US20140216976A1

US20140216976A1 - Covers and mounts for electronic devices

Info

Publication number: US20140216976A1
Application number: US13/762,053
Authority: US
Inventors: Patrick R. Conarro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-07
Filing date: 2013-02-07
Publication date: 2014-08-07

Abstract

A cover is provided for installing at least partly around an electronic device. And, a module is provided for releasably coupling to the cover. The module includes a compartment for storing desired items within the module when the module is coupled to the cover. An insert is associated with the cover for use in releasably coupling the module to the cover. In particular, the insert includes arms that extend through a back portion of the cover for use in releasably coupling the module to the cover. In some aspects, a mounting unit is also provided for supporting the cover and the electronic device in a desired position (e.g., on a bike, in a vehicle, on a boats, on a belt strap, on a backpack strap, etc.).

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to covers and to mounts for electrical devices for use, for example, in protecting the electrical devices, for storing desired items with the electronic devices, for coupling the electrical devices to desired structures (e.g., bikes, belts, backpacks, etc.), etc.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Covers are often used with electrical devices (e.g., phones, tablets, etc.) to protect the devices. For example, covers can protect the devices from exposure to undesired materials such as water, dirt, food, etc., and from damage if dropped, etc.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
The present disclosure generally relates to covers for electronic devices. In one example embodiment, a cover assembly for an electronic device generally includes a cover having a frame configured to install at least partly around the electronic device and a base located toward a generally rearward portion of the frame, and a module configured to releasably couple to the base of the cover such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the cover.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, cover assemblies include modules that define compartments configured for storing desired items within the modules when the modules are coupled to covers. For example, in various aspects the modules may be configured for storing tools, medication, makeup kits, identification, credit cards, money, keys, combinations thereof, etc.
In another example embodiment, a cover for an electronic device generally includes a frame having side walls and a back wall configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, and an insert positionable within the frame generally between the electronic device and the back wall of the frame when the frame is installed at least partly around the electronic device. The back wall of the frame has openings defined therein, and the insert has arms configured to extend through the openings of the back wall of the frame for use in releasably coupling a module to the cover such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the body.
The present disclosure also generally relates to assemblies for supporting electronic devices. In one example embodiment, an assembly for use in supporting an electronic device generally includes a cover configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, a mounting frame configured to couple to the cover, and a receiver configured to couple to the mounting frame for supporting the electronic device in a desired position.
In some aspects of the present disclosures, the assemblies are configured for supporting the electronic devices on mobile units such as bikes, vehicles, boats, etc. And in other aspects of the present disclosure, the assemblies are configured for supporting the electronic devices on straps such as, for example, belt straps, backpack straps, etc.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure shown installed to an electronic device;

FIG. 2 the perspective view of FIG. 1 with the electronic device removed from the cover;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the cove of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 1 showing an insert removed from the cover;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a module according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, where the module is capable of being coupled to the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the module of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an operation of coupling the module of FIG. 6 to the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view illustrating the operation of coupling the module of FIG. 6 to the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the module of FIG. 6 coupled to the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the module and cover of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the module and cover of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the module and cover of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a left side view of the module and cover of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a right side view of the module and cover of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16 is a section view of the module of FIG. 6 and the cover of FIG. 1 taken in a plane including line 16-16 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a section view of the module of FIG. 6 and the cover of FIG. 1 taken in a plane including line 17-17 in FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure for use in mounting an electronic device to a bike, where the electronic device is installed to the cover of FIG. 1 and the assembly is configured to couple to the cover;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 18, and further illustrating the cover of FIG. 1 and a storage module for use with the cover and mounting assembly;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the storage module of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the storage module of FIG. 21, showing the storage module assembled;

FIG. 24 is a section view of the mounting assembly taken in a plane including line 24-24 in FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating installation of a receiver of the mounting assembly to the bike;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating installation of the cover and electronic device to the receiver of the mounting assembly;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a module according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, where the module is shown coupled to the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the module and cover of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a right side view of the module and cover of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the module and cover of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the module and cover of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a front elevation view of the module and cover of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a rear elevation view of the module and cover of FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a module according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, where the module is shown coupled to the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 35 is a left side view of the module and cover of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a right side view of the module and cover of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the module and cover of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of the module and cover of FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 is a front elevation view of the module and cover of FIG. 34;

FIG. 40 is a rear elevation view of the module and cover of FIG. 34;

FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the module of FIG. 34; and

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a mounting assembly according to another example embodiment of the present disclosure for use in mounting an electronic device to a strap, where the electronic device is installed to the cover of FIG. 1 and the assembly is configured to couple to the cover.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example embodiment of a cover 2 for an electronic device 3. As will be described, the cover 2 is configured to fit at least party over the electronic device 3. In doing so, the cover 2 can then provide protection to the electronic device 3 against exposure to undesired materials (e.g., water, dirt, food, etc.) and/or against damage from inadvertent shocks (e.g., shocks associated with inadvertently dropping the electronic device 3, etc.). Further, the cover 2 provides a platform that can be used to releasably couple different modules to the cover 2 as desired, where the different modules then associate different features with the cover 2 (e.g., storage features, mounting features, etc.). The different modules can be selectively interchanged on the cover 2 as desired. This will be described in more detail hereinafter.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 2 generally includes a frame 4 configured to receive the electronic device 3 and a raised base 6 disposed generally rearward of the frame 4. The frame 4 includes side walls 8 and a back wall 10. The frame 4 is generally flexible (e.g., formed from flexible material such as rubber, formed as a soft overmold, etc.) so that the electronic device 3 can be pressed into (or removed from) the cover 2 through a forward opening 12 of the cover 2 (e.g., with the cover 2 stretching around at least part of the electronic device 3, conforming to at least part of the electronic device 3, etc.) (see arrows A and B in FIG. 2). As such, the frame 4 fits securely around side and back portions of the electronic device 3, while leaving a front portion of the electronic device 3 (e.g., a touch screen, etc.) accessible to a user. The frame 4 also includes openings (each generally indicated at reference number 14) and protrusions (each generally indicated at reference number 16) configured to align with various features of the electronic device 3 (e.g., buttons, cameras, power connections, etc.) so that the features are accessible and operable by the user when the electronic device 3 is installed in the cover 2.
With additional reference now to FIGS. 3-5, the cover 2 also includes a slider plate 18 (broadly, an insert) configured to help couple a module (not shown) to the cover 2 (this will be described in more detail hereinafter). The slider plate 18 is positioned within the raised base 6 (e.g., inserted through the opening 12 of the frame 4, etc.). Arms 20 of the slider plate 18 generally align with, and extend through, openings 22 in the base 6 of the cover 2. The arms 20 are then configured to interact with the module for coupling the module to the cover 2. As can be seen, the slider plate 18 is positioned in the cover 2 so that it does not interfere with inserting the electronic device 3 in the cover 2 (FIG. 2). In addition, the slider plate 18 is located generally behind the electronic device 3 when the electronic device 3 is installed in the cover 2 such that it also does not interfere with use of the electronic device 3 in the cover 2. In the illustrated embodiment, finger openings 24 are provided along lateral side portions of the slider plate 18, for example, to accommodate grasping the slider plate 18 and help facilitate placement and/or removal of the slider plate 18 in the cover 2. With that said, the slider plate 18 can be formed from any suitable material within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, hard molded plastic, etc. Further, other configurations of slider plates (e.g., slider plates without finger openings, slider plates with more than or less than four arms, etc.) could be used with the cover 2 within the scope of the present disclosure. Still further, structures other than slider plates and arms may be used to couple modules to covers within the scope of the present disclosure.
The cover 2 further includes an abutment 26 provided toward an upper portion of the base 6, and a clip 28 provided toward a lower portion of the base 6. The abutment 26 and the clip 28 operate together with the slider plate 18 to help couple a module to the cover 2 (again, this will be described in more detail hereinafter). The abutment 26 and/or the clip 28 can be formed integrally with the cover 2, or they can be formed separately and then coupled to the cover 2 within the scope of the present disclosure.
In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic device 3 installed to the cover 2 is shown as a phone (e.g., a cellular phone, etc.). In other example embodiments, however, covers of the present disclosure may be used with electronic devices other than phones such as, for example, tablets, etc. What's more, it should be appreciated that covers of the present disclosure (including one or more features described herein) can be accommodated for use with any type of electronic devices as desired.
