Case for handheld devices with one or more integral tools

An apparatus comprises a case and additional protective materials within the case for handheld devices. The additional protective materials are metals, plastics, and/or composites. The additional protective materials may be molded into a single case to form a second layer of protection on one side of the device's case. Part of the protective housing is an internal rigid tool that, when exposed, is able to be used for opening a bottle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a case for a handheld device, and more particularly to a case that includes a tool or an appendage that provides an additional benefit that is different than protecting the handheld device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

With the advancement of technology in the fields of electronics and computers, more powerful features and elements have been integrated into handheld electronic devices. However, the integration of these innovations into handheld devices has amounted to the production of very expensive and delicate devices. Accessories, in the form of cases, have been produced to keep the handheld devices safe from unexpected incidents due to mishandling, but existing cases only provide the single function of providing physical protection from unintentional mishaps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

I. General Overview

A case for handheld devices is described where the case comprises a rigid shell and a rigid tool in the rigid shell. Examples of handheld devices with which such a case may be used include cell phones, smart phones, handheld computers, GPS devices, and digital media players.

The rigid tool may serve one or more purposes. In an embodiment, the tool is a bottle opener. In other embodiments, the tool may be a knife, a nail file, or a wine bottle opener, which is shaped differently than a typical bottle opener. Embodiments may use any kind of tool that may be formed in a generally planar piece of rigid material that may move by sliding into and out of the case, or that may rotate from the case, or that may extend from a rear surface of the case.

In this description, the term “case” may refer to only the rigid shell or to both the rigid shell and the tool.

In an embodiment, not only does the case serve as a means to attach a tool to a handheld device, the case serves as a means to provide protection to at least a portion of the handheld device.

The tool may be attached or mounted to the case in numerous ways. For example, the tool may be secured to the outside of the case, in which case the tool is continuously exposed, whether or not the tool is in a position for use.

In an alternative embodiment, the case includes an enclosure into which the tool may be inserted and encased. When the tool is fully encased into the enclosure, the tool is not exposed, fully or partially. When the tool is fully extended from the enclosure in a position at which the tool may be used, an end of the tool is fully exposed. The enclosure may be molded into the case or may itself be a separate piece that is attached or secured to the case.

In a related embodiment, the case is designed to store or house one or more items, whether rigid or not. Thus, the case comprises a storage space that may be used to store or house another object, such as credit cards, cash, ear buds, a golf green repair tool, a radar detector, electronics for satellite communications, a laser pointer, a Wii motion controller, a Swiss army knife, a USB drive, or a flash light. The storage space may be adapted to one or more of these or other items. Alternatively, the storage space may not be adapted to any item, but may be generic enough to allow multiple types of items to be stored in the storage space.

In an embodiment, the case is adapted to store a USB (or Universal Serial Bus) drive that, when attached to the case, is also connected to a USB dock of the handheld device in order to transfer data directly to the handheld device. In this way, the case allows for added memory storage for the handheld device.

In an embodiment, the case is adapted to allow one of a removable credit card swipe, a removable battery, or a removable solar panel to be attached to the case. When attached to the case, the removable battery or removable solar panel is connected to the handheld device and, when connected, is able to charge a battery of the handheld device.

In an embodiment, a case includes an electronic chip that is associated with a user's account. The case is designed to allow the electronic chip to interface with a handheld device that is secured to the case. When secured to the case, the handheld device operates as if the handheld device belongs to the user associated with the user account. For example, a cell phone is inserted into a particular case that includes an electronic chip. The electronic chip is associated with an account of a particular user. The particular user may operate the cell phone as if the cell phone belonged to the particular user. Thus, any data and/or voice usage of the cell phone while the cell phone is secured in the case is accounted for in the particular user's cell account. If a second (i.e., different) cell phone is inserted into the particular case, then any data and/or voice usage of the second cell phone while the second cell phone is secured in the case is also accounted for in the particular user's cell account.

II. Views of a Case

FIG. 1is a posterior view of a case110that includes a tool. In an embodiment, the tool comprises a bottle opener120. In this view, the opening end of the bottle opener120is exposed from an enclosure130or recess that is part of the case110. Any display or screen of the handheld device is exposed on an opposite side of the case110that is depicted inFIG. 1.

