Touch Sensitive and Transparent Protective Cover for Handheld Electronic Devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective cover for cell phones, tablets, and other handheld electronics. The cover is configured to enclose an electronic device for protection against external elements, pathogens, and other contaminants. The cover is made of thin transparent plastic for viewing and using the touchscreen of the cover while the device is enclosed inside the cover. The cover slides over the device and has a closure at the base to secure the device inside the covering. The cover enables the users to use electronic devices including touchscreen, camera, and other features while the device is protected.

Claims

1. A protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device, the protective sleeve comprising: a front panel; a back panel; a first longitudinal side attached to the front and back panels; a second longitudinal side attached to the front and back panels; a first transverse end edge; and a second transverse end edge, wherein at least one of the first and second transverse end edges form an opening having a width at least equal to the electronic or portable device to be inserted into the protective sleeve, and further wherein at least one of the front and back panels is comprised of a transparent material.

2. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1, wherein another of the first and second transverse end edges is provided with an opening sized and configured to receive a jack for a charging cord or headphone.

3. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the front panel is comprised of a transparent material.

4. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the back panel is comprised of a select one of a colored material, an opaque material, a transparent material, a partially transparent material, or a translucent material.

5. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 4, wherein the back panel includes an opening sized and configured for a camera.

6. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a closure for the opening.

7. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 6, wherein the closure is one of a zipper or a rib and channel closure.

8. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1, wherein the protective sleeve is comprised of a select one of a polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), a polyolefin, a polypropylene, a cyclic olefin copolymer, an optically clear polyester or a polycarbonate.

9. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 8, wherein the protective sleeve has a thickness ranging from 0.005 to 10 mils.

10. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 8, wherein the thickness ranges from 0.10 to 5 mils.

11. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one tactile or gripping element positioned on the back panel.

12. The protective sleeve for an electronic or portable device as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one of an anti-static coating, an anti-bacterial coating, an anti-fungal coating or an anti-microbial coating.

13. A method of manufacturing and personalizing a protective covering, the method comprising the steps of: accessing a database having a plurality of dimensions for different sized electronic devices; selecting one of the plurality of dimensions for different sized electronic devices; choosing a closing option for the protective covering; selecting a color and other personalization features for the protective covering; manufacturing the protective covering; and shipping the protective covering to an end user.

14. The method of manufacturing and personalizing a protective covering as recited in claim 13 further comprising a step of adding one or more coatings to the protective covering after the step of selecting.

15. The method of manufacturing and personalizing a protective covering as recited in claim 13 further comprising a step of positioning one or more gripping surfaces to an exterior of the protective covering after the step of selecting.

16. The method of manufacturing and personalizing a protective covering as recited in claim 14, wherein the one or more coatings are selected from a group consisting of an anti-static coating, an anti-bacterial coating, an anti-fungal coating, an anti-microbial coating or a combination thereof.

17. The method of manufacturing and personalizing a protective covering as recited in claim 13, wherein the protective covering is comprised of at last one of a polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), a polyolefin, a polypropylene, a cyclic olefin copolymer, an optically clear polyester or a polycarbonate.

18. The method of manufacturing and personalizing a protective covering as recited in claim 17, wherein the protective covering has a thickness ranging between 0.005 to 10 mils.

19. A combination protective sleeve and electronic device comprising: an electronic device having a front, a back and a touch panel position on the front; a protective sleeve having a front panel and a rear panel, wherein at least the front panel is comprised of an optically clear film; an opening provided on one end of the protective sleeve along a transverse end edge, wherein the opening is sized and configured to receive the electronic device; a closure for the opening; and an area on the rear panel to allow a camera on the electronic device to be used without interference.

