Patent Publication Number: US-2022231719-A1

Title: Protective cover for portable electronic device

Description:
I. RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/138,658, filed on Jan. 18, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present application discloses and describes a protective cover and/or case for a portable electronic device. 
     III. MOTIVATION OF THE INVENTOR 
     Presently, the prior art discloses devices for protecting mobile electronic devices against damage and devices for enhancing grasp and grip thereof. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,653,934 B2, issued in the name of Forristall et al.; 
     U.S. Patent Application No. 2016/0049983 A1, published in the name of Ripka; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 10,849,413 B2, issued in the name of Hayes; 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,995,432 B1, issued in the name of Girault; 
     U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0042476, published in the name of Karmatz; 
     U.S. Pat. No. D883,268 S, issued in the name of Daniel; and 
     U.S. Patent Application No. 2016/0036480 A1, published in the name of Hirsch. 
     Accordingly, a need continues to exist and is recognized for improvements to aftermarket accessories for mobile electronic devices, such as protective guards and cases, which provide both an enhanced firm hold and grip. 
     This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a protective cover for a portable electronic device, the cover comprising a planar body having a continuous, peripheral sidewall extends integrally upward therefrom; a plurality of distal phalanx braces integrally projecting transversely from the outer surface of the body; and a grip element, the grip element rigidly extending integrally, perpendicularly along an outer longitudinal side surface and an outer bottom side surface of the peripheral sidewall of the body, the grip element includes a plurality of loops adjacently aligned and forming a plurality of finger through holes, the protective cover providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the products, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any device, apparatus, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein. 
     IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aftermarket accessory in the form of a protective cover or case device for a mobile electronic device is disclosed. More particularly, a cover device adapted and configured for protecting electronic smart phone devices is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the protective cover comprises a body having a continuous, peripheral sidewall. 
     The body includes a grip element rigidly extending integrally, perpendicularly along an outer longitudinal side surface of the peripheral sidewall of the body. The grip element includes one or more loops adjacently aligned and forming a plurality of finger through holes. 
     According to one embodiment, the grip element may comprise a generally, crescent-shaped configuration. 
     According to another embodiment, the grip element is designed and configured in the form of a “brass knuckle-type” grip. 
     In accordance to one embodiment, the body includes one or more distal phalanx braces integrally projecting transversely from the outer surface of the body. 
     In accordance to another embodiment, the body may further include one or more middle phalanx rests in the form of minor recesses disposed along the outer surface of the body adjacent the continuous, peripheral sidewall supporting the grip element. 
     In accordance to still another embodiment, a protective case for a portable electronic device, such as a smart phone is disclosed. The protective case comprises a bottom portion and a top portion, the top portion is detachably securable to the bottom portion. The top portion comprises an annular jacket. The bottom portion comprises a generally planar body from which a continuous, peripheral sidewall extends integrally upward therefrom. 
     The body comprises a grip element rigidly extending integrally, perpendicularly along an outer longitudinal side surface of the continuous, peripheral sidewall of the body. 
     In accordance to one embodiment, the grip element may comprise a generally, crescent-shaped configuration comprising one or more loops each of which forming finger through holes. 
     In accordance to another embodiment, the grip element is designed and configured in the form of a “brass knuckle-type” grip. 
     In accordance to still another embodiment, one or more distal phalanx braces integrally project transversely from the outer surface of the body. 
     According to another embodiment, the body of the bottom portion may include one or more middle phalanx rests in the form of minor recesses disposed along the outer surface of the body adjacent the continuous, peripheral sidewall supporting the grip element. 
     According to another embodiment, the grip element is adapted and configured to be detachably secured to the protective cover body or to the body of the bottom portion via a tether and coupling means or other means for facilitating detachable coupling of the grip element to the cover body or the body of the bottom portion. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a protective cover for a portable electronic device is disclosed, wherein the cover comprises a generally planar body from which a continuous, peripheral sidewall extends integrally upward therefrom, and a grip element pivotally attached to an outer surface of the body via a pivot means adapted to allow the grip element to be positioned in a flat, compact configuration atop the rear surface of the body. 
