초록 ▼

A protective case for a portable electronic device combines a first side panel, a second, transparent side panel opposite the first side panel, and a peripheral side panel that is connected to both the first and second side panels. The second, transparent side panel is formed of first and second tra

A protective case for a portable electronic device combines a first side panel, a second, transparent side panel opposite the first side panel, and a peripheral side panel that is connected to both the first and second side panels. The second, transparent side panel is formed of first and second transparent layers that are bonded together to form a panel having a plurality of uniform, trapped-gas cells, each one fully sealed from all other cells. The transparent side panel enables full visibility of the contents of the case while providing cushioning for the contents. The first side panel also provides cushioning.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A protective case for a portable electronic device, comprising: a first side panel including first, second, third, and fourth layers, respectively a knitted polyester fabric, a neoprene layer for cushioning, a non-woven fabric, and an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material layer, said fourth

1. A protective case for a portable electronic device, comprising: a first side panel including first, second, third, and fourth layers, respectively a knitted polyester fabric, a neoprene layer for cushioning, a non-woven fabric, and an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material layer, said fourth layer disposed next to said third non-woven fabric layer and bonded to a fifth layer of a knitted polyester fabric; anda second, flexible and optically clear transparent side panel, connected to said first side panel around corresponding perimeters thereof to form said case;wherein said second side panel is formed of a first substantially flat transparent layer and a second transparent layer bonded thereto along respective outlines defining a plurality of rows and columns of a plurality of small, closely-spaced, trapped-gas cells disposed between said first and second transparent layers, each said cell having a rectangular cross section and extending inward of said case in raised opposition from said first substantially flat transparent layer toward said first side panel having a gas trapped therein, and being fully sealed from each other. 2. The case of claim 1, further comprising: an openable seam disposed along and between at least a portion of said connected perimeters of said first and second side panels. 3. The case of claim 2, further comprising: at least one continuous fastener disposed along said openable seam for opening and closing said seam. 4. The case of claim 1, further comprising: a third side panel connected between said first and second side panels around their respective perimeters, said third side panel including an openable seam disposed along at least a portion thereof. 5. The case of claim 4, further comprising: at least one continuous fastener disposed along said openable seam for opening and closing said seam. 6. The case of claim 5, wherein said continuous fastener comprises a fastener selected from the group consisting of a zip fastener and a hook-and-loop strip fastener. 7. The case of claim 4, wherein said third side panel is formed of a laminated fabric including at least one cushion layer. 8. The case of claim 4, further comprising: at least one fastening means disposed proximate said openable seam for closure thereof. 9. The case of claim 1, wherein said first side panel is formed as a planar array of a plurality of cushioned segments having the same shape and disposition as said trapped-gas cells of said second side panel. 10. The case of claim 1, wherein said first, second, and third layers of said first side panel are bonded together under a combination of adhesive, heat, and pressure. 11. The case of claim 1, wherein first and second transparent layers forming said trapped-gas cells of said second side panel are formed of flexible, optically clear thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). 12. The case of claim 1, wherein said trapped-gas cells contain a gas trapped between said first and second transparent layers and said first and second layers are sealed around each cell with welded seams. 13. The case of claim 1, wherein the trapped-gas cells contain air or any constituent thereof. 14. The case of claim 1, wherein said trapped-gas cells disposed between said first and second transparent layers alternatively comprise an outline shape selected from the group consisting of round, triangular, hexagonal, and star-shaped. 15. The case of claim 1, wherein said trapped-gas cells disposed between said first and second transparent layers are of uniform shape and size.