15 patents in this list

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In our fast-paced world, mobile devices are indispensable, yet they face constant threats from accidental drops and impacts. Protecting these devices requires more than just a basic case; it demands advanced shock absorption technologies. The challenge lies in designing cases that can withstand harsh conditions while remaining sleek and user-friendly.

Professionals in this field grapple with creating solutions that effectively dissipate shock without compromising on design or usability. Balancing durability with aesthetics is a persistent hurdle, as is ensuring that protective features do not hinder device functionality or accessibility.

This page explores a range of technical solutions that address these challenges, showcasing designs like multi-layered structures, modular components, and integrally molded shock absorbers. These approaches enhance impact resistance, maintain device integrity, and improve user experience, offering practical insights into the evolving landscape of mobile protection.

1. Protective Enclosure with Multi-Part Waterproof Seal and Shock-Absorbing Members

Otter Products, LLC, 2021

A protective enclosure encasing objects like electronic devices to protect them from environmental conditions and rough handling. The enclosure has two or more portions that can be sealed together to form a waterproof seal. One or more members of the enclosure are designed to reduce mechanical loads and shocks that could damage the enclosed object.

US11147174B2-patent-drawing

2. Modular Mobile Device Protective Case with Flexible Inner Housing and Rigid Outer Housing

MobileDemand LC, 2021

This is a modular protective case for mobile devices that allows customization with various ruggedized features and attachments. The case has a flexible inner housing surrounded by a rigid outer housing for impact resistance. Port protectors shield connectors when not in use. The case can add optional modules like a barcode scanner, payment terminal, or detachable keyboard. The modules connect to the device wirelessly or via ports in the case.

3. Mobile Device Case with Embedded Shock Absorbers and Transparent Outer Shell

Incipio, LLC, 2020

A protective case for mobile electronic devices that provides improved protection against impacts and drops. The case has shock absorber elements embedded in the walls of the case compartment. The shock absorbers may be softer than the surrounding case material. The case can also have a transparent outer shell to show the shock absorbers inside. A removable screen protector lid is another feature.

US20200288833A1-patent-drawing

4. Mobile Phone Case with Detachable Hard Frame and Integrated Soft Cover

SPIGEN KOREA CO., LTD., 2020

A mobile phone case with a soft protective cover and a hard protective frame that detaches from the cover to reduce damage risk. The case includes a soft cover to protect the back and sides of the phone and a removable hard frame that wraps around the soft cover. The hard frame has a disconnected side with mating connectors on the ends that attach to corresponding connectors on the soft cover's side walls. This allows the hard frame to be separated from the soft cover for reduced damage risk when dropped.

US20200195294A1-patent-drawing

5. Mobile Device Case with Integrally Molded Discrete Shock Absorber Elements

Incipio, LLC, 2020

Protective cases with molded shock absorbers to protect mobile devices from damage. The case has discrete shock absorber elements integrally molded and embedded into the external surface of the case sidewalls. The case design includes one or more raised, flexible shock absorber elements that are incorporated directly into the outer surface of the case. The shock absorber elements provide a visual indication to the user that the case has impact protection.

6. Protective Case with Multi-Layered Composite Structure and Resilient Device Cradle

Urban Armor Gear, LLC, 2020

A protective case for electronic devices like smartphones and tablets that provides improved impact resistance and device protection while also facilitating device use. The case has a multi-layered composite construction with a resilient, impact-resistant device cradle that houses the device, surrounded by a rigid frame and a shear plate. A backing layer of different rigidity is sandwiched between the shear plate and frame. The cradle has walls that contact the device's periphery and a base that contacts the device back, protecting it from impacts. The frame and shear plate provide rigidity while the backing layer absorbs shock.

US20200093236A1-patent-drawing

7. Mobile Device Protective Case with Protrusions for Energy and Heat Dissipation

Kane and McHenry Enterprises, LLC, 2020

Protective case for mobile devices with protrusions that aid in energy dissipation when dropped and also form channels for heat dissipation.

