Interchangeable smartphone cases with various design panels

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of mobile accessories and provides a smartphone case with interchangeable panels of various designs. The solution includes a case frame (100) that houses a smartphone (20), a back panel (200) that is detachably attached to the inside of the case frame, and a panel fixing means (300) that supports and fixes the inner surface (220) of the back panel. The case frame is configured to allow users to easily change the design they like, and various designs can be implemented while maintaining the durability of the smartphone, improving consumer expression and economic usability. By accommodating back panels with various designs inside the case frame, the device can implement designs that are generated by adhering an expressive member to the exterior of a case, improving consumer expression and economic usability. However, by accommodating back panels with various designs inside the case frame, the device solves the problem of the aesthetic appeal of the design being hindered by adhesive residue and external exposure that occurs when adhering an expressive member to the exterior of a case.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile accessories, and more specifically to a smartphone case with interchangeable design panels that allows users to freely change the design of the case they purchase separately to protect the smartphone included in the mobile phone, according to their preferences. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, smartphone cases are used primarily to protect smartphones and improve usability, with their most important purpose being to protect the smartphone body and camera lens from drops and impacts.

[0003] In addition, the surface of most smartphones is smoothed to improve the aesthetics of the design, but such smartphones have weak grip and can easily slip. This problem can be solved by attaching a case that can improve grip.

[0004] Furthermore, modern smartphone cases are no longer simply for protection but are used as a means to express users' preferences and individuality. In other words, cases are available in a variety of designs and colors, allowing users to decorate their smartphones to their liking and reveal their own unique style.

[0005] However, smartphone cases are made with a one-piece structure, which means that changing the design requires searching for and selecting a new case, which is inconvenient. This makes it difficult to meet various design needs, and there are problems with the costs associated with replacement.

[0006] An example of prior art for solving such problems is disclosed in Patent Publication KR10-2023-0009663 (title: Smartphone bumper case capable of dual expression), which is configured to include a back panel of a certain size with an installation groove formed at a certain depth on the back, an expression layer of a certain thickness configured to display a pattern or design from the outer edge of the back panel over the entire surface, an adhesive layer with an adhesive formed at a certain thickness on the back of the expression layer, and release paper formed on the back of the adhesive layer, and is configured to be removable by peeling off the release paper and seating in the installation groove.

[0007] That is, in the prior art, a separate expressive member was attached to the rear of the bumper case body, allowing users to select and use the material and design they desired.

[0008] However, in the prior art, when an expressive element that adds a design change is attached to the back of a bumper case using an adhesive layer, it is difficult to remove, making it difficult to attach other expressive elements. Even if the expressive element is removed from the bumper case, part of the adhesive layer remains and does not come off, making the remaining material uneven and reducing the adhesive strength, making it difficult to attach new expressive elements.

[0009] In addition, the prior art has a problem in that the expressive material attached to the back of the bumper member is exposed to the outside, and is subject to color change and damage due to prolonged exposure to salt on the user's hands, sunlight, and other light sources, which actually hinders the aesthetic design of the bumper case. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a smartphone case with interchangeable panels for various designs, which is configured so that a single case frame can be easily replaced or changed to suit the user's preferred design, allowing for the implementation of various designs while maintaining the durability of the smartphone, improving consumer expression of individuality and economical usability. At the same time, the present invention provides a smartphone case with interchangeable panels for various designs, which solves the problem of the aesthetic appeal of the design being hindered due to adhesive residue and external exposure that occurs when bonding an expressive member to the exterior of a conventional case, by storing back panels with various designs within the case frame. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows: That is, the present invention comprises a transparent case frame for housing and protecting a smartphone, a back panel that is detachably housed within the case frame, the outer surface of which is formed with various shapes or designs and is exposed through the transparent case frame, and the inner surface of which is disposed on the back of the smartphone, and panel fixing means that protrude from the top, bottom, and both side walls of the case frame at positions shifted forward from the outer inner surface of the case frame by the thickness of the back panel to support and fix the inner surface of the back panel housed in the case frame.

[0012] The back panel is formed in a double structure consisting of an inner plate and an outer plate, and the inner plate and the outer plate are made of polycarbonate (PC), or the inner plate is made of polycarbonate (PC) and the outer plate is made of glass.

[0013] Furthermore, the case frame is made of polycarbonate (PC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0014] In addition, various designs including engraved or embossed designs and colors may be integrally formed on the outer surface of the back panel, or various designs may be printed on one side of the outer surface and a printed sheet with an adhesive layer formed on the other side may be attached.

[0015] Meanwhile, the panel fixing means is characterized by being composed of a stopper that protrudes a predetermined length from the inner surface of the case frame and supports and fixes the inner edge of the back panel disposed at the rear. The back panel is also formed to have the same thickness as the front surface of the stopper, and the end portion has a stepped portion formed by a groove deep enough to seat the stopper.