20. The combination protective sleeve and electronic device as recited in claim 19, wherein the protective sleeve further comprises at least one coating selected from a group consisting of an anti-static coating, an anti-bacterial coating, an anti-fungal coating, an anti-microbial coating or a combination thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the protective covering of the present invention for a cell phone, tablet, or other electronic and portable device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a process of enclosing a smartphone inside the protective covering of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the smartphone enclosed in one potential embodiment of the protective covering of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an individual using the touchscreen of an electronic device enclosed inside one potential embodiment of the protective cover of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the protective cover of the present invention for enclosing and protecting a handheld wireless computing device in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 6A illustrates a side perspective view of a further potential embodiment of the protective sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 6B illustrates a rear perspective view of a further potential embodiment of the protective sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a potential method of making a protective sleeve of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0035] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0036] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved protective covering or sleeve for cell phones, tablets, and other electronics and portable devices. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a multipurpose covering or protective sleeve for handheld electronic devices and other portable devices that prevents germs from touching the surface of the electronic devices. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a cover that protects handheld electronics and other portable devices from germs while allowing individuals to use the device. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved protective covering that eliminates the requirement of applying harsh cleaning chemicals to and/or exposing the device to moisture for cleaning. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a protective cover that completely encloses a handheld electronic device for keeping the device clean and sanitary. Furthermore, there is a long-felt need in the art for a protective cover for cell phones, tablets, and other electronics and portable devices that prevents transmission of pathogens during sharing of electronics between individuals. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a protective covering that is at least partially transparent, allows use of electronics and other portable devices, and protects the electronics against external elements, bacteria, and more.

[0037] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel protection covering having at least one panel being at least partially transparent of thin plastic for cell phones, tablets, and other electronics. The covering includes at least a partially transparent front layer that enables a user to view content displayed on the touchscreen when a device operates while the covering encloses the device. A rear layer or back panel which may be colored, transparent, partially transparent, translucent, and/or opaque and capable of allowing use of the rear camera through an opening if the back panel is other than transparent, while the covering encloses the device. The thin plastic is capable of allowing a user to operate a touchscreen while the covering at least substantially, encloses the device. The covering has a zippered or other closure at the base to secure the device within the covering.

[0038] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the protective covering 100 of the present invention for cell phones, tablets, and other electronics in accordance with the disclosed specification. The protective covering 100 of the present invention is configured to completely enclose a handheld electronic device (including smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices) for preventing germs, bacteria, and other pathogens as well as fingers of a user from touching the surfaces of the device and leaving behind fingerprints, dirt and debris. More specifically, the covering 100 is in the form of a strong and sturdy bag that has a top closed end 102 and an open bottom end 104. The bottom end 104 has a fastener 106 disposed thereon for fastening and closing the open bottom end 104 as per preference of a user. In another embodiment, a flap may be provided to close the protective envelope. The fastener 106 in the preferred embodiment, is a zipper but can be any other fastener, like a sliding fastener, rib and channel closure, or any other suitable closure known in the art. The covering 100 has a pair of side or longitudinal edges 108, 110 wherein each side edge adjoins the front layer 112 and the rear layer 114. As a result, the cover 100 has three closed ends 102, 108, 110 and an open end 104. Transverse ends 102 and 104 are used to complete the protective envelope. It is worth noting that cover 100 is not limited in use to only phones, tablets and other portable devices. Rather, the cover 100 also has potential applicability at banks, restaurants, schools, hospitals, airports, on military equipment and any other screen.

[0039] The cover 100 is configured to slide over a handheld electronic device, as displayed in FIG. 2, through the open bottom end or transverse end edge 104 to enclose the device for creating a physical barrier which prevents physical access to the surfaces of the device and/or phone. At least the front panel 112 of the cover 100 is made of an optically transparent, flexible and touch sensitive material like polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), polyolefin, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, optically clear polyester, or polycarbonate which allows use of a touchscreen of the device while the cover 100 encloses the device. The film may have a thickness ranging from 0.005 to 10 mils with about 0.10 to 5 mils being preferred. The cover 100 may also comprise an elastic back portion or side panel to provide for a snug fit and to accommodate a finger grip device.

