US20070227923A1

US20070227923A1 - Protecting case for foldable electronic device

Info

Publication number: US20070227923A1
Application number: US11/497,406
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Kidakarn
Original assignee: ICORE Inc
Current assignee: ICORE Inc
Priority date: 2006-03-29
Filing date: 2006-07-31
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

A protecting case for a foldable electronic device has an upper and bottom panels pivotally connecting along a pivot axis. The protecting case has a case body for minimizing an external shock to the foldable electronic device. The protecting case has an upper and bottom frame adapted for protectively covering the upper and lower panel of the foldable electronic device. The protecting case includes a plurality of edge holders for securely mounting the upper and bottom frames in a detachably attaching manner. The protecting case has a synchronizing hinge mechanism having two joint units to pivotally connect the upper frame to the bottom frame and is aligned along the pivot axis. Thus the upper and bottom frames are pivotally folded to in a synchronization manner with respect to a pivot movement of the foldable electronic device so as to protect the foldable electronic device anytime.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This is a non-provisional application of a provisional application having a provisional application No. 60/786,775 and a filing date of Mar. 29, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to protecting cases, and particularly to a protecting case readily receiving a foldable electronic device therein, wherein the protecting case is adapted for pivotally folding with the foldable electronic device in a synchronization manner so as to protect the foldable electronic device anytime.
2. Description of Related Arts
A traditional foldable electronic device, such as a palmtop game device, a computer laptop, a mobile telephone, and so on, provides a compact size for the user to carry when the foldable electronic device is folded. The foldable electronic device generally includes a base panel, and a top panel pivotally mounted to the base panel edge-to-edge via hinges, wherein all electronic components are received in and protected by the base and top panels. Accordingly, the electronic components are extremely sensitive and fragile such that when the foldable electronic device is dropped on the ground or is hit by an external force, the electronic components will be damaged.
In order to protect the electronic device, the user usually places the foldable electronic device in a carrying case for transportation. However, the electronic device must be taken out from the carrying case when being used, which is inconvenient. In fact, there is no protection for the electronic device when the electronic device is in use. Therefore, a plastic made soft case is provided for protecting the electronic device when the electronic device is used. Accordingly, such soft case includes a top cover and a base cover covering at the top and base panels of the electronic device respectively. However, such soft case can merely protect the dust or liquid spilled at the electronic device but not to withstand the external force exerted thereto. In addition, the peripheral ports of the electronic device are also covered by the soft case such that it is a hassle for the user to remove the soft case from the electronic device before accessing the peripheral ports thereof. In other words, such soft case is not practice in use.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A main object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device which can fully protect the foldable electronic device at all time even when the foldable electronic device is at used.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device which can securely retain the foldable electronic device within the protecting case so that the foldable electronic device can be fully protected all around.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device which comprises round edges to enhance a strength of the protecting case so as to substantially withstand the external force exerted at the protecting case.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device which can be pivotally folded with the foldable electronic device within. In other words, the protecting case is synchronically folded with the foldable electronic device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device which has a plurality of peripheral slots at the case body to allow peripheral accessing plugs to connect to the foldable electronic device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device which comprises an anti-slip element for preventing said foldable electronic device from slipping while being used.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device, wherein the case body is made of reinforcing plastic having transparent properties for minimizing the external shock and for keeping an aesthetic appearance thereof.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a protecting case for foldable electronic device, wherein the protecting case can be personalized by the users to their personal preference.
Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a protecting case for a foldable electronic device comprising upper and bottom panels pivotally connecting along a pivot axis, wherein the protecting case comprises:
a case body, which is made of durable but lightweight material adapted for minimizing an external shock to the foldable electronic device, comprising an upper frame adapted for protectively covering at the upper panel of the foldable electronic device and a bottom frame adapted for protectively covering at the bottom panel of the foldable electronic device;
a plurality of edge holders spacedly and integrally provided along peripheral edges of the upper and bottom frames for securely mounting the upper and bottom frames at the upper and bottom panels of the foldable electronic device respectively in a detachably attaching manner; and
a synchronizing hinge mechanism comprising two joint units provided at two outer sides of the case body to pivotally connect the upper frame to the bottom frame, wherein the two joint units are positioned at two sides of the foldable electronic device to align along the pivot axis thereof, such that the upper and bottom frames are pivotally folded to in a synchronization manner with respect to a pivot movement of the foldable electronic device so as to protect the foldable electronic device anytime.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the foldable protecting case for foldable electronic device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the opened position of the foldable electronic device.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable protecting case according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the foldable protecting case according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the folded position of the foldable electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the foldable protecting case according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the opened position of the foldable electronic device.

