IT202000030269A1 - PROTECTIVE CASE, IN PARTICULAR FOR COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled:

PROTECTIVE CASE, IN PARTICULAR FOR COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT

DESCRIPTION TEXT

The present invention refers to a protective case which can be used, in particular, for communication devices.

Pi? precisely, the present invention relates to a protective case suitable for containing charging cases for in-ear wireless earphones, such as for example earphones known by the trade name AirPods?, or those known by the trade name Freebuds?, or still those of known under the commercial name Galaxy Buds?, just to name a few.

As known, in-ear wireless earphones are wireless earphones that are introduced into the ear canal and are supported by it without the need for a hearing aid. of support structures.

These earphones usually come with a case with an integrated battery that allows both to store them and to recharge them.

The case normally comprises two hemi-portions joined by a hinge so as to form inside them a compartment in which housings are made which are suitable for accommodating the earphones during recharging operations or when they are not being used.

Different types of covers for the aforementioned charging cases are currently known and available on the market, covers which are generally constituted by thin shells made of rubber, or other soft materials, which substantially reproduce the shapes of the case in negative.

Are covers extremely useful objects? which, in addition to performing its function of protecting the devices contained in them from scratches and falls, are becoming real fashion accessories that combine functionality? with design.

goes for? observed that known types of covers often fail to completely and correctly cover the charging cases contained in them.

Evidently, this is to the detriment of both aesthetics and efficiency, so much? that such known covers are often inadequate in effectively dissipating and/or cushioning the effects of accidental blows, falls or bumps.

Furthermore, the aforementioned covers tend to detach and slip off easily from the charging cases, and this happens not only when they are opened and subsequently closed, but also in other situations that occur during normal use.

Is it alright? noted that known types of covers cannot be closed regularly if a charging case is not inserted inside them and this, in some situations, precludes the possibility? to try on the cover that you intend to purchase or to select it appropriately from those available.

The impossibility to try the correct functionality? of the cover, despite the usual possibility? to return the product to the seller if it does not meet expectations, is a significant problem that can? also discourage the buyer from spending.

Task of the present invention ? that of realizing a protective case, in particular for communication devices, which overcomes the drawbacks of the cited prior art.

Within the scope of the above aim, a particular object of the invention is that of realizing a protective case which guarantees an effective protective action of the device kept and jointly presents a peculiar aesthetic/decorative value.

Another purpose of the invention? that of creating a protective case that remains tightly closed even if it is subjected to accidental bumps, falls and/or blows that may occur during its normal use.

Further purpose of the invention ? to create a protective case that allows you to maintain the practicality? in the use of the guarded appliance and at the same time allows to avoid accidental removal of this appliance.

Another purpose of the invention ? that of creating a protective case which, once closed, completely hides the device kept inside.

Yet another purpose of the invention ? that of creating a protective case that is perfectly closable even when it contains nothing inside.

A further purpose of the invention ? that of creating a protective case that is particularly suitable for containing the charging cases for in-ear wireless earphones of the most? well-known technology companies.

Not the last purpose of the invention ? that of creating a solid protective case, with a valuable and alternative appearance to existing products, capable of arousing the wonder and appreciation of consumers.

The task and the aforementioned purposes, as well as others which will appear better hereinafter, are joined by a protective case, in particular for communication devices, comprising two half-shells which can be removably coupled together along a diametrical plane to define at least one containment compartment, said two half-shells being movable between an open configuration in which said containment compartment ? accessible from the outside of the protective case and a closed configuration in which said containment compartment is substantially inaccessible from the outside of the protective case, said protective case being characterized in that each of said half-shells comprises a substantially rigid body and a substantially flexible cover for said body, said body and said cover being integrally joined together and being joined integrally to a reinforcing structure, said half-shells being rotatably joined together by means of a hinge and being provided with locking means in the closed configuration.

