Abstract:
A user-customizable case is provided for at least partially covering a portable electronic device. The case may include first and second panels and a retainer for holding an insert bearing an indicia. The panels may be elastically connected to facilitate receiving many different sizes and shapes of portable electronic devices. The retainer may removably attach to the case to facilitate exchanging the inserts for customizing the device, insignia, or the like. The case may be included in a kit, along with at least one insert and a retainer. Related methods are also disclosed.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to protective cases and, more specifically, to a customizable universal protective case for a portable electronic device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDA), are ubiquitous. Most users carry these devices in protective cases, and often wish to customize the same. For instance, users often wish to individualize their case to distinguish it from the case of another. Others view the cases as fashion accessories and wish to keep up with the latest style(s). Still others desire cases that convey a message or show allegiance to a particular university, club, association, or organization, such as a professional sports team. 
         [0003]    To meet these demands, manufacturers have in the past offered cases with various color schemes, designs, insignias, and the like. Unfortunately, such cases are specifically designed for use with only a single type of electronic device, such as a particular model of mobile phone. Thus, when a user purchases a new or different model of a portable electronic device, a corresponding case bearing the desired design or insignia must also be purchased to go along with it. Moreover, if an individual wishes to display different designs or insignias, multiple cases must be purchased for the same device, thus resulting in additional expense. The requirement that the manufacturer and retailer maintain a large stock of the different types of cases, including with different designs and logos, is also burdensome since it greatly increases overhead expenses. 
         [0004]    Additionally, with the rapid evolution of technology in the area, manufacturers continuously upgrade and modify the designs of electronic devices. As a result, the devices continually change shape and size. This, of course, requires case manufacturers to retool their assembly lines with regular frequency in an effort to accommodate the different devices, thus creating obvious inefficiencies of scale. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, a need is identified for an easily customizable, universal protective case for a portable electronic device. The case would be adapted for use with electronic devices of various sizes and shapes, which eliminates the requirement for purchasing a separate or different case for each portable electronic device, even when a new or different model is obtained. The ability of the user to customize the case would also allow for personalization, such as to display a current style or affiliation, without the need for wholesale replacement. These features when combined would not only greatly extend the service life of the case beyond the whims of the user or the current trends, but also would eliminate the present requirement for maintaining a stock of different types of cases with differing stylizations. Overall, the result would be a significant savings in terms of time and money, both for the case manufacturer and the end user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a kit for protecting and customizing a portable electronic device is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of inserts, each for receiving an indicia. A case forming part of the kit includes an open end for receiving the device and a retainer for removably holding at least one of the inserts for viewing. As a result, the indicia on a particular insert may be visualized, and then the insert removed and replaced as desired to customize the device. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the retainer is hingedly attached to the case to facilitate insertion and removal of the inserts during customization. The kit may further include the portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, as well as instructions for removing and replacing the inserts. Preferably, the inserts and case are displayed in a common package. The kit may further include decals for the inserts. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a user-customizable case for at least partially covering a portable electronic device is disclosed. The case comprises a body including a first panel and a second panel, as well as a retainer for holding an insert for receiving an indicia. The panels are elastically connected and the retainer is removably attached to the first panel (such as by way of a hinge and snap-fit engagement) to allow for removal and replacement of the insert (which may bear a pre-printed logo or the like). 
         [0009]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a user-customizable case for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The case comprises a body including an elongated front panel, a corresponding back panel, and an elastic member for securely connecting the front panel with the back panel to create a compartment. A retainer is also provided for holding an insert. The retainer may be removably attached to the body, such as by a snap-fit engagement. 
         [0010]    In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a user-customizable case for a portable electronic device comprises a body including an open end for receiving the portable electronic device, at least one insert bearing an indicia, and a retainer for holding the insert. The retainer is hingedly attached to the body. This facilitates inserting, removing, or replacing the insert to effect customization of the case. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method of associating an insert with a user-customizable case adapted for at least partially covering a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises moving a retainer associated with the case from a retracted position close to the case to an extended position away from the case; positioning the insert between the retainer and the case; and returning the retainer to the retracted position to associate the insert with the case. The method may further include the step of placing a logo on the insert, such that the logo is visible when positioned between the retainer and the case. The retainer may also include a locking projection for engaging a frame associated with the case, in which case the step of moving the retainer is preceded by releasing the locking projection. The step of releasing the locking projection preferably comprises backbending a panel of the case that carries the frame. 
