Mobile device housing and multi-component housing

Abstract

The present application relates to mobile device cases and multi-component cases. A mobile device case includes a plurality of interconnected components that, when interconnected, form a multi-component inner body. The multi-component inner body includes a first back wall and a plurality of first side walls that define an opening configured to securely house a mobile device. The mobile device case also includes an outer body that includes a second back wall and a plurality of second side walls that define an opening configured to securely house the multi-component inner body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to mobile devices, and more specifically to multi-component housings for mobile devices. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, have become ubiquitous. Users typically hold them in their hands while walking, cycling, or traveling in cars or other motor vehicles. Mobile devices are also frequently held while capturing images and / or videos, and may be held in unstable locations, such as on balconies or cliffs, or outside windows. If a user is not holding the mobile device, it may fall and impact the ground or other hard surfaces, potentially damaging it.

[0003] Mobile devices can be housed in shock-resistant housings to reduce or even prevent damage from impacts. However, in some cases, a large impact can cause the housing to detach from the mobile device, making it vulnerable to any subsequent impacts. Additionally, mobile devices with complex shapes may be more difficult to secure within shock-resistant housings. Utility Model Content

[0004] The appended claims define this application. This document discloses various aspects of the embodiments and is not intended to limit the claims. Other embodiments are contemplated based on the technology described herein, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description, and these embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of this application.

[0005] An exemplary embodiment of a multi-component housing for a mobile device is shown.

[0006] The exemplary mobile device housing disclosed herein includes a plurality of interconnecting components that, when interconnected, form a multi-component inner body. The multi-component inner body includes a first back wall and a plurality of first side walls defining an opening configured to securely receive a mobile device. The mobile device housing includes an outer body including a second back wall and a plurality of second side walls defining the opening configured to securely receive the multi-component inner body.

[0007] The exemplary multi-component housing disclosed herein includes a first component and a second component, which are interconnected to form a rigid inner body with an opening configured to securely receive a mobile device. The multi-component housing also includes a first snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the first component to the second component. The multi-component housing also includes a flexible outer body having an opening configured to securely receive the rigid inner body. The multi-component housing further includes a second snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the rigid inner body within the flexible outer body. Attached Figure Description

[0008] To better understand this invention, reference can be made to the embodiments shown in the following figures. Components in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and related elements may be omitted, or in some cases, the scale may be too large to emphasize and clearly show the novel features described herein. Furthermore, as is known in the art, system components may be arranged differently. Additionally, in the figures, the same reference numerals denote corresponding parts throughout several views.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a rear view of an exemplary multi-part housing for accommodating a smartphone, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Left rear perspective view of the multi-part housing.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Rear right perspective view of the multi-part housing.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of a multi-part housing, showing the inner body and outer shell of the multi-part housing.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Left front perspective view of the multi-part housing.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the multi-part casing from the left front of the explosion.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Rear view of the inner and outer shells of a multi-part housing.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a left front perspective view of an exemplary multi-component housing according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 8An exploded left front perspective view of a multi-part casing, showing the outer body, as well as the front and rear parts of the inner body.

[0018] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An exploded left-front perspective view of the outer body and the front part of the inner body. Detailed Implementation

[0019] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below are exemplary and non-limiting. It should be understood that this disclosure should be considered as an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0020] The exemplary mobile device housings disclosed herein are configured to securely house and / or attach to mobile devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, etc.). Each mobile device housing disclosed herein includes a multi-part inner body and an outer body, and is configured to protect the mobile device from physical impacts (e.g., impacts to a hard surface at a speed of 40 feet per second) without impeding handheld use of the mobile device.

[0021] In various embodiments, the multi-component inner body includes two or more interconnecting components that form the inner body when interconnected. By using separate components to form the inner body, it can be assembled around a protrusion of the mobile device, such as a camera bump, rather than a single component that bends or extends over the camera bump. This allows the components of the inner body to be formed from a more rigid material rather than the flexible material required to bend or extend around the camera bump. Using a rigid material for the inner body allows it to distribute the forces from impacts over a larger area of ​​the mobile device, which reduces impact damage to the mobile device. An outer body formed from a more flexible and shock-absorbing material can then be assembled around the inner body to provide further protection.

[0022] Switch to the attached image. Figures 1 to 7 An exemplary multi-part housing 100 for a smartphone 25 and / or other mobile device is depicted in accordance with the teachings herein. Figures 8 to 10 An exemplary multi-part housing 1100 for a smartphone 25 and / or other mobile devices is depicted, representing an alternative embodiment based on the teachings herein.

[0023] A multi-part housing 100 (also referred to as a "housing" for simplicity) includes an inner body 200 and an outer body 300. The inner body 200 is a multi-part body comprising two or more separate parts that are interconnected to form the inner body 200, while the outer body 300 is a one-piece body. In the exemplary multi-part housing 100, the inner body 200 includes an upper part 210A and a lower part 210B. That is, the exemplary multi-part housing 100 includes three separate parts: the upper part 210A of the inner body 200, the lower part 210B of the inner body 200, and the outer body 300.

