CASES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract

Cases for electronic devices are provided. The first case for an electronic device has a first unit and a second unit wherein the second unit is a removable back portion having a storage compartment which is secured in a flush manner with respect to the back of the first unit. Alternatively, the second unit (or “third” layer) is a removable securing layer which is temporarily secured to the back of the first unit of the first case and wherein the second unit may be carried by a lanyard or strap. Finally, a second case for an electronic device has a protective cover which rotates from a first position to a second position wherein in the first position the protective cover covers the electronic device and wherein the second position the protective cover allows access to the electronic device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cases for electronic devices are provided. The first case for an electronic device has a first unit and a second unit wherein the second unit is a removable back portion having a storage compartment which is secured in a flush manner with respect to the back of the first unit. Alternatively, the second unit (or “third layer”) is a removable securing layer which is temporarily secured to the back of the first unit of the first case and wherein the second unit may be carried by a lanyard or strap. Finally, a second case for an electronic device has a protective cover which rotates from a first position to a second position wherein in the first position the protective cover covers the electronic device and wherein the second position the protective cover allows access to the electronic device.

Attempts have been made to provide useful cases for electronic devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No.: 6,754,344 to Kohli discloses a case for a folding-type mobile telephone which is divisible into two sections, each section having a room. The room of one section is for the body of the phone and the room of the other section is for cover. Each section has elastic portions and the sections snap together so that the case can fit a wide variety of phone models, regardless of size. An antenna fixing strap is also provided so that the phone will not easily fall out of the case.

Further, U.S. Pat. No.: 6,454,146 to Alis discloses a cell phone holder having a fixed, substantially horizontal, phone pocket with an open end, the phone pocket sized to firmly hold the phone at the waist of a user when not in use, yet quickly release the phone through the open end when needed.

And, U.S. Pat. No.: 6,934,517 to Fujihashi discloses a cellular phone holder, which can hold a standard type cellular phone as well as a collapsible type cellular phone having different sizes, respectively. Thus cellular phone holder is comprised of a lateral case capable of holding cellular phones of different width, and a longitudinal strap belt attached in a manner so as to intersect with the lateral case. Thus lateral case is formed of a single trunk member in which the trunk member is bent into a cylindrical shape and secured by Velcro tape attached in plural portions. A ring couples thus longitudinal strap belt to a plurality of strap belts and thus, a portion of the longitudinal strap belt is structured by an elastic material.

However, these patents fail to disclose cases for electronic devices which have a unique removable back portion. Further, these patents lack a removable second unit having a lanyard or strap which is easy to use and efficient. Accordingly, a need exists for improved cases for electronic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Cases for electronic devices are provided. The first case for an electronic device has a first unit and a second unit wherein the second unit is a removable back portion having a storage compartment which is secured in a flush manner with respect to the back of the first unit. Alternatively, the second unit (or “third” layer) is a removable securing layer which is temporarily secured to the back of the first unit of the first case and wherein the second unit may be carried by a lanyard or strap. Finally, a second case for an electronic device has a protective cover which rotates from a first position to a second position wherein in the first position the protective cover covers the electronic device and wherein the second position the protective cover allows access to the electronic device.

An advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that, in an embodiment, the cases may have a removable back potion wherein the removable back portion has a coin purse or other storage compartment which is secured to the back of the electronic case in a flush manner.

And an advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that, in an embodiment, the present cases may be partially transparent and partially frosted therein increasing privacy.

Another advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that, in an embodiment, the present cases may protect the electronic devices from UV, water, sand, heat, cold and the like.

Still further, an advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that the present cases may have a removable back layer having a lanyard or strap for carrying the cases.

And yet another advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that the present cases may have an opening so as to allow the lens of a camera to be exposed and operational without the need to remove the electronic device from the case.

Yet another advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that the present cases may have securing straps which extend over the first unit of the case to the second unit of the case therein securing the electronic device within the case.

Yet another advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that the present device may have a reflective surface and/or flashing light which increases visibility and safety of the person wearing the device.

And another advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that the present cases may have holes for a lanyard or strap so that a user may more easily wear the device.

Still another advantage of the present cases for electronic devices is that the present cases may have an opening for allowing a user to insert a power cord or speaker cord through the case so that a user may utilize or charge the electronic device sealed within the interior of the device.

