet other embodiments, inner surface may not be formed from a different material than body110and inner surface120may simply be the inner surface of the member that makes up body110.

When inner surface120and body110are formed, adhered, or fitted together, protective enclosure100may provide a one-piece construction that functions like, and provides benefits similar to, a more costly and possibly more complicated two-piece or three-piece assembly. However, it should be understood that the protective case features described herein are not to be limited to a protective case with an inner liner and an outer shell. It should be understood that the improvements disclosed herein may be implemented in a case with a single layer (e.g., a hard rigid layer or a soft flexible layer), a case made of a single material (e.g., a polycarbonate, a silicone, etc.), a case made of a single component, a case with more than two layers, a case made of more than two materials, and/or a case made of more than two components. For example, the case improvements disclosed herein could be implemented into a clam shell case with two or more pieces, a sliding case with two or more pieces, a hinged case with two or more pieces, etc. In other examples, protective case100may be a case that is assembled from a greater number of components or members. For example, protective case100may be assembled from two members, three members, four members, or more. The improvements disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to any particular case or protective case design.

Protective case100also includes one or more button pads160on one or more sides of protective case100. In some cases, button pads160may be formed in or from the material that makes up inner surface120. Button pads160correspond to respective buttons or control features of an installed electronic device. Button pads160enable actuation or operation of the respective buttons or control features of the installed electronic device from outside of protective case100without necessarily having direct access to the buttons or control features. Body110and/or inner surface120may also include an another aperture, hole, or opening for directly accessing a button, switch, port, or control feature of the installed electronic device. Button pads and apertures may have many other shapes or configurations. A protective case may have more or fewer button pads or apertures than illustrated, or no button pads or apertures at all.

Protective case100also includes grip aperture140in the back surface of protective case100. Grip aperture140extends from inside of protective case100through inner surface120and body110to provide an aperture or hole that extends all the way through to the back of the case. As discussed with respect to other figures herein, grip aperture140facilitates operation and use of a device grip, such as device grip190, with a protective case, such as protective case100. The size, shape, quantity, or position, of grip aperture140may vary.FIG. 3illustrates a back view of protective case100. Outer surface130of protective case100is visible inFIG. 3.

FIG. 4illustrates a back perspective view of protective case100with device grip190installed. Although mostly hidden inFIG. 4, an electronic device180is installed in protective case100inFIG. 4and can be partially seen through camera aperture150. Electronic device180may be any type of phone, smartphone, tablet computer, gaming device, portable electronic device, audio player, video player, camera, portable computer, two-way radio, GPS receiver, and/or other portable device. Camera aperture150provides optical access for at least a camera lens181and/or a flash182of electronic device180. Many other camera, flash, and lens configurations are possible.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, device grip190attaches directly to a back surface of electronic device180through grip aperture140. Beneficially, protective case100does not interfere with the attachment of device grip190to electronic device180. Device grip190can be attached to electronic device180in the same manner and position as it would be if protective case100was not present. InFIG. 4, device grip190is illustrated in an extended, partially extended, or use position.

FIG. 4also illustrates an access port170for accessing an electrical interface of installed electronic device180(electrical interface not visible). The electrical interface may be for transmitting and/or receiving electrical data communication signals and/or power to/from electronic device180. The electrical interface may include or may be configured to mate with a standardized electrical plug or connector such as, for example, a USB connector, a mini USB connector, a micro USB connector, an APPLE LIGHTNING® connector, a proprietary electronic connector, and/or an electrical connector of another type.

Protective case100may also permit access to other features of installed electronic device180. For example, protective case100may permit access to an audio feature of electronic device180, such as a speaker or headphone jack of electronic device180. In some configurations, protective case100may include an aperture with a water impermeable membrane that allows sound to pass through the membrane while keeping water from passing through the associated aperture.

FIG. 5illustrates a back perspective view of protective case100and device grip190in use by a user. Similar toFIG. 4, device grip190is in an extended position, or partially extended position, that enables the user to more reliably, more easily, and/or more steadily hold protective case100and installed electronic device180. The user places one or two fingers around or under grip end191of device grip190in order to hold electronic device180. Since expanding portion192of device grip190has a smaller diameter or smaller cross section than grip end191, it is easier for the user to hold installed electronic device180and the chances of dropping it are reduced.