In an embodiment, case110includes a thumb140that is used to slidably extend or move the bottle opener120to an extended position. From the extended position, the bottle opener120can be used to remove a bottle cap. The thumb140is also used to slide the bottle opener120back into the enclosure130to an enclosed or initial position. In an embodiment where the case110does not include an enclosure, the initial position of the bottle opener120is a position in which the bottle opener120cannot be used to remove a bottle cap.

FIG. 2is a top-side view of the case110. This view includes a different view of enclosure130and thumb140. Specifically,FIG. 2depicts, as part of the enclosure130, an opening from which the bottle opener120extends.FIG. 2also depicts a line that indicates how a cross section of the enclosure130is depicted inFIG. 3. As depicted inFIG. 2, the enclosure130may be designed to take up minimal space relative to the rest of the case110.

FIG. 3is a posterior view of the case110that includes the bottle opener120in an enclosed or initial position. This posterior view depicts the bottle opener120and parts of the enclosure130with half the enclosure130removed.FIG. 3also depicts holes310,320of a spring and a ball bearing locking mechanism that is used to lock the bottle opener120in an enclosed position in order to keep from exiting the enclosure130unintentionally.FIG. 3also depicts a cross section of the housing330and a sidewall340of the enclosure130. The housing330includes a gap350that allows for movement of the thumb140.

FIG. 4is a posterior view of the case110and the enclosure130.FIG. 4is similar toFIG. 1except that the bottle opener is in an enclosed or initial position. In the position ofFIG. 4, no part of the bottle opener extends beyond the opening of the enclosure130. The position of the thumb140inFIG. 4indicates an enclosed position, whereas the position of thumb140inFIG. 1indicates an extended position.

FIG. 5is a side view of the case110and the enclosure130. A face of the handheld device may be viewed at an anterior view of the case110. Similar toFIG. 2,FIG. 5depicts the minimal space (relative to the remainder of the case110) that is occupied by the enclosure130.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of the face of a handheld device600that is partially-surrounded by a case610, to which a bottle opener620is secured. In this figure, the bottle opener620is in an extended position, in which the bottle opener620may be used to open a bottle.

The face of the handheld device600might include a visual display, one or more physical buttons to operate the handheld device600, and a speaker for audio output. The case610may comprise one or more openings to allow different parts of the handheld device600to be exposed. For example, one of the openings allows volume controls of the handheld device600to be exposed to a user. Another opening might allow a microphone to be exposed. Another opening might allow a cord to be plugged into the handheld device600in order to charge a battery of the handheld device600.

FIG. 7depicts a perspective view of the case610with an enclosure730and a thumb740. The thumb740is for moving the bottle opener620to an extended position and to an enclosed position. InFIG. 7, the bottle opener620is in an enclosed position in which only a small portion of the bottle opener620is exposed to view.

III. Composition of the Case

Embodiments may use any particular material for the case. For example, the case may be molded from any plastic, metal, carbon fiber, or composite materials, and may comprise wood, pressed or laminated papers, resins, or other materials.

In an embodiment where the case includes an enclosure, the enclosure is a separate unit from the case and is attached to the case. In this embodiment, the enclosure may comprise any of the materials identified above and is large enough to store one or more items. The enclosure may be attached or secured to the case using any mechanism, such as screw(s), bolt(s), and/or adhesive, resin, mechanical frictional elements such as tabs and slots, or other means. In this embodiment, when the enclosure is detached from the case, any item that is stored within the enclosure can also be moved independent of the case.

In an alternative embodiment, the case and the enclosure are a single unit comprising any of the materials identified above. In other words, the enclosure is not affixed to or attached to the case, but is rather an integral component of the case.

The material(s) from which the enclosure is made may provide additional protection to a portion of the handheld device.

IV. Operating the Bottle Opener

In an embodiment, the bottle opener slides out of the enclosure in response to movement of a button that allows the bottle opener to move or slide relatively freely.

In an embodiment, the bottle opener is entirely removable from the case. In other words, the bottle opener may be detached from the case and operated independent of the case. The case may be designed such that the bottle opener is easily attachable to and detachable from the case.

