GB2482877A

GB2482877A - Protective casing for a mobile device

Info

Publication number: GB2482877A
Application number: GB1013754.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Beard; Steven Jones
Original assignee: OKOQU Ltd
Current assignee: OKOQU Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-17
Filing date: 2010-08-17
Publication date: 2012-02-22
Also published as: GB201013754D0

Abstract

A protective casing 10 for a mobile device comprises a first part 12, a second part 14 hinged to the first part, the first 12 and second 14 parts being movable between an open and a closed position. A fastening means 18 is provided for holding the parts 12, 14 in the closed position and a substantially resilient liner is disposed within the first part for suspending the mobile device. The substantially resilient liner extends around a peripheral edge of the first part 12 thereby forming a seal between the first and second parts 12, 14, when the first and second parts are in the closed position. The first and second parts may be made of a rigid plastic whilst the liner may be made of thermoplastic elastomer to protect against shocks. The seal may be waterproof. The casing may be thinned and the liner cut away in the vicinity of the microphone and speaker to allow for sound transmission through the casing.

Description

PROTECTIVE CASING

The present invention relates to a protective casing for a mobile device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is known to provide protective and/or decorative casings for mobile devices, particularly mobile communication devices and more particularly mobile telephones. In general, these casings take the form of a rigid typically plastics housing having two parts that are moveable relative to one another. This movement, which may be, for example, a sliding movement or the opening and closing of a clam-shell arrangement facilitates access to the device inside.

A problem with this construction is that any shock applied to the casing is directly transferred to the device within, with implications for the delicate electronic circuitry of the device. Since mobile phones have increased functionality these days, for example, providing wireless access to the internet and in-built camera technology, the cost of some high end handsets can be expensive. Essentially, existing protective casings only provide protection against everyday use such as scratches and dents. Furthermore, they provide only a limited resistance against the ingress of moisture and may limit the functionality of the device.

It is an object of the invention to provide a protective casing for a mobile device which reduces or obviates the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a protective casing for a mobile device comprising a first part, a second part hinged to the first part, the first and second parts being movable between an open and a closed position. a fastening means for holding the parts in the closed position, a substantially resilient liner disposed within the first part for suspending the mobile device, the substantially resilient liner extending around a peripheral edge of the first part thereby forming a seal between the first and second parts, when the first and second parts are in the closed position.

The protective casing is advantageous as it substantially reduces, if not eliminates, the risk of moisture ingress. The resilient liner also prevents the ingress of particles such as sand and soil into the casing, rendering the casing (and mobile device contained within) suitable for use on a beach or in other dusty environments. Furthermore, the presence of the resilient liner within the first part for suspending the mobile device provides robust protection against shocks to the casing and thereby prolongs the life of the electronic circuitry within.

The first part may be an injection moulding and the resilient liner is over-moulded onto the first part and forms a chemical bond therewith. This prevents accidental detachment of the liner from the casing and prolongs the useful life of the casing. It also provides a waterproof seal between the liner and the first part.

The resilient liner may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer.

The second part may include a transparent window through which a display of the mobile device can be viewed.

The transparent window may be adapted to lie in close proximity over a touch sensitive display of a mobile device held within the casing, the touch sensitive display being operable through the transparent window. The transparent window conveniently facilitates use of the mobile device even when the casing is in the closed position.

An eject button is positioned in a face of the first part of the casing, the eject button when depressed, being arranged to push against the rear surface of a mobile device secured within the liner and thereby forcing it out of the liner.

At least one button may be disposed in a front face of the second part for actuating a corresponding at least one press button on a mobile device retained within the casing. The button is able to deflect inwardly a sufficient distance as a result of the properties of the plastics material that it is moulded from. This conveniently facilitates full normal use of the mobile device even when the casing is in the closed position.

Preferably, at least part of the resilient liner is cut away for improving transmission of sound through the casing and/or to accommodate protrusions extending from a mobile device retained within the casing.

Preferably, at least a region of the first part or second part is made from thinner material for improving transmission of sound through the casing.

A transparent region is optionally provided in the first or second part for allowing a photograph or video footage to be taken unimpeded from within the casing by a camera.

An aperture may be provided through the casing for enabling connection of a jack to a mobile device retained within the casing.

