GB2525201A

GB2525201A - Casing for a portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: GB2525201A
Application number: GB1406766.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rebecca Mone
Original assignee: DREAMANGO Ltd
Current assignee: DREAMANGO Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-15
Filing date: 2014-04-15
Publication date: 2015-10-21
Also published as: GB201406766D0

Abstract

A casing 10 for a portable electronic device 12 comprises a body portion 14, the body portion being configured to receive a portable electronic device therein, wherein the body portion includes a first aperture (18g, figure 1b) the first aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion; and a first part 16 of a two-part releasable fastening device. The first part 16 of the releasable fastening device is located on an outer surface of the body portion and is configured to be engagable with a corresponding second part (22, figure 4a) of a two-part releasable fastening device. The two-part releasable fastening device may be a hook and loop fastening. The second part (22) of the two-part fastening may have an adhesive backing that allows the second part to be adhered to a wall, or the like.

Description

Casing for a portable electronic device The present invention relates to a casing for a portable electronic device, particularly, but not exclusively, to a casing for a smart phone or tablet computer.

Casings for smart phones and tablet computers are typically used to protect the smart phone or tablet computer from being damaged during use or when being transported. Damage to the smart phone or tablet computer may occur if it is dropped or if it comes into contact with an abrasive object, or the like.

In addition to providing protection to the smart phone or tablet computer, some casings can also be configured to hold the smart phone or tablet computer in a particular position, for example, when the camera facility is being used to take a picture of a person or an object.

Such known casings work well at capturing pictures of persons or objects when configured correctly. However, they are often difficult to arrange into the correct position for the picture acquisition. This is time consuming and frustrating, particularly when a user wishes to take a picture of themselves.

The present inventors have appreciated the shortcomings in these known casings for smart phones and computer tablets.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a casing for a portable electronic device comprising: a body portion, the body portion being configured to receive a portable electronic device therein, wherein the body portion includes: a first aperture, the first aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion; and a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device, the first part of the releasable fastening device being located on an outer surface of the body portion and being configured to be engagable with a corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The first aperture of the body portion may be positioned on an opposite side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device. The first aperture of the body portion may be positioned on the same side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device. The first aperture of the body portion may be positioned on an orthogonal side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device. The first aperture of the body portion may be positioned on a side of the body portion that is orthogonal to the side of the body portion that has the first part of the releasable fastening device.

The first aperture may be located on a front face of the body portion.

The first aperture may be located on a rear face of the body portion.

When the first aperture is located on the front face of the body portion, the first aperture may provide the entry/exit point for the portable electronic device into and out of the body portion. The first aperture may be configured to allow insertion and extraction of the portable electronic device from the body portion. The first aperture may be configured such that substantially all of a display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion. In this arrangement the body portion of the casing frames the display screen of the portable electronic device. That is, the body portion of the casing provides a protective border to the display screen of the portable electronic device. The first aperture may be configured such that at least a portion of a display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.

When the first aperture is located on the front face of the body portion, the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be located on the rear face of the body portion.

When the first aperture is located on the rear face of the body portion, the first aperture may be configured such that only the lens of the camera device of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.

When the first aperture is located on the rear face of the body portion, the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be located on the front face of the body portion.

The body portion may further include a second aperture, the second aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a second camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion or a display screen of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.

The second aperture of the body portion may be positioned on an opposite side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device. The second aperture of the body portion may be positioned on the same side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device. The second aperture of the body portion may be positioned on an orthogonal side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device. The second aperture of the body portion may be positioned on a side of the body portion that is orthogonal to the side of the body portion that has the first part of the releasable fastening device.

The second aperture may be located on a front face of the body portion.

The second aperture may be located on a rear face of the body portion.

The first aperture may be located on the front face of the body portion and the second aperture may be located on the rear face of the body portion.

The first aperture may be positioned to expose a lens of a front camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion and the second aperture may be positioned to expose a lens of a rear camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion. The first aperture may additionally provide the entry/exit point for the portable electronic device into and out of the body portion.

The first aperture may also be configured such that at least a portion of a display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion. The first aperture may alternatively be configured such that substantially all of the display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion. In this arrangement both the lens of the front camera of the portable electronic device and the display screen of the portable electronic device are exposed by the first aperture of the body portion. In this arrangement the second aperture may be configured such that only the lens of the rear camera device of the portable electronic device is exposed when the S portable electronic device is located within the body portion.