    
    
     
       V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top plan view of a protective cover for a portable electronic device, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the protective cover of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a bottom plan view of the bottom portion of a protective cover, in accordance to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary mobile electronic device; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the top portion of a protective case for a portable electronic device, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a left side elevational view of the top portion of the protective case of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the bottom portion of a protective case for a portable electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a bottom plan view of the bottom portion of the protective case of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 5B  is a left side elevational view of the bottom portion of the protective case of  FIGS. 5 and 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a top plan view of the bottom portion of a protective case for a portable electronic device illustrating an O-ring disposed about an aperture thereof, in accordance to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded view showing detachable securement of the top portion to the bottom portion of the protective case, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines VII-VII of  FIG. 4 , illustrating an O-ring disposed about a window along an interior of the bottom portion of the case, in accordance to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     VI. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     In accordance with  FIGS. 1-2 , a protective cover for a portable electronic device  10  is disclosed for use with mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, portable media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and more particularly for use with mobile electronic smart phone devices  3  such as including, but not limited to, an Apple® iPhone®, a Samsung GALAXY®, and an LG G7®. The protective cover for a portable electronic device  10 , hereinafter “cover  10 ”, is adapted and configured to snugly enclose an entire verso surface and perimeter of a mobile electronic device  2  in a snug-fit, removably-secured manner. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “snug-fit” is defined as a substantially-intimate, close-fitting relationship. The cover  10  comprises a generally planar body  12  from which a continuous, peripheral sidewall  13  extends integrally upward therefrom. The sidewall  13  has an upper edge which extends into a slightly incurvate lip  13   a . The body  12  includes a front or interior surface  14  and a rear or outer surface  16 . The body  12  is adapted with apertures  20  defined therein being shaped, sized, and oriented to accommodate features (e.g., camera lens) of a commercially-available mobile electronic device  2  in a match-fit, positional manner. The body  12  is envisioned to further include button cusps  22  for receiving operational buttons of the mobile electronic device  2 , such as the power and volume buttons. Alternatively, it is further envisioned the body  12  may comprise removable panels or cut-out portions (not shown), gains, and/or apertures  20  and button cusps  22 . The cut-outs may be scored to facilitate quick, easy, and efficient removal thereof. 
     The body  12  further comprises a grip element  30  rigidly extending integrally, perpendicularly along an outer longitudinal side surface and outer bottom side surface of the continuous, peripheral sidewall  13  of the body  12 . In accordance to one embodiment, the grip element  30  may comprise a generally, crescent-shaped configuration comprising at least one loop  32  forming a finger through hole  34 . Preferably, the grip element  30  comprises a plurality of loops  32  adjacently aligned and forming a plurality of finger through holes  34 . Most preferably, grip element  30  comprises four loops  32  adjacently aligned and forming four finger through holes  34  sized for receiving user&#39;s index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie; user&#39;s thumb remaining free to navigate and operate the interface of the electronic mobile device  2  via the display screen  4  thereof. 
     In accordance to another embodiment, the grip element  30  is designed and configured in the form of a “brass knuckle-type” grip. 
     In accordance to one embodiment, the body  12  (including grip element  30 ) is constructed of a lightweight, rigid or semi-rigid material which may be selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to, thermoplastic olefin composition, polyolefin composition, plastic, thermoplastic, metal or a metallic-plastic composite. Preferred plastic and thermoplastic materials include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic olefin elastomer composition, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, or blends thereof, and ABS/Nylon blend. 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIG. 2A , in accordance to another embodiment, at least one distal phalanx brace  40  integrally projects transversely from the outer surface  16  of the body  12 . Preferably a plurality of distal phalanx braces  40  integrally projects transversely from the outer surface  16  of the body  12 . Most preferably, the number of distal phalanx braces  40  are equal to the number of loops  32 , such as for example, a body  12  comprising four loops  32  and four distal phalanx braces  40 , as depicted in  FIG. 2A . Each distal phalanx brace  40  comprises a protruding ridge  42  having a first side and a second side, the ridge  42  terminating upwardly into a curved crest from which the second side of the ridge  42  integrally extends downwardly to a fingertip receiver  44 . The fingertip receiver  44  is a concavity slightly recessed below the outer surface  16  of the body  12 . The crest may be horizontally-oriented, or may be concave-shaped, or convex-shaped. 
     The grip element  30  and distal phalanx braces  40  combine to provide an ergonomically designed protective cover for a portable electronic device  10  that is uniquely configured to impart user with optimum grip when using the mobile electronic device  2 , such as for example, when taking “selfie” pictures. 
     Importantly, the protective cover  10  of the present application as designed, shaped, configured and contoured, imparts previously-described functional advantages and features that are unanticipated and nonobvious when compared to the prior art. More specifically, the protective cover  10 , as described herein, is neither anticipated, taught, suggested, nor disclosed by the prior art. 
