Electronic device cover and method of making same
First Claim
1. A protective cover for an electronic device having a viewing screen, said cover comprising:
- a shell defining an enclosure with an opening at one end and having a shape corresponding to the shape of said electronic device, said opening for receiving said electronic device within said enclosure, said shell being formed of a soft, elastomeric material;
a protective membrane integrally connected to said shell, providing a viewing window through which said viewing screen may be viewed when said electronic device is inserted into said shell; and
a rigid end cap removably connectable to said open end of said shell to fully encase said electronic device when inserted into said shell.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A water-resistant cover consisting of three components: a soft, form-fitting shell, a plastic slider and a plastic end cap. The shell does not inhibit the functionality of peripheral controls and includes fully integrated polycarbonate windows that are thermally and mechanically bonded to the shell in the molding process, the windows being adapted to the specific contour and profile of the device and to protect the device'"'"'s screen while not inhibiting the functionality of a touch-screen, keypad or acoustic devices. The slider is slidably connected to the cover for closing the audio jack aperture in the shell with a double closure to maintain a water-resistant seal when not in use. The end cap closes the cover with reciprocal seals that are molded into both components and the cap is easily removed for access to a data port or charger and is enhanced with water-resistant acoustic vents that provide sound clarity to speakers or microphones.
70 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A protective cover for an electronic device having a viewing screen, said cover comprising:
-
a shell defining an enclosure with an opening at one end and having a shape corresponding to the shape of said electronic device, said opening for receiving said electronic device within said enclosure, said shell being formed of a soft, elastomeric material; a protective membrane integrally connected to said shell, providing a viewing window through which said viewing screen may be viewed when said electronic device is inserted into said shell; and a rigid end cap removably connectable to said open end of said shell to fully encase said electronic device when inserted into said shell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method of manufacturing a protective cover for an electronic device having a viewing screen comprising the steps of:
thermally and mechanically bonding a polycarbonate window to a soft outer shell.
-
12. A method of manufacturing a protective cover for an electronic device having a viewing screen comprising the steps of:
-
preparing a mold having a first portion and a second portion, said mold having a shape corresponding substantially to, and slightly larger than, the shape of said electronic device; positioning a protective membrane into said first portion, said protective membrane having a plurality of perforations about its outer edge; positioning a mandrel into said first portion adjacent said protective membrane, said mandrel shaped to correspond to the shape of said electronic device; connecting said second portion to said first portion thereby enclosing said protective membrane and mandrel within said mold; injecting an elastomeric material into said mold, said elastomeric material surrounding said mandrel and thermally and mechanically bonding to said protective membrane. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification