PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10244839-B1
Application Number: US-201715494207-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Case with increased device retention from a micro-textured lip

Abstract:
According to some embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device is described. The case can include a bottom wall and side walls that cooperate to define a cavity having a size and shape suitable for accommodating the portable electronic device. The side walls can include an edge that defines an opening that leads to the cavity and that allows passage of the portable electronic device into the cavity. At least one of the side walls has a protrusion that extends at an angle into the cavity, and where the protrusion (i) allows insertion of the portable electronic device through the opening and into the cavity, and (ii) hinders movements of the portable electronic device out of the cavity.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A case for a portable electronic device, the case comprising:
 a bottom wall and side walls that cooperate to define a cavity having a size and shape suitable for accommodating the portable electronic device, wherein the side walls terminate at a first edge that extends from the side walls at a first angle, and the first edge defines an opening that leads to the cavity and that allows passage of the portable electronic device into the cavity; and 
 a securing element that (i) extends from at least one of the side walls and towards the cavity at a second angle and terminates at a second edge different than the first edge, and (ii) is overlaid by the first edge, wherein the second edge of the securing element is capable of contacting an external surface of the portable electronic device carried within the cavity such as to hinder movement of the portable electronic device out of the cavity. 
 
     
     
       2. The case of  claim 1 , wherein the securing element originates from an internal surface of the at least one side wall, and the at least one side wall has an inwardly curved cross section. 
     
     
       3. The case of  claim 1 , wherein two of the side walls are joined by a corner portion. 
     
     
       4. The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is formed of any combination of silicone, polyurethane or polyester. 
     
     
       5. The case of  claim 1 , wherein an upper surface of the first edge is visible from an environment external to the case, and the upper surface also prevents the securing element from being visible from the environment external to the case. 
     
     
       6. The case of  claim 1 , wherein the first angle is different from the second angle. 
     
     
       7. The case of  claim 1 , wherein the securing element is a portion of a textured region of the side walls, the textured region having a different texture than the first and second edges. 
     
     
       8. The case of  claim 1 , wherein when an external force is applied to the side walls, the securing element flexes in such a way so as to hinder the movement of the portable electronic device that is carried within the cavity. 
     
     
       9. A shell for retaining a portable electronic device, the shell comprising:
 a bottom wall and side walls that extend from the bottom wall at a first angle relative to the bottom wall, and the side walls cooperate to define a cavity with a width that is capable of accommodating the portable electronic device, wherein each of the side walls has an undercut cross section such that an upper edge of the side wall (i) is visible from an environment external to the bottom wall and the side walls, and (ii) defines an opening that leads to the cavity, and wherein the opening is less than the width of the cavity; and 
 securing elements that protrude from an interior surface of at least one of the side walls in a direction towards the bottom wall and at a second angle different than the first angle, wherein each of the securing elements is arranged to independently flex at different angles relative to each other such as to hinder movement of the portable electronic device out of the cavity when the securing elements are engaged with an exterior surface of the portable electronic device carried within the cavity, and wherein the undercut cross section prevents the securing elements from being visible from the external environment. 
 
     
     
       10. The shell of  claim 9 , wherein two of the side walls are joined by a corner portion, and the corner portion includes an additional securing element that extends towards the bottom wall. 
     
     
       11. The shell of  claim 10 , wherein the upper edge overlays the securing elements such as to prevent the securing elements from being visible from the external environment. 
     
     
       12. The shell of  claim 11 , wherein the additional securing element of the corner portion has a shape and size that is different from the securing elements. 
     
     
       13. The shell of  claim 9 , wherein the shell is formed of any combination of silicone, polyurethane or polyester. 
     
     
       14. The shell of  claim 9 , wherein the securing elements are integrally formed with the side walls. 
     
     
       15. The shell of  claim 9 , wherein when an external force is applied to the shell, the securing elements flex in such a way so that the securing elements continue to remain engaged to the exterior surface of the portable electronic device, thereby hindering movement of the portable electronic device out of the cavity. 
     