FIG. 6illustrates a back perspective view of protective case100and device grip190in a viewing configuration on a surface210. Surface210may be a desk, table, or tray on which a user wishes to position in order to view it without having to hold it. In some situations, expanding portion192of device grip190may pivot, flex, or snap in multiple directions to adjusting the resulting viewing angle of installed electronic device180. Beneficially, protective case100permits this use and operation of device grip190and electronic device180to occur in a same or similar manner as it would if protective case100were not present.

FIG. 7illustrates a back view of protective case100with electronic device180and device grip190in a non-extended position. This non-extended position may also be referred to as a stowed position, a storage position, a stored position, or a non-use position.FIG. 8provides a side view of the configuration ofFIG. 7. As illustrated inFIG. 8, back surface130of protective case100has a shape or contour that makes back surface130flush, substantially flush, or significantly flush with grip end191of device grip190when it is in the non-extended position. Because device grip190can be compressed to only a certain minimum height, without the improvements disclosed herein device grip190would extend past back surface130even in the stowed position. The resulting lip or edge of grip end191could make it difficult to slide the assembly in and out of pockets or bags and could result in unwanted snagging or catching. Further, a significant gap between an edge of grip end191and grip aperture140could be a path for dust, water, snow, mud, or debris to get inside protective case100.

The contour or shape of back surface130extends up to meet the edge of grip end191at grip aperture140in order to provide a smoother back surface for the overall assembly even though protective case may have an overall or envelope thickness that is greater than it may otherwise have. The generally smoother overall envelope reduces or minimizes snagging or catching on pockets, bags, or other items when device grip190is in the non-extended position. This configuration may also provide a better overall aesthetic appearance. In this way, protective case100accommodates existing device grips, such as device grip190, which may have a minimum thickness that is greater than a minimum back wall thickness of protective case100. It should be noted that many shapes or contours of back surface130are possible as long as a smooth, somewhat smooth, flush, or somewhat flush interface is created between back surface130and grip end191at an edge of grip aperture140.

In some examples, a thickness of the back wall of protective case100proximate grip aperture140is greater than thicknesses of other portions of the back wall such that outer surface130is approximately flush with grip end191when the device grip190is attached to the installed electronic device and is in a non-extended position. In some examples, outer surface130of the back wall of body110is non-planar such that outer surface130is approximately or substantially flush with grip end191when device grip190is attached to the installed electronic device and is in a non-extended position. In some examples, outer surface130of the back wall of body110of protective case100has a non-planar shape and is configured such that an outer edge of grip aperture140is proximate a distal end of the device grip190when device grip190is attached to the installed electronic device at a proximal end and is in a storage position.

In some examples, protective case100may be removable from electronic device180without removing device grip190. This may be beneficial if an adhesive used to attach device grip190to electronic device180is permanent or semi-permanent.

It should be understood that many variations are possible to accommodate different types of device grips. Variations may include varying: a position of grip aperture140, a shape of grip aperture140, a size of grip aperture140, a quantity of grip apertures, the thickness of the back wall of protective case100, and/or one or more contours of back surface130. The contour(s) may result in solid, hollow, or partially hollow portions of the back wall.

In some examples, a position of grip aperture140may be chosen based on known weight distribution characteristics of electronic device180and/or protective case100to achieve desired balance characteristics. In other examples, a position of grip aperture140may be chosen to improve or optimize use of an associated grip as a stand.

In some examples, back surface130may include colors or graphics which match or contrast with colors of graphics on grip end191. In some cases, a non-round grip aperture may be used to better facilitate alignment or orientation of graphics.

Although protective case100is intended to work with already existing device grip designs, in some situations different lengths of device grips may be produced or offered to take into account or accommodate a thickness of protective case100such that the usable thickness of the extended device grip (seeFIG. 5) is the same or similar as it would be in a standard installation in which no protective case was present.

In some examples, one or more contours of back may be chosen to better fit an inside of a user's hand or partially bent fingers in addition to accomplishing the other objectives disclosed herein. In other words, the back surface of protective case100may be curved to better fit a user's hand as well as provide a flush fit, or near flush fit, for a stowed device grip.

In some examples, each of grip aperture140and/or device grip190may include a gasket and/or gasket seat to form a dust-resistant, dustproof, water-resistant, waterproof, mud-resistant, mudproof, snow-resistant, and/or snowproof seal when device grip190is in the non-extended or stowed position. One or more of these features may be used in conjunction with an otherwise water-resistant or waterproof protective case100.