FIGS. 6-17 illustrate an example embodiment of a module 130 configured for use with the cover 2 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The module 130 is configured to selectively couple to (and be removed from, as desired) the cover 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the module 130 is configured for use to store desired items (e.g., is configured as a wallet, etc.). As such, the module 130 can be coupled to the cover 2 and used, for example, for holding items such as identification, credit cards, money, keys, etc. The cover 2 and the module 130, together, may generally be referred to as a cover assembly.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the module 130 generally includes a body 132, a plate 134 configured to fit within an opening 136 of the body 132, and a back 138 configured to couple to the body 132 behind the plate 134. The plate 134 includes a lip 140 extending around a perimeter of the plate 134. This allows the plate 134 to fit into the opening 136 of the body 132, with a forward portion of the plate 134 extending at least partly into the opening 136 (generally flush with an exterior portion of the body 132). The back 138 of the module 130 includes a tab 142 configured to fit into an opening 144 in a bottom portion of the body 132 to help secure the back 138 to the body 132 and hold the plate 134 in the body opening 136. An opening 146 is also provided in the back 138 to help facilitate insertion and removal of the back 138 into and from the body 132, as desired (e.g., using a finger, using a tool, etc.).
When assembled (FIG. 7), the module 130 defines a compartment 148, generally behind the back 138 that can be used to hold desired items. For example, keys, money, credit cards, etc. can be stored in the compartment 148 (generally between the module 130 and the cover 2 when the module 130 is coupled to the cover 2, as described next). The module 130 can be configured to provide any desired size to the compartment 148. In addition in the illustrated embodiment, the plate 134 is formed from a clear material (e.g., injection molded from plastic, etc.). As such, an identification card 149 (or any other desired card or material) can also be positioned generally behind the plate 134 (between the plate 134 and the back 138) for holding in the module 130. The identification card 149 is securely retained in the module 130 and is also visible through the plate 134 without having to remove it from the module 130.
As shown in FIGS. 8-15, the body 132 of the module 130 is configured to releasably couple the module 130 to the cover 2. For example, openings 150 formed in sidewall portions 152 of the body 132 are configured to generally align with the arms 20 of the slider plate 18. This allows the module 130 to slide onto the cover 2 (as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 8), with the arms 20 of the slider plate 18 received within the openings 150 of the module 130. In addition, the module 130 can then similarly slide off the cover 2 when desired (as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 8) (e.g., to access the compartment 148 defined between the module 130 and the cover 2, to interchange the module 130 with another module, etc.). In other example embodiments, modules may include bases with other structures configured to couple the modules to covers (e.g., bases with more than or less than four openings, bases with structures other than openings, etc.).
As further shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the slider plate 18, the abutment 26, and the clip 28 of the cover 2 operate to secure the module 130 on the cover 2 (e.g., against forces tending to move the module 130 off the cover 2, etc.). In particular, end portions of the arms 20 of the slider plate 18 are shaped (e.g., bent, curved, etc.) to position generally over lip portions 154 of the body 132 of the module 130. This operates to hold the module 130 on the cover 2 against forces tending to pull the module 130 off the cover 2, for example, in a direction generally perpendicular to the cover 2 and/or in a generally left or right direction of the cover 2. In addition, the abutment 26 helps inhibit the module 130 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally upward direction of the cover 2. And, the clip 28 fits generally over a lower portion of the module 130 to generally secure, lock, trap, etc. the module 130 on the base of the cover 2 (generally between the clip 28 and the abutment 26) and help inhibit the module 130 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally downward direction of the cover 2.
As previously described, the illustrated module 130 is configured for use to store items such as identification, credit cards, money, keys, etc. In other example embodiments, however, modules may be configured for use to perform other functions (e.g., holding makeup, holding medication, holding tools (e.g., a compass, a screwdriver, a knife, etc.), etc. What's more, multiple different modules can be configured to couple to the cover 2, such that the different modules can be interchanged on the cover 2 as desired. With that said, various example modules of the present disclosure will be described in more detail hereinafter.
FIGS. 18-26 illustrate an example embodiment of a mounting assembly 260 (broadly, an assembly) for use with the cover 2 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. As shown in FIG. 18, the illustrated mounting assembly 260 is configured to couple the cover 2 (as well as the electronic device 3 installed in the cover 2) to a bike 261. And in particular in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting assembly 260 is configured to couple the cover 2 (and the electronic device 3) to handlebars 263 of the bike 261 (FIG. 15). With that said, it should be appreciated that the mounting assembly 260 could alternatively be used to couple the cover 2 (and the electronic device 3) to other portions of the bike 261 (e.g., a frame of the bike 261, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, it should also be appreciated that the mounting assembly 260 could be used to couple the cover 2 (and the electronic device 3) to other structures within the scope of the present disclosure, for example, dashes (or other structures) of vehicles, boats, etc.; carts; strollers; desks; etc.
