CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] Claims Priority of US non-provisional application 16/432,970 filed on 06/06/2019.

Claim priority of US Provisional application 62935666 filed on 1 1 /1 5/2019

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a protective case. More so, the present invention relates to a protective casemade of a non-flexible or a semi-rigid or non-stretchable material that provides maximum coverage. With a small slit at or near corners a case made out from rigid (non-stretchable) material can be installed easily on an electronic device. It also features a case made from 2 pieces wherein each of the two pieces latches on the electronic device independently. It also features a variation where both the case pieces additionally inter-lock to one another to provide better latching strength and coverage.

[0005] It also features a variation where an outer shell is made from non-stretchable material used in conjunction with softer layer inside to provide flexibility needed for the electronic device to be inserted in the protective case.

[0006] The protective case featured in this application can be made from non- stretchable material but not limited to the carbon fiber, kelvar, metal, wood or any material that is non-stretchable, semi-rigid or rigid material. The stretchable material can be but not limited to the silicone, rubber, TPU, TPE or any material that is stretchable and or flexible.

[0007] The protective case featured in this invention can be made of hard materials or soft flexible materials. It is easy to insert an electronic device in a soft protective case; however, such soft protective cases provide low grade protection to the secured electronic device. While protective cases made of hard material provide better protection it is difficult to insert an electronic device in it. In an alternative version, a large portion of side walls is removed from hard protective case that allows flexibility, which in turn allows insertion of an electronic device in a hard protective case. This removal of significant portion of side wall compromises the safety of the secured electronic device, in case of an accidental fall. In light of the above mentioned drawbacks, there exists a need of a protective case that allows ease of insertion of an electronic device while providing high grade protection to the edges of the electronic device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figure, wherein:

[0009] FIG.1 illustrates a protective case 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0010] FIG.2 illustrates a view of a slit and a lip at a corner region of a protective case 200, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure; and

[001 1 ] FIG.3 illustrates a cross-section view of a slit and a lip at a corner region of a protective case 300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0012] FIG.4 illustrates a protective case 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0013] FIG.5 illustrates a protective case 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG.6 illustrates a protective case 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG.7 illustrates a protective case 700, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG.8 illustrates a protective case 800, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG.9 illustrates a protective case 900, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0018] FIG.10 illustrates a protective case 1000, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0019] FIG.1 1 illustrates a protective case 1 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG.12 illustrates a protective case 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021 ] FIG.13 illustrates a protective case 1300, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG.14 illustrates a protective case 1400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0023] It should be noted that a word“edge” mentioned in this invention is but not limited to surfaces surrounding the display of an electronic device. When referred as “back surface” it’s the opposite side surface to the display which generally has camera and back plate in most mobile phones and other electronic devices have a cover in the back.

[0024] It should be noted that the accompanying figure are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale. The similar slit design concept can be used into various other applications to make protective or decorative cases out of non-stretchable materials for variety of products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figure is intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawing, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding. Similar mechanism can be used in various shapes and sizes to accomplish similar goal for a protective case made out of a non-stretchable material.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a protective case 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The protective case 100 has an edge surface 105. The edge surface 105 is designed to provide protection to all sides perpendicular and surrounding to the display of the electronic device. The electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet, a screen, a desktop monitor and so forth. The electronic device is not shown in the FIG.1 for the sake of clarity. The edge surface 105 of the protective case 100 is made of a semi-rigid or a non-flexible or a non-stretchable material. A semi-rigid or non- flexible or non-stretchable can be aluminium like metal, plastic, wood, a carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, synthetic material or a non-synthetic material or a similar non-flexible or non-stretch-able material. The edge surface 105 secures an electronic device. The edge surface 105 has a plurality of corner regions 1 10. Each of the plurality of corner regions 1 10 has one or more slits 1 15 as shown in fig.1 . The slits can be in various numbers or in various regions of the edge to provide flexibility needed for the electronic device to be inserted in the protective case 100. The at least one slit needed for entire edge surface is also possible depending on the region the slit is. At least one slit also can be featured at or near the corner of the protective case. The one or more slits 1 15 to provide little flexibility to the corner region to enable insertion of an electronic device in the protective case 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more slits 1 15 are a full slit, reaching substantially near a bottom of the edge 105. The back surface 120 has an opening in the centre to provide a view to the back of the electronic device or to the front screen of the electronic device since the case configuration can be used wise-versa. The back surface 120 can be made of a semi rigid or a non-flexible material. Also the back surface 120 can be of a substantially square shape or a substantially rectangular shape or any other shape. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the slit 1 15 is a partial slit. It will be understood to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the one or more slits 1 15 can be deeper or shallower or in multiple numbers in the edge region of entire protective case. In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure, there could be any number of slits in the corner region 1 10 and or on the edge region 105 that protects side of the electronic device. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the protective case 100 has a lip 125. The lip 125 secures an electronic device to the protective case 100. It should be noted that the lip 125 can be of several shapes / sizes and can be placed at different locations on the protective case 100. The lip also can be configured but not limited to as a part of the edge. The lip also can be on the top and the bottom of the edge surface 105 to secure the electronic device from slipping out of it from top or bottom. This protective case 100 also can be configured to be inverted wherein the protective case is inserted on the electronic device from top instead of bottom. As shown in fig.1 the edge wall can provide protection to the entire side of the electronic device. Also a slit can be wide enough to serve a dual purpose of providing enough flexibility so the case can be inserted over an electronic device and provide functionality to operate the electronic device. Also as shown in fig.1 & fig. 3 the edge surface can be as tall to provide protection to entire side section’s height from bottom to the top.