In some examples, one or more areas of the edge of grip aperture140and/or grip end191may contain a small recess, cutout, gap, or notch which enables a user to get a fingernail or thin object between them to more easily extend it while providing minimal reduction of benefit to overall smooth, non-catching contour of the solution. The recess may be formed in grip aperture140and/or grip end191. This recess may be in one particular area or in multiple distinct locations around the perimeter (for example, in two, three, or four locations). In other examples, a recess which facilitates extending of device grip190may exist around the entire perimeter of grip aperture140and/or grip end191. In some examples, this feature may be implemented through use of a beveled or rounded edge in a specific area or the entire perimeter of grip aperture140and/or grip end191.

In some examples, protective case100may include a removable plug to plug, close, or cover grip aperture140if not used and/or when not in use. In some examples, this plug may be formed as a part of body110such that it stays in place if a user does not use this option.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a protective case900and a device grip cap920. Protective case900is a protective case or cover for an electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, and may have any of the features, functions, and/or characteristics of protective case100. However, protective case900may not necessarily include grip aperture140and/or may not have a thicker region, sloped region, or contoured region which provides a smooth interface up to a top edge of an installed device grip. In the example ofFIG. 9A, device grip cap920provides an alternative solution that also provides a generally, most, substantially, or primarily smooth outer surface when device grip190is not in use in order to reduce the chances of it catching or snagging on edges of a pocket, bag, or other item.

FIG. 9Billustrates an end cross-sectional view of device grip cap920installed over a device grip190that is attached to protective case900. In the example ofFIG. 9B, device grip190is in the stowed or non-use position. Device grip190includes a tapered, accordion-like structure that allows it to be compressed or compacted when not in use. Device grip cap920fits over device grip190such that the back surface of the overall assembly is generally smooth, or at least smoother than it would be were device grip cap920not present. In this way, inadvertent snagging or catching of device grip190on another object is reduced when device grip190is in the stowed position. This configuration makes the overall assembly easier to slide in and out of pockets, bags, and/or similar storage areas.

Device grip cap920may be made of any material or combination of materials and may be attached to device grip190using any known method. In some examples, device grip cap920may have one or more transparent regions which allow a logo or graphics on a top of device grip190to remain visible even though device grip cap920is installed over it. Device grip cap920may have a shape, contours, and/or features that are different than those illustrated inFIGS. 9A-9Dwhile still using the same techniques and/or achieving similar results.

When device grip190is in the unstowed or use position, device grip cap920is moved away from protective case900along with the top of device grip190to still allow device grip190to be used as intended and provide the benefits described herein. Beneficially, device grip cap920provides a smoother back surface for the assembly without necessarily having to utilize a contoured back surface on the protective case as illustrated inFIGS. 3-8. In other words, the benefit can be achieved without a specialized protective case having the features described inFIGS. 3-8.FIG. 9Cillustrates an end view of protective case900and device grip cap920installed over device grip190.

FIG. 9Dillustrates device grip cap920including an opening feature925. Opening feature925may be any feature which makes it easier to get a finger-hold or grip on device grip cap920to pull it and device grip190to the unstowed position. Opening feature925may include a cutout, slot, hole, recess, ridge, protrusion, lip, and/or textured surface for getting a better grip on device grip cap920for deployment. Multiple instances of opening feature925may be distributed around the perimeter of device grip cap920. Opening feature925may also be configured for use with a small tool in addition to, or in place of, operation using a finger.

FIG. 10Aillustrates protective case900and a bistable cap1020. Bistable cap1020provides an alternative solution for providing a generally smooth outer surface when device grip190is not in use in order to reduce the chances of it snagging on edges of a pocket, bag, or other item.FIG. 10Billustrates an end cross-sectional view of bistable cap1020installed over a device grip190that is attached to protective case900. In the example ofFIG. 10B, device grip190is in the stowed or non-use position. It includes a tapered, accordion-like structure that allows it to be compressed when not in use. Bistable cap1020fits over device grip190such that the back surface of the overall assembly is generally smooth, or at least smoother than it would be if bistable cap1020not present. In this way, inadvertent snagging or catching of device grip190is reduced when device grip190is in the stowed position.

Bistable cap1020may be made of any material or combination of materials and may be attached to device grip190using any known method. Bistable cap1020generally has two stable states or positions, which are illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C. In one example, bistable cap1020has a shape similar to a portion of a sphere or dome with a concave side and convex side and can be reversibly reconfigured such that the concave and convex sides are alternated. In other words, it may be a portion of a dome or sphere that can be turned ‘inside out.’ In some examples, bistable cap1020may not necessarily be spherical. Bistable cap1020may have a shape, contours, and/or features that are different than those illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10C.