With reference now to FIGS. 19-21, the illustrated mounting assembly 260 generally includes a receiver 262 and a frame 264 (e.g., a mounting frame, etc.). The receiver 262 is configured to couple to the handlebars 263 of the bike 261, and the frame 264 is configured to couple to the receiver 262. Fasteners 266 (which each include a screw 268 and a nut 270 in the illustrated embodiment) are provided for coupling the frame 264 and the receiver 262 together. In so doing, the frame 264 is configured to fit generally between opposing arms 272 of the receiver 262 so that openings 274 in the frame 264 generally align with corresponding openings 276 in the receiver 262. The screws 268 of the fasteners 266 can then be inserted through the respective aligned openings 274, 276, and the nuts 270 can be coupled to the screws 268 to thereby secure the frame 264 on the receiver 262. In other example embodiments, assemblies may include receivers with more than or less than two arms.
The frame 264 is also configured to couple to the cover 2 for holding the cover 2 (and the electronic device 3 installed in the cover 2) in the mounting assembly 260 (FIGS. 19 and 20). As such, the mounting assembly 260 can hold the cover 2 (and the electronic device 3) in a desired position on the handlebars 263 of the bike 261 (FIG. 18). In the illustrated embodiment, resilient clips 278 (or tabs) are provided around the frame 264 for engaging the cover 2 and releasably coupling the frame 264 to the cover 2. However, in other example embodiments, mounting assemblies may include frames with other structures for coupling the frames to covers.
With reference to FIGS. 22-24, the illustrated embodiment also provides a storage module 230 for coupling to the cover 2. The storage module 230 generally includes a body 232 and a tool case 280. The tool case 280 fits generally within a lip 240 extending around an upper opening 236 of the body 232. This helps to hold the tool case 280 in the body 232 and to inhibit unwanted sliding movement of the tool case off the body 232. In addition, tabs 282 provided around the body 232 are configured to fit over the tool case 280 to thereby further help releasably couple the tool case 280 to the body 232 (as indicated by arrows C in FIG. 22). In so doing, a cavity 248 is defined generally under the tool case 280 (and within the body 232) for storing additional items (e.g., identification cards, credit cards, money, keys, etc.) within the module 230, and specifically between the module 230 and the body 232 of the cover 2 when the module 230 is coupled to the cover 2 (as described next). The tool case 280 can include any desired tools within the scope of the present disclosure including, for example, wrenches, knives, a compass, screwdrivers, spare bike parts, etc.
The storage module 230 couples to the cover 2 in generally the same fashion as previously described for the module 230 illustrated in FIGS. 6-17. For example, the body 232 of the storage module 230 includes openings 250 that align with the arms 20 of the cover 2. This allows the module 230 to be slid onto (or off of) the cover 2, with the arms 20 received in the openings 250 (to help secure the module 230 on the cover 2). An upper portion of the body 232 engages the abutment 26 of the cover 2 (to help inhibit the module 230 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally upward direction of the cover 2), and the clip (not visible) of the cover 2 generally fits over a lower portion of the body 232 (to help inhibit the module 230 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally downward direction of the cover 2).
Further, the frame 264 of the mounting assembly 260 is configured to receive and accommodate the module 230 when the cover 2 and module 230 are received in the frame 264. For example, wall portions of the frame 264 and the tabs 282 of the frame 264 are sized to provide sufficient depth to receive the cover 2 and module 230 generally into the frame 264 when the frame 264 is coupled to the cover 2. In addition, it should be appreciated that the mounting assembly 260 may also accommodate the cover 2 with other modules coupled thereto within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the frame 264 of the mounting assembly 260 may be configured as needed to receive and accommodate the cover 2 with any desired module coupled thereto.
With reference now to FIGS. 25 and 26, the receiver 262 of the mounting assembly 260 includes two brackets 284, 286 configured to couple the receiver 262 to the handlebars 263 of the bike 261. The brackets 284, 286 are shaped to fit generally around the handlebars 263, and fasteners 288 are provided to then secure the brackets 284, 286 together around the handlebars 263 (with the handlebars 263 generally captured between the brackets 284, 286). In addition, a positioning fastener 290 is provided to frictionally couple the brackets 284, 286 to the handlebars 263 to securely locate the receiver 262 in a desired rotational location on the handlebars 263 (e.g., for viewing of the electronic device 3 by a user riding the bike 261, for positioning a camera of the electronic device 3 in a generally forward facing orientation, etc.). The positioning fastener 290 then also helps inhibit unwanted rotation of the brackets 284, 286 about the handlebars 263 (e.g., away from the desired rotational location, etc.). Once the receiver 262 is coupled to the handlebars 263, the frame 264 (and the cover 2 and electronic device 3 positioned therein) can be coupled to the receiver 262 as desired.
FIGS. 27-33 illustrate another example embodiment of a module 330 configured for use with the cover 2 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The module 330 is configured to selectively couple to (and be removed from, as desired) the cover 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the module 330 is configured for use to store, for example, medication, etc.