A bung is optionally provided for sealing the aperture, when not in use. Advantageously, the hung prevents the undesirable ingress of dust and grime into the casing over time.

The hung may be retained to the casing by means of a flexible strap. This prevents separation and loss of the bung during everyday use.

The casing is ideally water-proof, when in the closed position. The casing is therefore suitable for use in wet environments, such as on a boat, kayak or jet-ski, and will prevent water damage to the mobile device stored therewithin, A display area may be provided on the outside surface of the first part for displaying indicia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a protective casing for a mobile device in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the casing of Figure 1 in an open position; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the inside of the casing of Figure 1 in an open position; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the inside of the casing of Figure 1 in an open position but in a different orientation to Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the inside of the casing of Figure 1 in an open position where a mobile device is shown accommodated in one side of the casing; and Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of the casing of Figure 1 in a closed position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a casing for a mobile device, particularly a mobile telephone and more particularly an iPhone (RTM) is indicated generally at 10. The casing 10 includes a first part 12 and a second part 14 connected together by means of a hinge 16. A releasable fastening means 18 enables fastening of the parts 12, 14 in a closed position as shown in Figure 1. When released, the casing can be opened about the hinge 16 as shown in Figure 2, to enable a mobile device to be placed within or removed from the casing 10 as described further below, The two parts 12, 14 are injection moulded in plastics and the second part is preferably moulded entirely from transparent plastics. An area 24, disposed substantially at the centre of the first part 12 is provided for display of indicia, for example, a company name, logo or other branding. The second part 14 is preferably moulded with a central region 20 of transparent plastics and an outer region 22 of coloured plastics. This may be injection moulded or applied, for example, by spraying, etching or labelling.

Referring also to Figures 3 and 4, the first part 12 is formed substantially as a tray for receiving and accommodating the mobile device. A resilient liner 26 is over-moulded onto the first part by injection moulding, for example, from a thermoplastic elastomer. The resilient liner 26 forms a chemical bond with the first part 12, which is resistant to penetration, for example, by water, The resilient liner 26 extends circumferentially around the inside of the first part 12. When the mobile device is pushed into the liner, it compresses the liner at the position of the device, and the uncompressed liner effectively forms a lip around the device, thereby enabling the liner 26 to resiliently engage or grip the edge of a mobile device to be encased. A pair of opposing retaining lips 25 are integrally formed as part of the liner 26, and serve to further physically retain the mobile device within the liner 26. A free edge of the liner 26 extends up and around the inside of the first part to form a resilient lip 28, which forms a seal against the second part 14, when the parts 12, 14 are in the closed position. Referring also to Figure 5, a mobile telephone device 30 is located in the resilient liner 26 and is substantially received and held by the liner.

The device 30 is a secure fit and will not fallout, if for some reason the casing 10 should become open. The touch sensitive display 32 of the device 30 faces the second part 14.

The central transparent region 20 of the second part 14 is arranged so that in use, it overlies the touch sensitive display 32 of the device 30. The thickness of the region 20 is such that the touch sensitive display 32 can be operated through region 20. In other words, substantially no functionality of the display is lost through use of the casing 10. A button 34 is also provided in the second part, which is positioned to align with the position of the main menu button 34a of the device 30. Also a thinned and domed region of material is provided at 36 in the second part, which is positioned to align with the position of the speaker 3 6a of the device 30. This facilitates transmission of sound through the casing 10.

Referring in particular to Figures 3 and 4, an eject button 38 is disposed in the rear of the first part 12. When it is necessary to remove the device 30 from the casing 10, the button 38 is depressed and this forces the device 30 out of the resilient liner 26 overcoming the integral lips 25, for removal from the casing. Replacement of the device 30 is achieved by simply pushing the device downwardly into the resilient liner 26.

Cut-aways 40 are provided in the resilient liner 26 to accommodate buttons and/or switches on the device 30. They are also provided to facilitate sound transmission. The pair of cutaways 40 at the lower edge of the resilient liner 26, as viewed in Figure 4, are positioned to coincide with the microphone and speaker of the device 30. The cutaways are identical in shape and are positioned symmetrically about the central axis of the product. An aperture 42, shown in Figure 5, is provided through the first part 12 for enabling connection of an earphone or headphone jack with the device 30. A bung 44 on a resilient strap 46, also shown in Figures 2 and 6, is a push fit into the aperture 42. The bung is an interference fit and is a seal against water penetration.