In an embodiment, the case includes a locking mechanism that secures the bottle opener in the initial position and, optionally, in the extended position. The locking mechanism may comprise a spring. The spring may be disposed within a recess of the case or the enclosure130. The spring may be contiguous with an end portion of the bottle opener that is opposite of the end of the bottle opener that removes a cap. The spring may be contiguous with an inner surface of the recess. In this example, when the bottle opener is in the initial position, the spring is compressed between the bottle opener and the inner surface. Also in this example, the case may include a button that is operable to release the locking mechanism and allow the spring to decompress to cause the bottle opener to move to the extended position.

In an embodiment, the bottle opener is friction fit in the case. In other words, the mechanism that is used to keep the bottle opener from sliding out to an extended position unintentionally is the friction between the bottle opener and the enclosure in which the bottle opener rests. In this way, manual push/pull operation of a thumb attached to the bottle opener or manual push/pull operation of the bottle opener causes moving the bottle opener to an extended position and/or to an initial position.

In a related embodiment, the bottle opener is constrained by a spring and ball bearing to hold the bottle opener in an initial position inside an enclosure. In this embodiment, the spring and ball bearing may also keep the bottle opener in an extended position when used to open a bottle.

Some embodiments described thus far are structured for the bottle opener sliding out from an enclosure to an extended position. In a related embodiment, the bottle opener swings out by rotating on point near the opposite side of the functional end of the bottle opener. This rotation motion is about the vertical axis that is perpendicular to one of the two main sides of the handheld device. The resulting or extended position of the bottle opener may be where the bottle opener is perpendicular to the length of the handheld device, in which case the bottle opening end is 90° from its initial position. Alternatively, the extended position of the bottle opener may be where the bottle opener is parallel to the length of the handheld device, in which case the bottle opening end is 180° from its initial position.

In a related embodiment, the functional end of the bottle opener “flips up,” i.e., moves about the lateral axis (which runs parallel to the top and bottom sides of the handheld device).

V. Additional Features

In an embodiment, the case includes one or more electronic components that play recorded sounds that are activated by certain actions. Such actions may include sliding the bottle opener out to an extended position, opening a bottle using the bottle opener, and returning the bottle opener to its initial position.

In a related embodiment, the handheld device that is encompassed, at least partially, by the case executes a software application that detects a specific motion of the handheld device, where the specific motion is indicative of opening a bottle cap. The specific motion may be determined from detecting a starting position of the handheld device (e.g., in 3-dimensional space), an ending position of the handheld device, and, optionally, an amount of time that elapsed from the starting position to the ending position. The software application may read values from an accelerometer in the handheld device to accomplish detecting positions. For example, the yaw, pitch, and roll of the handheld device during a specific motion are measured to determine whether that specific motion indicates the opening of a bottle. In response to the software application detecting that the handheld device moved in that specific motion (or range of motion), the software application causes a particular sound to play. For example, the played sound may be the opening of a bottle, the cheer of a crowd, or a particular ringtone. Additionally or alternatively to causing a particular sound to play, the software application may cause the handheld device to display digital video, one or more digital images, or one or more icons.

Prior to the software application detecting the motion, the software application may allow a user to select the song or video to play and/or the image to display when the handheld device is moved in the specific motion described herein.

In an embodiment, a case is designed to allow a metal tool (e.g., a metal blade designed to function as a bottle opener) to be inserted into the case and allow the metal tool to make a physical or electronic connection between a phone (i.e., the handheld device in the case) and the metal tool. In this way, antenna performance may be improved due to the “extra” metal (i.e., of the metal tool) that may be used to receive a cell signal.

A. Main Components

FIG. 8Adepicts perspective views of a case. In an embodiment, a case comprises a top cover810, a bottom cover820, a knob830, a blade840, and an inner cover850. The top cover810attaches to the bottom cover820to provide, to a handheld device, protection from forces resulting from dropping the case or striking the outside of the case. The knob830may be used to move the blade840to an extended position and back to an initial position. The inner cover850is used to provide, to the handheld device, protection from the blade840when the blade840is used to remove a bottle cap.

FIG. 8Aalso depicts a longitudinal axis, lateral axis, and vertical axis. The axes802,804,806are referenced herein to describe how different components of the case align with each other and the handheld device and how the different components move along an axis or rotate about an axis. The longitudinal axis802is parallel to a length of the case and the lateral axis804is parallel to a width of the case. For example, while the blade840moves along the longitudinal axis, certain components of the case prevent the blade from moving along any of the other axes and rotating about any of the axes.