[0024] As in Figures 1 to 7 As further described in the illustrated example, the inner body 200 includes an upper component 210A and a lower component 210B (also referred to as the "first component" and the "second component"), such that the combination of the inner body 200 and the outer body 300 provides improved protection for the smartphone 25. In various embodiments, the inner body 200 includes polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, other suitable thermoplastics, carbon fiber reinforced polymers ("carbon fibers"), other fiber-reinforced polymers (e.g., glass fiber reinforced nylon), and / or other suitable materials for structural strength and stiffness (e.g., having a relatively high modulus of elasticity). In various embodiments, the outer body 300 includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, and / or other suitable materials for impact resistance (e.g., having a relatively low modulus of elasticity compared to the material of the inner body 200). Other materials may be used for the inner body 200 and the outer body 300 in other embodiments, but generally the material of the inner body 200 has a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the outer body 300.

[0025] The inner body 200 includes a back wall 220 and a plurality of side walls. In the accompanying drawings, the plurality of side walls are shown as side walls 240A, 240B, 240C, and 240D (for simplicity, they are collectively referred to herein as "side wall 240"). The back wall 220 includes a front side 222 (i.e., facing the smartphone 25) and a rear side 224 (…). Figure 4 and Figure 7 ).

[0026] The front side 222 and side wall 240 of the back wall 220 define a cavity or opening 202 in which the smartphone 25 is fixed. The inner body 200 is configured to cover the sides and back of the smartphone 25 to protect the smartphone 25 from environmental influences, including impacts from objects, hard surfaces, the ground, etc. Figure 1As shown, the back wall 220 defines a camera hole 226 for a camera 35 or other suitable component (e.g., camera flash, ambient light sensor) of the smartphone 25. In various embodiments, the back wall 220 and / or side wall 240 define one or more additional holes (not labeled) to facilitate user interaction with one or more components of the smartphone 25, such as buttons, switches, speakers, microphones, data and charging ports (e.g., Universal Serial Bus ports), SIM card trays, memory card trays, or other suitable components of the smartphone 25. In some embodiments, the back wall 220 includes a magnet 280, for example, to facilitate wireless charging and / or auxiliary attachment of the smartphone 25.

[0027] In various embodiments, the inner body 200 includes one or more structural features, fasteners, and / or connectors for securing the smartphone 25 within the opening 202, for example, to facilitate holding the smartphone 25 within the housing during forceful movement (e.g., physical impact). In the embodiment shown in the figures, a plurality of sidewalls 240 include an inner lip 244 configured to secure the smartphone 25 within the opening 202. The inner lip 244 extends along the outer edge of the smartphone 25 around the inner periphery of the sidewall 240 and extends partially over the front side (i.e., the screen) of the smartphone 25. Other configurations of the inner lip 244 and other means for securing the smartphone 25 within the opening 202 are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the outer body 300 extends along and covers the sidewalls 240 to provide impact protection to the sidewalls 240 of the inner body 200. The outer body 300 also extends along and covers portions of the back side 224 of the back wall 220 to provide impact protection to the back wall 220. In other words, the outer body 300 is configured to provide impact protection to the inner body 200, thereby providing impact protection to the smartphone 25 within the inner body 200.

[0029] The outer body 300 includes a back wall 320 and a plurality of side walls. In the accompanying drawings, the plurality of side walls are shown as side walls 340A, 340B, 340C, and 340D (for simplicity, they are collectively referred to herein as "side wall 340"). The back wall 320 includes a front side 322 and a rear side 324 (…). Figure 6 and Figure 7 ).

[0030] The front side 322 and side wall 340 of the back wall 320 define an opening 302, in which the inner body 200 and the smartphone 25 are fixed. Figure 1As shown, the back wall 320 defines a camera hole 326 for the camera 35 of the smartphone 25, which is similar to the camera hole 226 of the inner body 200. In various embodiments, the back wall 320 and / or the side wall 340 define one or more additional holes (not labeled) to facilitate user interaction with one or more components of the smartphone 25, as described above.

[0031] In various embodiments, housing 100 includes one or more structural features, fasteners, and / or connectors for securing inner body 200 within outer body 300. In some embodiments, housing 100 includes one or more snap-fit ​​connectors that allow tool-free assembly and securing of inner body 200 within outer body 300. Snap-fit ​​connectors may include tabs and corresponding holes or slots into which tabs can be inserted, tabs and corresponding recesses, ridges and corresponding slots, and / or other suitable snap-fit ​​configurations. In the embodiment shown in the figures, housing 100 includes a left snap-fit ​​connector 141, a right snap-fit ​​connector 142, and a peripheral snap-fit ​​connector 143.

[0032] In some embodiments, the left snap-fit ​​connector 141 includes a tab 241 on a sidewall 240C of the inner body 200 and a corresponding hole 341 on a sidewall 340C of the outer body 300. In some embodiments, the tab 241 is rigid, and the hole 341 is configured to extend around the tab 241 to facilitate insertion of the tab 241 into the hole 341. The hole 341 then returns to its original shape to retain the tab 241 and secure the inner body 200 to the outer body 300. In other embodiments, the tab 241 is flexible and bends inward (i.e., toward the opposite sidewall 240D) to facilitate insertion, and then returns to its original shape. In other embodiments, both the tab 241 and the hole 341 are flexible to facilitate insertion. The right snap-fit ​​connector 142 is similar to the left snap-fit ​​connector 141 and includes a tab 242 on a sidewall 240D and a corresponding hole 342 on a sidewall 340D.