The body portion may include two or more first parts of a two-part releasable fastening device, each first part being located on an outer surface of the body portion.

The body portion of the casing may include a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device located on a front face of the body portion of the casing and a second first part of a two-part releasable fastening device located on a rear face of the body portion. In this arrangement both the front face and rear face of the body portion of the casing include first parts of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The body portion of the casing may include additional apertures. The additional apertures may be positioned to expose other components or features of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion. The other components or features of the portable electronic device may include camera flash devices, microphones, logos, operating controls, including "home" buttons, volume controls, lock controls, auxiliary connection points, communication connection points, power connection points and the like.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be complimentary in structure to a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device, such that the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may engage with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device when the first part is brought into contact with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device. In this arrangement the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be releasably engagable with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be one part of a reclosable fastening strip and may be configured to be engagable with another part of a reclosable fastening strip.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be one part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and may be configured to be engagable with the other part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be the loop part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and may be configured to be engagable with a hook part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be the hook part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and may be configured to be engagable with a loop part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.

The two-part releasable fastening device may be an adhesive-backed tape material. In this arrangement one or both of the first part and the second part of the fastening device may have an adhesive backing on the side opposite the hook or loop side.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be substantially identical in structure to a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device, such that the first part of the two-pad releasable fastening device may engage with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device when the first part is brought into contact with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device. In this arrangement the first part of the two-pad releasable fastening device may be releasably engagable with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The first pad of the two-part releasable fastening device may be one pad of a reclosable fastening strip and may be configured to be engagable with the other pad of a reclosable fastening strip.

The reclosable fastening strip may be constructed of substantially identical or similarly shaped fastening members. The fastening members may be substantially mushroom-shaped members.

The two-part releasable fastening device may be an adhesive-backed tape material. In this arrangement one or both of the first pad and the second part of the fastening device may have an adhesive backing on the side opposite the fastening members.

The two-part releasable fastening device may be a magnetic fastening device. In this arrangement the first part of the releasable fastening device is a first magnet and the second part of the releasable fastening device is a second magnet, the first and second parts being configured to be magnetically attracted to one another.

The first pad of the two-pad releasable fastening device may at least partially circumscribe the first aperture of the body portion. The first pad of

S

the two-part releasable fastening device may substantially circumscribe the first aperture of the body portion. The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may entirely circumscribe the first aperture of the body portion. In this arrangement the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may circumscribe the display of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be located on a rim portion of the front face of the body portion of the casing. The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be substantially rectangular in shape. The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be a rectangular loop member. The loop member may include one or more circumferential gaps therein.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may cover a substantial part of the outer surface area of the front face of the body portion. The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may cover substantially all of the outer surface area of the front face of the body portion.

The first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be located on a side wall of the body portion of the casing. In this arrangement the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device may be a substantially rectangular member.

The body portion of the casing may include two or more first parts of a two-part releasable fastening device, each first part being located on an outer surface of the body portion.

The body portion of the casing may include one or more sidewalls and one or more, or all, of the side walls may include a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device. In this arrangement the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be rectangular-shaped members.

The body portion of the casing may further include a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device located on a rear surface of the body portion.

In this arrangement the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be a rectangular-shaped member.

The first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may include an aperture located therein.

The first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be formed by die cutting. The shape of the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be formed by die cutting. The first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be formed by die cutting the first part of the fastening device from a larger section.

The first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be adhered to the outer surface of the body portion of the casing. Each first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be adhered to the outer surface of the body portion of the casing.

The body portion of the casing may include a channel portion located on the outer surface thereof. The channel portion may be configured to substantially receive the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device therein. The depth of the channel portion may be configured such that the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device protrudes from the outer surface of the body portion of the casing. That is, the depth of the channel is less that the thickness, or height, of the first pad of a two-pad releasable fastening device.