When a user wishes to use device grip190, a center portion of bistable cap1020is pressed with a finger or other object in a generally downward direction. This externally applied force or pressure causes bistable cap to1020transition to the other of its two stable states, as illustrated inFIG. 10C. It temporarily remains in this state to allow a user to access and/or use device grip190. When the user is finished, one or more edges of bistable cap1020are pressed to cause it to return to the initial state illustrated inFIG. 10A.

Device grip cap920and/or bistable cap1020may also be removable or replaceable and may include graphics, colors, pictures, and/or patterns that are selected to complement or coordinate with protective case100.

While the examples ofFIGS. 9A-9D and 10A-10Care illustrated with respect to a protective case900, any of the elements or features may be implemented or used with a protective case. In other words, any of device grip190, device grip cap920, and/or bistable cap1020may be used directly with an electronic device even though no protective case is present. In these examples, device grip190may be attached directly to a back surface of the electronic device. In some cases, the term ‘housing’ may be used herein to refer to either the primary housing of an electronic device and/or a supplemental protective case or cover for an electronic device.

FIG. 11illustrates a back view of a protective case1100with device grip190in a stowed position. Protective case1100may contain any of the features, functions, elements, and/or characteristics of previously described protective case100and/or protective case900. In the illustration ofFIG. 11, an electronic device is removably insertable into protective case1100from an opposite side of protective case1100(from the side facing into the page inFIG. 11). Sides1112of protective case1100hold the electronic device in protective case1100and may be flexible or pliable. Other protective case configurations are possible.

Back surface1110of protective case1100has a shape which includes contours selected to better accommodate grip190. Specifically, back surface1110includes a concave area1118in which device grip190is attached to protective case1100. Concave area1118may also be described as a recess, a recessed area, and/or a cavity. When device grip190is in a stowed or collapsed position, a significant portion, a majority of, or all of device grip190is positioned within concave area1118. As with other examples discussed herein, this configuration provides a smoother overall surface or envelope of protective case1100, including device grip190. This design reduces the chances that device grip190will get snagged on an edge of a pocket or a bag when device grip190is not in use and is in the stowed position. In some examples, stowed device grip190may be completely flush with back surface1110. In other examples, stowed device grip190may be partially or substantially flush with back surface1110.

Back surface1110of protective case1100may include a shape or contours that slope upward from the sides1112of protective case1100to the edge of concave area1118. An inner surface of protective case1100may include a similar corresponding shape or contour. The sloped back surface and contours provide the space necessary between back surface1110and a back surface of an installed electronic device to recess concave area1118between them. In some examples, a top edge of stowed device grip190may be fully within concave area1118and may be below a plane of the upper rim or edge of concave area1118. In other words, when back surface1110of protective case1100is laid on a flat surface, stowed device grip190may be sufficiently recessed to not contact the flat surface. However, in other configurations, stowed device grip190may be flush with back surface1110or may extend slightly above the edges of concave area1118even when in the stowed position.

In addition, there may be a gap, opening, or slot between a top edge of stowed device grip190and the rim or edge of recessed area1118. This gap or opening makes it easier to for a user to grasp an edge of stowed device grip190to pull it out to the extended position. This gap, opening, or slot may extend all the way around device grip190or may be limited to a portion of recessed area1118and/or device grip190.

FIG. 12illustrates protective case1100with device grip190is an extended or use position. This configuration may provide many advantages as discussed in the examples ofFIGS. 4-6and elsewhere herein. In this configuration, device grip190extends significantly beyond concave area1118so it can be used for holding or supporting protective case1100in various ways. Expanding portion192of device grip190is also visible inFIG. 12. While device grip190and concave area1118are round in these examples, other compatible shapes are possible including oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any polygon.

FIG. 13illustrates a front perspective view of protective case1100which illustrates inside surface1111of protective case1100. An opposing or back side of concave area1118is also visible on inside surface1111. However, this internal structure or shape is not necessary and inside surface may be flat or planar. In the latter case, the back wall of protective case100may vary in thickness to provide the desired contour and/or a cavity may exist between inside surface1111and outside surface1110.

FIG. 14illustrates protective case1100with device grip190detached. Device grip190is illustrated with expanding portion192in a collapsed position. InFIG. 14, a receiver193is visible on back surface1110in concave area1118. Receiver193may be any type of mechanical structure or feature configured to removably engage with and/or removably attach to an attachment feature194of device grip190. Receiver193and attachment feature194may include any features or elements which allow them to temporarily engage, connect, attach, or interface, but also be selectively disengaged, disconnected, and/or detached. Receiver193may be molded as part of protective case1100or may be a separate element that is adhered to or affixed to protective case1100. In other examples, receiver193may be a separate component that becomes affixed to protective case1100as part of a molding process of protective case1100. Other configurations are possible.