     
       16. The shell of  claim 15 , wherein the securing elements are formed of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than a material of the side walls. 
     
     
       17. A method for forming a case for an electronic device, the method comprising:
 shaping a substrate to form a bottom wall and side walls that extend from the bottom wall at a first angle relative to the bottom wall, wherein the side walls terminate at a first edge that extends from the side walls at a first angle, and the first edge defines an opening that leads to a cavity having a size and shape suitable for accommodating the electronic device; and 
 forming a securing element that extends from at least one of the side walls and towards the cavity at a second angle, wherein the securing element terminates at a second edge different than the first edge, and the securing element is overlaid by the first edge, and wherein the second edge of the securing element is capable of contacting an external surface of the electronic device so as to (i) allow insertion of the electronic device through the opening and into the cavity, and (ii) prevent movement of the electronic device out of the cavity. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the substrate is shaped by a molding operation or a material removal operation. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 18 , wherein the securing element is integrally formed with the side walls. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the case is formed of any combination of silicone, polyurethane, or polyester.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/397,245, entitled “CASE WITH INCREASED DEVICE RETENTION FROM A MICRO-TEXTURED LIP” filed on Sep. 20, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate to a case for carrying a portable electronic device. Specifically, the case includes securing elements on a sidewall or corner portion of the case that are capable of preventing the portable electronic device from being forcefully extracted from the internal cavity when an external force is applied to the case. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices can be carried by cases that can protect the portable electronic devices from being scratched or damaged. However, when the case is subjected to a large amount of force (e.g., drop event), the case is unable to prevent the portable electronic device from being forcefully extracted from an internal cavity of the case. Accordingly, there is a need for protective cases to include securing elements that prevent or minimize the forceful extraction of the portable electronic device from the case. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments related to a case for carrying a portable electronic device. Specifically, the case includes securing elements that extend from a sidewall or corner portion of the case and are capable of preventing the portable electronic device from being forcefully extracted from the case when the case is subjected to a large amount of external force. 
     According to some embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device is described. The case can include a bottom wall and side walls that cooperate to define a cavity having a size and shape suitable for accommodating the portable electronic device. The side walls can include an edge that defines an opening that leads to the cavity and that allows passage of the portable electronic device into the cavity. Furthermore, at least one of the side walls has a protrusion extending at an angle into the cavity, and where the protrusion (i) allows insertion of the portable electronic device through the opening and into the cavity, and (ii) hinders movement of the portable electronic device out of the cavity. 
     According to some embodiments, a molded shell for retaining a portable electronic device is described. The molded shell can include a bottom wall and side walls that cooperate to form a cavity with a width that is capable of accommodating the portable electronic device, where each of the side walls has an undercut cross section such that an upper edge of the side wall (i) is visible from an environment external to the bottom wall and the side walls, and (ii) defines an opening that leads to the cavity, and wherein the opening is less than the width of the cavity. Furthermore, the molded shell can include a protrusion that extends from an interior surface of at least one of the side walls in a direction towards the bottom wall, where the protrusion is capable of engaging an exterior surface of the portable electronic device carried by the bottom wall and the side walls within the cavity, and where the undercut cross section prevents the protrusion from being visible from the external environment. 
     According to some embodiments, a method for forming a case for an electronic device is described. The method includes shaping a substrate to form a bottom wall and side walls that extend from the bottom wall, where the side walls and the bottom wall define a cavity having a size and shape suitable for accommodating the electronic device, and the side walls have an edge that defines an opening that leads to the cavity and that allows passage of the electronic device into the cavity. The method further includes forming a protrusion along at least one of the side walls, where the protrusion extends at an angle into the cavity so as to (i) allow insertion of the electronic device through the opening and into the cavity, and (ii) prevent movement of the electronic device out of the cavity. 
