Apparatus

Abstract

A mobile device case comprises a body portion 102; an upstanding sidewall 110 formed around the perimeter of the body portion 102 defining a cavity for receiving the mobile device. The upstanding sidewall 110 comprises an aperture which, in use, is aligned with a charge port of the mobile device; and a releasable closure means 128 having a first configuration in which the aperture is uncovered and a second configuration in which the aperture is covered. The closure means 128 may be formed as an integral hinged flap 158 which may snap-fit into the second configuration. The closure means may be formed from an elastic material (150, figure 4) including a slit (154); which slit may be deformed to open into the second configuration.

Description

The present invention relates to cases for protecting mobile devices. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a case for protecting the electrical ports of a mobile device. Mobile devices are considered by many to be an indispensable tool, playing a central role in day-to-day life. Our mobile devices go wherever we go and, as a consequence, are exposed to the dirt and grime of everyday life. It is known to provide mobile devices with a case and / or screen protector to prevent damage from accidental dropping. However, these protective measures only go so far to prolong the lifespan of the device and very often increase the overall profile, taking away from the sleek design appeal of the device. Ingress of dust, liquid and sand into the electrical port of the device presents a particular hazard which can interfere with its functionality. To avoid corrosion, most devices are specifically configured to prevent charging if moisture is present in the charge port when plugged in. Dust and particulate matter can also damage the electrical contacts of the charge port, with each connection forcing this dust and dirt deeper into the port resulting in permanent damage to the device. Therefore, there is a need to protect the electrical ports of the mobile device without unduly increasing the bulk of the protective case. The present invention seeks to provide a protective case that prevents the ingress of liquid and particulate matter into the device in a manner that compliments its minimalist design aesthetic. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a case for a mobile device, the case comprising: a body portion; an upstanding sidewall formed around the perimeter of the body portion defining a cavity for receiving the mobile device, wherein the upstanding sidewall comprises an aperture which, in use, is aligned with a charge port of the mobile device; and a releasable closure means having a first configuration in which the aperture is uncovered and a second configuration in which the aperture is covered. Advantageously, the cover provides a sealing barrier preventing liquid and particulate matter from entering the normally exposed ports, thereby preserving the integrity of the device’s electrical contacts and by extension its correct functionality. In addition, the cover allows for selective and easy access when charging is required. Preferably, the upstanding wall comprises a shoulder portion for releasably securing the mobile phone in the cavity. Optionally, the releasable closure means is comprised of a hinged flap. In addition, it is preferred that the hinged flap is releasably secured in the first configuration by a snap-fit mechanism. Preferably, the snap fit mechanism comprises a protruding edge formed on the hinged flap. Further still, it is preferred that the protruding edge is received in a snap-in recess formed in the shoulder portion adjacent to the hinged flap. It is also preferred that the releasable closure means is integrally formed with the case. Optionally, the releasable closure means is mounted in the aperture. Mounting in this way has the benefit of preventing any addition to the overall profile of the mobile device. Preferably, the releasable closure means comprises an elastic material covering the aperture. It is also preferred that the elastic covering comprises a slit. It is also preferred that the elastic material is tensioned in the direction of the slit when mounted in the aperture. Preferably, the applied tension urges either side of the slit toward each other into engagement. It is also preferred that either side of the slit remains in engagement when a transverse load applied to the slit is below a predetermined value. The elastic covering is in the first configuration when either side of the slit are in engagement with each other. Further still, it is preferable that either side of the slit is urged away from engagement upon application of a transverse load exceeding a predetermined value. The elastic covering is in the second configuration when either side of the slit are not in engagement with each other. Preferably, the case is formed from a resiliently deformable material. It is also preferred that the body portion comprises a cushioning layer that defines an inner surface of the cavity. By way of example only, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1a is a front view of a protective case in accordance with first embodiment of the invention; Figure 1b is a rearview of the protective case of Figure 1a; Figure 2 is a perspective detailed view of the protective case of Figure 1a; Figure 3 is a perspective detailed view of the protective case of Figure 1a; Figure 4 is a perspective detailed view of a protective case in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 5 is a perspective detailed view of the protective case of Figure 4. Referring to Figures 1a and 1 b of the drawings, a protective case 100 has a substantially planar, cover portion 102, and a securing means 104 formed from a single moulded piece. The planar cover portion 102 is rectangular in shape and has an inner surface 106 for engagement with the rear surface of a mobile device (not shown), and an opposing outer surface 108. The inner surface 106 of the planar cover 102 may be defined by a cushioning layer. The cushioning layer may be formed from a shock absorbent material such as a microfibre and / or gel material which overlays the planar cover 102 and lies adjacent the mobile device when in use. The cushioning layer ensures that any debris that becomes trapped between the protective case 100 and the rear surface of the mobile device in use does not cause damage. This is achieved either by elastically deforming around the debris to limit its movement and prevent it from being pressed against the rear of the mobile device, or by trapping and retaining the