     In further reference to  FIG. 2A , in accordance with another embodiment, one or more middle phalanx rests  50 , in the form of minor recesses, are disposed along the outer surface  16  of the body  12  adjacent the continuous, peripheral sidewall  13  and lower corner thereof supporting the grip element  30 . Preferably a plurality of middle phalanx rests  50  is disposed along the outer surface  16  of the body  12 . Most preferably, the number of middle phalanx rests  50  is equal to the number of distal phalanx braces  40  and loops  32 . The middle phalanx rests  50  are oriented juxtaposition, respectively, to the finger through holes  34 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , and more particularly  FIGS. 4-4A , in accordance to another embodiment, a protective case for a portable electronic device  100  is disclosed for use with mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, portable media players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and more particularly for use with mobile electronic smart phone devices such as including, but not limited to, an Apple® iPhone®, a Samsung GALAXY®, and an LG G7®. The protective case for a portable electronic device  100 , hereinafter “case  100 ”, is adapted and configured to snugly enclose an entire verso surface and perimeter of a mobile electronic device  2  in a snug-fit, removably-secured manner. The case  100  comprises a bottom portion  110  and a top portion  160 , the top portion  160  is detachably securable to the bottom portion  110 . The top portion  160  comprises an annular jacket  162  comprising a generally rectangular, incurvate configuration forming a mating receptacle  164  along the rear side thereof, wherein the mating receptacle  164  is adapted for allowing the top and bottom portions  160  and  110  to be detachably secured to one another, and securing the mobile electronic smart phone device  3  mesial the top and bottom portions  160  and  110 . The mating receptacle  164  is configured for receiving and securing the continuous lip  113   a  therein via a snap-fit arrangement or mechanical interferential fit. 
     The top portion  160  further comprises a window  166  defined through a longitudinal side surface and segment of the outer bottom side surface of the jacket  162 . The window  166 , and more particularly the function thereof, shall be described later in greater detail. 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIGS. 4-6 , the bottom portion  110  comprises a generally planar body  112  from which a continuous, peripheral sidewall  113  extends integrally upward therefrom. The sidewall  113  has an upper edge which extends into a slightly incurvate, continuous lip  113   a . The body  112  includes a front interior surface  114  and a rear outer surface  116 . The body  112  is adapted with one or more apertures  120  defined therein being shaped, sized, and oriented to accommodate features (e.g., camera lens) of a commercially-available mobile electronic device  2  in a size-fit, shape, and positional matched manner. In particular reference to  FIG. 5C , an annular membrane  122  is disposed along the continuous inner lip edge  121  of the aperture  120  on the front interior surface  114  of the body  112  of the bottom portion  110 . The annular membrane  122 , such as an O-ring  124 , provides a water-impermeable seal about aperture  120  so as to protect the camera lens when the top portion  160  is detachably secured to the bottom portion  110 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 4, 4A, 5, 6, and 7 , the rear side of the mobile electronic device  2  (such as a mobile electronic smart phone device  3 ) is positioned planar against the front interior surface  114  of the body  112  of the bottom portion  110  of the case and a grip element  130  (to be described later in greater detail) of the bottom portion  110  is received through the window  166  of the top portion  160  of the case. The continuous lip  113   a  of the bottom portion  110  is received and secured in the mating receptacle  164  of the top portion  160  via a snap-fit arrangement or mechanical interferential fit, thereby detachably securing the mobile electronic device  2  mesial the top portion  160  and the bottom portion  110 . 
     An annular membrane  168  is disposed along the continuous inner lip edge  167  of the window  166  on the bottom surface of the jacket  162  of the top portion  160 . The annular membrane  168 , such as an O-ring  169 , provides a water-impermeable seal about window  166  when the top portion  160  is detachably secured to the bottom portion  110 . 
     The body  112  is envisioned to further include button cusps (not shown in this particular embodiment) for receiving operational buttons of the mobile electronic device  2 , such as the power and volume buttons. Alternatively, it is further envisioned the body  112  may comprise removable panels or cut-out portions (also not shown), gains, and/or apertures  120  and button cusps. The cut-outs may be scored to facilitate quick, easy, and efficient removal thereof. 
     The body  112  further comprises a grip element  130  rigidly extending integrally, perpendicularly along an outer longitudinal side surface and outer bottom side surface of the continuous, peripheral sidewall  113  of the body  112 . In accordance to one embodiment, the grip element  130  may comprise a generally, crescent-shaped configuration comprising one or more loops  132  each of which forming finger through holes  134 . Preferably, grip element  130  comprises four loops  132  adjacently aligned and forming four finger through holes  134  sized for receiving user&#39;s index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and pinkie; user&#39;s thumb remaining free to navigate and operate the interface of the electronic mobile device  2  via the display screen  4  thereof. 
     In accordance to another embodiment, the grip element  130  is designed and configured in the form of a “brass knuckle-type” grip. 