     The described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. Additionally, advantages of the described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate perspective views of various embodiments of a case for a portable electronic device. 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate top views of various embodiments of a case for a portable electronic device. 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate perspective views of various embodiments of a case for a portable electronic device. 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate cross-sectional views of various embodiments of a case for a portable electronic device. 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate perspective views of securing elements during an initial configuration and a modified configuration, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a method for forming a case for a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a method for forming a case for a portable electronic device, in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following disclosure describes various embodiments of a protective case for carrying a portable electronic device. Certain details are set forth in the following description and figures to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. Moreover, various features, structures, and/or characteristics of the present technology can be combined in other suitable structures and environments. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, operations, and/or systems are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forth herein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth. 
     Protective cases for electronic devices can include various protective features designed to minimize or prevent damage to the electronic devices carried by these cases. In some examples, the protective cases can include over-sized walls that wrap around the borders of the electronic device and function as a protective barrier. The protective barrier can prevent or minimize scratches or gouges to the surfaces of these electronic devices. Furthermore, the over-sized walls can be thickened to increase the amount of separation between the electronic device and the external environment so as to protect a portable electronic device that is carried by the case from being damaged when the case is subjected to a hard impact. 
     However, protective cases should not also obstruct or hinder user interaction with the various interface units (e.g., touchscreen display, buttons, etc.) of the electronic device. As such, many protective cases do not fully enclose the entire electronic device within a protective barrier. Additionally, the electronic device should also be relatively easy to insert within an interior cavity of the case or remove from the interior cavity of the case. Consider, in some examples, protective cases include three sidewalls to promote ease of insertion and/or removal of the electronic device from the case. Additionally, in some examples, the walls of the case can be comprised of relatively flexible or stretchy material that promote ease of insertion and/or removal of the electronic device from the cavity of the case. However, one of the disadvantages of a case having materials, or a structural design or configuration that promotes ease of insertion and/or removal of the electronic device is that the electronic device can also be more susceptible to becoming forcefully extracted from the case when the case is subjected to an external amount of force. Therefore, users may desire for protective cases to include additional protective features, such as securing elements that prevent unwanted extraction of the electronic device from the interior cavity of the case. 
     In some embodiments, the term “external amount of force” or “external force” refers to a force caused by external agents outside of the system (i.e., case carrying the electronic device). In some examples, the external amount of force can be directed towards the system from one or a combination of several different force vectors. In some examples, the external amount of force can be caused by, but is not limited to the following: dropping the system on a hard object (e.g., table or floor), striking the system with another object, throwing the system at a high velocity and/or acceleration, shaking the system with sufficient force, or dragging the system across another surface. In some examples, the “external force” can also refer to strain that is exerted against the system by an external agent. 
     In various embodiments, a case for a portable electronic device can include a bottom wall and side walls that cooperate to define a cavity having a size and shape suitable for accommodating the portable electronic device. The side walls can include an edge that defines an opening that leads to the cavity and that allows passage of the portable electronic device into the cavity. At least one of the side walls has a protrusion extending at an angle into the cavity, and where the protrusion (i) allows insertion of the portable electronic device through the opening and into the cavity, and (ii) hinders movement of the portable electronic device out of the cavity. 
     The various embodiments set forth herein are provided to prevent forceful extraction of an electronic device that is carried by a case. Exemplary electronic devices that can be carried by the case can include, but are not limited to portable computing devices, laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, mobile devices, consumer devices, wearable electronic devices, tablet computers, and the like. 