[0040] The cover 100 comes in various sizes to accommodate handheld electronic devices of various sizes and configurations. Further, the rear layer or back panel 114 covers the rear surface of a device and allows the use of the rear camera without any obstruction. Further, sensors, such as proximity sensor, and total radiated power (TRP) of the electronic device are also not affected due to use of the covering 100. The cover 100 may have an anti-microbial coating for preventing pathogen collection. Other coatings may include an anti-static coating to prevent the film from sticking to the device. Where the back panel 114 is made from a colored, opaque material or where the film is not optically clear, an opening 301 (see FIG. 3) may be provided to enable use of the camera.

[0041] The cover 100 can come in a package of 10, 20, 50, 100 or more covers of a single size or various sizes to meet requirements of various sized devices. The fastener 106 at bottom end 104 can be unfastened slightly to accommodate a charging cable to charge the device as disclosed in FIG. 3. Alternatively, a small opening may be provided on the bottom transverse edge to accommodate the jack without having to open the envelope.

[0042] The cover 100 is preferably waterproof or at least water-resistant, scratch resistant and tear resistant. Further, the cover 100 can be wiped to clean using any chemical and thus prevents the touchscreen of an enclosed device from damage. Alternatively, the cover 100 can be configured to be disposable and recyclable and is useful in cases where an electronic device is shared among many people. The cover 100 does not have any metallic component which would affect electromagnetic specifications of the enclosed device and further provides protection from scratches and dirt when the device is placed on any surface.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a process of enclosing a smartphone inside the protective covering 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The smartphone 200 shown in the present embodiment is an exemplary electronic device and any other device like a tablet, PDA or other portable device can be covered by the envelope or sleeve 100. As illustrated, initially, the cover 100 is in a closed state with the fastener or closure 106 in a closed state. For sliding the cover 100 over the phone 200 to protect the phone 200 from physical touch and pathogens, the zipper or closure 106 is unfastened to open the bottom end 104. The cover 100 is then slid over the phone 200 through the open bottom end 104 and the cover 100 is pulled (or the smartphone is pushed) to enclose the phone 200 inside the cover 100 such that, the front layer or front panel 112 covers the touchscreen 202 and the rear layer or back panel 114 covers the rear surface 204 of the smartphone 200.

[0044] The dimensions of the cover 100 are such that the smartphone 200 is completely enclosed inside the cover 100 and none of the surfaces are directly accessible. Once the phone 200 is enclosed, the zipper or other closure106 is fastened to seal the phone 200 inside the cover.

[0045] The optically clear material of the cover 100 allows a user to use the phone or device 200 without having to remove the cover 100. Further, the cover 100 being optically transparent does not obstruct the view of the touchscreen and allows a user to view visual contents and applications provided by an electronic device 200.

[0046] For removing the cover 100, the zipper or closure 106 can be unfastened and the phone 200 can be pulled therefrom and as per preferences of a user, the cover 100 can be wiped for reuse or can be disposed of.

[0047] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the smartphone 200 enclosed in the protective covering 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. An advantage of the cover 100 is that the cover does not obstruct the use of the rear camera 302 of the phone 200 when the cover 100 is slid over the phone 200, either through use of the optically transparent film or through a hole provided in the film. As illustrated, the rear layer 114 covers the rear surface 204 of the smartphone 200 and the optically transparent color of the cover 100 makes the use of the camera 302 easy and obstruction free. In one embodiment, the rear layer 114 may have a cut out 301 aligning with the position of the camera 302 on the phone 200.

[0048] The cover 100 allows the electronic device 200 to be charged using the jack of a conventional charging cable 304. The fastener 106 is slightly opened for enabling insertion of the cable 304 inside the cover 100 and plugged into the charging port 306. For inserting the charging cable 304, the closure 106 is slightly opened to create an opening 308 and the cable 304 is inserted through the opening 308 and plugged into the port 306. Alternatively, the bottom transverse edge may have an opening 303 to allow insertion of the jack. Then, the zippered or other closure 106 is fastened again to close any additional gap created for sealing the phone 200 inside the cover 100. FIG. 3 also provides that the cover 100 has first and second longitudinally extending side edges 305 and 307 and first and second transversely extending end edges 309 and 311.