debris within a porous or open structure. Without a cushioning layer, debris particles trapped between two hard surfaces may create a point load on the rear of the device, causing damage. The securing means 104, which is for securing the planar cover 102 to the mobile device, is provided by a moulded rim 110 which is formed around the entire periphery of the planar cover 102, having opposing sidewall portions 112, 114 with an upper and lower wall portion 116, 118 extending therebetween. The moulded rim 110 extends outwardly from the inner surface of the protective case 100 in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the planar cover 102 lies. The moulded rim 110 structurally reinforces the protective case 100 and assists in the dissipating impact forces away from the mobile device. The securing means 104 is moulded to conform to the outline of the mobile device and secures the planar cover 102 to the mobile device by encircling the edges of the mobile device. A shoulder portion 120 is provided around the entire peripheral edge of the moulded rim 110 and which extends inwardly in a direction parallel to the plane in which the planar cover 102 lies, such that the planar cover 102, moulded rim 110 and shoulder portion 120 collectively form a cavity 122 for receiving the mobile device. As shown, the shoulder portion 120 projects inwardly defining an aperture into the cavity 122 through which the mobile device is received. The extent to which the shoulder portion 120 projects inwardly is specifically chosen so that the resultant size of the aperture is smaller than the outline of the mobile device. As a result, the mobile device is sandwiched between the shoulder portion 120 and the planar cover 102 when housed in the protective case 100. The planar cover 102, moulded rim 110 and shoulder portion 120 are chosen to be resiliently deformable so that in use, they deformed slightly to allow the mobile device to fit through the aperture and into the cavity 122, after which, they return to their original shape. The characteristics of the planar cover 102, moulded rim 110 and shoulder portion 120, for example, their ability to resiliently deform, can be determined by appropriate selection of features, such as material choice, thickness, hardness, etc. Referring still to Figures 1a and 1b, the planar cover 102 is provided with a through aperture 124 for exposing a camera of the mobile device. The position of the aperture 124 in the planar cover 102 corresponds to the relative position of the camera on the rear surface of the mobile device. An overhanging strengthening rib 126 is formed around the peripheral edge of the through aperture 124 in the planar cover 102, which extends from the opposing outer surface 108 in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the planar cover 102 lies and which encircles the camera of the mobile device when housed in the protective case 100. The strengthening rib 126 compensates for the loss of structural integrity resulting from the through aperture 124, thereby reinforcing the planar cover 102. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, a series of through apertures 126 are formed in the lower wall portion 118 of the moulded rim 110 and are positioned to correspond exactly to and expose the microphone and / or loudspeaker of the mobile device, so as not to impede its correct functioning. A resilient closure 128 is formed in a central portion of the lower wall 118 in between the through apertures 126, corresponding to and exposing access to a charge port of the mobile device. The resilient closure 128 is generally rectangular in shape, having an upper end 130 connected to and pivoting about a lower peripheral edge of the planar cover portion 102, and a lower end 132, provided with a snap fit mechanism 134. In this embodiment, the resilient closure 128 is integrally formed with the protective case 100, with the pivoting action provided by a hinge crease formed along the lower peripheral edge of the planar cover portion 102. However, the resilient closure 128 may be formed as a separate piece and pivotally secured to the planar cover 102 by a hinge mechanism. In use, the resilient closure 128 is moveable between a first, open position, in which the closure 128 lies in the plane of the planar cover 102, and a second closed position, in which the closure 128 is aligned with the lower wall portion 118 of the moulded rim 110. The resilient closure 128 has a thickness that corresponds to the thickness of the moulded rim 110 such that when the closure 128 is retained in the second, closed position, the thickness of the lower wall portion 118 is constant along its length. Extending between the upper and lower ends 130,132 are first and second sides 136,138, each having bevel faces for mating with adjacent first and second ends 140, 142, respectively of the lower wall portion 118 of the moulded rim 110. The first and second ends 140,142 have oppositely inclined bevel faces that mate contiguously across the entire respective faces of the first and second sides 136, 138 when the resilient closure 128 is in the second, closed position. The advantage this provides is of a sealing contact, preventing detritus from entering the charge port of the device when the closure 128 is in the second, closed position. The snap fit mechanism 134 is comprised of a male component in the form of an elongate protrusion 144, and which extends beyond the length of the resilient closure 128 on either side. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate protrusion 144 corresponds to that of the shoulder portion 120 such that the elongate protrusion 144 aligns and is flush with the shoulder portion 120 when the resilient closure 128 is in the second, closed position. In use, the elongate protrusion 144 is deflected briefly so that the extended portions catch in a respective female mating component in the form of a complimentarily shaped recess 146 in the shoulder portion 120 on either side of the closure 128. After the joining operation, the snap-fit features return to a stress-free condition, interlocking the male and female components of the snap fit mechanism 134 and retaining the closure 128 in the second, closed position. Upon further deflection, the extended portions of the elongate protrusion 144 are freed from the complimentary shaped recesses 146, unlocking the male and female mating components of the snap fit mechanism 134, and allowing the resilient closure 128 to move from the second, closed position into the first, open position. This mechanism provides the advantage of providing a protective enclosure for