For a more complete understanding of the above listed features and advantages of the cases for electronic devices reference should be made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the first case for an electronic device wherein the removable back portion (or “second unit”) is temporarily secured to the first unit which holds the electronic device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a back perspective view of the first case for an electronic device wherein the removable back portion is secured to the first unit.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the first case for an electronic device wherein the removable back portion is being removed from or secured to the first unit of the case for an electronic device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a back perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the removable securing layer (“second unit”) secured to the first unit of a case for an electronic device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the removable securing layer of FIG. 4 being secured to or removed from the first unit of the case for an electronic device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of a case for an electronic device in the second position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the second embodiment of a case for an electronic device of FIG. 6 in the first position.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the case for an electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Cases for electronic devices are provided. The first case for an electronic device has a first unit and a second unit wherein the second unit is a removable back portion having a storage compartment which is secured in a flush manner with respect to the back of the first unit. Alternatively, the second unit (or “third” layer) is a removable securing layer which is temporarily secured to the back of the first unit of the first case and wherein the second unit may be carried by a lanyard or strap. Finally, a second case for an electronic device has a protective cover which rotates from a first position to a second position wherein in the first position the protective cover covers the electronic device and wherein the second position the protective cover allows access to the electronic device.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the first case 1 for an electronic device 100 is provided. In an embodiment, the first case 1 may be divided into a first unit 25 and a second unit 26 (as further discussed below). The first unit 25 of the first case 1 may have a top 2, a bottom 3, a front 4, a back 5, a first side 6, a second side 7 and an interior. Preferably, the first unit 25 and/or second unit 26 of the first case 1 is largely made from a plastic; having metal and rubber components. It should be understood that various other manufacturing articles may be used in various embodiments. In an embodiment, the first unit 25 and/or second unit 26 of the first case 1 may be constructed from materials which protect against UV or electromagnetic radiation, water damage, sand, heat, cold or the like. In an embodiment, the second unit 26 may be permanently secured to the first unit 25.

In an embodiment, the second unit 26 is generally flexible (like a purse) so as to be able to be bent or collapsed easily for carrying in, for example, a pocket or purse. In this embodiment, the first unit 25 carrying the electronic device 100 remains largely rigid so as to protect the electronic device 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the first unit 25 is more rigid than the second unit 26 as the two units are made of different materials.

In an embodiment, a reflective material marking 18 may be located near, for example, the first side 6 or the second side 7 of the first unit 25 and/or the second unit 26 of the first case 1. The reflective material 18 may be, for example, a logo or other indicia (FIG. 1 illustrates the word STASHERS). The reflective material 18 may be a highly visible color which may increase safety of the person wearing the device 1 in diminished light by making the person visible to vehicles. In another embodiment, the first case 1 may have a flashing light 19. The flashing light 19 may offer extra visibility to a cyclist or person for greater visibility from car drivers, etc. FIG. 2 illustrates alternative embodiments wherein the reflective material 18 and flashing light 19 are located on the second unit 26 instead of the first unit 25 as in FIG. 1.

In an embodiment, the first case 1 may have at least one hole 33. The figures illustrate two holes 33, but any number of holes 33 may be used. The hole 33 may allow, for example, a strong, adjustable and detachable lanyard or strap 35 to be strapped to the device 1 so as to allow a user to easily wear the device 1 without the device 1 accidently falling off or being dropped by the person. In an embodiment, silver or rubber grommets 34 may be used to surround the holes 33. The hole 33 may be located on an extension tab 40 located on, for example, the first unit 25 and/or the second unit 26 of the first case 1.

In an embodiment, a second hole 49 may be located near, for example, the front 4 of the first unit 25 of the first case 1. It should be understood that the second hole 49 may be located anywhere on the first unit 25 of the first case 1 so as to match a port on the actual electronic device or phone 100. The second hole 49 may allow, for example, a speaker wire 53 to pass through the first unit 25 of the first case 1 so that a user may listen to music or use an electronic device 100 located within the interior of the first unit 25 of the first case 1 while the first unit 1 is surrounding the electronic device 100. Further, the second hole 49 may allow a user to charge the electronic device 100 (through a power cord) when the electronic device 100 is still located within the interior of the first unit 25. The second hole 49 may also allow for a user to operate volume controls or other controls on the electronic device 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, as stated above, in an embodiment, the first case 1 may be divided into a first unit 25 and a second unit 26 which are preferably removable from each other. A generally rectangular hook and loop securing device 60 may be located flush on the bottom 3 of the first unit 25 of the first case 1. The generally rectangular hook and loop securing device 60 may correspondingly match with and may be temporarily secured to another hook and loop securing device 61 located on a top 70 of the second unit 26 of the first case 1. In an embodiment, the hook and loop securing device 60 occupies substantially the entire bottom 60 of the first unit 25 for increased stability (as described below).