FIG. 5A is an alternative use of the foldable protecting case used for protecting a foldable laptop computer.

FIG. 5B is another alternative use of the foldable protecting case used for protecting a foldable mobile phone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the protecting case in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention for receiving a foldable electronic device 20 is illustrated. The present invention is a foldable protecting case that encloses and connects to the device and functions to protect a foldable electronic device 20 which comprises an upper and bottom panels 21, 22 pivotally connecting along a pivot axis 23 in both closed and opened positions. When the foldable electronic device 20 is closed, the protecting case protectively covers the top and bottom panels 21, 22 of the closed foldable electronic device 20 from an external shock.
The foldable electronic device 20 can be opened and operated without removing the protecting case so that the foldable electronic device 20 can be fully protected anytime. As shown in FIG. 1, the protecting case of the instant invention is used for mounting to the foldable electronic device 20 as a portable game device such as “Nintendo DS”.
The protecting case comprises a case body 10, a plurality of edge holders 12, and a synchronizing hinge mechanism 13. The case body 10, which is made of durable but lightweight material adapted for minimizing the external shock to the foldable electronic device 20. The foldable electronic device 20 includes the bottom panel 22 as a bottom portion, and an upper panel 21 as a top portion rotatably mounted to the bottom portion via hinges. The protecting case is made of a material of plastic, metal or other rough materials. The case body 10 of the protecting case includes a bottom frame 15 as a base of the protecting case for receiving the bottom portion of the foldable electronic device 20, and an upper frame 14 embodied as a lid for receiving the top portion of the foldable electronic device 20. The lid is rotatably mounted to the base. In other words, the upper frame 14 of the protecting case is pivotally connected to the bottom frame 15 via the synchronizing hinge mechanism 13 which allows the protecting case to rotate coaxially with the pivot axis 23 of the foldable electronic device 20.
This is beneficial because it allows long term protection of the foldable electronic device 20 in the open and folded position, and during transition between, without cumbersome removal of the protecting case. It is important to protect the foldable electronic device 20 from shocks and such because internal electronic parts inside the foldable electronic device 20 can be damaged easily. Repairing and replacing of such parts are usually found expensive and not economic. Thus, the protecting case serves the purpose to protect the peripheral of the foldable electronic device 20 and to prevent the internal electronic parts from damaging.
The protecting case further comprises a plurality of edge holders 12 spacedly and integrally provided along peripheral edges of the upper and bottom frames 14, 15 for securely mounting the upper and bottom frames 14, 15 at the upper and bottom panels 21, 22 of the foldable electronic device 20 respectively in a detachably attaching manner. In other words, the upper and bottom panel 21, 22 of the foldable electronic device 20 can be slidably fitted into the protecting case and the foldable electronic device 20 can then be securely mounted into the protecting case. The plurality of edge holders 12 holds and locks the foldable electronic device 20 in place and prevents the foldable electronic device 20 to escape from the protecting case. Therefore, the edge holders 12 can engage with the edges of the foldable electronic device without altering the original structure thereof.
The synchronizing hinge mechanism 13 comprising two joint units 34 provided at two outer sides of the case body 10 to pivotally connect the upper frame 14 to the bottom frame 15. The two joint units 34 are positioned at two sides of the foldable electronic device 20 to align along the pivot axis 23 thereof, such that the upper and bottom frames 14, 15 are pivotally folded to in a synchronization manner with respect to a pivot movement of the foldable electronic device 20 so as to protect the foldable electronic device 20 anytime. Thus, the foldable electronic device 20 can be protected by the protecting case anytime and no uninstalling is needed for the protecting case in order to use the foldable electronic device 20.
The upper frame 14 of the protecting case comprises a top wall 16 and a surrounding wall 17 integrally extended therefrom to define an upper cavity 24 for fittedly receiving the upper panel 21 therein. The bottom frame 15 of the protecting case comprises a bottom wall 18 and a peripheral wall 19 integrally extended therefrom to define a bottom cavity 31 for fittedly receiving the bottom panel 22 therein. The edge holders 12 are spacedly and integrally formed along the peripheral edges of the surrounding wall 17 and the peripheral wall 19 for securely retaining the upper and bottom panels 21, 22 within the upper and bottom cavities 30, 31 respectively. Thus when the foldable electronic device 20 is mounted inside the protecting case, the upper frame 14, the bottom frame 15, the top wall 16, the surrounding wall 17, the bottom wall 18 and the peripheral wall 19 of the protecting case can protectively covers the upper panel 21 and the bottom panel 22 of the foldable electronic device 20 so that the foldable electronic device 20 can be fully protected all around.
The case body 10 of the protecting case has a plurality of top round edges 32 integrally formed between the top wall 16 and the surrounding wall 17 of the upper frame 14 and a plurality of bottom round edges 33 integrally between the bottom wall 18 and the peripheral wall 19, so as to enhance a strength of the case body 10, especially for withstanding the external force exerted at the case body 10.
Referring to FIG.3 and 4 of the drawings, each of the joint 34 units of the protecting case comprises a first pivot arm 35 integrally extended from the upper frame 14 and a second pivot 36 arm which is integrally extended from the bottom frame 15. The second pivot 36 arm is pivotally connected to the first pivot arm 35 to define a pivot point 39 of the case body 10 for aligning with the pivot axis 23 of the foldable electronic device 20.