the charge port of the mobile device whilst facilitating selective access as and when charging is required without the need to remove the device from the protective case 100. In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 4, the resilient closure 128 is replaced with a central elongate through aperture 148 formed in the lower wall portion 118. The elongate through aperture 148 is generally rectangular in shape and is sized to accommodate a connector of a mobile charging device. The elongate through aperture 148 is enclosed by an elastic seal 150. The elastic seal 150 is generally rectangular in shape, having a T-shaped foot formed around its periphery, which is mounted in a channel (not shown) formed around the perimeter of the elongate through aperture wall 152. The elastic seal 150 is sized to be shorter than the length of the elongate through aperture 148 when no loading is applied. When mounted in the channel, the elastic seal 150 is stretched to conform to the size and shape of the elongate through aperture 148, thereby tensioning the elastic seal 150. As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, a lengthways slit 154 is formed along the centre of the elastic seal 150. The tensioning force is applied in the direction of the slit 154 resulting in a decrease in the width and thickness of the elastic seal 150. As a result, the tensioning force urges either side of the slit 154 into sealing engagement, maintaining a closed seal over the elongate through aperture 148. Initially, either side of the slit 154 are retained in the closed position, but the transverse force applied by the charge connector 156 as it passes through the slit 154 urges either side away from sealing engagement and into an open position, against the applied tensioning force. In this way, the elastic seal 150 acts as a rubber grommet, providing a seal around the charge connector 156 when in use (as best seen in Figure 5). The advantage provided by the elastic seal 150 is the prevention of dust and detritus from entering the charge port of the mobile device when it is not in use. This also helps to prevent the contact point of the port from oxidising which can result in subsequent contact problems. The present description is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to narrow the breadth of the present disclosure in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiment without departing from the full and fair scope of the present disclosure. For example, the resilient closure 128 of the first embodiment could be modified to incorporate the elastic seal 150 of the second embodiment, formed between the first and second ends 140, 142 of the lower wall portion 118 of the moulded rim 110. The protective case 100 may be made of any suitable material including, but not limited to and combination of, polycarbonate, polypropylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, silicone, aluminium, titanium, brass, stainless steel or other metal or alloy. Similarly, the elastic seal 150 may be made from any natural or synthetic rubber having a Young's modulus value between 0.01 GPa - 0.1 GPa. While the cushioning layer is described as being applied to the inner surface 106 of the planar cover 102, it is envisaged that the cushioning layer could also be applied to an inner surface of the moulded rim 110 such that the entire cavity 122 is provided with the cushioning layer. Although described as a being formed from a single moulded piece, the protective case 100 may be comprised of more than one layer in a laminate structure form. The laminate structure may be comprised of different materials specifically chosen fortheir material properties including, but not limited to, rigidity, shock absorbance, heat dissipation, elastic memory etc. In addition, it is envisioned that the closure member 128 may comprise a biasing means, either mounted to or incorporated within the mould, which urges the closure member 128 towards the open or closed position. The biasing means may be provided in the form of a torsion spring, an electrical actuator. Similarly, the biasing means may be provided by the elastic memory of the resiliently deformable material property of the mould. It is also envisioned that other structural modifications could be made to the protective case 100 including providing the shoulder portion 120 with a chamfered edge to help facilitate insertion of the mobile device into the cavity 122. Furthermore, an inner surface 158 of the resilient closure 128 may be provided with a plug shaped to sealingly engage the charge port of the mobile device when in the second, closed position. While the protective case 100 illustrated in the Figures is for a mobile device, particularly a smart phone, and is configured to attach to a rear surface of the device, it is envisioned that the protective cover may be configured either for attachment to or integration in tablet computer, laptop or other mobile electronic device. For example, the resilient closure and elastic seal, either separately or in combination, may be integrated into and cover the charge port of a mobile device, such as the lightening port of an AirPod ® case. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawings and appended claims.

Claims

1. A case for a mobile device, the case comprising:a body portion;5 an upstanding sidewall formed around the perimeter of the body portion defining acavity for receiving the mobile device, wherein the upstanding sidewall comprises:an aperture which, in use, is aligned with a charge port of the mobile device;anda shoulder portion for releasably securing the mobile phone in the cavity; and10 a releasable closure means having a first configuration in which the aperture isuncovered and a second configuration in which the aperture is covered wherein the releasable closure means is comprised of a hinged flap releasably secured in the first configuration by a snap-fit mechanism, wherein the snap fit mechanism comprises a protruding edge formed on the hinged flap which is received in a snap-in recess formed in the shoulder portion adjacent to C\ll5 the hinged flap. .

2. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the releasable closure means is integrally formed ■ with the case.20 3. The case of claim 1, wherein the releasable closure means is mounted in the aperture.

4. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the case is formed from a resiliently deformablematerial.25 5. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises a cushioning layer thatdefines an inner surface of the cavity.

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