MOBILE DEVICE PROTECTIVE CASE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority of Chinese patent application CN202422254076.9, filed on September 14, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to peripherals for mobile devices, and in particular, to a mobile device protective case.

BACKGROUND

Mobile devices such as smartphones are electronic products frequently used in people's daily lives. Due to their frequent usage and relatively high cost, a protective case is needed to protect them from damage caused by drops or bumps. However, existing protective cases have relatively limited functions, providing only protection for mobile devices without offering other additional capabilities.

In the existing technology, mobile devices are often equipped with capacitive touchscreens. Users can control mobile devices simply by tapping or swiping on their screens. Nevertheless, when playing certain interactive games that require touching virtual buttons on the screen, users can only manipulate the games by touching the screen, which often leads to accidental touches. Additionally, the tactile experience of touching the screen for operation further tends to be unsatisfactory.

SUMMARY

In order to solve shortcomings in existing technologies, the present disclosure is to provide a mobile device protective case, which is provided with buttons that can be moved onto the touchscreen along with the protective case, enabling users to perform indirect touch control of the mobile device through these buttons.

In order to achieve above-mentioned objects, the present disclosure provides a mobile device case configured to cover a peripheral of a mobile device with a touchscreen. The mobile device protective case configured to cover a peripheral of a mobile device with a touchscreen includes a first case, a second case and a button part. The first case is configured to cover a first part of a back of the mobile device. The second case is configured to cover a second part of the back of the mobile device in a first use state, and is configured to be detached from the back of the mobile device and to cover a front of the mobile device in a second use state. The button part is arranged on the second case and is configured to allow a user to touch the touchscreen through the button part in the second use state.

Comparing with existing technologies, the protective case for mobile devices provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes a second case that can cover the back of the mobile device in the first use state. The second case further can be detached from the back of the mobile device to cover the front of the mobile device in the second use state. This enables the mobile device protective case to protect the mobile device in the first use state while not interfering with user's touchscreen operations on the mobile device. Additionally, in the second use state, when the second case covers the front of the mobile device, the user can touch the touchscreen through the button part to play games, thereby enhancing gaming operation experience.

Embodiments of the present disclosure further provides a mobile device protective case configured to cover a peripheral of a mobile device with a touchscreen. The mobile device protective case includes a case and a button part. The case is configured to cover a back of the mobile device in a first use state. At least part of the case is configured to be detached from the back of the mobile device and to cover a front of the mobile device. The button part is arranged on at least part of the case and is configured to allow a user to touch the touchscreen through the button part in the second use state.

At least part of the case can cover the back of the mobile device in the first use state and can be detached from the back of the mobile device to cover the front of the mobile device in the second use state. Therefore, the mobile device protective case can protect the mobile device in the first use state without affecting touchscreen operations of the mobile device. Furthermore, in the second use state, at least part of the case can cover the front of the mobile device to allow the user to touch the touchscreen through the button part to performing gaming operations, which improve gaming operational experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention more clearly, the following will briefly introduce the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments. Apparently, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative work.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile device protective case according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mobile device protective case in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case in FIG. 2 from another perspective.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a protruding column of the mobile device protective case in the first embodiment of the present disclosure passing through a through-hole and engaging with a circular ring column.

FIG. 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case provided in the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a first use state.

FIG. 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case provided in the first embodiment of the present disclosure in a second use state.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is another exploded view of the mobile device protective case in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case in FIG. 8 from another perspective.

FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case with a mobile device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case provided in the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a first use state.

FIG. 12 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case provided in the second embodiment of the present disclosure in a second use state.

FIG. 13 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case in a first use state according to a modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a structural schematic diagram of the mobile device protective case in a second use state according to the modified embodiment of the present disclosure.

Reference numerals:

100, mobile device protective case; 101, display opening;

1, first case; 10, button cover; 11, opening; 12, first base plate;

2, second case; 21, button hole; 23, first column; 24, second base plate;

3, button part; 31, button; 32, through hole; 33, positioning block;

4, bottom plate; 41, hole; 42, second column;

5, adjustment component; 51, first side panel; 52, second side panel;

6, connecting element; 61, slot; 62, latch;

7, case;

200, mobile device; 201, back; 202, first part; 203, second part; 204, front; 205, predetermined part; 210, touchscreen;

L, predetermined direction; L', length direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed description of the present disclosure is merely an interpretation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation of the present application. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art may make non-contributive modifications to the present embodiment as needed, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present application, they are protected by patent laws.