     The foregoing provides various protective cases for carrying portable electronic devices. A more detailed discussion of these cases is set forth below and described with reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , which illustrate detailed diagrams of cases and components that can be used to implement these techniques and features. 
       FIGS. 1A-1D  illustrate perspective views of various embodiments of a case  100  that is configured to receive a portable electronic device.  FIG. 1A  illustrates a case  100  that includes sidewalls  130  that define an opening  152  from an external surface of the case  100  to an internal cavity  150  of the case  100 , in accordance with some embodiments. The internal cavity  150  can have a size and shape that corresponds to a portable electronic device. In some examples, the portable electronic device can refer to a smartphone, a tablet computer, a computing device, a consumer device, a wearable accessory, or a digital media player. 
     In some examples, the case  100  can be manufactured from a generally flexible or deformable material. In some examples, the case  100  can be made from materials including at least one of silicone, polyurethane, elastomers, polyester, or any other type of moldable material. In this manner, the sidewalls  130  can be configured to flex and deform to facilitate easier insertion and extraction of the portable electronic device from the internal cavity  150 . Additionally, the opening  152  provided between sidewalls  130  can facilitate in inserting the portable electronic device within the case  100 . However, the presence of the opening  152  (and corresponding absence of a sidewall) can also make it more likely that the portable electronic device can become forcefully and unintentionally extracted from the case  100  when the case  100  is subject to a hard impact. 
     In some embodiments, the sidewalls  130  can be characterized as having a curved profile. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1A , the sidewalls are curved around the periphery of the internal cavity  150  so as to better conform to a shape and size of a portable electronic device that has beveled edges. In some embodiments, the sidewalls  130  include an angled edge  132  or lip that extends from an upper surface of at least one of the sidewalls  130 . The angled edge  132  can extend from the upper surface of the sidewall  130  and extend in a direction towards the internal cavity  150  so that at least a portion of the angled edge  132  is parallel to the bottom wall  120 . The sidewalls  130  can be coupled to a bottom wall  120  of the case  100 . The bottom wall  120  can be substantially planar so as to correspond to a substantially planar surface of the portable electronic device. However, in some examples, the bottom wall  120  can include indentations, cavities, grooves, or other features provided along the surface of the bottom wall  120  that may cause the bottom wall  120  to have a non-planar cross-sectional profile. 
     In some embodiments, the case  100  includes securing elements  160  that are included along an interior surface of at least one sidewall  130 . In some examples, the securing elements  160  can be provided along an internal surface of an angled edge  132  of the sidewall  130 . In other examples, the securing elements  160  can be provided along a generally medial axis of the sidewall  130 . In some examples, the securing elements  160  can be included on an interior surface of a corner portion  140 . The corner portion  140  can refer to an edge of the case  100  that joins separate sidewalls  130  together. The securing elements  160  can be configured to increase an amount of friction or grip between the securing elements  160  of the case  100  and one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device, as described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5B . For example, the securing elements  160  can have a higher degree of coefficient than the sidewalls  130  or the corner portion  140 . The securing elements  160  can be configured to prevent or minimize unintentional extraction of the portable electronic device from the internal cavity  150  when an external force is applied to the case  100 , e.g., dropping the case  100  onto the floor. In some embodiments, the securing elements  160  can protrude from at least one of the internal surface of the sidewall  130  or the internal surface of the corner portion  140 . 
     In some examples, the corner portion  140  can be configured to flex by a substantially different amount than the sidewalls  130 . For example, the corner portion  140  can be comprised of different materials than the sidewalls  130  so that the corner portion  140  such that the corner portion  140  is characterized as having a different Young&#39;s modulus value or stretch ratio. In some examples, including the securing elements  160  along an internal surface of the corner portion  140  can render the corner portion  140  less flexible, more rigid, or more resistant to structural deformation than the sidewalls  130 . In this manner, the corner portion  140  can be configured to provide a different amount of securing force against the portable electronic device than the sidewalls  130 . 