US20200015558A1-patent-drawing

8. Rugged Electronic Device Enclosure with Multilayer Cushioning and Hard Shell Structure

OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC, 2019

Protective enclosure for electronic devices to allow them to be used in rugged environments while keeping them safe from drops, shocks, damage, misuse, dirt, debris, and the like. The enclosure includes a hard shell with front and back members, internal and external cushioning layers, and openings to access device features. The cushioning layers protect the device inside the shell. The enclosure can also have a stretchable outer layer that provides impact protection and a tight fit.

US10448718B2-patent-drawing

9. Mobile Device Case with Hinged Structure and Integrated Battery Compartment

Samsonite IP Holdings S.àr.l., 2019

A mobile device case protects the device from impact while also extending the battery life. The case has a hinge that allows the upper and lower portions to angle toward each other. When closed, this forms a triangular shape to protect the device better when dropped. When the device is open, it allows the case to have a large battery. The hinge allows the case to flex when dropped and absorb the impact energy better than a rigid case.

US20190081299A1-patent-drawing

10. Electronic Device Case with Detachable Cover Featuring Rigid Hook and Soft Engagement Mechanism

KYOCERA Corporation, 2019

An electronic device like a phone with a case and attachable cover that prevents damage when dropped. The device has a case with a soft portion and a hook receiving part. The attachable cover has a hook that engages with the case. The hook has a rigid body and a laterally extending end. The end engages with the soft portion of the case while the main body supports the cover. This allows the cover to detach when dropped to avoid damage, as the rigid body of the hook releases from the soft case portion.

US10219596B2-patent-drawing

11. One-Piece Protective Enclosure with Flexible Cushion Layer and Rigid Structural Layer Featuring Flexing Section

OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC, 2019

Protective enclosure for electronic devices, like smartphones, that provides drop and damage protection. The enclosure has a flexible cushion layer to protect the device from impacts and a rigid structural layer to provide structural integrity. The structural layer has a thinner section that allows flexing when installing/removing the device. The enclosure can be a one-piece design that is easy to install/remove compared to multi-piece cases.

US20190013834A1-patent-drawing

12. Mobile Device Protective Case with Removable Sliding Impact Sections on Back Channels

INCIPIO, LLC, 2018

Protective case for mobile devices that absorbs impact forces to protect the device from drops and falls. The case has removable impact sections that slide on channels in the case back. When the case is subject to an impact, the sections can slide and compress against a central stop, dissipating and absorbing the force. The impact sections can then return to their original position for further impacts.

US10085532B2-patent-drawing

13. Protective Case with Impact-Diffusing Frame and Heat Dissipation Features for Portable Computing Devices

Lina Zhang, 2018

Protective case for portable computing devices such as laptops and tablets. The case has a unique frame structure to diffuse force from impact and better protect the encased device. The frame has large openings around the central region of the device body to absorb impact force. Smaller openings are clustered around the edges and corners to absorb impact in those vulnerable areas. The case also has cushioning layers and slits in the base layer for heat dissipation.

US10051934B1-patent-drawing

14. Protective Case with Edge-Band Comprising Flexible Polymer and Damping Layer with Energy-Absorbing Protrusions

Tech 21 Licensing Limited, 2018

A protective case for mobile devices with screens that provides impact resistance. The case has a band that surrounds the device edges and includes a layer of flexible polymer and a softer damping material layer inside it. The inner damping layer has protrusions that project inwardly to contact the device. These protrusions are arranged so that they are the only points of contact between the case and device during normal use. They are placed at least in the corner regions of the case. The protrusions dissipate impact energy by deforming and absorbing it when the device is dropped or impacted.

15. Phone Case with Multi-Layered Edge Band Comprising Flexible Polymer, Damping, and Dissipation Layers

Tech 21 Licensing Limited, 2018

A phone case design to protect mobile devices with screens. The case has a band that surrounds the device edge and is made of three layers: an outer layer of flexible polymer, an inner layer of damping material, and an intermediate layer of dissipation material. The intermediate layer is the hardest and the inner layer is the softest. This layering arrangement provides enhanced impact protection and shock absorption compared to traditional cases.

US20180027938A1-patent-drawing

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The patents shown here demonstrate a variety of techniques for obtaining excellent shock absorption. Detachable parts, integrated safety features, and multi-layered materials are some of these innovations. Certain solutions even provide benefits like better heat management or longer battery life, which go above and beyond basic protection