         [0012]    In accordance with still a further aspect of the invention, a method of facilitating customization of a portable electronic device is disclosed. The method comprises providing a case including an open end for receiving the portable electronic device. The case includes a removable retainer for receiving at least one insert having an indicia, and the method further comprises providing a plurality of different inserts for the retainer. The inserts may be exchanged for each other in the retainer to customize the case. 
         [0013]    The method may further include placing at least one insert in the retainer for display purposes and placing at least one insert adjacent the case. Alternatively, the inserts may be enclosed in a common package, including for display. Decals for the inserts may also be provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of one possible embodiment of the case; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of the case of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a retainer used in the case of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3   a  is a side view of the retainer of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   b  shows the lip or edge of the holder adapted to engage a portion of the cover; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view along the line A-A of the case of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4   a  shows the retainer in a mounted position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the assembled case of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0023]      FIGS. 6-9  illustrate another possible embodiment of the case. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 1  illustrating one embodiment of the protective case  10  forming one aspect of the present invention. As noted above, one of the features of the case  10  is its ability to not only accommodate myriad portable electronic devices or the like, but also to be easily customized to suit the likes of a particular user. In one embodiment, customization is accomplished by associating an insert  16  bearing or capable of bearing an image (design, logo, or other indicia) with a holder  14 , which attaches or secures to the case  10  by a removable retainer  12 . 
         [0025]    In the illustrated embodiment, the case  10  is generally elongated and of the type having an open end for receiving the portable electronic device (see  FIG. 5 , which shows a similarly elongated “candy bar” type of mobile phone  36  as the device for purposes of illustration only). Thus, it includes an elongated front panel  18 , a corresponding back panel  20 , at least two opposed, elongated side panels  22 , and a bottom panel  23 , which together define a compartment. The front and back panels  18 ,  20  are preferably rigid or substantially rigid, which helps to protect the device when positioned in the case  10 . The side and bottom panels  22 ,  23  may be rigid as well, but preferably are made of an elastic member attached to the front and back panels  18 ,  20  (such as by sewing, welding, etc.). This elasticity advantageously allows various sizes of devices to be accommodated (e.g., PDAs, folding cell phones, “candy bar” cell phones, cameras, pagers, etc.), and may also assist in securing the device within the case  10  by applying a frictional force. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the front panel  18  of the case  10  preferably includes a recess or indentation  24 , as well as an opening  26  adapted for receiving the retainer  12 . The indentation  24  may be formed by pressing the desired shape into the outer surface of the front panel  18  using a die or the like such that it is permanently formed. The opening  26  is preferably an elongated slit oriented generally parallel to a top or bottom edge of the case  10 . 
         [0027]    With reference now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the retainer  12  in the illustrated embodiment includes a support and a fastener. The support, such as a frame  29 , defines a generally rectangular perimeter around a center opening in which the fastener, such as a clip  30 , is positioned. Preferably, only one end of the clip  30  is attached or secured to the support, thus establishing a cantilevered-type mounting. The clip  30  may be formed as one piece with the support, such as via injection molding. Alternatively, the clip  30  may be a separate piece attached to the frame  29 , such as by welding. As best seen in  FIG. 3   a,  the clip  30  naturally resides at a home position A, which may be in a plane parallel to the frame  29 . However, when attached at only one end, as is done in the embodiment shown, it may be manually flexed and temporarily repositioned in a second position B. 