     Referring now more particularly to  FIG. 5A , in accordance to another embodiment, one or more distal phalanx braces  140  integrally project transversely from the outer surface  116  of the body  112 . Preferably a plurality of distal phalanx braces  140  integrally projects transversely from the outer surface  116  of the body  112 . Most preferably, the number of distal phalanx braces  140  are equal to the number of loops  132 , such as for example, a body  112  comprising four loops  132  and four distal phalanx braces  140 , as depicted in  FIG. 5A . Each distal phalanx brace  140  comprises a protruding ridge  142  having a first side and a second side, the ridge  142  terminating upwardly into a curved crest from which the second side of the ridge  142  integrally extends downwardly to a fingertip receiver  144 . The fingertip receiver  144  is a concavity slightly recessed below the outer surface  116  of the body  112 . The crest may be horizontally-oriented, or may be concave-shaped, or convex-shaped. 
     It is envisioned the body  112  of the bottom portion  110  may include one or more middle phalanx rests  150 , in the form of minor recesses, wherein the middle phalanx rests  150  are disposed along the outer surface  116  of the body  112  adjacent the continuous, peripheral sidewall  113  and lower corner thereof supporting the grip element  130 . 
     In accordance to still another alternate embodiment, the grip element is adapted and configured to be detachably secured to the protective cover body via a tether and coupling means or other means for facilitating detachable coupling of the grip element  30 ,  130  to the cover body. 
     Finally, in accordance to yet another embodiment, a protective cover for a portable electronic device is disclosed, wherein the cover comprises a generally planar body from which a continuous, peripheral sidewall extends integrally upward therefrom. The body includes a front or interior surface and a rear or outer surface. The body further comprises a grip element pivotally attached to an outer longitudinal side surface of the peripheral sidewall of the body via a pivot means. The pivot means is adapted to rotate the grip element about a specific angle of rotation or orientation. It is envisioned pivot means is adapted to articulate through approximately 180° of rotation and is further adapted and configured for being settable positionally in multiple fixed points along the 180° of rotation. More particularly, it is envisioned that the pivot means (and thus grip element) is adapted and configured for positioning about degrees of rotation selected from the group which includes, but is not limited to, approximately every 10°, 20°, 30°, and 45° of rotation, whether clockwise or counterclockwise in reference. In accordance to one embodiment, when pivotally rotated clockwise to 180°, the grip element is positioned coplanar to the rear surface of the body. When pivotally rotated counterclockwise from 180° to 0°, the grip element lies superjacent and parallel to the rear surface of the body in a fixed, overlapped position, thereby allowing the protective cover for a portable electronic device to be oriented in a compact configuration (“storage position”) facilitating quick, easy, and efficient storage and transport thereof, such as placement in a user&#39;s pocket or handbag. 
     A retention mechanism is disclosed for removably retaining the grip element in the storage position. In accordance to one embodiment, the retention mechanism comprises a stem and a retainer, wherein the stem has a lower end integrally extending perpendicularly from the verso or rear surface of the grip element. A flange or lobe is integrally disposed at the upper end of stem. 
     The retainer comprises a base bifurcating into a pair of biased clamping members. The base integrally projects perpendicularly from the rear surface of the body. The clamping members define an arcuate or curved shape with distal ends. In a resting position, the clamping members are biased to exert a compressional force such that the distal ends of the clamping members are firmly engaged in contact forming a spaced cavity for receiving and retaining the lobe of the post in a removably secured manner. A force that would tend to push the lobe against the distal ends of the clamping members to a disengaged or unclamped position is resisted by increased compressional biasing force of the clamping members. Thus, to removably retain the grip element in the storage position, the grip element is pivoted counterclockwise and engages the closed distal ends of the clamping members, and thereafter applying a degree of force suitable to allow the lobe to pass between the distal ends of the clamping members and into the spaced cavity thereof, thereby retaining the grip element in a removably secured manner. Other means suitable for detachably coupling the grip element superjacent and parallel to the rear surface of the body are envisioned, such as including, but not limited to, Velcro®, snap-fasteners, clip mechanisms, and the like. 
     In further accordance to the instant embodiment, the grip element comprises one or more loops each forming a finger through hole. 
     In still further accordance to the instant embodiment, the body may further comprise one or more distal phalanx braces integrally projecting transversely from the rear surface of the body. The distal phalanx braces are oriented such that upon positioning of the grip element in the storage position, the distal phalanx braces pass through the finger through holes of the loops. 
     It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and/or illustrated in drawings. Rather, the description and/or the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment or a preferred embodiment disclosed and/or identified in the specification. Any drawing figures that may be provided are for illustrative purposes only, and merely provide practical examples of the invention disclosed herein. Therefore, any drawing figures provided should not be viewed as restricting the scope of the claims to what is depicted. 
     The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, including various combinations and sub-combinations of the features described above but that may not have been explicitly disclosed in specific combinations and sub-combinations. 
     Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the embodiments and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.