[0049] FIG. 4 illustrates an individual using the touchscreen of an electronic device enclosed inside the protective cover 100 in accordance with the disclosed description. The cover 100 allows a user 402 to operate the electronic device 400 such as Apple iPad®, in the present embodiment, without removing the cover 100. The transparent cover 100 enables the user 402 to view the user interface on the touchscreen 404 and allows the user 400 to perform regular operations as performed directly on the touchscreen 404.

[0050] The protective cover 100 is disposed between the surface of the device 400 and the individual 402 using the device 400, and thus protects against the transfer of germs from the user 402 to the electronic device 400 or from the device to an individual. Similarly, the pathogens and germs that may have already been present on the device 400 are not contracted by the user 402.

[0051] Further, during use of the device 400 while being enclosed within the cover 100, the charging cable 304 can be used for charging the device 400 allowing the individual 402 to use the device 400 in a protected manner while the devices is being charged.

[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the protective cover for enclosing and protecting handheld wireless computing devices in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the cover 500 is made from flexible, sturdy and touch sensitive material and has a closure fastener 502 at the bottom end 504 along a transverse end edge. The zipper fastener 502 has a hook or pull 506 that can slide for opening and closing the bottom end 504 and helps in sliding the cover 500 over a wireless computing device. The functionality and other characteristics of the cover 500 are the same as of the protective cover 100 of other embodiments.

[0053] FIG. 6A illustrates a side perspective view of a further potential embodiment of the protective sleeve of the present invention, and FIG. 6B illustrates a rear perspective view of the protective sleeve, wherein the back panel 710 of the cover is shown in a non-transparent configuration so that an individual may personalize the device and choose a color that matches or complements the electronic device or his or her preference. More specifically, the back panel 710 is shown with a flap 720 that is folded over at least a portion of the back panel 710. The flap 720 may be secured in position by a strip of adhesive 724, which may be a removable or repositionable adhesive. A portion of the flap 720 is folded over the top 722. The back panel 710 may be provided with an opening 750 to accommodate the camera of the phone or tablet. As the protective film may be more slippery than the device by itself, tactile elements 730 and 740 may be provided on the back or side panels to help in gripping the phone or other device enclosed within the sleeve. The tactile or gripping elements 730 and 740 maybe of any geometric or fanciful shape and may be any color and can be slightly raised from the surface to aid in grasping a device.

[0054] FIG. 7 provides a block diagram of a method of making a protective cover for an electronic or portable device. The method starts at step 800 with a user accessing a database having a number of predetermined dimensions for different sized electronic devices. At step 810, the user selects one of the available dimensions, and a closing option for the protective sleeve at step 820. At step 830, the user adds one or more coatings to the protective sleeve, and selects a color and other personalization features at step 840 before manufacturing the same at 850. At step 855, one or more gripping surfaces can be positioned on an exterior of the sleeve prior to shipping the sleeve to an end user at step 860.

[0055] It should be noted that the protective cover is designed to be substantially planar and for maintaining optimal temperature for an enclosed electronic device. The cover may also prevent the enclosed device from physical damage, scratches and may be waterproof or water resistant. A user can operate the enclosed device by touching and making gestures on the cover for direct access to the camera, touchscreen, and other components.

[0056] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “protective cover”, “handheld electronic device protective covering”, “protective covering”, and “handheld wireless computing device protective covering”, are interchangeable and refer to the handheld electronic device touch sensitive protective covering 100, 500 of the present invention.

[0057] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the handheld electronic device touch sensitive protective covering 100, 500 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the handheld electronic device touch sensitive protective covering 100, 500 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the handheld electronic device touch sensitive protective covering 100, 500 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the handheld electronic device touch sensitive protective covering 100, 500 are important design parameters for user convenience, the handheld electronic device touch sensitive protective covering 100, 500 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0058] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0059] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.