The second unit 26 of the first case 1 may also have a bottom 71, a front 72, a back 73, a first side 74 and a second side 75. The second unit 26 of the first case 1 may have an interior compartment (not visible) accessible through, for example, a zipper 80 on the second unit 26. As a result, a user may store items such as, for example, credit cards, IDs, money, an extra battery and/or documents within the interior compartment of the second unit 26 of the first case 1. If a user wishes to go out using only the protective covering (IE—first unit) over the electronic device 100, the user may elect to remove the second unit 26 from the first unit 25 and travel only with the first unit 25 around the electronic device 100. If a user wishes to carry additional items and/or wishes to utilize the lanyard or strap 35, the user may proceed to travel with the second unit 26 temporarily secured to the first unit 25.

In a first embodiment (FIGS. 1-3) the width (first side 74 and second side 75) of second unit 26 may be substantially similar to the width of (first side 6 and second side 7) first unit 25 so as to allow a user to store large items. In another embodiment (FIGS. 4 and 5) the second unit 26 may be substantially thinner than the width of the first unit 25 so as to allow the user to utilize the device in a more confined space. Further, in an embodiment, the user may switch between the first embodiment version (FIGS. 1-3) and the second embodiment version (FIGS. 4-5) while still utilizing the same first unit 25 as the securing device 61 of the first embodiment version (FIGS. 1-3) and the second embodiment version (FIGS. 4-5) are identical and correspond with the securing mechanism 60 of the first unit 25.

In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 3), the first unit 25 of the first case 1 may have extension tabs 40 matching and aligning with the extension tabs 40 of the second unit 26. In this embodiment the user may elect to carry the only first unit 25 by means of the lanyard or strap 35 (wherein the second unit 26 is removed). In this embodiment, a user may also electively insert the lanyard or strap 35 through all four of the holes 33 of the first unit 25 and second unit 26 combined if the user wishes to travel with both the first unit 25 and the second unit 26. Utilizing all four holes 33 may increase the stability of the first case 1 and further prevent the first unit 25 from accidentally becoming detached from the second unit 26. Finally, the user may also decide to utilize the holes 33 on only the first unit 25 or only the second unit 26 (even though the first unit 25 and second unit 26 are secured together and all four holes 33 are aligned) if the user wishes to be able to separate the first unit 25 from the second unit 26 quickly.

In an embodiment, the first unit 25 and/or the second unit 26 of the first case 1 may be partially transparent. For example, in an embodiment, the first unit 25 may be transparent whereas the second unit 26 may have an opaque or frosted finish. The transparent nature of the first unit 25 of the first case 1 may allow a user to visually see and operate, for example, an electronic device 100 such as a cell phone (pictured). Further, the plastic nature of the first unit 25 of the first case 1 may allow a user to bend or otherwise depress buttons 51 (FIG. 2) of the electronic device 100 though the top 2 of the first unit 25 of the first case 1 without the need to remove the electronic device 100 from the first case 1. Still further, in an embodiment, only the top 2 of the first unit 25 is generally flexible so as to allow a user to depress buttons 51 of the electronic device 100 while the sides of the first unit 25 remain largely rigid.

As stated above, in an alternative embodiment to an opaque second unit 26, the second unit 26 of the first case 1 may be alternatively generally frosted. More specifically, the frosted nature of the second unit 26 may allow a user to generally see the outline of what is in the interior of the second unit 26 of the first case 1 while still maintaining privacy by prohibiting others from identifying what is in the interior of the second unit 26 of the first case 1. A divider (not shown) located within the interior of the second unit 26 of the first case 1 may separate articles within the interior of the second unit 26.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, in an alternative embodiment, the second unit 26 of the first case 1 does not have a zipper 80 which opens the interior of the second unit 26. Instead, in this embodiment, the second unit 26 may be substantially flat. In an embodiment, the second unit 26 may have at least one slit 43 which allows items such as, for example, money or credit cards 44 to be partially inserted into the second unit 26. Further, in an embodiment, the second unit 26 may lack the slits 43 and may simply act as a surface for which the first unit 25 may temporarily be secured to so that a user may utilize the lanyard and strap 35 to carry the electronic device 100 by the lanyard or strap 35.