The module 330 generally includes a body 332, a tray 356 configured to fit within an opening 336 of the body 332, and a cover 358 configured to couple to the body 332. The tray 356 includes a tab (not visible) configured to fit into a corresponding opening (not visible) in a bottom portion of the body 332 to help secure the tray 356 to the body 332 and hold the tray 356 generally in the body opening 336. And, the cover 358 (which may be clear) includes a lip 392 configured to fit within a hook portion 394 in an upper portion of the body 332 to thereby pivotally couple the cover 2 to the body 332. As such, the cover 358 can pivot relative to the body 332 and the tray 356 to selectively cover and uncover the opening 336, and thus selectively allow and close access to the tray 356. A latch 396 is provided on the cover 358 for engaging an opening 344 of the body 332 to help hold the cover 358 in a closed position when desired to inhibit access to the tray 356. In the illustrated embodiment, the tray 356 is configured with multiple compartments, for example, for holding medication for particular days of the week. In other example embodiments, modules may include trays configured with different arrangements of compartments than disclosed herein.
With that said, the module 330 couples to the cover 2 in generally the same fashion as previously described for the module 130 illustrated in FIGS. 6-17. For example, the body 332 of the module 330 includes openings 350 that align with the arms (not visible) extending from the cover 2. This allows the module 330 to be slid onto (or off of) the cover 2, with the arms received in the openings 350 (to help secure the module 330 on the cover 2). An upper portion of the body 332 engages the abutment 26 of the cover 2 (to help inhibit the module 330 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally upward direction of the cover 2), and the clip 28 of the cover 2 generally fits over a lower portion of the body 332 (to help inhibit the module 330 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally downward direction of the cover 2).
FIGS. 34-41 illustrate another example embodiment of a module 430 configured for use with the cover 2 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The module 430 is configured to selectively couple to (and be removed from, as desired) the cover 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the module 430 is configured for use to store, for example, makeup, etc.
The module 430 generally includes a body 432, a tray 456 configured to fit within an opening 436 of the body 432, and a cover 458 configured to couple to the body 432. In addition, a makeup insert 498 is provided for positioning in the tray 456 (with the tray 456 also including a compartment 448 for general storage), and a mirror 499 is provided for coupling to an underside of the cover 458. The tray 456 includes tabs 442 configured to fit into corresponding openings (not visible) formed in the body 432 to help secure the tray 456 to the body 432 and hold the tray 456 generally in the body opening 436 (FIG. 41). And, the cover 458 (which may be clear) includes a lip 492 configured to fit within a hook portion 494 in an upper portion of the body 432 to thereby pivotally couple the cover 458 to the body 432. As such, the cover 458 can pivot relative to the body 432 and the tray 456 to selectively cover and uncover the opening 436, and thus selectively allow and close access to the tray 456. A latch 496 is provided on the cover 458 for engaging an opening 444 of the body 432 to help hold the cover 458 in a closed position when desired to inhibit access to the tray 456.
With that said, the module 430 couples to the cover 2 in generally the same fashion as previously described for the module 130 illustrated in FIGS. 6-17. For example, the body 432 of the module 430 includes openings 450 that align with the arms (not visible) of the cover 2. This allows the module 430 to be slid onto (or off of) the cover 2, with the arms received in the openings 450 (to help to secure the module 430 on the cover 2). An upper portion of the body 432 engages the abutment 26 of the cover 2 (to help inhibit the module 430 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally upward direction of the cover 2), and a clip 28 of the cover 2 generally fits over a lower portion of the body 432 (to help inhibit the module 430 from sliding off the cover 2 in a generally downward direction of the cover 2).
FIG. 42 illustrates an example embodiment of a mounting assembly 560 for use with the cover 2 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and the frame 264 previously described and illustrated in FIGS. 18-26. The illustrated mounting assembly 560 generally includes a receiver 562 which is configured to couple to the frame 264 in substantially the same fashion that the frame 264 couples to the receiver 262 in the mounting assembly 260 of FIGS. 18-26. For example, the frame 264 is configured to fit generally between opposing arms 572 of the illustrated receiver 562 so that openings in the frame 264 generally align with corresponding openings in the arms 572 the receiver 562. Fasteners 266 can then be inserted through the respective aligned openings to secure the frame 264 on the receiver 562. In this embodiment, the receiver 562 further includes openings 591 configured to receive a belt, strap (e.g., a backpack strap, etc.), etc. for coupling the receiver 562 thereto (e.g., via threading the belt, strap, etc. through the openings, etc.). In other example embodiments, assemblies may include receivers with more than or less than two arms.
In some example embodiments, covers and modules are molded in similar colors, for example, to match product aesthetics, etc. In addition, in some example embodiments guards (e.g., brush guards, grated guards configured like catcher's masks, etc.) may be provided for positioning over at least part of screens of electronic devices when the electronic devices are positioned in covers. The guards can help protect the screens from damage, etc.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A cover assembly for an electronic device, the cover assembly comprising:

a cover having a frame configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, and a base located toward a generally rearward portion of the frame; and

a module configured to releasably couple to the base of the cover, such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the cover.

2. The cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one arm extending away from the base of the cover, the at least one arm configured to engage the module and releasably couple the module to the base of the cover.

3. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one arm includes four arms.

4. The cover assembly of claim 2, further comprising an insert defining the at least one arm, the insert positionable generally within the frame of the cover; and

wherein the base of the cover includes at least one opening configured to receive the at least one arm of the insert therethrough.

5. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the module includes a body having at least one opening configured to receive the at least one arm of the cover to thereby releasably couple the module to the base of the cover.

6. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein the module includes a lip positioned adjacent the at least one opening of the body, and wherein the at least one arm is configured to extend over the lip of the body of the module when the module is coupled to the base of the cover to thereby inhibit movement of the module off the cover in a direction generally perpendicular to the cover and/or in directions generally left and right of the cover.

7. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover further includes an abutment configured to help hold the module on the base of the cover and inhibit sliding movement of the module relative to the cover.

8. The cover assembly of claim 7, wherein the abutment is configured to help inhibit sliding movement of the module relative to the cover in a first direction; and wherein the cover further includes a tab configured to help hold the module on the base of the cover and inhibit sliding movement of the module relative to the cover in a second direction different from the first direction.

9. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the module includes a body and a generally clear plate configured to couple to the body; and wherein the module is configured to hold a card in the body such that the card is visible through the generally clear plate when the module is coupled to the cover.

10. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the module defines a compartment configured for storing desired items within the module when the module is coupled to the base of the cover.

11. The cover assembly of claim 10, wherein the module includes tools and/or an insert for storing medication and/or a makeup kit.

12. An assembly for use in supporting an electronic device, the assembly comprising:

a cover configured to install at least partly around the electronic device;

a mounting frame configured to couple to the cover; and

a receiver configured to couple to the mounting frame for supporting the electronic device in a desired position.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the mounting frame includes multiple tabs configured to engage the cover to thereby couple the cover to the mounting frame.

14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes at least one arm with an opening defined therein for use in coupling the mounting frame to the receiver; the assembly further comprising at least one fastener configured to extend through the opening of the at least one arm to thereby couple the mounting frame to the receiver.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes at least one bracket configured to couple the receiver to handlebars of a bike to thereby support the cover and the electronic device installed therein on the bike.

16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the receiver includes openings configured to receive a strap to thereby couple the receiver to the strap and support the cover and the electronic device installed therein on the strap.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the strap includes a belt.

18. The assembly of claim 12, further comprising a module configured to releasably couple to the cover, such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the cover.

19. A cover for an electronic device, the cover comprising:

a frame having side walls and a back wall configured to install at least partly around the electronic device, the back wall of the frame having openings defined therein; and

an insert positionable within the frame generally between the electronic device and the back wall of the frame when the frame is installed at least partly around the electronic device, the insert having arms configured to extend through the openings of the back wall of the frame for use in releasably coupling a module to the cover, such that the module can be selectively coupled to and removed from the body.

20. An assembly comprising the cover of claim 19 in combination with the module.

21. An assembly comprising the cover of claim 19 in combination with a mounting frame configured to couple to the cover; and a receiver configured to couple to the mounting frame for supporting the cover and electronic device in a desired position.