[0033] The peripheral snap-fit ​​connector 143 includes an outer ridge 243 of an inner body 200 and an inner groove 343 of an outer body 300, the inner groove 343 being configured to receive and retain the outer ridge 243. Figure 6 In the example shown, the outer ridge 243 extends around the entire outer periphery of the sidewall 240, and the inner groove 343 extends around the entire inner periphery of the sidewall 340. In other embodiments, the outer ridge 243 and the inner groove 343 are discontinuous around the periphery, for example, formed only on two or three sidewalls, or formed only on a portion of the sidewall, etc.

[0034] As described above, the inner body 200 is a multi-part body and includes an upper part 210A and a lower part 210B. These parts are configured to be securely interconnected to form the inner body 200 as a rigid or semi-rigid structure. When interconnected, the upper part 210A and the lower part 210B define an opening 202 in which the smartphone 25 is securely received. In some embodiments, each part of the inner body 200 is formed of the same material. In other embodiments, the parts of the inner body 200 are formed of different materials. For example, a part including a tab may be formed of a more flexible material than a part including a corresponding recess for the tab, allowing the tab to be more easily bent during assembly.

[0035] In some embodiments, individual components of the inner body 200 are formed of two or more different materials fixed together. For example, the upper component 210A may include a rigid material for a first portion (e.g., back wall 220) and a flexible material for a second portion (e.g., side wall 240). In such embodiments, adhesives, plastic welding, or other suitable techniques may be used to connect the different portions. In some embodiments, individual components of the inner body 200 are formed of the same material but have different properties in different portions. For example, the upper component 210A may include a first carbon fiber region having a higher strength than the second carbon fiber region (e.g., due to a different fiber weave pattern and / or a different number of fiber weave layers).

[0036] By using separate components to form the inner body 200, the installation of the inner body 200 around the smartphone 25 is simplified because any stretching of the inner body 200 required to allow it to wrap around the edge of the smartphone 25 is reduced and / or eliminated. Furthermore, or alternatively, any stretching of the inner body 200 required to allow it to wrap around the camera bump or other protrusions of the smartphone 25 is reduced and / or eliminated. With the reduced stretchability of the inner body 200 to accommodate the reduced need around the smartphone 25, the inner body 200 can be formed from a more rigid material to provide improved protection, a less cost-effective material with lower elasticity, etc. Furthermore, the shape of the inner body 200 can more closely match the shape of the smartphone 25 (or the desired shape supporting the smartphone 25), thereby achieving a tighter and more secure fit of the inner body 200 around the smartphone 25.

[0037] In various embodiments, two or more components of the inner body 200 are configured to form a hole or opening when interconnected, through which a user can use the smartphone 25. For example, a first component forms one side of the hole, and a second component forms the opposite side of the hole when interconnected with the first component. In some embodiments, a portion of the smartphone 25 extends partially into the formed hole. In some such embodiments, the interconnecting components form a plurality of internal sidewalls abutting the portion of the smartphone 25 that extends into the formed hole. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, upper component 210A and lower component 210B form a camera hole 226 through which a camera 35 can be used to capture images, wherein the internal sidewalls surround the camera bump of the smartphone 25.

[0038] The inner body 200 includes one, two, or more snap-fit ​​connectors that enable the assembly and securing of components of the interconnected inner body 200. The snap-fit ​​connectors enable tool-free assembly of the components of the inner body 200 and hold the components together. Each snap-fit ​​connector includes opposing elements such as tabs and corresponding recesses into which tabs can be inserted, tabs and corresponding slots or holes, ridges and corresponding slots, and / or other suitable snap-fit ​​configurations. In various embodiments, the snap-fit ​​connectors of the inner body 200 are located on one or more of the sidewalls 240 and / or the backwall 220. In the example shown in the figures, the inner body 200 includes a left wall snap-fit ​​connector 250 located on sidewall 240C, a right wall snap-fit ​​connector 260 located on sidewall 240D, and a rear wall snap-fit ​​connector 270 located on the backwall 220.

[0039] For the left-wall snap-fit ​​connector 250, a portion of the sidewall 240C of the upper component 210A includes a tab 252, and a portion of the sidewall 240C of the lower component 210B includes a corresponding recess 254. In other words, each of the first sidewall portions of the upper component 210A and the lower component 210B includes one of the opposing elements of the left-wall snap-fit ​​connector 250. Similarly, for the right-wall snap-fit ​​connector 260, a portion of the sidewall 240D of the upper component 210A includes a tab 262, and the sidewall 240D of the lower component 210B includes a corresponding recess 264. For the back-wall snap-fit ​​connector 270, a portion of the backwall 220 of the upper component 210A includes a tab 272, and a portion of the backwall 220 of the lower component 210B includes a corresponding groove 274.