[0028] FIG.2 illustrates a closer view of the corner region 1 10 of the protective case 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The corner region 1 10 is shown to include one slit 1 15. It will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that various shapes, sizes and numbers of slits are possible in the entire edge 105 surrounding the electronic device, without affecting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG.3 illustrates a cross section of the protective case shown in fig.1. The cross section shows 3 separate regions for sake of clarity. The edge region 105, shown as a vertical edge, protects the sides of the electronic device. The base 130 is attached to the edge region 105 and is marked with horizontal lines in fig.3. The base region’s functionality is to connect all edge regions together. The base region also acts as a stopper in order to secure the inserted (not shown) electronic device from slipping out from the bottom side of the protective case. The grid region 125 is connected to the edge region 105 and is marked with a grid lines in fig.3. The lip region 125 secures the electronic device between the lip 125 and the base 130. Additionally the slit 1 15 is a separation that goes through both the lip 125 and the edge region 105 to allow flexibility to insert an electronic device into the protective case. The edge 105, lip 125 and base 130 are all made from non-stretchable material. [0030] Fig.4 illustrates the protective case 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The window 120 is featured to provide access to operate the electronic device including but not limited to access to speakers of the electronic device, to at least one display, buttons, charging port or any other operational functionality. The slits 1 15 plays a crucial role in allowing an electronic device inserted into the edge 105 of the case 400 that is made from a non-stretchable semi-rigid or rigid material with very little flexibility. Additionally the case can have a back protection layer 130 to protect the back side that is opposite to the display in most electronic devices. The back side also can be absent or have a window 120 shown in fig.1 in the protective case 400. This protective case 400 also can be configured to be inverted wherein the protective case is inserted on the electronic device from top instead of bottom with a window 120 to operate display as shown in fig.1 .

[0031 ] Fig.5 illustrates the protective case 500, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The slit 1 15 is missing here at the corner instead a wider slit 135 which serves a dual purpose of providing flexibility the edge 105 need to insert the electronic device and an access to operate the electronic device that is inserted into the protective case 500 that is made from a non-stretchable semi-rigid or rigid material with very little flexibility. Additionally the case can have a back protection layer 130 to protect the back side that is opposite to the display in most electronic devices. The back side also can be absent by leaving a window 120 as shown in fig.1 in the bottom part of the protective case 400. This protective case 400 also can be configured to be inverted wherein the protective case is inserted on the electronic device from top instead of bottom.

[0032] FIG.6 illustrates the protective case 600, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The slit 1 15 is missing here at the corner instead a wide slit 140 provides flexibility the edge 105 need to insert the electronic device into the protective case 500 that is made from a non-stretchable semi-rigid or rigid material with very little flexibility. The wide slit 140 can be shorter in width than the entire side thus will cover at least small portion on the side the wide slit 140 had been situated around. The wide slit also can be as wide as the entire side it’s protecting providing flexibility needed for an electronic device to be inserted inn.

[0033] FIG.7 illustrates the protective case 700 with a 2-piece design wherein the outer case 710 being used with an inner soft case 605 made from a softer material than the protective case 710 which is made from a non-stretchable semi-rigid or rigid material with very little flexibility. The protective case 710 has a slit 1 15 present at the corner which can be present anywhere in the edge 105 surface to provide needed flexibility. Additionally the case 705 made from softer and stretchable material can have various configurations and coverage with larger windows or cushion points to provide usability and protection against an impact. The case 705 also can be made with softer edge surfaces and harder back surfaces. Additionally the case 705 can have a window 120 as shown in fig.1 . Additionally the case can have a back protection layer 130 to protect the back side that is opposite to the display in most electronic devices. The back side also can be absent by leaving a huge window in the bottom part of the protective case 700. This protective case 600 also can be configured to be inverted wherein the protective case is inserted on the electronic device from top instead of bottom keeping rest of the configuration very identical. The protective case 700 also can be configured to have each of two pieces 705 and 710 to be inserted from opposite sides. In other words the case 705 can be designed to be inserted on the electronic device from the top while the case 710 can be designed to be inserted from the bottom or wise-versa.