The present disclosure relates to a mobile device protective case 100 with detachable buttons. Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the mobile device protective case 100 includes a first case 1 and a second case 2. Both the first case 1 and the second case 2 can be fitted onto the mobile device 200. Specifically, the first case 1 is configured to be placed on an upper part of the mobile device 200 adjacent to a camera, that is, on an upper part (further referred to as a first part 202) of a back 201 of the mobile device 200. The second case 2 is configured to cover a side of the mobile device 200 opposite to the camera in a first use state. That is, the part covered by the second case 2 is a lower part (further referred to as a second part 203) of the back 201 of the mobile device 200. Therefore, the first case 1 and the second case 2 can protect the upper part and the lower part of the back 201 of the mobile device 200, respectively.

An adjustment component 5 can be positioned between the first case 1 and the second case 2. The adjustment component 5 is configured to allow the second case 2 to be detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and to be placed over a front 204 of the mobile device 200. The mobile device is equipped with a touchscreen 210. Therefore, in a second use state, the second case 2 can be detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and cover the touchscreen 210 (i.e., the front 204 of the mobile device 200). It can be understood that the adjustment component 5 enables the second case 2 to be detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and placed over the front 204 of the mobile device 200, which is equipped with a touchscreen 210, allowing the second case 2 to cover the touchscreen 210 of the mobile device 200.

It should be noted that a working principle of the touchscreen 210 is as follows: when a human finger touches the touchscreen 210, a coupling capacitance is generated between the human finger and the touchscreen 210. Since the touchscreen 210 is connected to a high-frequency signal, a certain amount of charge is transferred to the human body. To compensate lost charge, charge is replenished from four corners of the touchscreen 210. The amount of replenished charge is proportional to a distance between a touch position of the human finger and the four corners, and the touch position can be determined using a preset formula within the mobile device 200.

The mobile device 200 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. The mobile device protective case 100 for the mobile device 200 is detachable, meaning it can be installed on or removed from the mobile device 200.

It should be added that an opening 11 is provided on the first case 1, allowing the camera of the mobile device to be exposed, thus not affecting normal use of the camera when the first case 1 covers the first part 202 of the back 201 of the mobile device 200. Additionally, a plurality of button covers 10 are arranged on a first side panel 51 of the first case 1, which can cover and protect the buttons on the side of the mobile device 200.

In an embodiment, the adjustment component 5 may include the first side panel 51 connecting a side of the first case 1 to a side of the second case 2, and a second side panel 52 connecting the side of the second case 2 to the side of the first case 1. The first side panel 51 and the second side panel 52 can protect the sides of the mobile device while allowing both the first case 1 and the second case 2 to cover the back 201 and sides of the mobile device 200. Furthermore, after the second case 2 is detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200, it can still be reinstalled on the front 204 of the mobile device 200. It should be noted that the first case 1 and the first side panel 51 are integrally formed, and the second case 2 and the second side panel 52 are integrally formed. It can be understood that the first side panel 51 and the second side panel 52 being extensions of the first case 1 and the second case 2 in the lateral direction, respectively. The first side panel 51 can be at a right angle to a first base plate 12 of the first case 1, and the second side panel 52 can be at a right angle to a second base plate 24 of the second case 2.

In other embodiments, the adjustment component 5 may include other connecting structures that enable movable connections between the first case 1 and the second case 2, such as sliding connections, pivoting connections, or snap-fit connections, without being limited to these embodiments. Specifically, the adjustment component 5 may further include a locking mechanism to secure the connection between the first case 1 and the second case 2, as well as an unlocking mechanism to release the connection between the first case 1 and the second case 2.

In the embodiment, the mobile device 200 is a mobile phone, or it could alternatively be a tablet computer or a laptop. In other embodiments, the sides of the first case 1 and the second case 2 may do not include the first side panel 51 and the second side panel 52 (i.e., without the adjustment component 5). Alternatively, the first side panel 51 and the second side panel 52 may be attached to the back 201 of the mobile device 200 using hook-and-loop fasteners or magnetic elements, thereby providing protection to the back 201 of the mobile device 200.