[0040] As described above, the inner body 200 is formed of multiple components interconnected using snap-fit ​​connectors (e.g., tabs and recesses). In some cases, using snap-fit ​​connectors to connect the two components forming the inner body 200 increases the total volume of material used for these components compared to a single, integral inner body. For example, forming a suitably robust and durable groove 274 on the back wall 220 of the lower component 210B to receive the corresponding tab 272 of the snap-fit ​​connector 270 may require additional material to be added to the back wall 220 for reinforcement, compared to a back wall for a single-component inner body. In some embodiments, the outer body 300 includes one or more connector cavities in which all or part of this additional material of the snap-fit ​​connector is accommodated. Figure 6 In the example shown, the front side 322 of the back wall 320 includes a connector cavity 328 in which the tabs 272 and slots 274 of the snap-fit ​​connector 270 are received. While the connector cavity 328 reduces the overall thickness of the back wall 320, it also reduces and / or eliminates any protrusions on the outer surface of the housing 100 associated with the snap-fit ​​connector 270, which can provide a more uniform surface to improve the grip and / or visual appeal of the housing 100.

[0041] In some embodiments, two or more snap-fit ​​connectors in a snap-fit ​​connector are integrally formed. In some such embodiments, the snap-fit ​​connector securing the inner body 200 to the outer body 300 is integrally formed with snap-fit ​​connectors securing components of the inner body 200 to each other. As an example, the outer ridge 243 of the peripheral snap-fit ​​connector 143 includes a recess in the snap-fit ​​connector 250. In this example, at least some of the additional material for the outer ridge 243 is used for both the snap-fit ​​connector 143 and the snap-fit ​​connector 250, reducing the total material required to form the inner body 200.

[0042] Other configurations and / or numbers of snap-fit ​​connectors for the inner body 200 that secure the components of the inner body 200 together are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the third snap-fit ​​connector 270 is omitted, and only snap-fit ​​connectors 250 and 260 on the sidewalls are provided. In some embodiments, snap-fit ​​connectors 250 and 260 on the sidewalls are omitted, and only snap-fit ​​connector 270 is provided. In some embodiments, additional snap-fit ​​connectors are provided (e.g., two separate snap-fit ​​connectors on the back wall 220). In some embodiments, different tabs and recesses may be located on either the upper component 210A and / or the lower component 210B. For example, the upper component 210A may include a tab for the first snap-fit ​​connector and a recess for the second snap-fit ​​connector, while the lower component 210B includes a recess for the first snap-fit ​​connector and a tab for the second snap-fit ​​connector.

[0043] Other configurations and / or quantities of snap-fit ​​connectors 141, 142, and 143 are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, the inner body 200 includes holes and / or recesses for one or more snap-fit ​​connectors, and the outer body 300 includes corresponding tabs for those snap-fit ​​connectors.

[0044] In some embodiments, housing 100 includes one or more friction-fit connectors (not shown), such as cylindrical posts and cylindrical bores into which posts can be inserted, as an alternative to or supplement to any snap-fit ​​connector in a snap-fit ​​connector. In some such embodiments, the friction-fit connector includes spring-type posts and / or tapered bores into which posts can be inserted to facilitate alignment of components of inner body 200 when the components are assembled together. In some embodiments, housing 100 includes one or more other fasteners as an alternative to or supplement to any snap-fit ​​connector in a snap-fit ​​connector. In some such examples, inner body 200 is formed with threaded holes or threaded inserts configured to receive screws or other fasteners for securing components of inner body 200 together, securing inner body 200 to outer body 300, etc.

[0045] It should be understood that the inner body 200 and the outer body 300 can vary according to this disclosure. For example, the inner body 200 and the outer body 300 may employ different numbers, sizes, and shapes of holes to facilitate use with smartphones, such as camera holes, USB holes, etc. Although example components of the inner body 200 are described as upper component 210A and lower component 210B, in other embodiments, the components may include left and right components, or combinations of other suitable components.

[0046] Now for reference Figures 8 to 10An exemplary multi-part housing 1100 for a smartphone 25 and / or other mobile device, according to an alternative embodiment, employs a different configuration of interconnecting components forming its inner body. The multi-part housing 1100 (also referred to as a "housing" for brevity) includes an inner body 1200 and an outer body 1300. The inner body 1200 is a multi-part body and includes two or more separate components forming the inner body 1200, while the outer body 1300 is a one-piece body. In the exemplary multi-part housing 1100, the inner body 1200 includes a front component 1210A and a rear component 1210B. That is, the exemplary multi-part housing 1100 includes three separate components: the front component 1210A of the inner body 1200, the rear component 1210B of the inner body 1200, and the outer body 1300.

[0047] As in Figures 8 to 10 As further described in the illustrated example, the inner body 1200 includes a front component 1210A and a rear component 1210B (also referred to as the "first component" and the "second component"), such that the combination of the inner body 1200 and the outer body 1300 provides improved protection for the smartphone 25. In various embodiments, the inner body 1200 includes polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, other suitable thermoplastics, carbon fiber reinforced polymers ("carbon fibers"), other fiber-reinforced polymers (e.g., glass fiber reinforced nylon), and / or other suitable materials for structural strength and stiffness (e.g., having a relatively high modulus of elasticity). In various embodiments, the outer body 1300 includes thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, and / or other suitable materials for impact resistance (e.g., having a relatively low modulus of elasticity compared to the material of the inner body 1200). Other materials for the inner body 1200 and outer body 1300 may be used in other embodiments, but generally the material of the inner body 1200 has a higher modulus of elasticity than the material of the outer body 1300.