Further characteristics and advantages will become clearer from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a protective case according to the invention, illustrated for indicative and non-limiting purposes in the attached drawings in which:

figure 1 ? a perspective view of a protective case according to the invention;

figure 2 ? an exploded view of a portion of the protective case;

figure 3 ? another perspective view of the protective case;

figure 4 ? a section along the plane IV-IV of the protective case of figure 3;

figure 5 ? a section along the V-V plane of the protective case in figure 3.

With reference to the cited figures, a protective case, in particular for communication devices, is indicated as a whole with the reference number 1.

The protective case 1 comprises two half-shells 2, 3 which can be removably coupled together along a diametrical plane 100 to define a containment compartment 4.

In this case, the containment compartment 4 ? suitable for containing a charging case for in-ear wireless headphones, such as AirPods?, or other similar and/or compatible devices.

will result? however, it is evident to the expert in the sector that, by suitably choosing the shape and dimensions of the half-shells 2, 3 and of the containment compartment 4, the purposes? of application of the protective case 1 could be different from those indicated here purely by way of example.

As anticipated in the introduction, the aforementioned charging case essentially consists of two hemi-portions rotatably coupled to each other, which can be opened and closed to allow access to two housings for the earphones, defined inside the case itself.

Generally, the hemi-portions have a substantially rectangular perimeter, with rounded edges, and are connected to each other by means of a hinge arranged at a respective long side.

The two half-shells 2, 3, which in the present case substantially follow the shape of the hemi-portions of the described charging case, are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

In the open configuration a user can? access the inside of the containment compartment 4, for example to insert and/or remove the charging case, or to remove or store the earphones.

In the closed configuration, instead, the user cannot? access the inside of the containment compartment 4, if not to connect the charging case that may be present to a power cable, as best it will be? clarified in the description below.

According to the invention, each half-shell 2, 3 comprises a body 5, 6 and a cover 7, 8 for the body 5, 6 joined together integrally, for example by gluing.

Preferably, the bodies 5, 6 are made of a substantially rigid material, for example plastic material.

The covers 7, 8, on the other hand, are preferably made of a substantially flexible material, for example leather or fabric, which also allows the protective case 1 to be aesthetically ennobled.

The two half-shells 2, 3 are connected to each other in a rotatable manner by means of a hinge 9 which connects two of their corresponding sides.

Advantageously, hinge 9 ? of the type to film and ? defined by a portion of the covers 7, 8 common to both half-shells 2, 3 and by a substantially flexible ribbon 10, superimposed and joined together so as to form a single flexible body.

Consider that the axis of rotation of the hinge 9 ? substantially parallel but offset from the axis of rotation of the hemi-portions of the charging case possibly housed in the containment compartment 4.

The fact that the hinge 9 is made of a deformable material therefore makes it possible to obtain useful and important angular variations between the two half-shells 2, 3 and the diametral plane 100, while simultaneously preserving the functionality and the valuable aesthetic aspect of the protective case 1.

Indeed, when the two half-shells 2, 3 are in the closed configuration, the portion of the covers 7, 8 which together with the tape 10 defines the hinge 9 is substantially stretched.

The tape 10 ? preferably made with the same material as the covers 7, 8, however, while they are arranged with the face aesthetically more? valuable facing towards the outside of the two half-shells 2, 3, the face aesthetically more? valuable tape 10? facing the containment compartment 4.

In this way, the tape 10, in addition to reinforcing the hinge 9, maintains the aesthetic value of the protective case 1 even when the two half-shells 2, 3 are in the open configuration.

Conveniently, the tape 10 ? housed in a counter-shaped seat, which ? jointly defined by two recesses 11, 12 obtained respectively on the bodies 5, 6.

Still according to the invention, each half-shell 2, 3 also comprises a reinforcing structure aimed at increasing the resistance of the protective case 1.

The reinforcing structure essentially comprises two first profiled elements 13, 14 and two second profiled elements 15, 16 joined together so as to form a sort of cage integral with the two half-shells 2, 3.