     In contrast to the case  100  shown in  FIG. 1A , the case  100  of  FIG. 1B  shows that the securing elements  160  can be included along an interior surface of at least one corner portion  140  and at least one sidewall  130 . 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates a case  100  in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 1C  shows that the case  100  includes a plurality of electronic component openings  102 ,  104 . The location of each of the electronic component openings  102 ,  104  along the case  100  can correspond to the location of an electronic component (e.g., switch, button, and toggle) of the portable electronic device so as to allow a user access to the electronic component while the portable electronic device is secured within the internal cavity  150  of the case  100 . 
     In contrast to the case  100  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B , the case  100  of  FIG. 1C  is shown as having securing elements  160  that are included at interior surfaces of the corner portions  140  of the case  100 . In some examples, the securing elements  160  of the case  100  of  FIG. 1C  can be manufactured from a material having a higher degree of flexibility, higher stretch ratio, or having a higher degree of friction coefficient than the materials utilized in the securing elements  160  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . In some examples, the securing elements  160  shown in  FIG. 1C  can be manufactured from a larger amount of isoprene (i.e., natural rubber) than the securing elements  160  shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates a case  100  in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 1D  shows that the case  100  includes a foldable cover  170  that can be coupled to a sidewall  130  or attachment portion  172  of the case  100 . The foldable cover  170  can be configured to transition between a folded configuration and planar configuration and intermediates thereof so as to provide protection for a display of the portable electronic device that is carried within the internal cavity  150 . As shown in  FIG. 1D , the case  100  includes securing elements  160  along an internal surface of the sidewall  130 . Additionally, the foldable cover  170  can be configured to pivot or swing relative to the attachment portion  172  so as to adjust the amount of access to the internal cavity  150 . In some examples, the foldable cover  170  can swing relative to the attachment portion  172  at an angle range between about 0 to about 360 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the securing elements  160  protrude from the internal surface of the angled edge  132  of the sidewall  130  and/or the corner portion  140 . In some examples, the securing elements  160  have a length e.g., between about 15 micrometers to about 20 micrometers. In some examples, the securing elements  160  have a length of e.g., between about 5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In some examples, the securing elements  160  are of sufficient length to flex relative to the sidewall  130  or corner portion  140 , while not protruding from the internal surface at such a length so as to visibly ruin an appearance of the case  100 . For example, the cosmetic appearance of the case  100  may suffer if the securing elements  160  are visible from a top view of the case  100 . However, in other examples, the securing elements  160  can visibly protrude from the internal surface of the sidewall  130  or corner portion  140  so as to provide a distinctive look or feel for the case  100 . For example, the securing elements  160  can provide different textures than the rest of the case  100 . In some examples, the securing elements  160  can be color-matched to correspond to at least one of the sidewalls  130  or the corner portion  140 . 
     In some examples, the securing elements  160  can refer to a suctioning element that can be configured to apply a negative amount of air pressure to the surface of the portable electronic device. As a suctioning element, the securing elements  160  can be made of an elastic, flexible material. In some examples, a central portion of the securing elements  160  can have a curved interface portion that contacts the surface of the portable electronic device and causes air to be expelled from the curved interface portion so that the securing elements  160  can be coupled to the surface of the portable electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the securing elements  160  can be arranged in an ordered pattern that is tuned to have a configuration that prevents unintentional or forceful extraction of the portable electronic device from the internal cavity  150 . For example, the securing elements  160  can be patterned to protect against forces associated with a high impact. In other embodiments, the securing elements  160  can be arranged in an ordered pattern that minimizes or eliminates forceful extraction of the portable electronic device from the internal cavity  150  of the case  100  when the case  100  is subjected to a continuous, but low amount of force (e.g., dragging a surface of the case  100  against a surface with a high coefficient of friction, such as wood). 