The body portion of the casing may include one or more channel portions S located on the outer surface thereof. The channel portions may be configured to substantially receive each first pad of a two-part releasable fastening device therein. The depth of the channel portions may be configured such that the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device protrudes from the outer surfaces of the body portion of the casing. That is1 the depth of the channels are less that the thickness, or height, of the first pads of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The body portion of the casing may include a first channel portion that at least partially circumscribes the first aperture of the body portion. The body portion of the casing may include a first channel portion that substantially circumscribes the first aperture of the body portion. The first channel portion of the body portion may entirely circumscribe the first aperture of the body portion. In this arrangement the first channel portion of the body portion may circumscribe the display of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.

The first channel portion of the body portion may be located on a rim portion of the front face of the body portion of the casing. The first channel portion of the body portion may be substantially rectangular in shape. The first channel portion of the body portion may be a rectangular loop. The loop may include one or more circumferential gaps therein.

The first channel portion of the body portion may cover a substantial part of the outer surface area of the front face of the body portion. The first channel portion of the body portion may cover substantially all of the outer surface area of the front face of the body portion.

The body portion of the casing may include two or more channel portions, each channel portion being located on the outer surface of the body portion.

The body portion of the casing may include one or more sidewalls and one or more, or all, of the side walls may include a channel portion. In this arrangement the channel portions may be rectangular-shaped.

The body portion of the casing may further include a channel portion located on a rear surface of the body portion. In this arrangement the channel portion may be rectangular-shaped.

The first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be adhered to the channel portion of the body portion of the casing. Each first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be adhered to a channel portion of the body portion of the casing.

The channel portion, or portions, of the body portion of the casing may have a depth of 0.3mm. The channel portion, or portions, of the body portion of the casing may have a depth of between 0.1mm and 0.6mm.

The body portion of the casing may be made from a resilient material. The body portion of the casing may be resilient.

The body portion of the casing may be made from an elastomer. The body portion of the casing may be made from an elastic polymer. The body portion of the casing may be made from a synthetic elastomer. The body portion of the casing may be made from a synthetic elastic polymer.

The body portion of the casing may be made from rubber.

The body portion of the casing may be made from silicone.

The body portion of the casing may be transparent. The body portion of the casing may be made from a transparent elastomer material. The body portion of the casing may be made from a transparent silicone material.

The body portion of the casing may be made from a wooden material.

The wooden material may be bamboo.

The body portion of the casing may be formed by injection moulding.

The side walls and front and rear surfaces of the body portion of the casing may have a thickness of between 1mm and 2mm. The side walls and front and rear surfaces of the body portion of the casing may have a thickness of 1.5mm.

The portable electronic device may be a consumer electronic product.

The portable electronic device may be a mobile telephone. The portable electronic device may be a smart phone telephone. The portable electronic device may be a personal computer. The portable electronic device may be a tablet computer.

For the avoidance of doubt, it should be appreciated that the corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device does not form part of the first aspect of the present invention. The first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is configured to be engagable with any corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a casing S for a portable electronic device comprising: a body portion, the body portion being configured to receive a portable electronic device therein, wherein the body portion includes: a first aperture, the first aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion; and a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device, the first part of the releasable fastening device being located on an outer surface of the body portion and being configured to be engagable with a corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device; and a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device, the second part of a releasable fastening device being located separately from the casing and being configured to be engagable with the first part of the releasable fastening device.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be complimentary in structure to the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device, such that the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may engage with the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device when the second part is brought into contact with the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device. In this arrangement the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be releasably engagable with the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be one part of a reclosable fastening strip and may be configured to be engagable with the first part of a reclosable fastening strip.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be one part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and may be configured to be engagable with first part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be the loop part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and may be configured to be engagable with a hook pad of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be the hook pad of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and may be configured to be engagable with a loop part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.

The second part of the fastening device may have an adhesive backing.

The second pad of the fastening device may have an adhesive backing on the side opposite the hook or loop side.

The second pad of a two-pad releasable fastening device may be substantially identical in structure to the first pad of a two-pad releasable fastening device, such that the second pad of a two-pad releasable fastening device may engage with the first pad of a two-part releasable fastening device when the second part is brought into contact with the first part of a two-pad releasable fastening device. In this arrangement the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be releasably engagable with the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be one part of a reclosable fastening strip and may be configured to be engagable with another part of a reclosable fastening strip.

