Protective membrane for touch screen device

• US 20040112143A1
• Filed: 08/20/2003
• Published: 06/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Otter Products LLC
• Original Assignee: Otter Products LLC
• Inventors: Richardson, Curtis R.
• Granted Patent: US 6,995,976 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/856
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1632 Pen holder integrated in the computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer

Abstract

A protective membrane is disclosed for an electronic device that has a touch screen. The touch screen is protected with a membrane adapted to the specific contour and profile of the electronic device and allows the user to use the touch screen interface with no shortcomings. The protective case is further adapted to allow infrared and other communication signals while the device is secured inside the case. Further, electrical connections can be made through the case without affecting the protection afforded the electronic device inside.

Claims

1. A protective membrane for a touch screen comprising:

a recessed area disposed over said touch screen, said recessed area being at least partially transparent;

a surface finish having a predetermined smoothness;

said recessed area having a predetermined thickness;

said recessed area having a predetermined stiffness;

said predetermined smoothness, said predetermined thickness, and said predetermined stiffness being selected such that simultaneous pressing and sliding of a stylus over said recessed area creates a tactile input to said touch screen.

2. The protective membrane of claim 1 further comprising a peripheral mounting mechanism whereby said protective membrane may be mounted in a case.

3. The protective membrane of claim 1 further comprising printing on said recessed area.

4. The protective membrane of claim 1 wherein at least said recessed area is manufactured from polyvinylchloride.

5. The protective membrane of claim 4 wherein said at least said recessed area is manufactured using thermoforming.

6. The protective membrane of claim 5 wherein said thickness is between 0.010 in and 0.015 in.

7. The protective membrane of claim 1 wherein at least said recessed area is manufactured using injection molding.

8. A protective cover that protects a touch screen on an electronic device and allows sliding tactile input to said touch screen comprising:

a protective enclosure that attaches to said electronic device;

a protective membrane that is attached to said protective enclosure comprising;

a recessed area disposed over said touch screen, said recessed area being at least partially transparent;

said recessed area having a surface finish with a predetermined smoothness;

said recessed area having a predetermined thickness;

said recessed area have a predetermined stiffness;

said predetermined smoothness, said predetermined thickness, and said predetermined stiffness being selected such that simultaneous pressing and sliding of a stylus over said recessed area is sufficient to create a tactile input to said touch screen.

9. The protective cover of claim 8 wherein said protective enclosure attaches to said device by enveloping said device.

10. The protective cover of claim 8 wherein said protective enclosure covers an exterior portion of said device.

16. The protective membrane of claim 8 wherein said recessed area is manufactured using injection molding.

11. The protective cover of claim 11 wherein said protective enclosure snaps onto said exterior portion of said device.

12. The protective cover of claim 11 further comprising printing on said recessed area.

13. The protective cover of claim 11 wherein said recessed area is manufactured from polyvinylchloride.

14. The protective cover of claim 13 wherein said recessed area is manufactured using thermoforming.

15. The protective membrane of claim 14 wherein said predetermined thickness is between 0.010 in and 0.015 in.