Mobile device having a protective user interface cover
First Claim
1. A mobile device, comprising:
- a mobile device housing having a top surface and a bottom surface;
a protective cover comprising a protective surface and a positioning mechanism, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the mobile device such that the positioning mechanism positions the protective surface between a first position in which the protective surface covers a user interface in the top surface of the mobile device housing, a second position in which the protective surface can be used as a support mechanism for the mobile device, and a third position in which the protective surface is in a stowed position adjacent to the bottom surface of the mobile device housing;
wherein at least a portion of the protective surface is transparent to enable viewing of the user interface while the protective cover is in the first position.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A mobile device having a protective user interface cover is provided. The mobile device includes a mobile device housing having a top surface. The user interface is preferably mounted within the top surface of the mobile device, and may include a display, a keyboard, a touch screen, a touch surface, or any other type of user input and display apparatus. The protective cover comprises a protective surface and a positioning mechanism, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the mobile device housing such that the positioning mechanism positions the protective surface between a first position in which the protective surface covers the user interface in the top surface and a second position in which the protective surface does not cover the user interface in the top surface. The protective surface may include a plurality of apertures for receiving user input while the protective cover is in the first position, and may also be at least partially transparent so that a display is visible while the protective cover is in the first position.
83 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A mobile device, comprising:
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a mobile device housing having a top surface and a bottom surface; a protective cover comprising a protective surface and a positioning mechanism, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the mobile device such that the positioning mechanism positions the protective surface between a first position in which the protective surface covers a user interface in the top surface of the mobile device housing, a second position in which the protective surface can be used as a support mechanism for the mobile device, and a third position in which the protective surface is in a stowed position adjacent to the bottom surface of the mobile device housing; wherein at least a portion of the protective surface is transparent to enable viewing of the user interface while the protective cover is in the first position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A mobile device, comprising:
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a mobile device housing having a top surface and a bottom surface; and a protective cover comprising a protective surface and a positioning mechanism, wherein the protective cover is mounted to the housing such that the positioning mechanism positions the protective surface between a first position in which the protective surface covers a user interface of the mobile device, and a second position in which the protective surface is in a stowed position adjacent to the bottom surface of the mobile device, the positioning mechanism including a pair of pins configured on the protective cover that mount to and engage with a pair of rails integral to and extending substantially along the sides of the housing, wherein the pins rotate about the rails and slidably engage therewith in order to translate the protective cover between the first position and the second position; wherein the protective cover includes a plurality of apertures for providing input commands to the user interface while the protective cover is biased in the first position. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A mobile device, comprising:
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a mobile device housing; a plurality of detachable and interchangeable protective covers which may be detachably mounted to the mobile device, each of the detachable and interchangeable protective covers including a plurality of apertures; and a plurality of cover models stored within the mobile device, each cover model corresponding to one of the plurality of detachable and interchangeable protective covers and describing the position of the apertures within the protective cover, the cover models being selectable from a user interface of the mobile device; wherein a user of the mobile device physically attaches one of the plurality of interchangeable protective covers to the mobile device and then interacts with the user interface to select the cover model corresponding to the attached protective cover.
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Specification