     In some embodiments, the securing elements  160  can be configured to flex, deform, or compress in order to dissipate the energy associated with the external force that is applied to the case  100 . In some example, the securing elements  160  can be arranged in a configuration that can facilitate in dispersing or translating the energy associated with the force applied to the case away from a vulnerable region of the case  100  (e.g., the opening  152 ). As the one or more regions of the case  100  proximate to the opening  152  may have the greatest amount of flex or deformity, the securing elements  160  can dissipate the energy away from these one or more regions to prevent the forceful extraction of the portable electronic device from the case  100 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  illustrate top views of various embodiments of a case  200  for retaining the portable electronic device.  FIG. 2A  illustrates a top view of a case  200  that includes securing elements  260 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 2A  illustrates that the case  200  including sidewalls  230  that are joined by a corner portion  240  of the case  200 . The sidewalls  230  are coupled to a bottom wall  220  so as to define an internal cavity  250 . The case  200  includes an opening  252  to facilitate access to the internal cavity  250 . For example, the sidewalls  230  can be flexed to increase the opening  252  to the internal cavity  250 .  FIG. 2A  also shows that securing elements  260  are included on internal surfaces of the corner portion  240  of the case  200 . 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a top view of the case  200  including sidewalls  230  that are joined by a corner portion  240  of the case  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , the securing elements  260  are included along internal surfaces of both the corner portions  240  and the sidewalls  230 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate perspective views of a case  300  that includes securing elements  360 , in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 3A  illustrates a case  300  that includes a bottom wall  320  that is coupled to sidewalls  330 . In some examples, the sidewalls  330  can be integrally formed with the bottom wall  320  during a shaping or molding operation. In some examples, the sidewalls  330  have substantially curved profiles so as to conform to a shape and size of the beveled edges of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, at least one sidewall  330  includes an angled edge  332 . The angled edge  332  can be integrally formed with the sidewall  330 . In some embodiments, the angled edge  332  includes an upper surface  334  and an internal surface  336 . The internal surface  336  can be concealed from a top view of the case  300 , and the internal surface  336  can include securing elements  360  that are arranged in a tuned configuration that is optimized to prevent unintentional extraction of the portable electronic device from an internal cavity  150  of the case  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , the securing elements  360  can extend from the internal surface  336  of the angled edge  332 . The securing elements  360  can include a contact surface  362  that can be configured to grip or contact with a surface of the portable electronic device. In some examples, the contact surface  362  can be configured to grip onto one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device, including edges, display, cover glass, lateral surfaces, and the like. As shown in  FIG. 3A , the contact surface  362  can be characterized as being substantially elliptical or circular.  FIG. 3A  illustrates that the tuned pattern shown in  FIG. 3A  allows for each of the securing elements  360  to individually grip and flex with a portion of a surface of the portable electronic device, as each of the securing elements  360  are isolated from one another. 
     In some embodiments, the upper surface  334  of the angled edge  332  can correspond to a viewing surface. For example, the angled edge  332  prevents the internal surface  336  from being seen from a top view of the case  300 . Thus, the angled edge  332  minimizes a reduction in the appearance of the case  300  by concealing the securing elements  360  from the observer. 
     In some embodiments, when the portable electronic device is inserted within an internal cavity  150  of the case  300 , the portable electronic device can also prevent the internal surface  336  and the securing elements  360  of the angled edge  332  from being seen. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of the case  300 , in accordance with some embodiments. In contrast to  FIG. 3A , the case  300  of  FIG. 3B  includes securing elements  360  that have a contact surface  362  that can be characterized as being substantially rectangular or polygonal. The securing elements  360  of  FIG. 3B  have a smaller contact area than the securing elements  360  of  FIG. 3A . However, in this configuration permits for a greater number of securing elements  360  to be included along the internal surface  336  of the angled edge  332 . Additionally,  FIG. 3B  shows that adjacent securing elements  360  are coupled to each other such that each securing element  360  is not entirely capable of individually flexing without interference from another securing element  360 . 
       FIG. 3C  illustrates a perspective view of a case  300  that includes securing elements  360  in accordance with various embodiments. The case  300  includes sidewalls  330  that extend from the bottom wall  320 . In some embodiments, at least one sidewall  330  includes an upper portion having an angled edge  332 . In contrast to the case  300  shown in  FIGS. 3A-3B , the case  300  of  FIG. 3C  includes securing elements  360  that can be outside of the angled edge  332 , such as along the medial axis of the sidewall  330 .  FIG. 3C  shows that the sidewalls  330  are generally curved. In  FIG. 3C , the presence of securing elements  360  along the sidewalls  330  and the internal surface  336  of the angled edge  332  can increase an amount of grip or contact between the case  300  and the portable electronic device. For example, securing elements  360  along the internal surface  336  of the angled edge  332  as well as elsewhere along the sidewall  330  can provide grip to a cover glass and edges of the portable electronic device. 