Preferably, the first profiled elements 13, 14 and the second profiled elements 15, 16 are made of metallic material.

In this case, the first profiled elements 13, 14 are respectively integral with the edges of the half-shells 2, 3 not joined by the hinge 9 and are arranged in such a way as to be substantially parallel to the diametral plane 100 when the half-shells 2, 3 are mutually coupled.

The second profiled elements 15, 16, on the other hand, are integral with the walls of the half-shells 2, 3 and with the first profiled elements 13, 14 and are arranged in such a way as to be substantially orthogonal to the diametral plane 100 when the half-shells 2, 3 are mutually coupled.

Preferably, the first profiled elements 13, 14 have a substantially ?C? conformation, with the ends? slightly tapered, and a substantially L-shaped cross section.

Each first profiled element 13, 14 in fact comprises an abutment portion 13a, 14a, from which a flap 13b, 14b extends transversely intended to tighten a corresponding edge of the cover 7, 8 against the underlying body 5, 6.

The two abutment portions 13a, 14a are instead intended to abut each other when the half-shells 2, 3 are mutually coupled.

Advantageously, centering pins 17, 18 protrude from the abutment portions 13a, 14a of the first profiled elements 13, 14 and can be inserted into corresponding centering holes 19, 20, of which only one of the latter? shown in figure 2, made respectively in the bodies 5, 6.

Furthermore, a hooking ring 21 protrudes from the first profiled element 13, in which ? It is possible to insert a connection member, for example a carabiner, to secure the protective case 1 to a belt, a bag or other element.

Also the second profiled elements 15, 16 preferably have a substantially ?C? conformation, but their cross section? essentially a ?T?.

Each second profiled element 15, 16 in fact comprises a rib 15a, 16a, from which a fin 15b, 16b extends transversely, which protrudes from both sides of the rib 15a, 16a and ? intended to tighten corresponding edges of the cover 7, 8 against the underlying body 5, 6.

The two ribs 15a, 16a are instead intended to be inserted into corresponding recesses 22, 23 made respectively in the bodies 5, 6.

Advantageously, on the second profiled element 15 ? there is an annular shape 24 which surrounds a through opening 25 defined centrally on the half-shell 2, so as to reinforce this area.

The through opening 25 puts the inside of the half-shell 2 in communication with the outside; in this case, it can be used by a user to connect the charging case possibly present inside the protective case 1 to a power cable even if the half-shells 2, 3 are in the closed configuration.

Preferably, the first profiled elements 13, 14 are joined to the second profiled elements 15, 16 by means of removable fastening means, such as for example screws 26, 27, 28, 29 inserted in threaded holes 30, 31, 32, 33.

Suitably the threaded holes 30, 31 are obtained on two protrusions 34, 35 which extend from the abutment portion 13a of the first profiled element 13 and which are received in counter-shaped recesses 36, 37 obtained on the body 5.

The threaded holes 32, 33, on the other hand, are obtained on two protrusions 38, 39 which extend from the abutment portion 14a of the first profiled element 14 and which are received in counter-shaped recesses 40, 41 obtained on the body 6.

Preferably, the first profiled element 13 and the second profiled element 15 are slightly deformable and are sized in such a way as to allow the half-portion of the charging case to be inserted into the half-shell 2 with a slight interference force, so that accidental disengagement is prevented.

Note that with the expression ?slightly deformable? it is intended to refer to profiled elements 13, 15 capable of undergoing a deformation in the elastic range following a stress impressed on them and of returning to the initial condition once the stress has ended.

Still according to the invention, each half-shell 2, 3 also comprises locking means in the closed configuration, arranged in particular on the first profiled elements 13, 14.

In this case, these locking means comprise two series of four permanent micro-magnets 42, 43, only two of which are shown in figure 2, respectively housed in corresponding compartments 44, 45 jointly defined by the first profiled elements 13, 14 and by the bodies 5, 6.