B. Top Cover

FIG.8B1-5depict different views of the top cover810. In an embodiment, top cover810includes an enclosure opening812from where the blade840extends and retracts. In an embodiment, the top cover810also includes a knob opening814that allows the thumb portion850of the knob830to be exposed to a user of the handheld device to enable the user to move the knob830along the longitudinal axis802, which causes the blade840to also move along the longitudinal axis802.

Other openings816A,816B,816C,816D in the top cover810accommodate other functions of the handheld device. For example, opening816A allows a camera lens of handheld device to be exposed. Therefore, different cases may have different openings depending on the functions of the handheld devices.

The inside of the top cover810includes knob tracks818(depicted in FIGS.8B1-3) where a portion (838) of the knob830rests. The knob tracks818ensure that the knob830can move along the longitudinal axis802, but not along the lateral axis804. Because the blade840fits around a portion838of the knob830, the knob tracks818also ensure that the blade840does not move along the lateral axis804.

The top cover810also includes grooves819A-B (depicted in FIGS.8B2-3) on two sides of the top cover810. The groves819A-B allow two edges of the inner cover850(described in more detail herein) to slide into the top cover810in order to prevent the inner cover850from moving along the lateral axis804and from moving along the vertical axis806.

C. Bottom Cover

FIGS.8C1-3depict different views of the bottom cover820. The bottom cover820fits securely with the top cover810to protect the handheld device from outside forces.

In an embodiment, the bottom cover820includes an opening822to accommodate one or more functions of the handheld device. The bottom cover820also includes grooves824A-B that allow the blade840to be in the initial or original position without the corners of the non-opening end844blade840coming into contact with the bottom cover820. The grooves824A-B may also be designed to prevent the blade840from moving along the lateral axis804.

FIGS.8D1-3depicts an embodiment of blade840. As indicated above, the blade840may comprise any material that may be used to remove a bottle cap. In the embodiment of FIGS.8D1-3, the blade840is 304 grade stainless steel. Other embodiments may use other materials and thicknesses.

Also, as indicated in FIG.8D2, the dimensions of the blade840include the following: 14 gauge thickness (which is between 0.067 and 0.075 inches), 2.95 inches long (i.e., along the longitudinal axis802), and 1.378 inches wide (i.e., along the lateral axis804).

The blade840comprises an opening end842and a non-opening end844. The opening end842comprises an opening that is configured to lift and to remove most bottle caps. The top edge of the opening and portions of the left and right edges of the opening are generally straight. The corners where the left edge meets the top edge and the right edge meets the top edge are rounded. The other portions of the left and right edges of the opening are generally straight and angled inward. The main portion of the bottom edge of the opening is generally straight and protrudes towards the center of the opening, causing the shape of the opening to be non-convex.

The blade840also comprises a knob fitting region846that is shaped to allow multiple sides of a portion (854) of the knob830to be surrounded by the blade840. Thus, movement of the knob830along the longitudinal axis802also causes the blade840to move along the longitudinal axis802.

FIG.8E1-3depict different views of the knob830. The knob830comprises a thumb portion832, a neck portion834, and a blade portion836. The thumb portion832is exposed to a user of the handheld device and is visible from a view of the outside of the case. The neck portion834connects the thumb portion832to the blade portion836.

The blade portion836includes a ridge838that fits between the knob tracks818of the top cover810. When the ridge838is between the knob tracks818, the knob830is unable to move along the lateral axis.

The blade portion836also includes a notch839(or hole), which is on the opposite side of the blade portion that includes the ridge838. An appropriately-sized detent in the inner cover850(described in more detail below) may rest in the notch839. In this state, the knob830cannot move without a certain amount of effort. Thus, in this state, the blade840, which is fitted to the knob830, does not move unintentionally without a certain amount of force.

In an alternative embodiment, the blade840includes a notch into which an appropriately-sized detent in the inner cover850may rest.