The two-part releasable fastening device may be an adhesive-backed tape material. In this arrangement the second part of the fastening device may have an adhesive backing on the side opposite the fastening members.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be a substantially rectangular member.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may include an aperture located therein.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be formed by die cutting. The shape of the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be formed by die cutting. The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be formed by die cutting the second part of the fastening device from a larger section.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be adhered to an outer surface of an object.

The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be attachable to an outer surface of an object. The second part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be removably attachable to an outer surface of an object.

The casing may comprise a plurality of second parts of a two-part releasable fastening device. Each second part being configured to be engagable with the first part of a releasable fastening device.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompany drawings, in which:-Figure 1 a is a front perspective view of a casing for a portable electronic device according to the present invention with a portable electronic device located therein; Figure lb is a rear view of the casing of figure 1; Figure 1 c is a side perspective view of the casing of figure 1; Figure 1 d is a front view of the casing of figure 1; Figure 1 e another front perspective view of the casing of figure 1; Figure lf is a rear perspective view of the casing of figure 1; Figure 1 g is another rear perspective view of the casing of figure 1 Figure 1 h is a perspective view of the casing of figure 1 a without the portable electronic device located therein; Figures 2a and 2b are front perspective views of the casing of figure 1 h without the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device located thereon; Figures 2c and 2d are rear perspective views of the casing of figure 2a and2b Figure 3a is a front perspective view of the first loop portion of a two-part releasable fastening device in isolation; Figure 3b is a front perspective view of the third loop portion of a two-part releasable fastening device in isolation; Figures 3c and 3d are side perspective views of the second loop portions of a two-part releasable fastening device in isolation; Figures 4a to 4c are front views of second parts of a two-part releasable fastening device; Figure 5a is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a casing for a portable electronic device according to the present invention; Figure Sb is a rear view of the casing of figure Sa; Figures Sc and Sd are side views of the casing of figure Sa; and Figures 5e and 5f and end views of the casing of figure 5a.

With reference to figures la to 2d, a casing 10 for a portable electronic device 12 is illustrated. Figures la to lg illustrates a portable electronic S device 12 being located within the casing 10. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the portable electronic device 12 is a smart phone. However, it should be appreciated that the portable electronic device 12 may alternatively be a tablet computer, or the like.

As illustrated, the casing 10 comprises a body portion 14 and a plurality of loop portions 16 of a hook and loop releasable fastening device (an example of a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device) located on the outer surface 14a thereof. The body portion 14 also includes a number of apertures 18, the purpose of which will be described in further detail below.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the body portion 14 is made from a silicone rubber material, which may, for example, be made by injection moulding. The portable electronic device 12 is located within the body portion 14 by deform ing the body portion 14 such that the portable electronic device 12 may pass through a first aperture 1 8a (an example of a first aperture) located on the front face 14b thereof. The first aperture 1 8a therefore provides an entry/exit point for the portable electronic device 12 into and out of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 may be made from a transparent material.

In this arrangement the body portion 14 is closely fitted to the portable electronic device 12 and provides protection against damage.

As illustrated in figure la, the first aperture iSa is positioned to expose a lens 13 of a front camera device 1 2a of the portable electronic device 12 and substantially the entire display screen 1 2b of the portable electronic device 12 when the portable electronic device 12 is located within the body portion 14.

As illustrated in figure ib, the body portion 14 also includes a second aperture 1 Sb located on the rear face 1 4c thereof. The second aperture 1 Sb is positioned to expose a lens 15 of a rear camera 1 2c of the portable electronic device 12 when the portable electronic device 12 is located within the body portion 14.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the body portion 14 includes a number of further apertures 1 8c, 1 Sd, 1 Be, 1 Sf, 1 8g, that are positioned to expose the operating controls 12d (volume and mute switch), power connection point 12e, speakers 12f, the lock switch 12g and the manufacturer's logo 12h of the portable electronic device 12.

As described above and illustrated in figures la to lh, the body portion 14 includes a plurality of loop portions 16 of a hook and loop releasable fastening device (an example of a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device) located on the outer surface 1 4a thereof.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the loop portions 16 may be the loop portions of a VelcroTM hook and loop releasable fastening device. However, it should be appreciated that other two-part releasable fastening devices may be used, such as the Dual LockTM reclosable fastener produced by 3MTM, or other suitable hook and loop releasable fastening devices.