Conveniently, the permanent micro-magnets 42, 43 are distributed in such a way that all the permanent micro-magnets 42 arranged on the first profiled element 13 have a polarity, for example polarity? north, and all the permanent micro-magnets 43 arranged on the first profiled element 14 have polarity? opposite to the previous ones, for example polarit? south.

Advantageously, the protective case 1 also comprises a further magnet 46 inserted in a corresponding housing 47 obtained in the half-shell 3, in a position substantially opposite to the hinge 9.

The magnet 46 has a suitable polarity, for example polarity? south, to exert an action of mutual attraction with the magnet that normally equips the charging case possibly housed in the containment compartment 4, when the two half-shells 2, 3 are in the closed configuration.

The attraction exerted by the magnet 46 allows the half-shell 3 to be joined only temporarily to the corresponding half-portion of the charging case possibly housed in the containment compartment 4.

This ? a very important feature, why? allows with a single gesture, and with a single hand, to simultaneously open/close both the half-shell 3 and the corresponding half-portion of the charging case possibly housed in the containment compartment 4.

Differently there? it would not be feasible considering that, as already? highlighted, the rotation axis of the hinge 9 ? substantially parallel but offset from the axis of rotation of the hemi-portions of the charging case possibly housed in the containment compartment 4.

The use of the protective case according to the invention ? intuitive and extremely simple.

Assuming that the protective case 1 is initially in the closed configuration, a user can bring it into the open configuration simply by applying a force such as to overcome the resistance of the permanent micro-magnets 42, 43, thus making the half-shells 2, 3 rotate relative to each other.

At this point, the containment compartment 4 ? accessible by the user.

If the containment compartment 4 ? empty, the user can? insert the corresponding half-portion of a charging case or other device into the half-shell 2, exerting a slight interference force, to then return the half-shells 2, 3 to the closed configuration.

Instead, in the event that inside the containment compartment 4 already? If there was a charging case, since, thanks to the action of the magnet 46, the opening of the two half-shells 2, 3 corresponds to the simultaneous opening of the case, the user has the possibility with a single gesture to take out or put away the earphones.

How already? highlighted, due to the geometry of the protective case 1, during the opening of the half-shell 2 the latter detaches from the corresponding half-portion of the charging case possibly present in the containment compartment 4, and this allows the user to extract the case recharge itself with extreme ease, should it need it.

To return the protective case 1 to the closed configuration, ? sufficient to rotate the half-shells 2, 3 relative to each other in the opposite direction to the previous one, by an angle sufficient to cause the magnet 46 to interact with the magnet that normally equips the charging case possibly present in the containment compartment 4, so as to join the half-shell 3 with the corresponding half-portion of the charging case, and to bring the first profiled elements 13, 14 so close as to allow the permanent micro-magnets 42, 43 to attract each other and automatically close the protective case 1.

Yup ? in practice it has been observed that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, a protective case having been provided, in particular for communication devices, which in addition to having a particular aesthetic value, also performs an effective protective function with respect to the device in its custody.

Indeed, when an object, such as a charging case for earphones, ? inserted in the containment compartment 4 and the two half-shells 2, 3 are in the closed condition, does this object? completely covered and well protected by the shells 5, 6 and by the relative cage reinforcement structure, without the possibility? of unwanted slips.

? It is also important to point out that, thanks to the action of the permanent micro-magnets 42, 43, the two half-shells 2, 3 are kept in the closed condition even if the protective case 1 is subjected to accidental knocks, falls and/or blows which can occur during normal use.

Thereby, ? the accidental opening of the protective case 1 is avoided and the integrity is guaranteed of what is contained therein.

Furthermore, thanks to the permanent micro-magnets 42, 43, the two half-shells 2, 3 can be closed perfectly even when the containment compartment 4 contains nothing inside.

