1 JOHNSON & PHAM, LLP 2 Christopher D. Johnson, SBN: 222698 E-mail: [email protected]3 Christopher Q. Pham, SBN: 206697 4 E-mail: [email protected]Marcus F. Chaney, SBN: 245227 5 E-mail: [email protected]6 Hung Q. Pham, SBN: 276613 E-mail: [email protected]7 6355 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Suite 326 8 \Voodland Hills, California 91367 Telephone: (818) 888-7540 9 Facsimile: (818) 888-7544 lO Attorneys for Plaintiff Q ORIGINAL 11 SPECULATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN, LLC, dba 12 SPECK PRODUCTS 13 14 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 15 SPECULATIVE PRODUCT 9 16 LLC, dba SPECK PRODUCTS, J-1 I California Limited Liability Company, COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES 17 18 19 20 Plaintiff, vs. KAREN BECKER, an Individual, 21 KA TINKAS USA, LLC, a Utah Limited 22 Liability Company, and DOES 1-10, Inclusive, 23 24 25 26 27 28 Defendants AND DECLARATORY RELIEF: (1) FEDERAL TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT [15 U.S.C. §1114/Lanham Act §43(a)] (2) FALSE DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN/UNFAIR COMPETITION/FALSE OR MISLEADING ADVERTISING (15 U.S.C. §1125(a)]; (3) TRADEMARK DILUTION (15 U.S.C. §1125(c)]; ( 4) UNFAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES [CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE §17200]; (5) FEDERAL COPYRIGHT - I - COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES
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16 PRODUCTS, respectfully demands a trial by jury in this action.
17 DATED: March 27,2013
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By:~~--~~~--------Chris p er D. son, Esq. Christo e . P am, Esq. Marcu aney, Esq. H g Q. Pham, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff SPECULATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN, LLC dba SPECK PRODUCTS
• 22. COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES
0
EXHIBIT A
0
lint Cl.: 9
Prior U.S. <Cis.: 21, 23, 26, 36 and 38
lf.Jnited Stl£tes Patent and 1rrat!llemart Offfice
1!'RADEM..r\RK PRINCIDP AL REGISTER
SPECT(
Reg. No. 3,663,010 Regfslered Aug. 4, 2009
SPECULATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN, INC. (Ct\LI· TJ\ PLAYERS, AND PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSIS. FO.RNIA CORPORA TlON), DBA SPECK PRO- TANTS, IN CLASS 9 (U.S. CLS. 21, 2;}, 26, 36 AND 38). DUCTS
221 FOREST AVENUE FIRST USE 12-31·2003: IN COMMERCE 12·31·2003. PALO ALTO, CA 94301
THE: ;'.!ARX. CONSISTS OF STAl'.'DARD CHAR· FOR.: PROTE(..'T!VE CARR Y!NG C\SES FO.R ACTERS WlTHOUT Cl.AlM TO ANY PARTICULAR
PORTABLE ELECfRONJC LISTENING DEVICES FONT, STYLE, SIZE, OR COLOR.
A."''D MUSIC PL'I YERS, NAMELY, MPJ PLJ\ YF.R.S, SER. NO. 77-.598,1SO, Fi' EO I0-22-:!008. AND FOR PORTADLE COMPUTERS, GLOBAL PO- .. S[TlONJNG SYSTEMS (GPS DEVICES), MOBILE r\ND CELLULAR. TELEPHONES, PORTABLE MED- AISHA SAL!Th-[, EXAMINING ATIORNBY
SPECULATIVE PP.ODUCT DESION, INC. (CALI- IA PLAYI!RS, Al'.'D PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSIS-FORNIA CORPORATION), DBA SPECK PRO· TA..WS,IN CLASS!> (U.S. CLS.ll, 23, 26, 36AND 38). DUCTS .