[0048] The rear component 1210B includes a back wall 1220 and a plurality of side walls. In the accompanying drawings, the plurality of side walls are shown as side walls 1240A, 1240B, 1240C, and 1240D (collectively referred to herein as "side wall 1240" for simplicity). The back wall 1220 includes a front side 1222 (i.e., facing the smartphone 25) and a rear side 1224. The front component 1210A includes a plurality of side walls forming a screen opening for a touchscreen display of the smartphone 25. In the accompanying drawings, these plurality of side walls are shown as side walls 1242A, 1242B, 1242C, and 1242D (collectively referred to herein as "side wall 1242" for simplicity).

[0049] The front side 1222, side wall 1240, and side wall 1242 of the back wall 1220 define a cavity or opening 1202 in which the smartphone 25 is fixed. The inner body 1200 is configured to cover the sides and back of the smartphone 25 to protect the smartphone 25 from environmental influences, including impacts from objects, hard surfaces, the ground, etc. Figure 9 As shown, the back wall 1220 defines a camera hole 1226 for a camera 35 (i.e., a rear camera) or other suitable component (e.g., a camera flash, an ambient light sensor) of the smartphone 25. In some embodiments, the back wall 1220 includes a magnet 1280, for example, to facilitate wireless charging and / or auxiliary attachment of the smartphone 25.

[0050] In various embodiments, the back wall 1220 and / or side walls 1240 and 1242 define one or more additional holes, such as communication port hole 1228, to facilitate interaction between a user and one or more components of the smartphone 25, such as buttons, switches, speakers, microphones, data and charging ports (e.g., Universal Serial Bus ports), SIM card trays, memory card trays, or other suitable components of the smartphone 25.

[0051] In various embodiments, sidewall 1242B includes fins projecting outward from sidewall 1242B. In some embodiments, the fins provide improved support near communication port aperture 1228. In some embodiments, the fins secure the front component 1210A within the outer body 1300 during assembly. Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, sidewall 1242B includes two fins 1248A and 1248B (collectively referred to as "fins 1248") that extend between the front and rear portions of the inner body 1200 and protrude through corresponding slots 1348A and 1348B in the outer body 1300. Fins 1248 are configured to provide improved stiffness to the inner body 1200 in a region near the communication port of the smartphone 25. Other variations of fins 1248, such as fins extending between sidewalls 1240C and 1240D, fins located near structurally weaker portions of the smartphone 25, or near other components of the smartphone 25 (e.g., speakers, buttons, memory card trays), are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] In various embodiments, the inner body 1200 includes one or more structural features, fasteners, and / or connectors for securing the smartphone 25 within the opening 1202, for example, to facilitate holding the smartphone 25 within the housing during forceful movement (e.g., physical impact). Figures 8 to 10In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of sidewalls 1242 include an inner lip 1244 configured to secure the smartphone 25 within the opening 1202. The inner lip 1244 extends along the outer edge (or a portion thereof) of the smartphone 25 around the inner periphery of the sidewall 1240 and extends partially over the front surface (i.e., the screen) of the smartphone 25. Other configurations of the inner lip 1244 and other means of securing the smartphone 25 within the opening 1202 are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the outer body 1300 extends along and covers the sidewalls 1240 and 1242 to provide impact protection to the sidewalls 1240 and 1242 of the inner body 1200. The outer body 1300 also extends along and covers a portion of the back side 1224 of the back wall 1220 to provide impact protection to the back wall 1220. In other words, the outer body 1300 is configured to provide impact protection to the inner body 1200, thereby providing impact protection to the smartphone 25 within the inner body 1200.

[0054] The outer body 1300 includes a back wall 1320 and multiple side walls. Figures 8 to 10 In the illustrated embodiment, multiple sidewalls are shown as sidewalls 1340A, 1340B, 1340C, and 1340D (collectively referred to herein as "sidewall 1340" for the sake of brevity). The back wall 1320 includes a front side 1322 and a rear side 1324.

[0055] The front side 1322 and side wall 1340 of the back wall 1320 define an opening 1302 in which the inner body 1200 and the smartphone 25 are secured. The back wall 1320 defines a camera hole 1326 for the camera 35 of the smartphone 25, which is similar to the camera hole 1226 of the inner body 1200. In various embodiments, the back wall 1320 and / or side wall 1340 define one or more additional holes (not labeled) to facilitate user interaction with one or more components of the smartphone 25, as described above.

[0056] In some embodiments, the outer body 1300 includes a communication port cover 1328 that flexibly covers the communication port opening 1228 of the front component 1210A and the corresponding communication port of the smartphone 25. The outer body 1300 includes slots 1348A and 1348B that receive fins 1248 and form the communication port cover 1328. Figures 8 to 10 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the communication port cover 1328 is flexible and operable to bend outward to expose the communication port hole 1228.