Another important feature of the protective case 1 ? that it is particularly suitable for holding the charging cases for wireless in-ear headphones of the most? well-known technology companies, such as AirPods? from Apple?, rather than the Freebuds? of HUAWEI? or the Galaxy Buds? from SAMSUNG?, just to name a few.

The protective case 1 also allows the user to customize his own charging case, giving it a particular style and a valuable and alternative appearance to existing products.

The protective case, in particular for communication devices, according to the invention ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Of course, the materials used, as well as? the dimensions and shapes may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.

Claims (15)

R E V E N D I C A T I O N S 1. Protective case, in particular for communication devices, comprising two half-shells which can be removably coupled together along a diametrical plane to define at least one containment compartment, said two half-shells being movable between an open configuration in which said containment compartment ? accessible from the outside of the protective case and a closed configuration in which said containment compartment is substantially inaccessible from the outside of the protective case, said protective case being characterized in that each of said half-shells comprises a substantially rigid body and a substantially flexible cover for said body, said body and said cover being integrally joined together and being joined integrally to a reinforcing structure, said half-shells being rotatably joined together by means of a hinge and being provided with locking means in the closed configuration. 2. Protective case, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hinge is of the film type, said hinge being defined by a portion of said covering common to both said half-shells. 3. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hinge comprises a substantially flexible tape joined to said portion of said cover common to both said half-shells, said tape being housed in a counter-shaped seat jointly defined by recesses formed on said bodies, the aesthetically more? valuable of said tape being placed towards the inside of said half-shells, the face is aesthetically more? valuable feature of said cover being arranged towards the outside of said half-shells. 4. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reinforcing structure comprises two first profiled elements integral respectively with the edges of said half-shells not joined by said hinge, said first profiled elements being substantially parallel to said diametral plane when said half-shells are in said closed configuration. 5. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first profiled elements have a transversal section substantially L-shaped, said first profiled elements comprising respective abutment portions adapted to abut each other when said half-shells are in said closed configuration, from each of said abutment portions developing transversally a flap able to tighten a corresponding edge of said cover against the underlying body. 6. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first profiled elements comprise centering pins protruding from said abutment portions, said centering pins being capable of being inserted into corresponding centering holes made on said bodies. 7. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said first profiled elements comprises at least one hooking ring suitable for receiving a connecting member for hanging said protective case. 8. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reinforcing structure comprises two second profiled elements integral with said half-shells and said first profiled elements, said second profiled elements being transverse to said diametral plane when said half-shells are in said closed configuration. 9. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second profiled elements have a substantially T-shaped cross section, said second profiled elements comprising respective ribs suitable for being inserted into corresponding recesses formed on said bodies, from each of said ribs extending transversely a fin , protruding from both sides, adapted to tighten respective edges of said cover against the underlying body. 10. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said second profiled elements comprises an annular shape which surrounds a through opening defined on one of said half-shells, said through opening being able to put the inside of said half-shell into communication with the? external. 11. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second profiled element comprising an annular shape and the first profiled element integral with it are slightly deformable and are sized in such a way as to hold by interference, together with the corresponding half-shell, a possibly inserted communication device in said containment compartment, avoiding its accidental disengagement. 12. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first profiled elements are joined to said second profiled elements by means of removable fastening means. 13. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking means in the closed configuration are of the magnetic type, said locking means comprising at least two permanent micro-magnets having different polarity, said micro-magnets being respectively housed in corresponding compartments jointly defined by said first profiled elements and from said shells. 14. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a magnet inserted in a corresponding housing formed in one of said half-shells, said magnet being configured to exert an action of mutual attraction with a further magnet relating to a communication device possibly inserted in said compartment containment, in such a way as to allow said protective case and said communication device to be opened/closed simultaneously with a single gesture and with a single hand. 15. Protective case, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said communication apparatus comprises at least one charging case for wireless in-ear earphones.