Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical... – For electronic systems and devices
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-16
2001-11-13
Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2835)
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...
For electronic systems and devices
C361S679090, C345S168000, C400S691000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06317313
ABSTRACT:
FIELD
This invention relates to a case and a cover for an electronic device, such as a personal digital assistant.
BACKGROUND
Electronic devices, such as so-called personal digital assistants, are widely used today. As used herein, a personal digital assistant or PDA is understood to encompass a palmtop computer, a handheld computer, and a notebook computer, as well as any other type of other portable microprocessor-based device.
Personal digital assistants are used to perform a full array of computing tasks in all environments. Some use PDAs simply to provide the same computing functions traditionally found on a desktop computer, whereas others take advantage of the portability of PDAs for the added functions of specialized data collection or communication with other devices.
Because of their convenient size (some PDAs fit within a shirt pocket), PDAs often have a stylus-driven input and command routine, together with several manual controls (e.g., an array of a few buttons). In a PDA, the traditional keyboard may be omitted in favor of a touch-sensitive “keyboard” that can be displayed on the screen of the device with any desired “key” being selected by tapping that key with a stylus.
With their ever-decreasing size, PDAs remain susceptible to permanent loss of function and data through being dropped or subjected to other damage. In addition, most PDAs are not designed for weather resistance, and thus can become damaged if exposed to moisture.
Traditional covers for the screen of an electronic device, and cases that provide full protection for the back of the device as well as for the screen, typically do not allow the device to be operated while it is in the cover or in the case. Rather, the device must first be removed from the cover or the case before it can be used. Thus, traditional covers and cases are inconvenient.
It would be desirable to provide a cover and a case that would allow the PDA to be operated with at least some of its functionality while being protected within the cover or the case.
SUMMARY
According to the present invention, there is provided a cover for an electronic device that allows the device to be operated while the cover is in place over the screen of the device with a device operating feature on the cover. A case that includes the cover as a front cover, as well a rear cover coupled to the front cover, is also provided. The cover and the case help protect the electronic device against shock and weather.
The cover may include a window that allows at least a portion of the screen of the device to remain visible through the window. The device operating feature of the cover may be one or more keys or buttons that overlie and are depressible into contact with command receptive portions of the device, e.g., touch-sensitive portions of the screen of the device or buttons on the device. The device operating feature may also be an aperture in the cover through which a command actuator, e.g., a stylus, a pen or a user's finger, can be inserted to operate the device.
The cover may also be electrically connectable to the device. The rear cover of the case may be shaped to engage another device, and may be electrically connectable to the device.
The case may be shaped to engage a stand, and, when engaged, may form an electrical connection with the stand such that power can be received from the stand (e.g., to power and recharge the case and/or the device).
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 237195 (1975-10-01), Kitai et al.
patent: D. 282745 (1986-02-01), Brown
patent: D. 325728 (1992-04-01), Mayo et al.
patent: D. 327881 (1992-07-01), McFarlane
patent: 4727368 (1988-02-01), Larson et al.
patent: 4851652 (1989-07-01), Imran
patent: 5063484 (1991-11-01), Tanaka
patent: 5280518 (1994-01-01), Danler et al.
patent: 5408044 (1995-04-01), Spiegel
patent: 5475375 (1995-12-01), Barrett et al.
patent: 5644516 (1997-07-01), Podwalny et al.
patent: 5654696 (1997-08-01), Barrett et al.
patent: 5715524 (1998-02-01), Jambhekar, Jr.
patent: 5766794 (1998-06-01), Brunette et al.
patent: 5847698 (1998-12-01), Reavey et al.
patent: 5848298 (1998-12-01), Steere, Jr. et al.
patent: 5867140 (1999-02-01), Rader
patent: 5890997 (1999-04-01), Roth
patent: 6046728 (2000-04-01), Hume et al.
patent: 6046730 (2000-04-01), Bowen et al.
patent: 6163326 (2000-12-01), Klein et al.
patent: 6166722 (2000-12-01), Kawabe et al.
patent: 6166737 (2000-12-01), Lee et al.
Herrington Catalog, Christmas Eve 1999.
Bellamy Dirk L.
Hill Matthew S.
Larson Wayne F.
Luebeck Jon Marc
Mosgrove Isaac J.
Duong Hung Van
Interlogix, Inc.
Klarquist & Sparkman, LLP
Picard Leo P.
LandOfFree
Case and cover for an electronic device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Case and cover for an electronic device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Case and cover for an electronic device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2581951