With reference to figures la and id, a first loop portion 16a is located on the front face 1 4b of the body portion 14 and is arranged to circumscribe the first aperture 1 Ba thereof. The first loop portion 1 6a is located on a rim portion 14d of the body portion 14. As illustrated, the first loop portion 16a S is a continuous rectangular loop member. However, it should be appreciated that the first loop portion 16a does not need to be a continuous member and may, for example, include one or more gaps therein.

As illustrated, the first loop portion 16a is arranged such that it covers a substantial part of the outer surface area of the front face 1 4b of the body portion 14. That is, the first loop portion 1 6a covers a substantial part of the rim portion 1 4d of the body portion 14.

As illustrated in figures la, icand le, second loop portions 1Gb are located on side wall portions 1 4e of the body portion 14. The second loop portions 1Gb are substantially rectangular shaped portions.

As illustrated in figures lb and lc, a third loop portion 16c is located on the rear face 1 4c of the body portion 14. The third loop portion 1 Gc is substantially rectangular shaped. The third loop portion 16c also includes an aperture 16d located therein. The aperture 16d of the third loop portion 1 6c is positioned to align with the aperture 1 8h of the body portion to expose the manufacturer's logo 12h.

The loop portions 16 are die cut to the shape required for attaching to the body portion 14. Figures 3a to 3d illustrate the loop portions 16 in isolation. Figure 3a illustrates the first loop portion 16a, figures 3c and 3d illustrate the second loop portions 16b and figure 3b illustrates the third loop portion 16c.

The loop portions 16 are adhered to the outer surface 14a of the body portion 14. The ioop portions 16 are made from a tape material that includes a substrate 16e from which the loops are attached. On the rear of the substrate 1 6e there is an adhesive. The adhesive is used to secure the loop portions 16 to the body portion 14. The substrate 1 6e of the oop portions 16 is 0.2mm thick. However, it should be appreciated that the substrate 1 6e could be of any suitable thickness. The loop portions 16 may be heat bonded to the outer surface 1 4a of the body. The loop portions 16 may be high frequency bonded or ultrasound bonded to the outer surface 1 4a of the body.

As illustrated in figures 2a to 2d, the body portion 14 is provided with a plurality of channel portions 20 located on the outer surface 14a thereof.

Each channel portion 20 is configured to receive the loop portions 16 therein.

The channel portions 20 are configured to have a depth that allows the loops of the loop portions 16 to protrude from the outer surface 1 4a of the body portion 14. That is, the depth of the channel portions 20 are less than the total thickness, or height, of the loop portions 16. The depth of the channel portions 20 are 0.3mm.

The channel portions 20 in the body portion 14 of the casing 10 provide protection to the loop portions 16 and, in particular, the substrate 16e of the loop portions 16. The channel portions 20 particularly provide protection to the substrate 1 6e of the loop portions 16. Locating the loop portions 16 in the channel portions 20 prevents the edges of the substrate 16e catching on objects during use. This prevents the loop portions 16 from peeling" off over time.

As illustrated in figure 2a, a first channel portion 20a is located on the front face 14b of the body portion 14 and is arranged to circumscribe the first aperture 1 Ba thereof. The first channel portion 20a is located on the rim portion 14d of the body portion 14. As illustrated, the first channel portion 20a is a continuous channel portion. However, it should be appreciated that the first channel portion 20a does not need to be continuous and may, for example, include one or more gaps therein.

As illustrated, the first channel portion 20a is arranged such that it covers a substantial part of the outer surface area of the front face 14b of the body portion 14. That is, the first channel portion 20a covers a substantial part of the rim portion 14d of the body portion 14.

As illustrated in figures 2a to 2d, second channel portions 2Db are located on side wall portions 14e of the body portion 14. The second channel portions 20b are substantially rectangular shaped portions.

As illustrated in figures 2c and 2d, a third channel portion 20c is located on the rear face 14c of the body portion 14. The third channel portion 20c is substantially rectangular shaped.