         [0028]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4 and 4   a,  it can be seen that the retainer  12  attaches to the case  10  via insertion of the clip  30  into the opening  26 , usually when fully in the second position B. The retainer  12  is then moved in the direction of action arrow C to position the clip  30  within the opening  26 , thus completing the attachment sequence in its simplest form. As should be appreciated by a skilled artisan, the longitudinal dimension of the clip  30  is preferably such that it remains securely retained in the opening  26  (which may or may not be associated with a pocket). 
         [0029]    Once inserted, the frame  29  of the retainer  12  is received by or seated in the indentation  24  or recess. Once in this fully inserted position, the propensity of the clip  30  to assume the home position A due to the cantilevered mounting and the corresponding biasing force created ensures that the retainer  12  remains secured to the case  10  (similar to the manner in which a paper clip remains secured to a piece of paper). The indentation  24  provided in the case  10  also ensures that the support, or frame  29 , lies in substantially the same plane as the front panel  18  (see  FIG. 4   a ). Indeed, as illustrated, the periphery of the frame  29  may be chamfered, beveled, contoured or otherwise shaped to engage any slope created in the four “sidewalls” defining the indentation  24 . 
         [0030]    Turning now to  FIGS. 1 and 3   b,  the image holder  14  is now described in detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder  14  comprises an image retainer in the form of a flap  32 , as well as an associated cover  34 . In one embodiment, the flap  32  includes a first portion  32   a  and an opposed lip or edge  33 . The lip  33  is adapted to engage a portion of the cover  34  (such as the upper edge when oriented as shown in  FIG. 1 ). The flap  32  is attached to the cover  34 , such as by way of a thermal process (e.g., ultrasonic or laser welding when suitable plastic materials are used), an adhesive, or similar attachment means, such that a living hinge is established. Although not a requirement, the attachment is preferably made such that a small gap or space is created between the corresponding inner surfaces of the flap  32  and cover  34 . 
         [0031]    As a result of this arrangement, the lower portion  32   a  of the flap  32  may be moved from a first or home position D adjacent to the cover  34  toward a temporary second position E farther away from the cover. When not in the home position and preferably in the second position, the insert  16  may be placed between the flap  32  and the cover  34 . The cover  34  is preferably formed of a transparent or translucent material. It thus forms a window or lens for visualization of the insert  16 . 
         [0032]    The insert  16  may comprise any substrate formed of any solid material carrying a design, insignia, image, or other indicia. Examples include a sticker or decal applied to a substrate, printing on a substrate, or any other suitable arrangement. Preferably, the insert  16  is formed from a relatively thin piece of material so as to fit within the space or gap between the flap  32  and cover  34  (or if no such space or gap is provided, to allow the flap  32  to return to substantially the home position). However, providing a thicker insert  16  is possible, as is providing a corresponding recess (not shown) in the flap  32  or cover  34  for receiving it (but this, of course, increases the complexity). 
         [0033]    More specifically describing the manner of associating the insert  16  with the holder  14  shown in  FIG. 1 , the user may grasp the lower portion  32   a  of the flap  32  and move it toward the temporary, second or extended position E. The desired insert  16  is then associated with the holder  14 , such as by placing it between the flap  32  and the cover  34 , with the image side facing the inside surface of the latter. Next, the user returns the lower portion  32   a  of the flap  32  to its home or retracted position D. The propensity of the flap  32  to remain at the home position D as a result of the manner in which it is mounted (i.e., the living hinge) provides the holding force to secure the insert  16  in the holder  14 . To associate or match the holder  14  with the case  10 , the user grasps the lower portion  29   a  of the frame  29  of the retainer  12  and moves it toward a temporary second position G. Once in the temporary second position, the holder  14  is positioned between the frame  29  of the retainer  12  and the case  10 , and the retainer  12  returned to the seated position F. This extraordinarily simple procedure completes the steps for placing an insert  16  into the case  10 . 
         [0034]    As should be appreciated, replacing the insert  16  on the case  10  is accomplished by merely lifting the portion  29   a  of the frame  29 . The holder  14  is then simply manually grasped and removed. The portion  32   a  of the flap  32  may then be lifted to allow for removal of the existing insert  16  and a new one inserted. Under normal circumstances, the entire replacement sequence takes a matter of seconds, thus allowing the user to easily customize the case with minimum effort. 
