Protective case for mobile devices

Abstract

A protective case for a portable mobile device is disclosed. The protective case comprises a shell that defines a compartment for receiving and retaining a mobile device, a cover panel, and a connector component. The shell has a main panel that includes an aperture and a subpanel that is hinged at a first side within the aperture and reversibly attached to the aperture via mechanical protrusions or detents at a second side so that it can rotatably attach and detach, or snap, into and out of the main panel. The hinge may be formed by one or more flexible layers overlaid on the shell or via mechanical swivel joint such as a pin and socket connection. A connector portion connects the cover panel to the shell and forms a flexible spine between the cover panel and the shell. The connector portion is comprised of opposing inner and outer layers that are overlaid over the internal and external facing surfaces of the shell and cover panel. The main panel of the shell is configured to receive and retain the mobile device within its compartment and may be snap-fitted over the mobile device. In operation, the case can be opened and the subpanel detached from the main panel to allow the main panel to rotate relative to the subpanel and rest on the inner surface of the cover component to provide varied viewing / operating positions to the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 362,233, filed on Mar. 22, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 200,372, filed on Jul. 1, 2016 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,243,608 on Mar. 26, 2019, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 188,438, filed on Jul. 2, 2015, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUNDField of the Invention[0002]The present disclosure relates to user removable protective cases for mobile devices, and particularly lightweight folio-type cases.Description of the Related Art[0003]Mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the like are known to sustain damage from impact and from contamination as a result of the ingress of water or other fluids. Such damage may result, for example, in a cracked screen, scratches on a finished surface, lost or damaged buttons...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a case for holding a mobile device and includes a main panel and a detachable subpanel that can be hinged. The main panel has an aperture for the subpanel to fit into and secure it. The subpanel has attachment protrusions that secure it to the main panel. The subpanel and main panel maintain a fixed relationship with each other. The case is made with flexible layers that can catch and hold the mobile device in the desired viewing position, without adding extra weight. The case can be opened and closed easily and has slots for credit cards. The technical effects of this invention are that it provides a simple yet secure holding solution for mobile devices, and can easily transition to different viewing positions without extra weight.

Problems solved by technology

Mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and the like are known to sustain damage from impact and from contamination as a result of the ingress of water or other fluids.

Such damage may result, for example, in a cracked screen, scratches on a finished surface, lost or damaged buttons or controls, cracked or bent external body components, and / or failed or malfunctioning electrical components.

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