Protective case having a hybrid structure for portable handheld electronic devices

• US 20100096284A1
• Filed: 06/29/2009
• Published: 04/22/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/27/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Switcheasy Limited
• Original Assignee: Switcheasy Limited
• Inventors: Bau, Steven Chi Vun
• Granted Patent: US 8,245,842 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/320
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/00 Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials B65D71/00, B65D83/00 take precedence; hand implements or travelling equipment A45C; cosmetic or toiletry equipment A45D; packages for surgical knives, scalpels or blades therefor A61B17/3215; containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/00; paint cans B44D3/12; oil cans F16N3/04; containers for carrying small arms F41C33/06; packaging of ammunition or explosive charges F42B39/00; containers for record carriers, specially adapted for cooperation with the recording or reproducing apparatus G11B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3888 Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers

Abstract

A protective case for handheld devices with improved protection characteristics, durability, convenience of use, and functionalities without compromising aesthetics. The protective case includes a “glove” or “skin” piece of a softer material that substantially covers and grips the entire back of the electronic device, by wrapping over the edge of the electronic device (without obscuring the display/touch screen on the front of the device). One or more separate complementary frame pieces, braces and the like made of a hard material are attached over the glove piece, extending over a substantial area of the glove piece, thereby creating a robust interlocking hybrid structure. Openings are provided in the protective case to allow for user interaction with the device, including access to the interfaces (e.g., screens, buttons, sockets, etc.) provided on the device.

Claims

1. A protective case for a portable handheld electronic device, comprising:

a soft protective component that snugly covers a back and edges of the electronic device;

a hard protective component, covering at least an area of the soft protective component.

2. The protective case as in claim 1, wherein the soft protective component is provided with indentations and the hard protective component has complementary structures received in the indentations.

3. The protective case as in claim 1, wherein the hard protective component comprises an H-frame and a complementary I-clip, covering a substantial area of the soft protective component.