[0057] In various embodiments, housing 1100 includes one or more structural features, fasteners, and / or connectors for securing inner body 1200 within outer body 1300. In some embodiments, housing 1100 includes one or more snap-fit ​​connectors that allow tool-free assembly and securing of inner body 1200 within outer body 1300. Snap-fit ​​connectors may include tabs and corresponding holes or slots into which tabs can be inserted, tabs and corresponding recesses, ridges and corresponding slots, and / or other suitable snap-fit ​​configurations. Figures 8 to 10 In the embodiment shown, the housing 1100 includes a left snap-fit ​​connector 1141, a right snap-fit ​​connector 1142, and a peripheral snap-fit ​​connector 1143.

[0058] In some embodiments, the left snap-fit ​​connector 1141 includes a tab 1251 on the sidewall 1242C of the inner body 1200 and a corresponding angled recess 1351 on the exterior of the sidewall 1340C of the outer body 1300. The angled recess 1351 extends inward toward the opening 1202 and is angled to become deeper toward the back wall 1320. In some embodiments, the tab 1251 is rigid, and the recess 1351 is configured to compress to facilitate assembly of the tab 1251 onto the front lip of the angled recess 1351. The recess 1351 then returns to its original shape to retain the tab 1251 and secure the inner body 1200 to the outer body 1300. In other embodiments, the tab 1251 is flexible and bends outward (i.e., away from the opposing sidewall 1240D) to facilitate assembly, and then returns to its original shape. In other embodiments, both the tab 1251 and the angled recess 1351 are flexible to facilitate assembly.

[0059] The right snap-fit ​​connector 1142 is similar to the left snap-fit ​​connector 1141 and includes a tab 1252 on the side wall 1240D and a corresponding angled recess 1352 on the side wall 1340D.

[0060] The peripheral snap-fit ​​connector 1143 includes an outer ridge 1243 of the front component 1210A and an inner groove 1343 of the outer body 1300, the inner groove 1343 being configured to receive and retain the outer ridge 1243. Figure 10 In the example shown, the outer ridge 1243 extends around the corner of the outer periphery of the sidewall 1240 (shown as outer ridges 1243A, 1243B, 1243C, and 1243D), and the inner groove 1343 extends around the corner of the inner periphery of the sidewall 1340 (shown as inner grooves 1343A, 1343B, 1343C, and 1343D). Other variations of the peripheral snap-fit ​​connector 1143 are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] In various embodiments for assembly with smartphone 25, smartphone 25 is placed on rear component 1210B, and then front component 1210A is placed on rear component 1210B to encapsulate smartphone 25 between front component 1210A and rear component 1210B (i.e., within inner body 1200). Inner body 1200 and smartphone 25 are then inserted into outer body 1300. During this insertion: (1) the portion of the sidewall 1340 of the outer body 1300 near the inner groove 1343 flexes outward and / or compresses to accommodate the corresponding outer ridge 1243 of the front member 1210A; (2) the portion of the sidewall 1340 near the angled recesses 1351 and 1352 flexes inward and / or compresses to accommodate the corresponding tabs 1251 and 1252 of the front member 1210A; and / or (3) the portion of the sidewall 1240 near the angled recesses 1351 and 1352 flexes inward and / or compresses to accommodate the tabs 1251 and 1252. Once the inner body 1200 is located within the opening 1302, the portion of the sidewall 1340 returns to its original shape to interconnect and secure the front member 1210A and the rear member 1210B of the inner body 1200 within the opening 1302 of the outer body 1300.

[0062] In some embodiments, the front component 1210A and the rear component 1210B are configured to be securely interconnected to form the inner body 1200 as a rigid or semi-rigid structure. When interconnected, the front component 1210A and the rear component 1210B define an opening 1202 in which the smartphone 25 is securely received. In some embodiments, each component of the inner body 1200 is formed of the same material. In other embodiments, the components of the inner body 1200 are formed of different materials. For example, a component including a tab may be formed of a more flexible material than a component including a corresponding recess for the tab, allowing the tab to bend more easily during assembly.

[0063] In some embodiments, individual components of the inner body 1200 are formed of two or more different materials fixed together. For example, the rear component 1210B may include a rigid material for a first portion (e.g., back wall 1220) and a flexible material for a second portion (e.g., side wall 1240). In such embodiments, adhesives, plastic welding, or other suitable techniques may be used to connect the different portions. In some embodiments, individual components of the inner body 1200 are formed of the same material but have different properties in different portions. For example, the front component 1210A and the rear component 1210B may include a first carbon fiber region having a higher strength than the second carbon fiber region (e.g., due to different fiber weave patterns and / or different numbers of fiber weave layers).

[0064] By using separate components to form the inner body 1200, the installation of the inner body 1200 around the smartphone 25 is simplified because any stretching of the inner body 1200 required to allow it to wrap around the edge of the smartphone 25 is reduced and / or eliminated. Furthermore, or alternatively, any stretching of the inner body 1200 required to allow it to wrap around the camera bump or other protrusions of the smartphone 25 is reduced and / or eliminated. With the reduction in the stretchability required for the inner body 1200 to fit around the smartphone 25, the inner body 1200 can be formed from a more rigid material to provide improved protection, a less elastic and cheaper material, etc. Furthermore, the shape of the inner body 1200 can more closely match the shape of the smartphone 25 (or the desired shape supporting the smartphone 25), thereby achieving a tighter and more secure fit of the inner body 1200 around the smartphone 25.