[0016] Alternatively, the panel fixing means may be characterized in that a band seating groove having a predetermined depth is formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the rectangular case frame, stopper through-holes are formed on the top, bottom and both side surfaces of the band seating groove to a predetermined length, an elastic band formed of a rectangular strip corresponding to the band seating groove and capable of expanding and contracting by its own elastic force is provided and inserted into the band washer groove, and a protruding portion is formed on the inner surface of the elastic band to a predetermined height at a position and length corresponding to the stopper through-hole, and when the elastic band passes through the stopper through-hole, a support stopper is formed on the back surface of the elastic band to support the inner surface of the back panel housed inside the case frame.

[0017] Furthermore, the elastic band is characterized by being made of a stretchable rubber or silicone material and having various colors.

[0018] Meanwhile, the back panel is characterized in that a camera through-hole is formed so that one or more camera lenses attached to the back of the smartphone can be exposed and installed through the back panel to take pictures.

[0019] In addition, when a smartphone with a different camera position depending on the model is housed inside the back panel, the camera lens is exposed through a camera through-hole formed in the back panel, and multiple grids are arranged on the inner surface of the back panel.The grids have V-shaped cutout grooves in cross section to guide a cutter when it enters, and the depth of the cutout grooves is configured to be close to the outer surface of the back panel so that the cutter can easily cut it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, a single case frame can be used to replace and attach back panels with various designs, which has the effect of making consumer lifestyles economical and environmentally friendly. Furthermore, since users can express their individuality, it is expected that the market for various design customizations will expand.

[0021] Furthermore, by simply replacing the back panel, the overall design and atmosphere of the smartphone can be easily changed, improving consumer satisfaction. At the same time, structural reinforcement and precision fastening are effective in maintaining durability and quality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The smartphone case (10) of the present invention is large as shown in the attached drawings Figures 1 to 4, and includes a case frame (100) that houses a smartphone (20) therein, a back panel (200) that is removably attached inside the case frame, and a panel fixing means (300) that stably attaches and detaches the back panel to the case frame.

[0023] The case frame is configured to house the smartphone (20) inside and protect it from external impacts and scratches, and is made of soft yet durable polycarbonate (PC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0024] In particular, the polycarbonate and thermoplastic resin are colorless, transparent, amorphous synthetic resins formed by polymerizing carbonates, and when the back panel (200) described below is attached inside, the design is visible on the outside, improving the aesthetic appeal of the design.

[0025] The back panel is attached to the inside of the case frame (100) and is configured to allow the user to freely change the design preferences to express their individuality, and is detachably attached to the inside of the case frame using the panel fixing means (300) described later.

[0026] In addition, the outer surface (210) of the back panel (200), i.e., the rear surface that comes into contact with the inner rear surface of the case frame, is formed with an image design incorporating various shapes, forms, and colors, and the design is visible to the outside through the transparent case frame, and the inner surface 20 of the back panel 200 is placed on the back of the smartphone (20).

[0027] Furthermore, the back panel (200) can be formed in a double structure consisting of an inner plate (222) and an outer plate (211) to facilitate the application or molding of various designs, and the inner and outer plates can be made of polycarbonate (PC).

[0028] Alternatively, the inner plate, i.e., the material of the inner plate that comes into contact with the back of the smartphone (20), is made of polycarbonate, and the outer plate (211) that comes into contact with the inner rear surface of the case frame (100) is made of glass, and a design can be formed on the glass outer plate, or a design can be formed on the polycarbonate inner plate and exposed to the outside through the glass outer plate. By forming a design on the inner plate in this way, the effect of protecting the glass outer plate can be obtained.

[0029] Here, various designs formed by intaglio or embossing are formed on the outer surface (210) of the back panel (200) for the purpose of design change presentation, and the thus formed design shape can be colored in various colors to be formed integrally.

[0030] Alternatively, as shown in the attached Figure 5, a printed sheet (210a) with various designs can be attached to the outer surface of the back panel using adhesive. This is the same as the method of adhering an expressive member in the conventional prior art, but the conventional prior art attaches it directly to the back of a relatively expensive case, so that an expensive case must be replaced when changing the design, whereas the present invention replaces the relatively inexpensive back panel (200), which reduces the cost burden and is economically effective.

[0031] The panel fixing means (300) is configured to stably fix or detach the back panel attached to the case frame (100), and is formed by protruding inward a predetermined length from the inner upper, lower and both side walls corresponding to a position shifted forward by the thickness height of the back panel on the outer inner surface of the case frame, and supports and fixes the edge of the inner surface (220) of the back panel housed and attached to the case frame.