Specifically, the adjustment component 5 in other embodiments may include a hinge that enables the first case 1 and the second case 2 to be pivotally connected with each other. Therefore, the second case 2 can rotate relative to the first case 1 and move from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 to the front 204 of the mobile device 200, thereby covering the screen of the mobile device 200.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a connecting element 6 is further provided between the first case 1 and the second case 2. The connecting element 6 is configured to allow the first case 1 and the second case 2 to be detachably connected with each other, facilitating easy detaching the second case 2 from the first case 1 and connecting of the second case 2 to the first case 1 according to use states of the mobile device 200. It enhances operability and provides a better user experience. Specifically, the connecting element 6 includes at least one slot 61 located on the side of the first case 1 adjacent to the second case 2, and at least one latch 62 on the second case 2 configured to be engaged with the slot 61. Once being engaged, the at least one slot 61 and the at least one latch 62 allow the first case 1 and the second case 2 to form a continuous casing. By configuring the connecting element 6 to include the at least one slot 61 and the at least one latch 62, it is simple in operation to connect the first case 1 to the second case 2 and to detach the second case 2 from the first case 1, enhancing operability and user experience.

It should be noted that the at least one slot 61 is arranged on an inner surface of the first side panel 51 of the first case 1. In the embodiment, the number of the at least one slot 61 is two and two slots 61 are arranged on the inner surface of the first side panel 51 of the first case 1 respectively. Correspondingly, the number of the at least one latch 62 is two and two latches 62 are arranged on the second side panel 52 of the second case 2 respectively, protruding towards the first case 1 so that the two latches 62 can be inserted into the two slots 61 on the inner surfaces of the first side panels 51 of the first case 1 respectively.

In the embodiment, the first case 1 further includes a positioning protrusion, while the second case 2 includes a corresponding positioning recess corresponding to the positioning protrusion. The positioning protrusion extends towards the second case 2, while the positioning recess recessed away from the first case 1. A depth of the positioning recess matches with a length of the positioning protrusion.

Preferably, the second case 2 further includes a button part 3 that allows users to indirectly touch the front 204 of the mobile device 200. Since the front 204 of the mobile device 200 is provided with a touchscreen 210, users can manipulate the touchscreen 210 via the button part 3.

It can be understood that the second case 2 further includes the button part 3. When the mobile device 200 is in a first use state, i.e., when it is being used for general touchscreen operations, the second case 2 covers the second part 203 of the back 201 of the mobile device 200 to provide protection and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. When the mobile device 200 is in a second use state, for example, during gaming, the second case 2 is detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and covers the front 204, allowing users to manipulate the touchscreen 210 via the button part 3 for gaming and other operations. By enabling the second case 2 to cover the back 201 of the mobile device 200 in the first use state and to be detached from the back 201 and to cover the front 204 in the second use state, the mobile device protective case 100 for the mobile device provides protection in the first use state without interfering with touchscreen operations, and enhance gaming experience in the second use state by allowing users to manipulate the touchscreen 210 via the button part 3.

It should be noted that the button part 3 is positioned on the side of the second case 2 facing the mobile device 200. The button part 3 is provided with a plurality of buttons 31, and the second case 2 defines a plurality of button holes 21 configured to allow the buttons 31 to be exposed therethrough. After the button part 3 is installed on the second case 2, the a plurality of buttons 31 protrude through corresponding button holes 21 to the outer surface of the second case 2. The types and layout of the buttons 31 on the button part 3 are configured to match a gaming interface of the mobile device 200. For instance, the a plurality of buttons 31 include four directional buttons, a back button, and a confirm button.

Preferably, a bottom plate 4 is arranged on a side of the button part 3 facing away from the second case 2. The bottom plate 4 is in a size fitting the button part 3 and includes a plurality of holes 41 corresponding to the buttons 31 respectively. When being pressed, the buttons 31 extend through the holes 41 to touch the screen of the mobile device 200. The arrangement of the holes 41 can increase a travel distance of the buttons 31, reducing a possibility of accidental button presses.