As described above, the loop portions 16 of the body portion 14 are configured to be engagable with a corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device 22, as illustrated in figures 4a to 4c.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device 22 is a hook portion of a hook and loop releasable fastening device (an example of a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device). Example hook portions 22 are illustrated in figures 4a to 4c. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the hook portions 20 may be the hook portions of the VelcroTM hook and loop releasable fastening device. However, it should be appreciated that other two-part releasable fastening devices may be used, such as the Dual LockTM reclosable fastener produced by 3MTM, or other suitable hook and loop releasable fastening devices.

Figures 4a to 4c illustrate hook pads 22a of varying sizes. The size of the hook pads 22a can vary depending on the type of casing 10 required for the type of portable electronic device 12. The hook portions 22 are rectangular-shaped members, or pads, the surface area, or footprint, of which is substantially the same as that of the front/rear face of the body portion 14 of the casing 10. The hook pads 22a are removably attachable to a surface, such as a wall, or the like. The hook pads 22a may have an adhesive backing that allows them to be adhered to a wall, or the like.

A description of the casing 10 in use will now be described. With reference to figure 1 h, a user takes the empty casing 10 and deforms the casing 10 to insert a portable electronic device 12 through the first aperture iSa. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the casing is resilient and provides a close fit to the portable electronic device 12 once the portable electronic device 12 is located within the body portion 14 of the casing 10.

The portable electronic device 12 located within the body portion 14 of the casing 10 is illustrated in figure la.

In this arrangement the first loop portion 16a is located on the opposite side of the casing 10 than the second aperture 1 Sb and the third loop portion 1 Sc is located on the opposite side of the casing 10 than the first aperture 18a. Similarly, the first loop portion 16a is located on the opposite side of the casing 10 than the rear camera 1 2c of the portable electronic device 12 and the third loop portion 16c is located on the opposite side of the casing 10 than the front camera 1 2a of the portable electronic device 12.

The casing 10 may be engaged with a hook pad 22a. In order to do this the user presses the casing 10 onto the hook portions 22 of the hook pad 22a. In doing this the loop portions 16 engage with the hook portions 22 in the known manner associated with a hook and loop fastening device. The casing 10 may be disengaged from the hook pad 22a by simply pulling the casing 10 away from the hook pad 22a. This causes the hook and loops to disengage, as is known.

When the casing 10 and portable electronic device 12 are attached to the hook pad 22a the user may operate the camera thereof to take a picture of themselves or of an object.

The manner in which the casing 10 is attached to the hook pad 22a will determine which of the cameras of the portable electronic device 12 is used to take a picture. For example, if the first loop portion 1 6a is attached to the hook portions 22 of the hook pad 22a, then the rear camera 12c of the portable electronic device 12 would be used to take the picture. If the third loop portion 1 6c is attached to the hook portions 22 of the hook pad 22a, then the front camera 12a of the portable electronic device 12 would be used to take the picture. Of course, the other loop portions 16 may also be used to attach the casing 10 and portable electronic device 12 to the hook pad 22a and either front or rear camera 12a, 12c of the portable electronic device 12 may be used to take the picture.

The camera 12a, 12c of the portable electronic device 12 may be timer-operated, or remotely operated, to take the picture.

S Once the picture has been taken the user simply pulls the casing 10 from the hook pad 22a. This releases the engagement between the loop portions 16 and the hook portions 22.

Figures 5a to 5f illustrate an alternate embodiment of a casing 100 of the present invention. The casing 100 of this embodiment is similar to the casing 10 of the first embodiment and the same reference numbers are used to describe like components and features. The casing 100 also includes an aperture 19 for a headphone/microphone connection point 19a.

The casing 100 is illustrated with a tablet computer 120 portable electronic device. The construction of the casing 100, the body portion 14 and the loop portions 16 are similar to those of the first embodiment except that they are different in size and also shaped slightly differently to accommodate the location of the components and features of the tablet computer 120.

The casing 100 may be used with the hook pad 22a in the same manner as describe in relation to the first embodiment.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the casing 100 does not include loop portions on the side walls of the body portion 14. However, it should be appreciated that the body portion 14 may include loop portions 16 thereon in the same manner as describe in relation to the first embodiment.

The present invention allows a user to take a photograph with a portable electronic device without having to physically hold the portable electronic device or a casing thereof Furthermore, the present invention allows a user to easily take a picture, particularly of themselves, with the rear camera of a portable electronic device. The rear camera of a portable electronic device is normally of a higher specification than the front camera and also normally includes other improved features, such as improved flash components and features etc. As a result of this, users normally prefer to use the rear camera of a portable electronic device to take pictures, particularly of themselves.