[0032] In addition, the panel fixing means (300) is made of a flexible material that can be elastically deformed, and when the back panel (200) is attached to or detached from the case frame (100) by a snap method or by a slide method, it can be easily bent by its elastic force and then expanded by its restoring force, so that it will not be damaged even when used repeatedly.

[0033] The panel fixing means (300) thus constructed provides two embodiments in the present invention to allow the back panel to be stably and effectively attached and detached to the case frame.

[0034] First, as shown in the attached Figures 6 and 7, the panel fixing means of the first embodiment is formed with a stopper (311) that protrudes a predetermined length from the inner surface of the case frame, and the back surface of the stopper (311) is configured to support and fix the edge of the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200).

[0035] Here, since the stopper (311) is formed to a predetermined thickness, when the back panel (200) is attached inside the case frame (100), a gap is generated between them by the thickness of the stopper, and the entire back surface of the smartphone (20) accommodated in the case frame (100) cannot be supported, making it unstable.

[0036] To solve this problem, the width of the front surface of the back panel (200) is increased with the same length of the gap, and a groove is formed on the edge deep enough to allow the stopper (311) to be stably seated without bending, resulting in a step (312) being formed on the edge of the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200).

[0037] Therefore, the inner surface (220) of the back panel on which the step portion is formed is at the same height as the front surface of the stopper (311), so that the entire back surface of the smartphone (20) accommodated in the case frame (100) can be stably protected by supporting the front surface of the stopper (311) and the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200) on which the contact portion is formed.

[0038] Next, the panel fixing means (300) of the second embodiment has a band seating groove (321) formed as a groove of a predetermined depth on the entire outer surface of the rectangular case frame (100) in the shape of a square, as shown in attached Figures 8 to 10.

[0039] In addition, stopper through-holes (322) that penetrate a predetermined length are formed on the top, bottom, and both side surfaces of the band fixing groove (321). That is, the band seating groove is formed on the entire outer periphery of the case frame, and stopper through-holes (322) are formed in the remaining parts of the band seating groove (321) excluding the four corners.

[0040] Also, an elastic band (323) is provided, which is formed in the same rectangular shape as the band seating groove (321) and is inserted and accommodated in the band seating groove.

[0041] In addition, a support stopper (324) is formed on the inner surface of the elastic band (323) at a position and length corresponding to the stopper through-hole (322) and protruding to a predetermined height so as to pass through the stopper through-hole and support the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200).

[0042] The stopper through-hole (322) is formed to be relatively larger than the width of the support stopper (324) so ​​that the support stopper can be easily inserted and passed through.

[0043] Furthermore, the elastic band (323) is formed of a stretchable material, such as rubber or silicone, available in various colors, with its upper surface exposed to the outside from the case frame (100), thereby improving the aesthetic design of the smartphone case (10). Furthermore, by forming the material from rubber or silicone, which has high friction, it has improved gripping power, making it non-slip against hands or the bottom of objects, and allowing for stable use.

[0044] Therefore, the panel fixing means (300) of the first and second embodiments allows the back panel (200) to be easily attached and detached to and from the inside of the case frame (100). In addition, the panel fixing means of the second embodiment can be easily fixed by first removing it from the band seating groove (321) using the elastic force of the elastic band (323), and then reinstalling it while the back panel (200) is housed in the case frame. At the same time, it is effective for expressing individuality by allowing the smartphone case (10) to be given unique design changes.

[0045] Furthermore, the back panel (200) is configured with a camera through-hole (230) formed through the panel in accordance with the arrangement or number of lenses of the camera (21) so that the lenses of the camera (21) provided on the back of the smartphone (20) are exposed and can take pictures.

[0046] Here, the shape of the camera through-hole varies depending on the arrangement and number of cameras 21 of the smartphone 20. In such a case, if the back panel 200 with the desired design is of a different model of smartphone 20, it may not be usable.

[0047] To solve this problem, in order to enable one back panel to be used universally by exposing all camera lenses of different smartphones (20), a "V"-shaped notch (240) is formed on the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200) so that it can be cut with a plurality of lattice cutters (241), as shown in the attached drawings in Figures 11 to 13. That is, the notch (240) is formed on the inner surface (220) that comes into contact with the rear surface of the smartphone (20), and is configured so as not to be exposed to the outside.

[0048] In addition, the depth of the cutting groove (240) is formed to be approximately 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm close to the outer surface (210) of the back panel so that the cutter (241) can cut sufficiently with little pressure when cutting along the cutting groove (240).

[0049] Therefore, in order to expose the lens of the camera (21) of a different model of smartphone (20) on the back panel, the user can cut along the notch groove (240) with the cutter (241) in accordance with the vertical and horizontal arrangement of the camera lens to form the camera through-hole (230) and expose it. At this time, the unused notch groove (240) is arranged on the inner surface (220) of the back panel so as not to be exposed to the outside, thereby not interfering with the design of the smartphone case (10).

