Protective structures to provide impact protection for portable devices

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9973231
SERIAL NO

15463983

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

A method and apparatuses protecting a portable device from an impact are provided. An accelerometer is operable to detect acceleration of the portable device. A protective structure disposed outside of the portable device includes a substrate and an elastomeric layer arranged on the substrate. The elastomeric layer defines an inflatable region in which the elastomeric layer is not attached to the substrate. The substrate includes a fluid channel in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. A controller is operable to trigger the pressurized fluid source upon detection of an acceleration event, wherein the pressurized fluid source transmits pressurized fluid to the inflatable region, causing the inflatable regions to inflate. The inflatable regions provide a cushion against impacts with surfaces when the portable device is dropped or otherwise propelled toward a surface.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

  • IBM CORPORATION

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Buvid, Daniel J Rochester, US 31 41
Campbell, Eric J Rochester, US 160 344
Czaplewski, Sarah K Rochester, US 126 245
Steffen, Christopher W Rochester, US 33 32

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation

Maintenance Fees

Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee due date
7.5 Year Payment $3600.00 $1800.00 $900.00 Nov 15, 2025
11.5 Year Payment $7400.00 $3700.00 $1850.00 Nov 15, 2029
Fee Large entity fee small entity fee micro entity fee
Surcharge - 7.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge - 11.5 year - Late payment within 6 months $160.00 $80.00 $40.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unavoidable $700.00 $350.00 $175.00
Surcharge after expiration - Late payment is unintentional $1,640.00 $820.00 $410.00