PROTECTIVE CASE FOR MOBILE DEVICE

• US 20140268519A1
• Filed: 03/11/2014
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mophie Incorporated (Evercel, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Mophie Incorporated (Evercel, Inc.)
• Inventors: Huang, Daniel, Brand, Matthew, To, Nguyen, Namminga, Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 9,876,522 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.01
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3888 Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/3894 Waterproofing of transmission device

Abstract

Disclosed is durable and water-resistant or water-proof communication accessory with a built-in battery for a mobile communication device capable of enclosing, powering, and protecting a mobile device and protecting it from dirt, water, weather, bumps, and scratches. The built-in battery can extend the battery operating time of mobile communication device while protecting the sensitive electronics, glass screen, and data.

Claims

1. A water-resistant protective case for a mobile device with a touch screen, the protective case comprising:

a first case portion and a second case portion configured to form a protective case around the mobile device, the protective case configured to reveal the touch screen;

a plurality of impact-absorbing regions fixed to the protective case;

a battery;

an internal interface capable of electrically coupling with the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case; and

a water-resistant seal formed between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion when the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion are coupled to form the protective case.

2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the water-resistant seal comprises a gasket.

3. The protective case of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the gasket is disposed between the internal interface and the first case portion and wherein a second portion of the gasket is disposed between the internal interface and the second case portion.

4. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of openings and flexible port covers configured to correspond to ports and/or buttons on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case.

5. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a screen gasket capable of forming a water-tight seal around the touch screen when the mobile device is in the protective case.

6. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a membrane attached to the protective case disposed in front of the touch screen when the mobile device is in the protective case.

7. The protective case of claim 6, wherein a tactile input on one side of the membrane registers with the touch screen on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case.

8. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of impact-absorbing regions comprise over-molded thermoplastic.

9. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a flexible sleeve configured to stretch around the protective case.

10. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising an external interface electrically coupled to the internal interface.

11. The protective case of claim 10, wherein the external interface is a different connection type from the internal interface.

12. The protective case of claim 10, wherein the first battery and a second battery in the mobile device are configured to be charged through the external interface.

13. The protective case of claim 1, further comprising a battery information display.

14. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the battery is enclosed within the first case portion.

15. A protective case for a mobile device with a touch screen, the protective case comprising:

a first rigid case portion and a second rigid case portion configured to form a protective case around the mobile device, the protective case configured to reveal the touch screen;

a battery;

an internal interface capable of electrically coupling with the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case;

a water-resistant seal formed between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion when the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion are coupled to form the protective case; and

a flexible sleeve configured to stretch around the protective case.

16. The protective case of claim 15, wherein the water-resistant seal comprises a gasket.

17. The protective case of claim 16, wherein a first portion of the gasket is disposed between the internal interface and the first case portion and wherein a second portion of the gasket is disposed between the internal interface and the second case portion.

18. The protective case of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of openings and flexible port covers configured to correspond to ports and/or buttons on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case.

19. The protective case of claim 15, further comprising a second gasket capable of forming a water-tight seal around the touch screen.

20. The protective case of claim 15, further comprising a membrane attached to the protective case disposed in front of the touch screen when the mobile device is in the protective case.

21. The protective case of claim 20, wherein an input on one side of the membrane opposite the touch screen registers with the touch screen on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case.

22. The protective case of claim 15, further comprising a waterproof microphone port.

23. The protective case of claim 15, further comprising an external interface electrically coupled to the internal interface.

24. The protective case of claim 15, wherein the battery of the protective case and a battery in the mobile device are configured to be charged through the external interface.

25. The protective case of claim 15, further comprising a battery information display.

26. The protective case of claim 15, wherein the protective case additionally comprises a third case portion.

27. The protective case of claim 15, wherein the battery is enclosed within the first case portion.

28. A water-resistant protective case for a mobile device with a touch screen, the protective case comprising:

a first rigid case portion and a second rigid case portion configured to form a protective case with a plurality of openings configured to correspond to the ports and/or buttons of the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case, the protective case configured to reveal the touch screen;

a flexible sleeve configured to stretch around the protective case, the flexible sleeve comprising flexible port covers capable of sealing the plurality of openings;

a membrane attached to the protective case disposed in front of the touch-screen, wherein a tactile input on one side of the membrane registers with the touch screen on the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case;

a battery;

an internal interface capable of electrically coupling with the mobile device when the mobile device is in the protective case;

an external interface electrically coupled to the internal interface; and

a water-resistant seal formed between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion when the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion are coupled to form the protective case.