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates the case  10  including the retainer  12  securing the holder  14  for retaining an insert  16 . A representative electronic device, such as a cell phone  36 , is also depicted, ready for insertion into the case  10  (usually from the end opposite the antenna (not shown)). As described below, one or more of these items (including a plurality of inserts) may be enclosed in a common package and sold together as a kit, or may be sold as individual units for later assembly. 
         [0036]    In another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , the case  10  comprises “clamshell”-like design with an elongated front panel  18   a  having curved edges  38 , an arcuate region  40 , and a substantially corresponding back panel  20   a.  As best seen in  FIG. 9 , the back panel  20   a  may optionally extend a distance D 1  beyond the perimeter of the front panel  18   a.  This configuration of panels  18   a,    20   a  facilitates user access to the contents of the case  10  and also provides it with a unique aesthetic appearance. The curved edges  38  and arcuate region  40  enable the case to accommodate many of today&#39;s compact portable electrical devices, including foldable, or “flip,” mobile phones, media players, cameras, etc. 
         [0037]    Similar to the previously discussed embodiments, the case  10  may also include at least two opposed side panels  22   a  and a bottom panel  23   a,  as perhaps best shown in  FIG. 9   a.  The front and back panels  18   a,    20   a  are preferably substantially rigid, which helps to protect the device when positioned in the case. However, the front and back panels  18   a,    20   a  may have some flexibility to facilitate removal of a retainer  12   a,  as discussed below in further detail. The side and bottom panels  22   a,    23   a  may be substantially rigid as well, but preferably are made of an elastic member attached to the front and back panels  18   a,    20   a  (such as by sewing, welding, etc.). Instead of being discrete panels separated by a distance D 2 , the side and bottom panels  22   a,    23   a  may be unitary, thereby forming one continuous panel connecting the front and back panels  18   a,    20   a.    
         [0038]    The side and bottom panels  22   a,    23   a  may connect an inner surface  18   a ′ of the front panel  18   a  with an inner surface  20   a ′ of the back panel  20   a.  As shown in  FIG. 9   a,  movement of the front panel  18   a  in the direction of the action arrows exposes the side and bottom panels  22   a,    23   a.  This arrangement of panels enables accommodation of various shaped and sized portable electronics, thereby forming a “universal” protective case. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 6   b,  the front panel  18   a  of the case  10  also includes a recess or indentation  24   a.  In one embodiment, the indentation  24   a  includes an opening  26   a  through the outer surface  18   a ″ of the front panel  18   a.  The opening  26   a  may be formed by cutting the desired shape through the indentation  24   a  of the outer surface  18   a ″ of the front panel  18   a.  Preferably the opening  26   a  has a surface area A′ smaller than the surface area B′ of the indentation  24   a.    
         [0040]    In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  26   a  includes a plate  42 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the plate  42  may have a surface area C′ greater than the surface area B′ of the indentation  24   a,  such that the plate  42  may be retained between the outer surface  18   a ″ of the front panel  18   a  and the inner surface  18   a ′ of the front panel  18   a.  Additionally, an adhesive or other material may be used to retain the plate  42  in the desired position in the opening  26   a.  The plate  42  also includes a plurality of apertures  44  adapted for receiving a base, such as the retainer support  46 . 
         [0041]    Turning to  FIGS. 6   a,    6   b,    7 , and  7   a  it can be seen that the retainer support  46  attaches to the plate  42  via insertion of a plurality of projections  48  into the apertures  44 . Preferably, the number and placement of the projections  48  on the retainer support  46  corresponds to the number and placement of apertures  44  on the plate  42 . In this arrangement, the retainer support  46  attaches to the plate  42  via a snap-fit. Alternatively, the retainer support  46  may attach to the plate  42  via adhesive, welding, or otherwise. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer support  46  has a surface area D′ substantially identical to the surface area B′ of the indentation  24   a.    
