Protective covering for an electronic device

• US 7,957,524 B2
• Filed: 03/02/2007
• Issued: 06/07/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ZAGG Inc. (Evercel, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ZAGG Inc. (Evercel, Inc.)
• Inventors: Chipping, Phillip
• Primary Examiner(s): Fidei; David T
• Application Number:
  US11/681,665
• Publication Number:
  US 20090086415A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,558 Days
• Field of Search: 206/320, 206/497, 206/811, 150/161, 150/162, 150/165, 150/154, 379/428.01, 379/437, 455/575.01
• US Class Current: 379/428.01
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• 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 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0283 for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/185 Improving the rigidity of the casing or resistance to shocks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/2419 Fold at edge
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24264 Particular fold structure [e.g., beveled, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24331 including nonapertured component
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24777 Edge feature
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/28 Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component and having an adhesive outermost layer

Abstract

A protective cover for electronic devices. A device is examined and a film is prepared. The film may include multiple pieces and may have cutouts for discontinuities in the surfaces of the device or to accommodate a user interface. The corners or other portions of the films are then cut such that the films substantially cover the surface of the device without bunching or creating air pockets.

Claims

1. A body cover for an electronic device, the covering comprising:

a first film configured to cover a first surface of an electronic device, the first surface having a screen disposed therein, wherein the first film lays flat against the first surface;

a second film, physically separate from the first film, configured to cover a second surface of the electronic device such that the second film lays flat against the second surface, wherein the second film includes edges that wrap around and cover portions of one or more sides of the electronic device, the one or more sides connecting the first surface of the device with the second surface; and

one or more cuts formed in the second film to accommodate a corner of the electronic device, the one or more cuts formed such that the second film lays flat against the second surface as the second film approaches the corner of the electronic device;

wherein the first film and the second film do not overlap each other.

2. The protective covering of claim 1, the first film comprising one or more cutout areas, at least one cutout area sized to accommodate a user interface of the electronic device.

3. The protective covering of claim 1, the edges of the second film including cuts such that one or more ports of the device remain accessible to a user.

4. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein both the first film and the second film further comprise an adhesive that adheres the first film and the second film to the device.

5. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the one or more cuts are configured to adapt to at least one of:

edges of the device;

sloping surfaces;

ridges;

corners;

rounded corners;

discontinuities in a surface;

ports on the device;

bulges on a surface;

depressions on a surface;

or

rounded surfaces.

6. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the first and second film substantially cover all surfaces of the device including a display of the device.

7. The protective covering of claim 2, further comprising a third film specifically shaped for the user interface.

8. The protective covering of claim 1, the first film further comprising a cutout area to accommodate an inset screen.

9. The protective covering of claim 8, further comprising a third film shaped to substantially cover the inset screen.

10. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the first surface is a front surface and the second surface is a back surface.

30. The protective covering of claim 1, wherein the electronic device has a corner and wherein there are one or more cuts formed in a film to allow the film to substantially cover the corner of the electronic device such that the film lays flat against the corner.

11. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a first surface, a second surface, one or more sides connecting the first surface with the second surface, and one or more corners, the covering comprising:

a first film configured to cover the first surface of the electronic device so that the first film lays flat against the first surface, wherein the first film is transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the first surface; and

a second film, physically separate from the first film, configured to cover the second surface of the electronic device so that the second film lays flat against the second surface,

wherein the second film includes edges that are configured to wrap around and cover portions of one or more of the sides of the electronic device without overlapping with itself or with the first film; and

one or more cuts formed in the second film to accommodate a corner of the electronic device, the one or more cuts formed such that the second film lays flat against the second surface as the second film approaches the corner.

12. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface, the covering comprising:

a first film or first set of films configured to correspond to the shape and size of the front surface so that when applied to the device, the first film or first set of films lays flat against the front surface and covers substantially the entire front surface of the electronic device, the first film or first set of films being transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronic device; and

a second film or second set of films, physically separate from the first film or first set of films, configured to correspond to the shape and size of the back surface and sides so that when applied to the device, the second film or second set of films lays flat against the back surface and sides and covers substantially the entire back surface and sides of the electronic device,

wherein none of the films overlaps itself or any other film and wherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronic device is covered by film.

13. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a port and wherein there are cutouts in a film that would otherwise cover the port so that when the film is applied to the device, the port is accessible.

14. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has buttons and wherein there are cutouts in a film that would otherwise cover the buttons.

15. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a corner and wherein there are one or more cuts formed in a film to allow the film to substantially cover the corner of the electronic device such that the film lays flat against the corner.

16. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a surface that is not flat and wherein a film has one or more cuts formed therein such that the film lays flat against the non-flat surface.

17. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the film further comprises an adhesive that adheres the film to the device.

18. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a user interface and wherein there is a separate film that is shaped and sized to cover the user interface.

19. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a screen and wherein there is a separate film that is shaped and sized to cover the screen.

20. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein a film configured to cover the back surface also includes edges that are configured to wrap around and cover portions of one or more of the sides of the electronic device.

31. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the electronic device has a corner and one or more cuts are formed in a film to accommodate the corner, the one or more cuts formed such that the film lays flat against the surface of the electronic device as the film approaches the corner.

33. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first and second films or set of films are smooth as they lay flat against the surface of the device.

35. The body covering as claimed in claim 12, wherein both the first and second films or set of films are transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the surfaces of the electronic device.

21. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface, the covering comprising:

a set of physically separate films configured to correspond to the shape and size of the front surface and back surface so that when applied to the device, the films lay flat against the front surface and back surface and cover substantially the entire front surface and back surface of the electronic device, wherein the portions of the films configured to cover the front surface are transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronic device, wherein no film overlaps with itself or any other film, and wherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronic device is covered by film.

22. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic device has a port and wherein there are cutouts in a film that would otherwise cover the port so that when the film is applied to the device, the port is accessible.

23. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic device has buttons and wherein there are cutouts in a film that would otherwise cover the buttons.

26. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the film further comprises an adhesive that adheres the film to the device.

27. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic device has a user interface and wherein there is a separate film that is shaped and sized to cover the user interface.

28. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic device has a screen and wherein there is a separate film that is shaped and sized to cover the screen.

29. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein a film configured to cover the back surface also includes edges that are configured to wrap around and cover portions of one or more of the sides of the electronic device.

34. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the films are smooth as they lay flat against the surface of the device.

36. The body covering as claimed in claim 21, wherein the films are transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the surfaces of the electronic device.

24. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface, the covering comprising:

a film or set of films configured to correspond to the shape and size of the front surface and back surface so that when applied to the device, the film or set of films lays flat against the front surface and back surface and covers substantially the entire front surface and back surface of the electronic device, wherein the portions of the film or set of films configured to cover the front surface are transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronic device, wherein no film overlaps with itself or any other film, and wherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronic device is covered by film, wherein the electronic device has a corner and wherein there are one or more cuts formed in a film to allow the film to substantially cover the corner of the electronic device such that the film lays flat against the corner.

25. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface, the covering comprising:

a film or set of films configured to correspond to the shape and size of the front surface and back surface so that when applied to the device, the film or set of films lays flat against the front surface and back surface and covers substantially the entire front surface and back surface of the electronic device, wherein the portions of the film or set of films configured to cover the front surface are transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronic device, wherein no film overlaps with itself or any other film, and wherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronic device is covered by film, wherein the electronic device has a surface that is not flat and wherein a film has one or more cuts formed therein such that the film lays flat against the non-flat surface.

32. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a front surface, a back surface, and one or more sides connecting the front surface with the back surface, the covering comprising:

a film or set of films configured to correspond to the shape and size of the front surface and back surface so that when applied to the device, the film or set of films lays flat against the front surface and back surface and covers substantially the entire front surface and back surface of the electronic device, wherein the portions of the film or set of films configured to cover the front surface are transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the front surface of the electronic device, wherein no film overlaps with itself or any other film, and wherein substantially the entire surface of the portable electronic device is covered by film, wherein the electronic device has a corner and one or more cuts are formed in a film to accommodate the corner, the one or more cuts formed such that the film lays flat against the surface of the electronic device as the film approaches the corner.

37. A body covering for a portable electronic device that has a first surface, a second surface, and one or more sides connecting the first surface with the second surface, and corners where the one or more sides meet the second surface, the covering comprising:

a first film configured to substantially cover the first surface of the portable electronic device, wherein the first film lays flat against the first surface and wherein the first film is transparent throughout so as not to obscure the original look of the first surface;

a second film, physically separate from the first film, configured to substantially cover the second surface of the electronic device such that the second film lays flat against the second surface, wherein the second film includes edges that wrap around and cover portions of one or more of the sides of the electronic device; and

one or more cuts formed in the second film to accommodate the corners of the electronic device, the one or more cuts formed such that the second film lays flat against the second surface as the second film approaches the corners of the electronic device and such that the second film covers both the second surface and portions of at least two of the one or more sides at each of the corners;

wherein the first film and the second film do not overlap each other.