The hinge 16 is essentially a butt hinge and includes a bar member 48 of substantially circular cross section, which lies along the edge of, and parallel with, the first part U. The bar member 48 is connected to the first part by a plurality of spaced support members 50. In the embodiment shown there are five support members 50. The bar member 48 acts as a hinge pin and is engaged by a plurality of spaced knuckles 52, best seen in Figure 4, which have an open sided central bore 54 running longitudinally theretbrough, best seen in Figure 2. The open sided bore 54 engages the bar member 48 with a snap-fit and the bar member 48 pivots within the bore 54.

The snap-fit can be released with relative ease, allowing disassembly of the casing parts 12, 14, The bore 54 and knuckles 52 are concealed to some extent from the front of the casing 10, by a covering portion 56 moulded along the side of the second part 14.

The fastening means 18 includes a pair of aligned blade members 58, best seen in Figure 5, which are disposed along and parallel with the edge of the first part 12. The blade members 58 are accommodated in respective slots 59, shown in Figure 2, when the casing 10 is closed.

Detents 60, shown in Figure 5, are provided within a covering portion 62 disposed along the edge of the second part 14. When the casing 10 is in the closed position, the detents 60 engage the edge of the first part 12 and hold the parts 12, 14 together. The blade members 58 protrude a small distance through the slots 59 in the closed position and allow a user to push against the blade members, whilst releasing the detents 60 with their fingertips/thumbs, thus allowing the opening of the parts 12, 14 about the hinge. The ability to see the position of the blade members 58 in the slots 59 can also provide visual confirmation that the casing 10 is closed. A clear transparent region 64 is provided for alignment with a camera of the device 30.

The casing 10 has been designed to accommodate an iPhone (RTM), although it will be appreciated that the casing can be provided to accommodate new releases of iPhone (RTM) or other types and/or makes of mobile device. The casing is intended to be water-resistant, even water-proof, and protects the device held therein from the elements. The casing 10 is intended to allow unimpeded operation of the device held therein, and is intended to be a stylish and functional addition to a mobile device.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A protective casing for a mobile device comprising a first part, a second part hinged to the first part, the first and second parts being movable between an open and a closed position, a fastening means for holding the parts in the closed position, a substantially resilient liner disposed within the first part for suspending the mobile device, the substantially resilient liner extending around a peripheral edge of the first part thereby forming a seal between the first and second parts, when the first and second parts are in the closed position.
2. A protective casing as claimed in claim 1, in which the first part is an injection moulding and the resilient liner is over-moulded onto the first part and fonns a chemical bond therewith.
3. A protective casing as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the resilient liner is made from a thermoplastic elastomer.
4. A protective easing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second part includes a transparent window through which a display of the mobile device can be viewed.
A protective casing as claimed in claim 4, in which the transparent window is adapted to lie in close proximity over a touch sensitive display of a mobile device held within the casing, the touch sensitive display being operable through the transparent window.
6. A protective casing as claimed in claim 5. in which an eject button is positioned in a face of the first part of the casing, the eject button when depressed, being arranged to push against the rear surface of a mobile device secured within the liner and thereby forcing it out of the liner.
7. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one button is disposed in a front face of the second part for actuating a corresponding at least one press button on a mobile device retained within the casing.
8. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least part of the resilient liner is cut away for improving transmission of sound through the casing and/or to accommodate protrusions extending from a mobile device retained within the casing.
9. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least a region of the first part or second part is made from thinner material for improving transmission of sound through the casing.
10. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a transparent region is provided in the first or second part for allowing a photograph to be taken unimpeded from within the casing.
11. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an aperture is provided through the casing for enabling connection of a jack to a mobile device retained within the casing.
12. A protective casing as claimed in claim 11, in which a bung is provided for sealing the aperture, when not in use.
13. A protective casing as claimed in claim 12, in which the bung is retained to the casing by means of a flexible strap.
14. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the casing is water-proof, when in the closed position.
15. A protective casing as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a display area is provided on the outside surface of the first part for displaying indicia.
16. A protective casing substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.