In addition, each of the first pivot arms 35 of the protecting case has an axial protrusion 37 alignedly extending along the pivot axis 23 of the foldable electronic device 20. Each of the second pivot arms 36 has an axial slot 38 arranged so that the axial protrusion 37 is slidably inserted into the axial slot 38 to form the pivot point 39 of the case body 10. Thus when the foldable electronic device 20 is detachably mounted into the protecting case, the upper frame 14 which is pivotally connected to the bottom frame 15 can synchronically fold with the foldable electronic device 20 aligning with its pivot axis 23. The advantage of using the axial protrusion 37 and the axial slot 38 is that it is easy to assemble and does not require any mechanical tools.
The protecting case has a plurality of accessing through slots 40 as openings to allow user operation of the device, by allowing access to the touch operation of the buttons, keys and attached accessories. The accessing through slots 40 allow the user to access ports, for access to wired plugs for communication, linking, and power functions. In other words, the plurality of accessing through slots 40 aligns with corresponding peripheral accessing plugs of the foldable electronic device so as to allow the peripheral accessing plugs or touch operation of the buttons and such being accessed through the accessing through slots 40 when the case body 10 is detachably mounted to the foldable electronic device 20.
The protecting case further comprises an anti-slip element 41 provided on a bottom side of the bottom frame 15. The anti-slip element 41 is made of material having a high friction coefficient for preventing the foldable electronic device 20 from slipping while being used. In the preferred embodiment, the foldable electronic device 20 is a “Nintendo DS”. With the aid of the anti-slip element 41, the foldable electronic device 20 can even be securely placed on a table for convenient use without slipping. For gamers, especially young children, the anti-slip element 41 helps prevent the foldable electronic device 20 from dropping when young children tend to get very excited with their hands while playing video games. It is worth to mention that the anti-slip element 41 with a higher friction coefficient can be used to replace the regular one when required like for the case of exciting gamers. Thus, the anti-slip element 41 helps prolong the life span of the foldable electronic device 20 and makes the foldable electronic device 20 more convenient to use.
In the preferred embodiment, the protecting case is made of a clear polycarbonate material such as reinforcing plastic having transparent properties to decoratively display the color of the protected device to allow for identification and to keep an aesthetic and original appearance of the “Nintendo DS”. In addition, the reinforcing plastic can minimize the external shock exerted on the foldable electronic device 20.
The case body 10 of the protecting case further comprises a picture pocket 42 formed between a bottom side of the upper frame 14 and a top side of the upper panel 21 for replaceably receiving a picture frame in the picture pocket to personalize the foldable electronic device. In the preferred embodiment of the protecting case for “Nintendo DS”, wherein majority of the users are young children and gamers, a personal picture 44 of their favorite cartoon character can be inserted into the picture pocket 42 to personalize the foldable electronic device 20. The picture can be easily replaced and it is safely protected by the picture pocket 42 also.
A top side of the upper frame 14 of the protecting case is made of stickable material for allowing a personal sticker 43 replaceably sticking on the top side of the upper frame 14 to personalize the foldable electronic device 20. In other words, the personal sticker 43 is adapted to stick on the top side of the protecting case and to be removed therefrom without any residue remaining on the protecting case. Users can personalize the foldable electronic device 20 by sticking the personal sticker 43 onto the top side of the upper frame 14 of the protecting case. If the user decides to remove or even replace the personal sticker 43 with another, the stickable material helps the personal sticker 43 to be peeled off easily without leaving mark on the surface of the case body 10.
It is worth to mention that, as an alternative as shown in FIG. 5A, the protecting case is used to fit a folding laptop computer 50. The protecting case embodies the folding laptop computer 50 and uses the synchronizing hinge mechanism 13 to synchronically fold with the folding laptop computer 50 alignedly with the pivot axis 23 thereof. The protecting case has a plurality of accessing through slots 40 as openings to allow access to a keyboard and port openings. By enclosure and folding alignedly with the pivot axis 23 of the folding laptop computer 50, the folding laptop computer 50 is able to be utilized in the open and closed position while enclosed by the protective and decorative protecting case. The anti-slip element 41 provided on a bottom side of the bottom frame 15 helps securely stabilizing the folding laptop computer 50 on a desk surface so as to prevent any movement of the folding laptop computer 50 while in used and the protecting case can absorb any shocks and vibrations from the desk to prevent any possible damage to internal electronic parts. Users can personalize the folding laptop computer 50 by inserting the personal picture 44 into the picture pocket 42 or by sticking the personal sticker 43 onto the protecting case.
It is worth to mention that, as another alternative as shown in FIG. 5B, the protecting case is used to fit a folding mobile phone 51. The protecting case embodies the folding mobile phone device 51 and uses the synchronizing hinge mechanism 13 to synchronically fold with the folding mobile phone 51 alignedly with the pivot axis 23 thereof. The protecting case has a plurality of accessing through slots 40 as openings to allow access to a numeric keypad and interface buttons. By enclosure and folding alignedly with the pivot axis 23 of the folding mobile phone 5 1, the folding mobile phone 51 is able to be utilized in the open and closed position while enclosed by the protective a decorative protecting case. The anti-slip element 41 provided on a bottom side of the bottom frame 15 provides a better grip for the user so as to prevent possible dropping of the folding mobile phone 51 while in used to prevent any possible damage to internal electronic parts. Users can personalize the folding mobile phone 51 by inserting the personal picture 44 into the picture pocket 42 or by sticking the personal sticker 43 onto the protecting case.
It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A protecting case for a foldable electronic device which comprises upper and bottom panels pivotally connecting along a pivot axis, wherein said protecting case comprises:

a case body, which is made of durable but lightweight material adapted for minimizing an external shock to said foldable electronic device, comprising an upper frame adapted for protectively covering at said upper panel of said foldable electronic device and a bottom frame adapted for protectively covering at said bottom panel of said foldable electronic device;

a plurality of edge holders spacedly and integrally provided along peripheral edges of said upper and bottom frames for securely mounting said upper and bottom frames at said upper and bottom panels of said foldable electronic device respectively in a detachably attaching manner; and

a synchronizing hinge mechanism comprising two joint units provided at two outer sides of said case body to pivotally connect said upper frame to said bottom frame, wherein said two joint units are positioned at two sides of said foldable electronic device to align along said pivot axis thereof, such that said upper and bottom frames are pivotally folded to in a synchronization manner with respect to a pivot movement of said foldable electronic device so as to protect said foldable electronic device anytime.

2. The protecting case, as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper frame comprises a top wall and a surrounding wall integrally extended therefrom to define an upper cavity for fittedly receiving said upper panel therein, wherein said bottom frame comprises a bottom wall and a peripheral wall integrally extended therefrom to define a bottom cavity for fittedly receiving said bottom panel therein, wherein said edge holders are spacedly formed along said peripheral edges of said surrounding wall and said peripheral wall for securely retaining said upper and bottom panels within said upper and bottom cavities respectively.

3. The protecting case, as recited in claim 2, wherein each of said edge holders is integrally protruded from said respective peripheral edge of said surrounding wall and said peripheral wall for holding an edge of each of said upper and bottom panels at an inner surface thereof so as to securely retain said upper and bottom panels within said upper and bottom cavities respectively.

4. The protecting case, as recited in claim 2, wherein said case body has a plurality of top round edges integrally formed between said top wall and said surrounding wall of said upper frame and a plurality of bottom round edges integrally between said bottom wall and said peripheral wall, so as to enhance a strength of said case body.