Also, users would prefer not to have to hold the portable electronic device to obtain the picture, as this limits the type of photograph that can be taken, i.e. the user must be a certain distance (arms length) from the portable electronic device, or they must use a mirror to increase the optical distance between themselves and the portable electronic device 12.

The present invention allows a user to attach the casing 10 (and portable electronic device 12) to a wall, or the like, via the hook pad 22a. The user may set the portable electronic device 12 up to take a picture, for example a timer-set picture, attach the casing 10 (and portable electronic device 12) to the hook pad 22a, arrange themselves in a desired position and pose and then remove the casing 10 (and portable electronic device 12) from the hook pad 22a to review the picture taken. The process can be repeated until a suitable picture, or number of pictures have been taken.

By providing loop portions 16 on the front face 1 4b and rear face 1 4c of the casing 10, the user has the choice of which camera to use to take the picture.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, although the body portion 14 of the casing 10 has been illustrated and described above as including a number of loop portions 16 on the outer surface 14a thereof, it should be appreciated that the body portion 14 of the casing 10 may only include one loop portion 16 on the outer surface 14a thereof.

Furthermore, although the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device and the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device have been illustrated and described above has being loop and hook portions, respectively, it should be appreciated that the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be the hook portion and the second pad of a two-part releasable fastening device may be the loop portion.

Also, it should be appreciated that the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device may be identical to the second part of a two-part releasable fastening device. That is the first and second parts of a two-part releasable fastening device may not be complimentary in shape, but they made be identical, such as the fastening members of a reclosable fastener device.

Furthermore, although the casing 10 has been illustrated and described above as being made from a resilient material, it should be appreciated that the casing 10 may alternatively be rigid. In this arrangement the portable electronic device 12 may be inserted into the casing 10 via one of the side walls 14e or an end portion thereof.

Also, although the portable electronic device 12 has been described above as being used to obtain pictures of a person or an object, it should be appreciated that the portable electronic device 12 may be used to obtain video footage of a person or an object.

Furthermore, although the channel portions 20 have been illustrated and S described above as being U-shaped, it should be appreciated that the channel portions may be substantially trapezoidal-shaped. In this arrangement the base portion of the channel portion is wider than the top portion. In this arrangement the loop portions 16 are attached to the channel portions in the same manner as described above. However, the loop portions 16 are more securely held in the channel portion, as, since the base portion of the channel portion is wider than the top portion, the walls of the channel portion slope inwards against the loop portion 16.

This holds the loop portions 16 more strongly in place and provides additional protection thereto from peeling away from the casing 10.

Also, it should be appreciated that the casing 10, 100 may be made from silicone, polypropylene, a rubber material, metal, a plastic material or a wooden material. If the casing 10, 100 is made of wood, it may be made from two parts which may be attachable to one another. The two parts may clip, or click, together. Furthermore, the casing 100 may further include a front flap cover. The front flap cover may cover a display screen of the portable electronic device 120.