       FIG. 3D  illustrates a case  300  that includes securing elements  360   a  that are included on the internal surface of the sidewall  330 , in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the securing elements  360   a  included on the sidewall  330  can be angled or directed towards the internal cavity  350  so that there is increased contact between the contact surface  362  and a surface of the portable electronic device. Furthermore,  FIG. 3D  illustrates that at least one corner portion  340  of the case  300  includes securing elements  360   b . The sidewalls  330 , the corner portion  340 , and the bottom wall  320  can define an opening  352  to the internal cavity  350 . 
     In some embodiments, the securing elements  360   a  included on the sidewall  330  can be substantially similar to the securing elements  360   b  included on the corner portion  340  with regarding to a configuration, such as shape, size, length, dimensions, density, and the like. In some embodiments, the securing elements  360   a  and  360   b  can be distinct with regard to their respective configurations. 
     Although not shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , the securing elements  360  in any region of the case  100  can have varying lengths or sizes. For example, adjacent securing elements  360  can have different lengths or different shape and size of a contact surface  362 . 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate cross-sectional views of a case  400  for securing a portable electronic device  480 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the case  400  that includes a sidewall  430  having an angled edge  432  that extends from an upper surface of the sidewall  430 . A lower or internal surface of the angled edge  432  includes a first set of securing elements  460   a  that are arranged in a first tuned configuration to prevent inadvertent extraction of the portable electronic device  480  when the case  400  is subject to a forceful impact. The sidewall  430  and the bottom wall  420  can define an internal cavity  450  that has a size and shape that corresponds to the portable electronic device  480 . 
       FIG. 4A  further shows that the sidewall  430  is joined with a corner portion  440 . In some examples, the sidewall  430  and the corner portion  440  can be integrally formed together, such as through an injection molding operation. In other examples, the sidewall  430  and the corner portion  440  can be separately formed, and then subsequently joined together.  FIG. 4A  shows that the angled edge  432  can extend through the sidewall  430  and the corner portion  440 . The angled edge  432  of the corner portion  440  can include a second set of securing elements  460   b  that are arranged in a second tuned configuration. In some examples, the second set of securing elements  460   a  differ from the first set of securing elements  460   b  according to at least one of length, shape, size, distance, width, density, surface area, contact surface area shape, and the like. In this manner, the first set of securing elements  460   a  associated with the first tuned configuration can have a different textured pattern than the second set of securing elements  460   b  associated with the second tuned configuration. For example, each of the securing elements  460   b  in the corner portion  440  can individually flex in at least one or more directions so as to maintain grip with the surface of the portable electronic device  480  when a force is applied to the case  400 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the case  400  that includes a sidewall  430  having an angled edge  432 . The case  400  shown in  FIG. 4B  is similar in some respects to the case  400  shown in  FIG. 4A , but for the single securing element  460   a  that is provided along an internal surface of the angled edge  432 . In some examples, the single securing element  460   a  includes a single contact area  462  having a substantially planar contact surface that corresponds to a planar surface of the portable electronic device  480 . By utilizing a single securing element  460   a , the sidewall  430  can increase the amount of contact area between the case  400  and the portable electronic device  480 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the case  400  that includes a sidewall  430  having an angled edge  432 . In contrast to the case  400  shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B , the case  400  of  FIG. 4C  does not include a securing element along the angled edge  432 . Instead the securing elements  460   b  are only included along the internal surface  438  of the corner portion  440 . In some examples, the opening  452  of the case  400  can prove susceptible to unintentionally flexing to allow the portable electronic device  480  to become extracted. In some embodiments, the securing elements  460   b  can be included along substantially the majority of or the entirety of the internal surface  438  of the corner portion  440 . 