         [0042]    Additionally, the thickness T of the retainer support  46  may substantially correspond to the depth of the indentation  24   a  so that the retainer support  46  is substantially flush with the outer surface  18   a ″ of the front panel  18   a.  As shown in  FIGS. 6   a  and  7 , the retainer support  46  includes at least one aperture  50  adapted for receiving the retainer  12   a.  Preferably, the retainer support  46  includes a plurality of apertures  50  positioned in an opposed relationship, such as at a first end  46   a  and a second end  46   b.  However, as should be appreciated by a skilled artisan, the retainer support  46  may include any number or configuration of apertures  50  for receiving the retainer  12   a.    
         [0043]    In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer support  46  also includes a channel  52  for receiving a portion of the retainer  12   a.  As shown, the channel  52  is positioned substantially along the perimeter of the retainer  12   a.  In this configuration, a portion of the retainer  12   a  is received or seated in the channel, such that the retainer  12   a  lies in substantially the same plane as the outer surface  18   a ″ of the front panel  18   a.    
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 6   a,  the retainer  12   a  in the illustrated embodiment includes one or more projections or tabs  54  extending from the retainer  12   a,  such as for example from an inner surface  13  thereof. Preferably, the number and placement of the tabs  54  on the retainer  12   a  corresponds to the number and placement of the apertures  50  on the retainer support  46 . The tabs  50  may take the form of a lipped projection  54   a,  a curved projection  54   b,  a combination thereof, or any other configuration that permits engagement of the retainer  12   a  on the retainer support  46 . 
         [0045]    When using a combination of curved projections  54   b  and lipped projections  54   a,  the engagement of the curved projections  54   b  with the apertures  50  of the retainer support forms a type of hinge enabling a user to associate an insert with the retainer, as discussed below in further detail. The lipped projections  54  may engage separate apertures  50  of the retainer support  46  to permit a snap-fit engagement of the retainer  12   a.  The retainer  12   a  may also include an edge or lip  56  that may rest in the channel of the retainer support. The lip  56  and channel  52  arrangement facilitates retention of an insert  16  between the retainer  12   a  and the retainer support  46 . This arrangement also permits the retainer to lie substantially in the same plane as the front panel  18  of the case  10 . However, as shown in  FIG. 9 , an outer surface  13 ′ of the retainer may also be slightly convex. This curved outer surface  13 ′ may function to magnify the insert, and it also provides the case  10  with a unique aesthetic appearance. 
         [0046]    With reference to  FIGS. 6   a  and  9   b,  to associate the retainer  12   a  with the retainer support  56 , the user inserts the curved projections  54   b  into the apertures  50  of the retainer support  56 . At this point the user may associate an insert  16  with the retainer  12   a  while it remains in an extended position to create a hinge. To accomplish this, a user may place the insert  16  on the retainer support  46  and lower the retainer  12   a  towards the retainer support  46  and to a home or retracted position. The user then depresses the retainer  12   a,  thereby engaging the lipped projections  54   a  with the apertures  50  of the retainer support  46  in a snap-fit engagement. Since the channel  52  receives a portion of the retainer  12   a,  the inner surface  13  is in close proximity with the retainer support  46 . Thus, the insert  16  when present becomes “sandwiched” between the retainer  12   a  and the retainer support  46 . 
         [0047]    Turning to  FIG. 9   b,  replacing the insert  16  is accomplished by grasping the case  10  and applying force in the direction F′. This back-bending of the corresponding panel  18   a  carrying the retainer support  46  disengages the lipped projections  54   a.  Once disengaged, a user may move a lower region  15  of the retainer  12   a  in a direction Z and about the hinge created by the curved projections  54   b  to allow for removal of the existing insert  16  and installation of a new one. 
         [0048]    After removing and replacing the insert, the user may simply re-engage the lipped projections  54   a  with the apertures of the  50  of the retainer support  46 , as previously described. As should be appreciated, the engagement of the curved projections  54   b  of the retainer  12   a  with the apertures  50  of the retainer support  46  enables a user to hingedly move the retainer  12   a,  thus obviating the need to completely remove the retainer  12   a  when replacing or removing an insert  16 . However, the curved projections  54   b  also allow a user to completely remove the retainer  12   a  without significant effort. 