227 FOREST AVENUE PALO ALTO, CA 94301
FOR: PROTI:iCm1E CARRYING CASES FOR PORTABLE ELECTROI\'lC USTENINO DEVICES AND MUSIC PLAYERS, NAMELY. MP3 PLAYERS, AND FOR PORTABLE COMPUTERS, GLOBAL PO· SITIONINO SYSTEMS tOPS DEVICES), MOBILE Al\'D CELLULAR TELEPHONES, PORTABLE MED·
FIRST USE 1-31-2007; IN COMMERCE 1·31·2007.
THE !liARK CONSISTS OF AN ASTERISK BETWEI.!N PARENTHESES FOLLOWED BY THE WORD "SPECK" IN STYLIZED LEITERS.
SEII.. NO. 77-600,452, FILED 10-24-JOOS.
AtSHA SALEM, EXAJdiNING A TIORNEY
0
EXHIBITC
0
Int. CJ.: 9
Prior lU.S. Os.: :&1, 1:3, 26, 31> ~.mi 3§
l!Jni£ed States Patent and Trmdemal!'k Ofi'nce Reg. No. 31,666,072
FOR: PROTECTIVE CARRYING CASES FOR PORT ADL£1 ELECTRONIC llSTENING DEVICES AND :MUSIC PLAYERS, NAMEL i', MP3 PLAYERS, AND FOR PORTABLE COMPUTI!RS, OLODAL PO· SlTIONlNG SYSTEMS (GPS DEVICES), MOBILE M'D CELLULAR TELEPHONES, PORTABLE MED·
IA PLAYERS, AI\'D PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSIS· TAKfS, IN CLASS 9 (U.S. CI.S. 21, 23, 26, 36 AND JB).
FIRST USE 1·31·2007; IN COl\!MERCE 1·31-2007.
THE MARK CONSISTS OF AN 1\STEIUSK BE· TWE!t!N PARENTHESES.
Registered July i3, 2010 227 FOREST AVENUI!, • I'ALOAL'I'O, CA !14301
Unt. 0.: 9
TRADEMARK
PR£NCfPAL REGISTER
FO!l: l'ltliTI!CTIVJ:: !.!ARHY!NU <.:ASES fOR h·U'J l'LAYEns, MOE!ILE ANIJ lTI.J.lJI.I\1{ THI.EPIIONES, POR'li\111.11 ""IEDIA PI.AYERS,AND f'ERSONI\1. DIOI'Ii\L ."SS!STJ\1'>/'IS, IN CLASS 9 (U.S. CLS. 21,23,26, 36AND Jl!).
!IIHSTUSE 1·6-200\1; IN COMlviERCE 1-6.2009.
THE MARK CONSISTS OF STANDARD C!iARACTERS WITHOUT CLAIM TO ANY PAR· TICULAR FONT, STYLE, SIZE. OR COLOit
flEil NO. 77-R111,2JJ, Fll.r:D 11-25-2009.
Mt'\lTHEW J{AJ'l'AS, EXI\M!NINO A'rJ'OltNF.Y
0 0
EXHIBITE
0
o2> United States Patent Mongan et al.
(54) ONE PIECE <.."0-l'ORM.ED EXTERIOR HARD SHELL CASE WITH AN (<;LASTOMERIC LINER FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC m:VICES
(75) Inventors: Ryan BID Mongan, Orange, CA (US); David John Law, Seattle, WA (US); Jarret Wets, San Fmncisco, CA (US); Bryan 1M By-k, Fremont, CA (US); Steplwo Reiger Myen, Redwood City, CA (US)
(73) Assignee: Speeulative Product llestgn, LLC, I>alo Alto, CA (US)
( • ) Notice; Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U .S.C. 154(b) by o qay~.
(21) Appl. No.: 1312112.,363
Od.26,2011 (22) Filed:
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2012/0031788AI Feb. 9, 2012
Related U.S. Application Data
(63) Cominuation of application No. 1]}366,769, filed on Feb. 6, 2009.
(51) Int. a. H05K 7100 (2006.01)
(52) U.S. CL ................ 4551575.8; 206/592: 361/679.55; 3611679.56; 4551575.1
(58) Field of Classification Sem:b ........................ Nono See application file for complete search history.