       FIG. 4D  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the case  400 , in accordance with some embodiments. In contrast to the case  400  shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , the case  400  of  FIG. 4D  shows that the securing elements  460   b  are oriented or angled in a directional manner in an initial configuration (i.e., no force or load is applied to the case  400 ) away from the opening  452 . In this manner, when a force or load is applied to the case  400 , the securing elements  460   b  can be configured to grip the surface of the portable electronic device  480  sufficiently to direct the motion of the portable electronic device  480  away from the opening  452 . 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate perspective views of the securing elements  560  of the case  500  during an initial configuration and a modified configuration, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates the case  500  in conjunction with the initial configuration during Time  1 , where there is an absence of a force that is externally applied to the case  500 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the securing elements  560  are in contact with one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device  580 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates the case  500  in conjunction with the modified configuration during Time  2 , where a force is externally applied to the case  500 . The one or more contact surfaces  562  of the securing elements  560  are configured to maintain contact or grip with the surface of the portable electronic device  580  despite the change in motion of the portable electronic device  580  relative to the case  500 . The securing elements  560  can be configured to maintain contact or grip with the surface of the portable electronic device  580  by flexing in a direction that corresponds to the direction of the externally applied force. 
     In some embodiments, after the application of the external force to the case  500 , the securing elements  560  can be configured to rebound or revert back to their initial configuration. In this manner, the portable electronic device  580  can be retained within the internal cavity  550  of the case  500 . Since the securing elements  560  maintain grip with the surface of the portable electronic device  580 , the securing elements  560  can prevent extraction of the portable electronic device  580  via an opening  152  of the case  100 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method  600  for forming various embodiments of a case for an electronic device, as described herein. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the method  600  begins at step  602  where a molding material is provided in a mold. The mold can have an outline of the various embodiments of the cases described herein. By way of example,  FIG. 6  is directed towards forming the case  300  (e.g., molded shell), although other embodiments of the case can also be formed through the described techniques. 
     At step  604 , the molding material is shaped in the mold to create the case  300  having a bottom wall  320  and sidewalls  330  joined or coupled to the bottom wall  320  to define an internal cavity  350 . In some examples, the molding material can be shaped via a vacuum pressure operation, a gravity pull operation, a pressurized gas, and the like. In some examples, the molding material is comprised of at least one of silicone, polyurethane, elastomers, polyester, or other moldable material. 
     At step  606 , securing elements  360  are formed along an angled edge  332  of an internal surface  336  of the sidewalls  330 . The securing elements  360  can protrude from the internal surface  336 . In some examples, the securing elements  360  are integrally formed with the sidewalls  330  and the bottom wall  320  from the same molding material. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a method  700  for forming various embodiments of a case for an electronic device, as described herein. By way of example,  FIG. 7  is directed towards forming the case  300  (e.g., molded shell), although other embodiments of the case can also be formed through the described techniques. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the method  700  begins at step  702  where a substrate is provided. At step  704 , a shaping device (e.g., laser device, cutting device, etc.) can remove a first amount of material from the substrate to form a bottom wall  320  and sidewalls  330  coupled or joined to the bottom wall  320  to define an internal cavity  350 . In some examples, the substrate is comprised of at least one of silicone, polyurethane, elastomers, polyester, or a moldable material. 
     At step  706 , the shaping device can remove a second amount of material from the sidewalls  330  to form securing elements  360  along an angled edge  332  of an internal surface  336  of the sidewalls for forming the case for the electronic device. The securing elements  360  can protrude from the internal surface  336 . 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20170421
Publication Date: 20190402
Grant Date: 20190402
Priority Date: 20160920
Inventors: HOOVER, JOSHUA A.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B29L2031/3481", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C51/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/7162", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C51/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29L2031/3481", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45F5/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B29C51/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 65898361