[0050] The smartphone case (10) of the present invention configured as described above allows the user to directly select and use the back panel (200) with various designs, and also provides a smartphone case with useful designs that can be easily replaced to suit the user's individual expression by easily removing and attaching the back panel.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a smartphone case and a back panel showing the exterior design of the case according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a case body and a back panel showing the inside according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a smartphone case according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a smartphone case with a replaced back panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view of a back panel with a printed sheet attached thereto according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing a panel fixing means according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a state in which a step portion is added to the panel fixing means of the first embodiment according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a panel fixing means according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a main part of a panel fixing means according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the back panel secured by the panel securing means of the second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view showing the outer and inner surfaces of a back panel having a notched groove according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of a cutting groove cut by a cutter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view showing the outer and inner surfaces of a back panel with a camera hole formed by cutting a notch groove according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10: smartphone case, 20: smartphone, 21: camera, 100: case frame, 200: back panel, 210: outer surface, 210a: printing sheet, 220: inner surface, 211: outer plate, 222: inner plate, 230: camera through-hole, 240: cutting groove, 241: cutter, 300: panel fixing means, 311: stopper, 312: step portion, 321: band seating groove, 322: stopper through-hole, 323: elastic band, 324: support stopper, 10: camera, 20: charging module, 30: interface module, 40: control unit

Claims

1. The interchangeable smartphone case (10) includes a transparent case frame (100) that houses and protects a smartphone (20) therein; a back panel (200) that is removably housed inside the case frame, with an outer surface (210) formed with various shapes or forms of designs and exposed to the transparent case frame, and an inner surface (220) that is placed on the back of the smartphone (20); and panel fixing means (300) that protrude from the top, bottom, and both side walls of the inner surface of the case frame at a position shifted forward to a position equal to the thickness of the back panel, and that supports and fixes the inner surface (220) of the back panel housed in the case frame.

2. 2. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 1, wherein the back panel (200) is formed in a double structure consisting of an inner plate (222) and an outer plate (211), and the inner plate (222) and the outer plate are made of polycarbonate (PC), or the inner plate is made of polycarbonate (PC) and the outer plate is made of glass.

3. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the case frame (100) is made of polycarbonate (PC) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

4. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface (210) of the back panel (200) is integrally formed with various design forms including engraved or embossed designs and colors, or is configured with a printed sheet (210a) having various designs printed on one side and adhesive applied to the other side, which is attached to the outer surface (210) of the back panel (200).

5. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 1, characterized in that the panel fixing means (300) is composed of a stopper (311) that protrudes a predetermined length from the inner surface of the case frame (100) and supports and fixes the edge of the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200) located at the rear.

6. The thickness of the back panel (200) is formed to match the thickness of the front surface of the stopper (311), and the end portion is configured with a stepped portion (312) formed with a groove deep enough to seat the stopper.

7. 2. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 1, wherein the panel fixing means (300) comprises a band seating groove (321) having a predetermined depth formed on the entire outer peripheral surface of the rectangular case frame (100), stopper through-holes (322) formed on the upper and lower surfaces, the lower surface, and both side surfaces of the band seating groove, the stopper through-holes (322) penetrating a predetermined length, an elastic band (323) formed as a rectangular strip corresponding to the band seating groove and stretchable by its own elasticity, is provided and inserted into the band seating groove, the inner surface of the elastic band is formed to protrude to a predetermined height at a position and length corresponding to the stopper through-hole, and a support stopper (324) is formed on the back surface of the elastic band when it passes through the stopper through-hole, supporting the inner surface (220) of the back panel (200) accommodated inside the case frame (100).

8. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 7, wherein the elastic band (323) is made of a stretchable rubber or silicone material in various colors, allowing various colors to be produced on the outer periphery of the case frame, while being made of a material with frictional force to prevent the case frame from slipping from the user's hand or the bottom of an object.

9. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 1, characterized in that the back panel (200) is formed with a camera through-hole (230) so that one or more camera (21) lenses attached to the back of the smartphone (20) can be exposed and installed through the back panel (200) to take pictures.

10. 10. The interchangeable smartphone case with various design panels according to claim 9, wherein the back panel inner surface (220) is arranged in a plurality of grids so that the camera lens is exposed through the camera through-hole (230) formed in the back panel when housing a smartphone (20) whose camera (21) position varies depending on the model, and the grids are formed with V-shaped cutout grooves (240) so that a cutter (241) is guided when inserted, and the depth of the cutout grooves is configured close to the outer surface (210) of the back panel so that they can be easily cut with the cutter, and the camera through-hole (230) is formed by cutting with the cutter (241) along the cutout grooves in accordance with the position and arrangement of the camera of the smartphone using the back panel formed with a design preferred by the user regardless of the position and arrangement of the camera (21).

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