F. Inner Cover

FIG.8F1-2depict different views of an embodiment of the inner cover850. The inner cover850is configured to protect the handheld device from the blade840when the blade840is used to remove a bottle cap. When the blade840is used to remove a bottle cap, a significant amount of force may be exerted by the non-opening end842against the handheld device. With great enough magnitude, this force has the potential to damage sensitive parts of the handheld device or to compress, dent or puncture the device. Without a layer between the blade840and the handheld device, then the handheld device would be subject to the direct and full force of the non-opening end844that is generated when opening a bottle cap. In an embodiment, inner cover850is between the handheld device and the blade840.

Also, placement of the inner cover850on the blade840(on the side of the blade840opposite of the top cover810) prevents the blade840from moving along the vertical axis806.

The inner cover850may be any shape. However, in this embodiment, the sides of the inner cover850are slightly curved away from the blade840. In this way, when the blade840is used to remove a bottle cap, some of the force exerted by the non-opening end844on the blade side of the inner cover850is distributed to the sides of the inner cover850. Two edges of the inner cover850are designed to come into contact with two rounded sides of the top cover810along where the grooves819A,819B are located. In this configuration, some of the force is distributed to sides of the top cover810.

The inner cover850includes springs852A-B that are able to move along the vertical axis806. The blade840may be in constant contact with the ribs854A-B, which are part of the springs852A-B. The springs852A-B are an integral part of the inner cover850and are each connected to the inner cover850at one edge. In an embodiment, the springs852A-B help keep the blade840from moving along the vertical axis806. Also, the springs852A-B allow the thickness of the blade840to vary slightly so that, regardless of the thickness of the blade840(within a certain range), the blade840is urged into constant contact with the springs852A-B. This contact allows friction to be an element that prevents the blade840from moving too easily from the initial position to an extended position or the converse.

The inner cover850also includes a front detent856and a rear detent858. As indicated above, the blade portion836of the knob830includes the notch839. The front detent856is at a location on the inner cover850such that, when the blade840(and thus the knob830) is in the extended position, the front detent856is aligned and fits tightly with the notch839. When the front detent856is aligned with the notch839, the blade840does not easily slide back into the enclosure. Thus, the front detent856may prevent the blade840from unintentionally moving back into the enclosure during use.

The front detent856is part of a portion860of material that is connected to the inner cover850at two edges862A-B. The gaps864A-B between the portion860and the inner cover850allow the front detent856to flex about the two edges862A-B. Without the gaps864A-B, the front detent856would not adjust easily and it would be difficult for a user to the move the blade840(when the front detent856and notch839are aligned) back into the initial or enclosed position.

The rear detent858functions similar to the front detent856. The rear detent858is at a location on the inner cover850such that, when the blade840(and, thus, the knob830) is in the initial or enclosed position, the rear detent858is aligned with the notch839. When the rear detent858is aligned with the notch839, the blade840does not easily slide out of the enclosure. Thus, a purpose of the rear detent858is to prevent the blade840from unintentionally moving out of the enclosure.

VII. Additional Cases Adapted to Secure a Bottle Opener

FIG. 9A,FIG. 9B,FIG. 10A,FIG. 10B,FIG. 11A, andFIG. 11Bare views of different examples of cases that are adapted to secure a bottle opener.FIGS. 9A and 9Bdepict a case900with a built-in enclosure from which a blade910extends (as inFIG. 9A) and retracts (as inFIG. 9B). Case900also includes a knob920on the back side of the case900, instead of on a side of the case900.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bdepict a case1000with a blade1010that fits into a recess1020of one side of the case1000. The dimensions of the recess1020are such that the recess1020allows the blade1010with similar dimensions to fit tightly in the recess1020. Once the blade1010is attached or secured to the case1000(as inFIG. 10A), the blade1010does not detach from the case1000without an amount of force pulling on the opening end1012of the blade1010or an amount of force pushing on a recess1014in the blade1010. Thus, the blade1010is designed to be used as a bottle opener when it is removed or detached from the case1000.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bdepict a case1100with an enclosure that is formed by two folds1110A-B of the case1100extending from two opposing sides of the case1100. The enclosure is sized and adapted to securely fit a blade1120. Thus, like blade1010, the blade1120is designed to be used as a bottle opener when it is removed or detached from the case1100. Alternatively, other items may fit securely in the enclosure that is formed by the two folds1110A-B.