5. The protecting case, as recited in claim 3, wherein said case body has a plurality of top round edges integrally formed between said top wall and said surrounding wall of said upper frame and a plurality of bottom round edges integrally between said bottom wall and said peripheral wall, so as to enhance a strength of said case body.

6. The protecting case, as recited in claim 1, wherein each of said joint units comprises a first pivot arm integrally extended from said upper frame and a second pivot arm which is integrally extended from said bottom frame and is pivotally connected to said first pivot arm to define a pivot point of said case body for aligning with said pivot axis of said foldable electronic device.

7. The protecting case, as recited in claim 5, wherein each of said joint units comprises a first pivot arm integrally extended from said upper frame and a second pivot arm which is integrally extended from said bottom frame and is pivotally connected to said first pivot arm to define a pivot point of said case body for aligning with said pivot axis of said foldable electronic device.

8. The protecting case, as recited in claim 6, wherein each of said first pivot arms has an axial protrusion alignedly extending along said pivot axis of said foldable electronic device, wherein each of said second pivot arms has an axial slot arranged when said axial protrusion is slidably inserted into said axial slot to form said pivot point of said case body, said upper frame is pivotally connected to said bottom frame for synchronically folding with said foldable electronic device.

9. The protecting case, as recited in claim 7, wherein each of said first pivot arms has an axial protrusion alignedly extending along said pivot axis of said foldable electronic device, wherein each of said second pivot arms has an axial slot arranged when said axial protrusion is slidably inserted into said axial slot to form said pivot point of said case body, said upper frame is pivotally connected to said bottom frame for synchronically folding with said foldable electronic device.

10. The protecting case, as recited in claim 1, wherein said case body has a plurality of accessing through slots spacedly formed at said bottom frame for aligning with peripheral accessing plugs of said foldable electronic device so as to allow said peripheral accessing plugs thereof being accessed through said accessing through slots when said case body is detachably mounted to said foldable electronic device.

11. The protecting case, as recited in claim 7, wherein said case body has a plurality of accessing through slots spacedly formed at said bottom frame for aligning with peripheral accessing plugs of said foldable electronic device so as to allow said peripheral accessing plugs thereof being accessed through said accessing through slots when said case body is detachably mounted to said foldable electronic device.

12. The protecting case, as recited in claim 9, wherein said case body has a plurality of accessing through slots spacedly formed at said bottom frame for aligning with peripheral accessing plugs of said foldable electronic device so as to allow said peripheral accessing plugs thereof being accessed through said accessing through slots when said case body is detachably mounted to said foldable electronic device.

13. The protecting case, as recited in claim 7, further comprising an anti-slip element provided on a bottom side of said bottom frame, wherein said anti-slip element is made of material having a high friction coefficient for preventing said foldable electronic device from slipping while being used.

14. The protecting case, as recited in claim 12, further comprising an anti-slip element provided on a bottom side of said bottom frame, wherein said anti-slip element is made of material having a high friction coefficient for preventing said foldable electronic device from slipping while being used.

15. The protecting case, as recited in claim 12, wherein said case body is made of reinforcing plastic having transparent properties for minimizing said external shock exerted on said foldable electronic device and for keeping an aesthetic appearance thereof.

16. The protecting case, as recited in claim 14, wherein said case body is made of reinforcing plastic having transparent properties for minimizing said external shock exerted on said foldable electronic device and for keeping an aesthetic appearance thereof.

17. The protecting case, as recited in claim 12, wherein said case body further comprises a picture pocket formed between a bottom side of said upper frame and a top side of said upper panel for replaceably receiving a picture frame in said picture pocket to personalize said foldable electronic device.

18. The protecting case, as recited in claim 16, wherein said case body further comprises a picture pocket formed between a bottom side of said upper frame and a top side of said upper panel for replaceably receiving a picture frame in said picture pocket to personalize said foldable electronic device.

19. The protecting case, as recited in claim 12, wherein a top side of said upper frame is made of stickable material for allowing a personal sticker replaceably sticking on said top side of said upper frame to personalize said foldable electronic device.

20. The protecting case, as recited in claim 16, wherein a top side of said upper frame is made of stickable material for allowing a personal sticker replaceably sticking on said top side of said upper frame to personalize said foldable electronic device.