Protective case for touch screen device

• US 6,646,864 B2
• Filed: 11/19/2002
• Issued: 11/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Otter Products LLC
• Original Assignee: Otter Products LLC
• Inventors: Richardson, Curtis R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schuberg, Darren
• Assistant Examiner(s): Edwards, Anthony Q.
• Application Number:
  US10/300,200
• Publication Number:
  US 20030095374A1
• Time in Patent Office: 357 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679-681, 361/683, 379/433, 312/223.2
• US Class Current: 361/679.3
• 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

Discloses is a protective case 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. An enclosure for a touch screen device that allows operation of a touch screen on said touch screen device while said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure comprising:

a shell tat is adapted to contain said touch screen device;

a flexible membrane that is connected to said shell and is located in said shell in such a position as to be disposed over said touch screen of said touch screen device when said touch screen device is disposed in said enclosure, said flexible membrane adapted to allow tactile inputs to be communicated to said touch screen wherein said shell comprises a protective case portion adapted to hold said touch screen device;

an aperture in said protective case; and

said flexible membrane adapted to mount in said aperture wherein said membrane secured in a manner that allows replacement of said membrane.

2. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said protective case portion is rigid.

3. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said protective case portion is watertight.

4. The enclosure of claim 2 wherein said protective case portion comprises a flexible portion adapted to receive said flexible membrane.

5. The enclosure of claim 1 further comprising a receiver with a belt clip adapted to accept said cover.

6. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said flexible membrane comprises printed matter applied to said membrane.

7. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said flexible membrane has a texture applied to at least a portion of the exterior surface of said flexible membrane.

8. A method of protecting an electronic device with a touch screen comprising:

providing said electronic device;

providing a protective enclosure comprising a shell tat is adapted to contain said electronic device, a flexible membrane that is connected to said shell and is located in said shell in such a position as to be disposed over said touch screen and adapted to allow tactile inputs to be communicated to said touch screen; and

placing said electronic device in said protective cover such that said flexible membrane is disposed against said touch screen wherein said enclosure comprises a protective case portion adapted to hold said electronic device;

an aperture in said protective case; and

said flexible membrane adapted to mount in said aperture wherein said membrane secured in a manner that allows replacement of said membrane.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of said protective case portion is rigid.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein said protective case portion is watertight.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein said protective case portion comprises a flexible portion adapted to receive said flexible membrane.

12. A cover for a touch screen electronic device comprising:

a first means for holding said touch screen electronic device;

a second means for covering the touch screen of said touch screen electronic device adapted to allow the operation of said touch screen when placed against said touch screen; and

a third means for removably securing said second means to said first means.

13. The cover of claim 12 wherein said first means comprises at rigid case.

14. The cover of claim 12 wherein said third means comprises a flexible member attached to said first means.

15. The cover of claim 14 wherein said third means is secured to said second means in a watertight fashion.

16. The cover of claim 12 wherein said first means further protects said electronic device from mechanical shock.