[0065] exist Figures 8 to 10 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner body 1200 includes a front component 1210A and a rear component 1210B, which generally protect the front portion (i.e., near the display screen) and the rear portion of the smartphone 25. With this configuration, the front component 1210A can be formed to more securely wrap around the edges of the smartphone 25, such as near the camera bump of the smartphone 25.

[0066] Other configurations and / or quantities of snap-fit ​​connectors 1141, 1142, and 1143 are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, for example, the inner body 1200 includes holes and / or recesses for one or more snap-fit ​​connectors, and the outer body 1300 includes corresponding tabs for those snap-fit ​​connectors.

[0067] In various embodiments, the inner body 1200 includes one, two, or more snap-fit ​​connectors that enable the assembly and securing of components of the interconnected inner body 1200. In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​connectors are similar to snap-fit ​​connectors 250, 260, and 270, but their corresponding tabs and recesses are oriented to face each other. The snap-fit ​​connectors enable tool-free assembly of the components of the inner body 1200 and hold the components of the inner body 1200 together. Each snap-fit ​​connector includes opposing elements such as tabs and corresponding recesses into which tabs can be inserted, tabs and corresponding slots or holes, ridges and corresponding slots, and / or other suitable snap-fit ​​configurations. In various embodiments, the snap-fit ​​connectors of the inner body 1200 are located on one or more of the sidewalls 1240 and / or walls 1242. Other configurations and / or numbers of the snap-fit ​​connectors of the inner body 1200 that secure the components of the inner body 1200 together are contemplated and fall within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the inner body 1200 includes one, two or more friction-fit connectors as an alternative to or supplement to any snap-fit ​​connector among the snap-fit ​​connectors.

[0068] It should be understood that the inner body 1200 and the outer body 1300 can vary according to this disclosure. For example, the inner body 1200 and the outer body 1300 may employ different numbers, sizes, and shapes of holes to facilitate smartphone use, such as camera holes, USB holes, etc. Although example components of the inner body 1200 are described as front component 1210A and rear component 1210B, in other embodiments, the components may include left and right components, or other suitable combinations of components.

[0069] Exemplary embodiments based on the teachings herein are disclosed below.

[0070] An exemplary mobile device housing includes a plurality of interconnecting components and an outer body. The plurality of interconnecting components, when interconnected, form a multi-component inner body. The multi-component inner body includes a back wall and a plurality of side walls defining an opening configured to securely receive a mobile device. The outer body includes a back wall and a plurality of side walls defining an opening configured to securely receive the multi-component inner body.

[0071] In some examples, the multiple interconnecting components include a first snap-fit ​​connector that secures two adjacent interconnecting components together. In some such examples, the mobile device housing further includes a second snap-fit ​​connector that secures an inner body of the multiple components to an outer body. In some such examples, the first snap-fit ​​connector and the second snap-fit ​​connector are integrally formed.

[0072] In some examples, the multiple interconnecting components include an upper component and a lower component. In some such examples, the upper component and the lower component each include a portion of a sidewall defining an opening configured to securely receive a mobile device. In some such examples, a portion of the sidewall of the upper component includes an element of a first snap-fit ​​connector, and a portion of the sidewall of the lower component includes an opposing element of the first snap-fit ​​connector.

[0073] In some examples, the upper and lower components include a first snap-fit ​​connector and a second snap-fit ​​connector that secures the upper and lower components together. In some such examples, the first snap-fit ​​connector is located on a first sidewall portion of the upper component and a first sidewall portion of the lower component. The second snap-fit ​​connector is located on a second sidewall portion of the upper component and a second sidewall portion of the lower component. In some such examples, the upper and lower components include a third snap-fit ​​connector that secures the upper and lower components together and is located on a rear wall portion of the upper component and a rear wall portion of the lower component.

[0074] In some examples, the main body within the multi-part assembly includes a camera aperture. The upper part forms a first inner sidewall of the camera aperture, and the lower part forms a second inner sidewall of the camera aperture.

[0075] An exemplary multi-component housing includes a first component and a second component, which are interconnected to form a rigid inner body with an opening configured to securely receive a mobile device. The multi-component housing also includes a first snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the first component to the second component. The multi-component housing also includes a flexible outer body having an opening configured to securely receive the rigid inner body. The multi-component housing further includes a second snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the rigid inner body within the flexible outer body.

[0076] In some examples, the first component includes a top wall, a rear wall portion, a left wall portion, and a right wall portion. The second component includes a bottom wall, a rear wall portion, a left wall portion, and a right wall portion. In some such examples, the rear wall portion of the first component and the rear wall portion of the second component include a first snap-fit ​​connector. In some such examples, the left wall portion of the first component and the left wall portion of the second component include a third snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the first component to the second component. The right wall portion of the first component and the right wall portion of the second component include a fourth snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the first component to the second component.

[0077] In some examples, the flexible outer body includes a connector cavity configured to receive a first snap-fit ​​connector.