As shown in FIG. 4, the side of the second case 2 facing the mobile device is provided with at least one first column 23. The button part 3 defines at least one through hole 32 configured to allow the at least one first column 23 to pass therethrough. The bottom plate 4 include at least one second column 42 configured to be inserted into the at least one first column 23. Once the at least one second column 42 is inserted into the at least one first column 23, the bottom plate 4 is securely connected to the second case 2. Simultaneously, since the at least one first column 23 passes through the at least one through hole 32 on the button part 3, the button part 3 is sandwiched between the bottom plate 4 and the second case 2, ensuring securing of the button part 3. In the embodiment, the number of the at least one first column 23, the number of the at least one through hole 32, and the number of the at least one second column 42 an be plural. The first columns 23, the through holes 32, and the second columns 42 are configured to further enhance stability of the connection between the button part 3 and the bottom plate 4. It can be understood that, in the embodiment, the first columns 23 are circular ring columns, and the second columns 42 are protruding columns. However, in alternative embodiments, the first columns 23 could be protruding columns, and the second columns 42 could be circular ring columns. The first columns 23 is capable of being inserted into the second columns 42.

In other embodiments, the bottom plate 4, the button part 3, and the second case 2 may be bonded together using adhesive. Alternatively, screws may be used to pass through the bottom plate 4 and button part 3 to secure them to the second case 2.

Preferably, since the button part 3 is sandwiched between the second case 2 and the bottom plate 4, lateral displacement of the button part 3 may occur when the protective case is shaken. Therefore, a plurality of positioning blocks 33 are positioned on the side of the button part 3 facing the bottom plate 4, surrounding edges of the bottoms of the buttons 31. The positioning blocks 33 are configured to pass through the holes 41 on the bottom plate 4 to position the buttons 31 on the bottom plate 4, reducing a possibility of button misalignment due to movement of the button part 3 and improving accuracy of button presses.

It should be added that a depth of the holes 41 on the bottom plate 4 is not less than (i.e., greater than or equal to) a height of the positioning blocks 33 at the bottoms of the buttons 31. It can reduce an overall thickness from the bottom plate 4 to the second case 2 and can make the entire protective case thinner and more aesthetically pleasing.

Furthermore, the adjustment component 5 includes at least one first side panel 51 positioned on the side of the protective case and covering the side of the mobile device 200. It should be noted that the at least one slot 61 is located on the inner surfaces of the at least one first side panel 51 of the first case 1. In the embodiment, the at least one first side panel 51 includes two first side panels 51 arranged on two opposite sides of the first case 1 respectively. The number of the at least one slot 61 is two and two slots 61 are arranged on the inner surfaces of the two first side panels 51 respectively. Correspondingly, two latches 62 are arranged on the inner surfaces of two second side panels 52 of the second case 2. The two latches 62 protrude towards the first case 1 so that they can be inserted into the two slots 61 on the inner surfaces of the first side panels 51 of the first case 1 respectively. The adjustment component 5 allows the mobile device protective case 100 to be fitted around an exterior of the mobile device 200, securing it in place. Additionally, when combined with the connecting element 6, it ensures an even more stable attachment of the mobile device protective case 100 to the mobile device 200.

Preferably, the button part 3 and the buttons 31 are integrally formed. The button part 3 is plate-shaped. Both the button part 3 and the buttons 31 are made of flexible materials. Additionally, at least a portion of each button 31 is composed of a conductive material. When one of the buttons 31 is pressed by a human finger, its conductive part moves relative to the button part 3 towards the touchscreen 210 of the mobile device until the one of the buttons 31 contacts the touchscreen 210. Under conductive action of the button's conductive material, it can conduct the electrical charge from the touch position on the touchscreen 210 to the human body, thereby triggering the touchscreen 210 of the mobile device and achieving the purpose of touch control. By integrating the button part 3 and the buttons 31 and using flexible materials, pressing becomes more comfortable and offers better durability.

Furthermore, in the first use state, the first case 1 and the second case 2 are arranged along a predetermined direction L, which corresponds to a length direction L' of the mobile device 200. The first case 1 and the second case 2 respectively cover the first part 202 and the second part 203 of the back 201 of the mobile device 200. In the embodiment, the first use state may represent a touchscreen operation mode of the mobile device 200, where users perform normal functional operations on the mobile device 200 through touchscreen interactions. In this state, the first case 1 and the second case 2 are arranged along the predetermined direction L on the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and covers the first part 202 and the second part 203 of the back 201 respectively. In this configuration, the mobile device protective case 100 does not interfere with the normal operations of the mobile device 200 by the user while further providing protection for the mobile device 200.