Claims

Claims 1. A casing for a portable electronic device comprising: a body portion, the body portion being configured to receive a portable electronic device therein, wherein the body portion includes: a first aperture, the first aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion; and a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device, the first part of the releasable fastening device being located on an outer surface of the body portion and being configured to be engagable with a corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.
2. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first aperture of the body portion is positioned on an opposite side of the body portion from the first part of a releasable fastening device.
3. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first aperture of the body portion is positioned on the same side of the body portion as the first part of a releasable fastening device.
4. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first aperture of the body portion is positioned on an orthogonal side of the body portion to the first part of a releasable fastening device.
5. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first aperture is located on a front face of the body portion.
6. The casing of claim 1, wherein the first aperture is located on a rear face of the body portion.
7. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first aperture is configured to allow insertion and extraction of the portable electronic device from the body portion.
8. The casing of claim 7, wherein the first aperture is configured such that substantially all of a display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.
9. The casing of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is located on the rear face of the body portion.
10. The casing of claim 6, wherein the first aperture is configured such that only the lens of the camera device of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.
11. The casing of claim 10, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is located on the front face of the body portion.
12. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion further includes a second aperture, the second aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a second camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion or a display screen of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.
13. The casing of claim 12, wherein the second aperture of the body portion is positioned on an opposite side of the body portion from the first part of the releasable fastening device.
14. The casing of claim 12, wherein the second aperture of the body portion is positioned on the same side of the body portion as the first part of the releasable fastening device.
15. The casing of claim 12, wherein the second aperture of the body portion is positioned on an orthogonal side of the body portion to the first part of the releasable fastening device.
16. The casing of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the second aperture is located on a front face of the body portion.
17. The casing of any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the second aperture is located on a rear face of the body portion.
18. The casing of any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the first aperture is positioned to expose a lens of a front camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion and the second aperture is positioned to expose a lens of a rear camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.
19. The casing of claim 18, wherein the first aperture provides the entry/exit point for the portable electronic device into and out of the body portion and is also configured such that at least a portion of a display screen of the portable electronic device is exposed when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.
20. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion includes two or more first parts of a two-part releasable fastening device, each first part being located on an outer surface of the body portion.
21. The casing of claim 20, wherein the body portion of the casing includes a first part of a two-pad releasable fastening device located on a front face of the body portion of the casing and a second first part of a two-part releasable fastening device located on a rear face of the body portion.
22. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion includes one or more additional apertures, the additional apertures being positioned to expose operating features of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion.
23. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device is complimentary in structure to a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device, such that the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device engages with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device when the first part is brought into contact with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.
24. The casing of claim 23, wherein the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device is one part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and is configured to be engagable with another part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.
25. The casing of claim 23, wherein the first part of the two-part releasable fastening device is the loop part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device and is configured to be engagable with a hook part of a hook and loop releasable fastening device.
26. The casing of any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is substantially identical in structure to a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device, such that the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device engages with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device when the first part is brought into contact with a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device.
27. The casing of claim 26, wherein the first and second parts of a two-part releasable fastening device are substantially mushroom-shaped members.
28. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device has an adhesive backing.
29. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device at least partially circumscribes the first aperture of the body portion.
30. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is located on a rim portion of the front face of the body portion of the casing.
31. The casing of claim 30, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is a rectangular loop member.
32. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device covers a substantial part of the outer surface area of the front face of the body portion.
33. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the casing includes two or more first parts of a two-part releasable fastening device, each first part being located on an outer surface of the body portion.
34. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the casing further includes a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device located on a rear surface of the body portion.
35. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is formed by die cutting.
36. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is adhered to the outer surface of the body portion of the casing.
37. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the casing includes one or more channel portions located on the outer surface thereof.
38. The casing of claim 37, wherein the one or more channel portions are configured to substantially receive one or more first parts of a two-pad releasable fastening device therein.
39. The casing of claim 37 or 38, wherein the depth of the channel portions are configured such that the one or more first parts of a two-part releasable fastening device protrude from the outer surfaces of the body portion of the casing.
40. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the casing includes a first channel portion that at least partially circumscribes the first aperture of the body portion.
41. The casing of claim 40, wherein the first channel portion of the body portion is located on a rim portion of the front face of the body portion of the casing.
42. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion of the casing includes two or more channel portions, each channel portion being located on the outer surface of the body portion.
43. The casing of claim 42, wherein the body portion of the casing further includes a channel portion located on a rear surface of the body portion.
44. The casing of any of claims 38 to 43, wherein the first part of a two-part releasable fastening device is adhered to the channel portions of the body portion of the casing.
45. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein body portion of the casing is made from a resilient material.
46. The casing of any preceding claim, wherein body portion of the casing is transparent.
47. A casing for a portable electronic device comprising: a body portion, the body portion being configured to receive a portable electronic device therein, wherein the body portion includes: a first aperture, the first aperture being positioned to expose a lens of a camera device of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located within the body portion; and a first part of a two-part releasable fastening device, the first part of the releasable fastening device being located on an outer surface of the body portion and being configured to be engagable with a corresponding second part of a two-part releasable fastening device; and a second part of a two-part releasable fastening device, the second part of the releasable fastening device being located separately from the casing and being configured to be engagable with the first part of the releasable fastening device.