[0078] In some examples, the rear wall portion of the first component includes a first inner sidewall for a camera opening of the mobile device. The rear wall portion of the second component includes a second inner sidewall for a camera opening of the mobile device.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first component and the second component include a first snap-fit ​​connector and a second snap-fit ​​connector that secure the first component and the second component together. In some such examples, the first snap-fit ​​connector is located on a first sidewall portion of the first component and a first sidewall portion of the second component. The second snap-fit ​​connector is located on a second sidewall portion of the first component and a second sidewall portion of the second component. In some such examples, the first component and the second component include a third snap-fit ​​connector that secures the first component and the second component together and is located on a rear wall portion of the first component and a rear wall portion of the second component.

[0080] The above embodiments, especially any "preferred" embodiments, are examples of possible implementations and are only described for the purpose of clearly understanding the principles of this invention. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. All modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mobile device housing, characterized in that, include: Multiple interconnecting components, which form a multi-component intrabody when interconnected, the multi-component intrabody including a first back wall and a plurality of first side walls, the first back wall and the plurality of first side walls defining an opening configured to securely accommodate a mobile device; An outer body comprising a second back wall and a plurality of second side walls, the second back wall and the plurality of second side walls defining an opening configured to securely receive the multi-component inner body.

2. The mobile device housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of interconnecting components include a first snap-fit ​​connector that secures two adjacent interconnecting components together.

3. The mobile device housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mobile device housing further includes a second snap-fit ​​connector for securing the inner body of the multi-component assembly to the outer body.

4. The mobile device housing according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first snap-fit ​​connector and the second snap-fit ​​connector are integrally formed.

5. The mobile device housing according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of interconnecting components include an upper component and a lower component, the upper component including an upper portion of the first back wall, and the lower component including a lower portion of the first back wall.

6. The mobile device housing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper component and the lower component each include a portion of a common sidewall among the plurality of first sidewalls, the common sidewall defining a configuration to securely receive the opening of the mobile device.

7. The mobile device housing according to claim 6, characterized in that, A portion of the same sidewall of the upper component includes an element of the first snap-fit ​​connector, and a portion of the same sidewall of the lower component includes an opposite element of the first snap-fit ​​connector.

8. The mobile device housing according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper component and the lower component include a first snap-fit ​​connector and a second snap-fit ​​connector that secure the upper component and the lower component together.

9. The mobile device housing according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first snap-fit ​​connector is located on the first sidewall portion of the upper component and the first sidewall portion of the lower component; and The second snap-fit ​​connector is located on the second side wall portion of the upper component and the second side wall portion of the lower component.

10. The mobile device housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, The upper component and the lower component include a third snap-fit ​​connector that secures the upper component and the lower component together and is located on the rear wall portion of the upper component and the rear wall portion of the lower component.

11. The mobile device housing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The main body within the multi-component structure includes a camera hole; The upper component forms the first inner sidewall of the camera hole; The lower component forms the second inner sidewall of the camera hole; and The upper portion of the first back wall and the lower portion of the first back wall form the camera hole when they are interconnected.

12. The mobile device housing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of interconnected components include: a rear component including a camera hole for a rear camera of the mobile device; and a front component including a screen opening for a touchscreen display of the mobile device.

13. A multi-component housing, characterized in that, include: A first component and a second component are interconnected to form a rigid inner body with an opening configured to securely accommodate a mobile device; A first snap-fit ​​connector is configured to secure the first component to the second component; A flexible outer body having an opening configured to securely accommodate the rigid inner body; The second snap-fit ​​connector is configured to fix the rigid inner body inside the flexible outer body.

14. The multi-component housing according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first component includes a top wall, a rear wall portion, a left wall portion, and a right wall portion; The second component includes a bottom wall, a rear wall portion, a left wall portion, and a right wall portion.

15. The multi-component housing according to claim 14, characterized in that, The rear wall portion of the first component and the rear wall portion of the second component include the first snap-fit ​​connector.

16. The multi-component housing according to claim 15, characterized in that: The left wall portion of the first component and the left wall portion of the second component both include a third snap-fit ​​connector, the third snap-fit ​​connector being configured to secure the first component to the second component; and The right wall portion of the first component and the right wall portion of the second component include a fourth snap-fit ​​connector configured to secure the first component to the second component.

17. The multi-component housing according to claim 15, characterized in that, The flexible outer body includes a connector cavity configured to accommodate the first snap-fit ​​connector.

18. The multi-component housing according to claim 14, characterized in that: The rear wall portion of the first component includes a first inner sidewall for the camera opening of the mobile device; The rear wall portion of the second component includes a second inner sidewall for the camera opening of the mobile device.

19. The multi-component housing according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first component and the second component include a first snap-fit ​​connector and a second snap-fit ​​connector that secure the first component and the second component together; The first snap-fit ​​connector is located on the first sidewall portion of the first component and the first sidewall portion of the second component; and The second snap-fit ​​connector is located on the second sidewall portion of the first component and the second sidewall portion of the second component.

20. The multi-component housing according to claim 19, characterized in that, The first component and the second component include a third snap-fit ​​connector that secures the first component and the second component together and is located on the rear wall portion of the first component and the rear wall portion of the second component.

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