In an embodiment, a clip 81 may be located on, for example, the bottom 71 of the second unit 26. The clip 81 may allow, for example, a headphone cord or wire 53 to be secured to the second unit 26 so that the headphone cord or wire 53 does not swing while the user is wearing the device 1 and active.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, in an embodiment, a second case 200 is provided. The second case 200 may have a first flap section 210 and a second flap section 220 wherein the second flap section 220 has sides 255 which secure and grasp the electronic device 100. The first flap section 210 may rotate approximately three hundred and sixty degrees with respect to the second flap section 220. In particular, the first flap section 210 may rotate with respect to the second flap section 220 at a connector unit 215.

A securing strap 250 may be located on the first flap section 210. The securing strap 250 may have, for example, a button or magnet 260 which temporarily mates with a corresponding unit (not shown) on the second flap section 220 so as to secure the first flap section 210 to the second flap section 220 and protects the electronic device 100.

A generally circular opening 275 may be located on, for example, the second flap section 220 of the second case 200. The generally circular opening 275 may have a diameter which is slightly greater than a diameter of a camera lens of the electronic device 100. The generally circular opening 275 of the second case 200 may align with the camera lens such that the camera of the electronic device 100 may be operated without the need to remove the electronic device 100 from the second case 200.

Similar to the first case 1, the second case 200 may also have extension tabs 40 and holes 33. The holes 33 may allow the lanyard or strap 35 to be secured to the second case 200 so that the second case 200 may be carried in a similar fashion as the first case 1.

Finally, referring now to FIG. 8, in an alternative embodiment, the case for an electronic device 1 may have quick release securing units 557 which attach to the lanyard or strap 35 so as to allow the user to remove the lanyard or strap 35 easily. Further, in this embodiment, a securing spring 558 may be secured to the second unit 26 so that a user may not only utilize the second unit 26 secured to the first unit 25 wherein the second unit 26 has at least one slit 43 which allows items such as, for example, money or credit cards 44 to be secured to the second unit 26, but the securing spring 558 may also allow a user to secure an item to the front of the second unit 26. More specifically, the securing spring 558 may be bent slightly backward and an item, such as, for example, a newspaper, may be stored between the securing spring 558 and the top of the second unit 26. Storing an item utilizing the securing spring 558 may also help prevent the items (such as credit cards) 44 from accidentally falling out of the second unit 26.

Although embodiments of the present invention are shown and described therein, it should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is, therefore, intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the present application.

Claims

1. A case for an electronic device comprising: a first housing having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side, a second side and a generally hollow interior wherein the interior of the first housing stores an electronic device;a second housing having a top, a bottom, a front, a back, a first side, a second side and a generally hollow interior; anda hook and loop fastener system having a first unit and a corresponding locking second unit wherein the first unit of the hook and loop fastener system is located on the bottom of the first housing and wherein the second unit hook and loop fastener system is located on the top of the second housing and wherein the hook and loop fastener system allows the first housing to be temporarily secured to the second housing.

2. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first housing is rigid and wherein the second housing is flexible.

3. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 wherein the first housing is transparent and wherein the second housing is not transparent.

4. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: an opening on the first housing or the second housing wherein the opening on the first housing or the second housing receives a lanyard or strap for carrying the case.

5. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: a light located on the first housing or the second housing.

6. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: a securing mechanism on the second housing wherein the securing mechanism allows access to the interior of the second housing or prevents access to the interior of the second housing.

7. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: a reflective or fluorescent marking on the first housing or second housing for increasing visibility of the first housing or second housing.

8. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: a third housing having a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom wherein the third housing has a hook and loop fastener system which temporarily mates with the hook and loop fastener system of the first housing allowing a user to select between the securing the second housing or the third housing to the first unit.

9. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: a strap secured to the bottom of the first housing wherein the strap has a button or magnet which correspondingly mates with a button receiver or magnet located on the top of the second housing.

10. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: a clip for securing a cable or wire located on the second housing wherein the cable or wire is attached to the electronic device located within the interior of the first housing.

11. The case for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising: an opening in the first housing wherein the opening allows a user to activate a button or control on the electronic device.