Moreover, in the second use state, the second case 2 covers a predetermined part 205 of the front 204 of the mobile device 200. Viewed from a direction from the front 204 to the back 201 of the mobile device 200, the predetermined part 205 overlaps with the second part 203 of the back 201 of the mobile device 200. In this embodiment, the second use state may be when the mobile device 200 is used for gaming operations, etc., where users perform gaming activities on the mobile device 200. To facilitate more convenient, comfortable, and user-friendly gaming operations, the second case 2 can be positioned to cover the predetermined part 205 of the front 204 of the mobile device 200. Viewed from the direction from the front 204 to the back 201 of the mobile device 200, this predetermined part overlaps with the second part 203 of the back 201 of the mobile device 200. Therefore, the second case covers the touchscreen area on the front 204 of the mobile device 200 that corresponds to the second part 203. It allows users to perform gaming and other operations by touching the touchscreen 210 through the button part 3.

Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the first case 1 includes the first base plate 12 and the first side panels 51 connected to a periphery of the first base plate 12. The second case 2 includes a second base plate 24 and second side panels 52 connected to a periphery of the second base plate 24. The first base plate 12 and the second base plate 24 are configured to cover the front 204 or the back 201 of the mobile device 200, while the first side panels 51 and the second side panels 52 are intended to cover and secure the sides of the mobile device 200.

Specifically, when viewed from the direction from the front 204 to the back 201 of the mobile device 200, the first side panel 51 has an "n" shape. The second side panel 52 is arranged in a generally symmetrical manner to the first side panel 51, forming an inverted "n" shape. The first side panel 51 and the second side panel 52 are configured to cover at least parts of three sides of the mobile device 200, respectively. By incorporating the first side panels 51 and the second side panels 52, three sides of the mobile device 200 can be covered. Therefore, the mobile device protective case 100 can be secured to the mobile device 200 to provide protection for the mobile device 200.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, in another embodiment, a mobile device protective case 100 configured to cover a periphery of a mobile device 200 equipped with a touchscreen 210, includes a case 7. The case 7 is configured to cover the back 201 of the mobile device 200 in a first use state. At least a portion of the case 7 is further configured to be detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and to cover the front 204 of the mobile device 200 in a second use state. The mobile device protective case 100 further includes a button part 3 positioned on at least a portion of the case 7, which allows users to touch the touchscreen 210 through the button part 3 when the case 7 is in the second use state.

In this embodiment, the mobile device 200 can be a mobile phone, a tablet, etc. The mobile device protective case 100 is a detachable case that includes the case 7 capable of being fitted onto the mobile device 200. The case 7 is placed on the side of the mobile device 200 away from the camera, i.e., the lower part of the back 201 of the mobile device 200, thereby protecting the lower part of the back 201 of the mobile device 200. Additionally, the case 7 is equipped with the button part 3. When the mobile device 200 is in the first use state, i.e., during touchscreen operations for device functions, the case 7 covers the back 201 of the mobile device 200, which provides protection and aesthetic appearance. When the mobile device 200 is in the second use state, such as during gaming operations, the case 7 can be detached from the back 201 of the mobile device 200 and can cover the front 204 of the mobile device 200. In this case, it allows users to touch the touchscreen 210 through the button part 3 for gaming and other operations. The case 7 can cover the back 201 of the mobile device 200 in the first use state. The case 7 further can be detached from the back 201 and can cover the front 204 of the mobile device 200 in the second use state. Therefore, the mobile device protective case 100 can protect the mobile device 200 in the first use state without interfering with touchscreen operations. The mobile device protective case 100 further enhance the gaming experience in the second use state when the case 7 covers the front 204 of the mobile device 200 and users touch the touchscreen 210 through the button part 3 for gaming.

It should be noted that in the second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, compared to the first embodiment described above, the case 7 may simply correspond to the second case 2 in the first embodiment. The specific structure of the second case 2 has already been explained in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8 and will not be elaborated on here. Furthermore, in a modified embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the case 7 may further be an integrated structure combining the first case 1 and the second case 2 in the first embodiment (i.e., an inseparable structure, such as an integrally molded structure). The difference is that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first case 1 only include the first side panel 51, resulting in a display opening 101, and does not include the first base plate 12 shown in FIGS. 1-8. This ensures that the screen of the mobile device 200 is not obstructed by the case 7 when the mobile device protective case 100 is in the second use state.

The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as limiting the scope of patent protection. It should be pointed out that, for ordinary skilled in the art, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, which all fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be determined by appended claims.