The configuration inFIG. 14provides several distinct advantages. First, device grip190may be used with an electronic device without have to adhere it directly to the electronic device. Second, device grip190may be collapsed or stowed partially or completely into concave area1118when not in use thereby reducing unwanted catching or snagging on other objects. Third, device grip190is readily removable from the protective case. It may be desirable to remove the device grip for a number of reasons including: because it is not expected to be used in the near future, in order to switch to a different device grip having different colors, graphics, or features, and/or to replace a broken device grip.

Attachment feature194of device grip190may attached to receiver193in a variety of ways. In one example, the two elements may utilize rotary engage features that attach or detach by rotating the two elements with respect to each other. One or both components may also include retention features which cause them engage in a manner in which they click or snap into place and require additional force for removal. Device grip190may be configured such that the top191only engages attachment feature194to rotatably remove when device grip190is in the collapsed position and/or when a downward force is applied. In this way, device grip190may only be removable when it is in the collapsed position and may reduce the chances of unintended detachment.

FIG. 15illustrates a back view of a protective case1500with device grip190in a stowed position. Protective case1500may contain any of the features, functions, elements, and/or characteristics of previously described protective case100, protective case900, and/or protective case1100. In the illustration ofFIG. 15, an electronic device is removably insertable into protective case1500from an opposite side of protective case1500(from the side facing into the page inFIG. 15).

FIG. 16illustrates protective case1500with device grip190in an extended or use position. This configuration may provide advantages similar to those discussed with respect to the examples ofFIGS. 4-6and elsewhere herein. In this configuration, device grip190extends so it can be used for holding or supporting protective case1500in various ways. Expanding portion192of grip190is also visible inFIG. 16.FIG. 16illustrates that back surface1510of protective case1500includes a cutout or recess1518that corresponds a size and shape of device grip190. Recess1518allows at least a portion of device grip190to be recessed with respect to back surface1510such that device grip190protrudes less than it otherwise would when it is in the stowed position.

FIG. 17illustrates protective case1500with device grip190detached. Device grip190is illustrated with expanding portion192in a collapsed position. InFIG. 17, a receiver193is visible on back surface1510in recessed area1518. Receiver193may be molded as part of protective case1500or may be a separate element that is adhered to or affixed to protective case1500. In other examples, receiver193may be a separate component that becomes affixed to protective case1500as part of the molding process of protective case1500.

The configuration illustrated inFIG. 17provides several distinct advantages. First, device grip190may be used with an electronic device without have to adhere it directly to the electronic device. Second, device grip190may be collapsed or stowed partially into recessed area1518when not in use to reduce unwanted catching of it on other objects, such as the edge of a person's pocket. Third, device grip190is readily removable from the protective case. It may be desirable to remove the device grip for a number of reasons including: because it is not expected to be used in the near future, in order to switch to a different device grip, and/or to replace a broken device grip. In some examples, a user may wish to switch between device grips having different colors or graphics.

FIG. 18illustrates the configuration ofFIG. 17with protective case1500further disassembled. Protective case1500includes an inner shell1501and an outer layer1502that fits over inner shell1501. In some examples, outer layer1502may be a pliable cushion layer. Inner shell1501includes receiver193and recessed area1518. Outer layer1502includes an opening or aperture1507that coincides with recessed area1518and device grip190when attached. This configuration allows device grip190to be at least partially recessed into protective case1500in in order to reduce the amount it protrudes when in the stowed position while still leaving enough of it accessible so a user can grasp it with a fingertip or fingernail.

Various components described herein may be manufactured, provided, or sold in the form of a system or a kit. The system or kit may include any combination of: a protective case or cover having any combination of the features described herein and a compatible device grip. The system or kit need not include every component or feature described herein.

The elements, components, and steps described herein are meant to exemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as they are only exemplary embodiments.

The phrases “in some embodiments,” “according to some embodiments,” “in the embodiments shown,” “in other embodiments,” “in some examples,” “in other examples,” “in some cases,” “in some situations,” “in one configuration,” “in another configuration,” and the like generally mean that the particular technique, feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and/or may be included in more than one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different embodiments.

The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Other modifications and variations may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments described in the foregoing disclosure were chosen to explain the principles of the concept and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is intended that the claims be construed to include other alternative embodiments of the invention except as limited by the prior art.