[0034] Fig. 8 to fig. 1 1 illustrates a protective case made in 2 pieces with each of the two pieces having multiple wide slits, edge surfaces and lip that enables each of the two case pieces to be latched on the electronic device independently. Due to each of the case pieces latches on the electronic device separately, the bulkiness of the case can be minimized and both the pieces together can provide better coverage over any of existing configurations. By having multiple latching points, the configuration assures firmer latching of the case on the electronic device. This 2 piece protective case configurations can be made from any non-stretchable or any stretchable materials. The 2 piece configuration variations shown in this application has each of the two pieces latches independently to the electronic device. As shown in fig. 8 to 1 1 , at least one of the two case pieces latches at 3 spots to the electronic device providing better attachment of the case piece to the electronic device it’s been latched upon. Additionally the configurations shown in the figs. 8 to 1 1 can also be used in conjunction with a soft case inside or a softer layer inside to enhance the protection to the electronic device.

[0035] FIG.8 illustrates the protective case 800 that features a 2-piece design wherein the top case piece 805 and the bottom case piece 855 latches on the electronic device(not shown) independently and provides protection to the electronic device. The top case piece 805 has a base 810 from which an edge surface 815 protrudes to provide protection to the sides of the electronic device (not shown). The top case piece 805 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 820. The edge surface 815 is missing near corner regions of the top case piece 805. This missing edge surface near the corner regions provides flexibility for the case to be inserted upon the electronic device. The bottom case piece 855 has a base 860 from which an edge surface 865 protrudes to provide protection to the corners of the electronic device (not shown). The bottom case piece 855 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 870 present on multiple edge surface 865. The edge surface 865 is missing in the straight regions (between neighbouring corners) of the bottom case piece 855. This missing edge surface near the corner regions provides flexibility for the case to be inserted upon the electronic device if the case is made from non-stretchable or semi-rigid material. The window 825 and 875 also can feature to enhance appearance or to provide access to the electronic device. Together both the case pieces 805 and 810 can be configured to provide protection to the all four sides and corners surrounding the display or to provide protection to all surfaces of the electronic device while providing access to operate the electronic device where needed. This configuration shown in the fig. 8 serves a dual purpose if the case 800 is made from a non-stretchable material of provide little flexibility so the each of the case pieces can be inserted over the electronic device and reduces overall bulkiness. The case 800 also can be made from semi-rigid or flexible material in which this configuration will help reduce overall bulkiness of the case. The electronic device can be operated, charged or used for any of its audio or visual capabilities using an access window 875 that can be present anywhere on the top case piece 805 or the bottom case piece 855 or can be featured by having no coverage to the electronic device at certain area from any of the two case pieces 805 and 810 to provide accessibility to the electronic device from missing coverage region.

[0036] FIG.9 illustrates the protective case 900 that features a 2-piece design wherein the top case piece 905 and the bottom case piece 955 latches on the electronic device(not shown) independently and provides protection to the electronic device. The top case piece 905 has a base 910 from which an edge surface 915 protrudes to provide protection to the sides of the electronic device (not shown). The top case piece 905 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 920. The edge surface 915 is missing near corner and straight regions of the top case piece 905. This missing edge surface provides flexibility to the case piece 905 to be inserted on the electronic device. The bottom case piece 955 has a base 960 from which an edge surface 965 protrudes to provide protection to the corners of the electronic device (not shown). The bottom case piece 955 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 970 present on multiple edge surface 965. The edge surface 965 is missing in the straight regions (between neighbouring corners) of the bottom case piece 955. This missing edge surface provides flexibility for the case piece 955 to be inserted upon the electronic device. Additionally any of the two case pieces can feature an access to the electronic device on any of the case pieces 905 and 910. Together both the case pieces 905 and 910 can be configured to provide protection to the all four sides and corners surrounding the display or to provide protection to all surfaces of the electronic device while providing access to operate the electronic device where needed. This configuration shown in the fig. 9 serves a dual purpose if the case 900 is made from a non-stretchable material of provide little flexibility so the each of the case pieces can be inserted over the electronic device and reduces overall bulkiness. The case 900 also can be made from semi-rigid or flexible material in which this configuration will help reduce overall bulkiness of the case. The electronic device can be operated, charged or used for any of its audio or visual capabilities using an access window 925 that can be present anywhere on the top case piece 905 or the bottom case piece 955 or can be featured by having no coverage to the electronic device at certain area from any of the two case pieces 905 and 910 to provide accessibility to the electronic device from missing coverage region.

[0037] FIG.10 illustrates the protective case 1000 that features a 2-piece design wherein the top case piece 1005 and the bottom case piece 1055 latches on the electronic device(not shown) independently and provides protection to the electronic device. The top case piece 1005 has a base 1010 from which an edge surfaces 1015 and 1020 protrudes to provide protection to the sides of the electronic device (not shown). The edge surface 1015 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 1025. The edge surface 1020 does not extend as much as the edge surface 1015 to provide a space to the edge surface 1065 from the bottom case piece 1055. The bottom case piece 1055 has a base 1060 from which an edge surfaces 1065 and 1070 protrudes to provide protection to the corners of the electronic device (not shown). The edge surface 1065 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 1075. The edge surface 1070 does not extend as much as the edge surface 1065 to provide a space to the edge surface 1015 from the top case piece 1005. Additionally any one or both case pieces 1005 and 1055 can feature an access to the electronic device with windows 1030, 1080 or 1085 or by not covering an area to provide access to the electronic device. This configuration shown in the fig. 10 serves a dual purpose if the case 1000 is made from a non- stretchable material of provide little flexibility so the each of the case pieces can be inserted over the electronic device and reduces overall bulkiness. The case 1000 also can be made from semi-rigid or flexible material in which this configuration will help reduce overall bulkiness of the case.

[0038] FIG.1 1 illustrates the protective case 1 100 that features a 2-piece design wherein the top case piece 1 105 and the bottom case piece 1 155 latches on the electronic device(not shown) independently and provides protection to the electronic device while both the case pieces interlocking themselves to one another too. The top case piece 1 105 has a base 1 1 10 from which an edge surface 1 1 15 protrudes to provide protection to the sides of the electronic device (not shown). The edge surface 1 1 15 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 1 120. The bottom case piece 1 155 has a base 1 160 from which an edge surface 1 165 protrudes to provide protection to the corners and a portion of straight sides between the two corners of the electronic device (not shown). The edge surface 1 165 latches on the electronic device with help of lip 1 170. As shown in fig.1 1 both edge surfaces 1 1 15 and 1 165 are configured to interlock one-other for latching or providing protection to the electronic device. Additionally any one or both case pieces 1 105 and 1 155 can feature an access to the electronic device with windows such as 1 125 or 1 175 or by not covering an area to provide access to the electronic device. This configuration shown in the fig. 1 1 serves a dual purpose if the case 1 100 is made from a non-stretchable material of provide little flexibility so the each of the case pieces can be inserted over the electronic device and reduces overall bulkiness. The case 1 100 also can be made from semi-rigid or flexible material in which this configuration will help reduce overall bulkiness of the case.

[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates a protective case 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The protective case 1200 has a base surface 1220 and edge surface 1205 protrudes from the base surface 1220 on all sides. The edge surface 1205 is continuous like the case 100 shown in the fig.1 and is made from non-stretchable or rigid or semi-rigid material. The case 1200 does not feature any slit like the case 100 but instead it has a softer layer 1215 inside which allows enough movements to the electronic device inside the case made from non-stretchable material and allows insertion of the electronic device into the case 1200 which has the outer shell made from non-stretchable with a softer layer 1215 inside. Additionally the case 1200 features an access 1210 to operate the electronic device.

[0040] Fig.13 illustrates the protective case 1300 with a 2-piece design wherein the outer case 1355 made from non-stretchable or semi-rigid material is being used with an inner softer case 1305 made from a softer material. The softer case 1305 provides enough room for the device to be inserted into the softer case 1305 which then is inserted into the outer case 1355 for an additional protection. Both the inner and the outer cases feature access points 1310 to operate the electronic device. The back surface of the inner case 1305 can additionally have a window to provide better appearance of protection. The inner case 1305 also can have accessibility though its softer surface without any window. The outer case 1355 also can feature an access point 1310 to provide access to the electronic device. The access point 1310 also can be made by featuring a movable edge in that region.

[0041 ] Fig.14 illustrates the protective case 1400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The slit 1 15 is covered by a softer or stretchable material (grid) to allow flexibility to the edge 105 needed to insert an electronic device. The layer made from a softer material than the material of the edge, marked as grid covering the slit 105. It is still a slit, but covered by a softer or flexible material to provide continuous protection. Also a wider slit 135 which serves a dual purpose of providing flexibility to insert the electronic device and an access to operate the electronic device, also has a slit 135 with a grid which represents a softer or stretchable material conjoining the slit 135. This material covering slit area provides a protection, provides access since the material is flexible and provides enough flexibility for the edges 105 to flex during insertion of an electronic device into case 1400. This similar set up using a softer or stretchable material to cover any slit can be applied to any or all of the previous embodiments. Additionally the slit 1 15 or window 120 (shown in fig.4) covered by a softer layer can have a softer later that protrudes furtherer than the neighbouring surface around it and provide a grip when the case is being used on a slippery surface. The similar set up can be used in any of the variations shown in the application for a purpose of providing a visuals or grip so the case will not slide easily even on a slippery surfaces.