         [0049]    The case  10  may be fabricated from well-known types of materials, with foam backed leather or vinyl being the preferred choices for the front and back panels  18 ,  20 . Such materials are preferred because of the high-quality appearance afforded, durability, and ability to retain the indentation  24  through the application of heat, pressure, etc. However, the use of plastic or similarly rigid, wear-resistant materials is also possible. The remaining panels  22 ,  23  are preferably fabricated from a resilient fabric having an elastic quality, such as LYCRA, SPANDEX, etc. As explained above, the use of such a material permits insertion of various sizes of devices into the open end of the case  10 , while generally ensuring that a secure fit is established. The retainer  12  may be formed of any material including metal or polymers, but is preferably fabricated from stainless steel, which provides it with both high strength and durability. The retainer  12   a  is preferably fabricated from polymeric materials, such as acrylics, polycarbonates, or polystyrenes. Additionally, the retainer support  46  is preferably made from similar polymeric materials, but may also be formed of a metal. The plate  42  may be formed of any material including metal or polymers, but is preferably fabricated from stainless steel or aluminum, which provides it with both high strength and durability. The holder  14  is preferably fabricated from polymeric materials, such as acrylics, polycarbonates, or polystyrenes. Such materials facilitate the welding of the retainer  32  to the cover  34 , such as by using thermal processes (e.g. ultrasonic or laser welding techniques). 
         [0050]    It is also contemplated that the case  10  forming one aspect of the present invention may be sold as a kit with a plurality of inserts  16 . The inserts  16  may each bear a different image (such as the logo of a different sports team, race car driver, etc.) and maybe packaged and displayed together with the case  10  (and with advertising materials or packaging describing the “theme” or genre, as well as instructions for customization), or separately. Instead of pre-printed inserts, providing a kit including a case with a plurality of blank, user customizable inserts is also contemplated (including with associated stickers or decals for application to the inserts), as is providing one or more inserts with different images on the opposed sides thereof. The kit may also comprise the portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, in which case the availability of the user customizable case  10  offers a point of distinction that may cause a prospective purchaser to select that particular brand of device as compared to another. Various other accessories for the devices (chargers, memory cards, etc.) may also be sold in kit form with the case and insert(s). 
         [0051]    The invention also includes the method for manufacturing the case having an insert and an opening adapted to receive a retainer, as well as a method of forming the holder for retaining the image. Also, the invention includes the method of customizing the case via insertion of an insert into the holder, as well as insertion of the holder into the retainer fixed to the case. Still further, the invention includes a method of providing a kit including the case and insert(s), or a kit with the device, case, and insert(s). 
         [0052]    The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of inventions are provided for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Modifications or variations are also possible in light of the above teachings. For example, a removable top panel, flap, or cover may be provided for securing the device in the case  10 . Instead of the flap  32 , the cover  34  forming part of the holder  14  may be movable between a home position and a second position to facilitate insertion of the insert  16 . Also, the case, retainer, holder, and image may be any size, shape, or design Furthermore, the retainer and holder may be positioned anywhere on the case. Additionally, the case may be manufactured, used and sold with or without the retainer, holder, image, or any combination thereof. For example, the image or indicia could be provided on the holder  14  itself, which would thus form the insert  16 . Also, the retainer  12  and the insert  16  could be provided as a one-piece unit, thus eliminating the need for the separate holder  14 . Still another option is to eliminate the retainer  12  altogether, with the flap  32  functioning as the fastener (clip  30 ) for associating the holder  14  bearing an image or indicia with the case  10 . Additionally, the retainer  12   a  and the retainer support  46  (with our without the base  42 ) may also be formed as a one-piece unit. As shown in several of the figures, a removable belt clip may also be provided on the panel of the case  10  opposite the image, and may be held in place using a fastener/slot/pocket arrangement, or any other means. The embodiments described above were chosen to provide the best application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosed inventions in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.