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATF..NTJ)(X;UMENTS 5.265,720 A 11/1993 Mdiconi 5,816.45') A 10/1998 Armi;;tead
Q
11.111111111111111
GB
US008204561B2
(10) Patent No.: US 8,204,561 B2 Jun.l9,2012 (45) Date of Patent:
5,908,114 A 6,079,563 A 6,109,434 A 6,179,122 Bl
611999 Althouse ct al. 612000 K.akh.mazellllki 812000 Howard, Jr. J/2001 M011crief et al.
(Continncd)
FOREIGN PATENT IXX..'UMENTS 2463712 A 312010
(Continued)
OrHHR PUBLICATIONS
VIdeo Product Review: iPbone 3G Cue Review: iFrogz Luxe liRL: http·/lwww.youtuhe.comlv.-atch'!v""':l£.'1112uYzqU. Date Published: Jan. 26, 2009 Uploaded by phonedog on Jan. 26, 2009. lpg.
(Continued)
Primary &aminer ·Rafael P£'1m·Outii:rrcz Assi.sta11t f:Xaminer Daniel Nobile (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm SNR Denton US LLP
(57) ABSTRAC:T
A ooe-piece co-formed ext~or hard shell ~ with an elas· tomcric liner formc.xl on the interior of the ctterior bani shell for mobile cloctnmic devices. This hard protective Clllcrior shell allows the device maximum protection from impact$ with sharp objects while the interior elastomeric portion that provides shock prok:Ction tor the device from impacts. The exterior hard shell part is formed 10 fit the device closely with a small off.o;et from the devices surfilce. 1'lle exterior hard shell mps around the edg~ of !he device. Tu allow the slw!IID be able to be ~mmnted on the device the comers of the han! shell are cut open. This allows each sidewall to flex away when a lk."Vice is inserted and snap back onoe it is in place. The e!llstomcr:ic material fill.~ in the g;tps created at the comers of the exterior hard shell to allow flex for mounting.
16 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheet•
0
us 8.204,561 82 2
U.S.l~TENT IXXJJMENTS 201010144411 AI 2010JOI4771S AI 201010243SIS Al
612010 Pettingill 612010 Miglioli e1 al. 9120 I 0 Millh et a!. 6,273,252 B I
2001!0002003 AI 200310030362 AI 2003!0068035 AI 200310070959 AI 200310083094 AI 200310103624 AI 2003/0111366 AI 2004/0014506 AI 2005.'0153757 AI 2005/0174727 A1 200S!0279661 AI 2006/0040550 AI 200610164800 AI 2007/0060224 AI 2007/0184781 AI 200810032758 AI 20081003!H61 Al • 200810096620 A I • 2008/0227507 AI 2008!0242384 A I 2009/0017883 AI 2009/0080 153 A I 2009!0 111543 Al 2009/0194444 AI 201010006314 AI 2010/007!1343 AI 201010096284 AI 2010/0104814 AI 201010116387 Al
812001 Mitclu:ll 1012002 Tzcng 9/2003 Polan)l ct aJ
1212003 Derr et al. 812004 lriuny 7/2005 Albertini ct al.
!212005 Shepherd et al. 112006 Sanders, Jr. 712007 Gartrell eta!. 3!2008 Rostami 2/'l009 C.amevali 61'}1)()9 Ricllardson et a!. 61'}1)()9 Richanhon d a!. 612009 Schwonn
I 012009 Ricllardson 11/2009 Holmberg
112010 Hohnberg 612010 Richardson ct al. 41201 I Richardson et al. 512001 Mu-ldak 212003 Buesseler e1 al. 412003 Pirila et al. 412003 Maresh et al. 512003 I!su ct al. 612003 Hu 6/2003 !'.nners l/2004 Kemppillen 7i200S Maenpuetal. 8!2005 Thomas d al.
1212005 Hodges 212006 Slau&Oil et al 7/2006 McE"""' et al. 312007 liu 812007 Husltinson 2/2008 Rostami 212008 ChaD .......................... 4551575.8 412008 Lee et al . ................... 455/575.8 9/2008 Joo
1012008 llsu ct al. li2009 Lin 3/2009 Richardson et al. 412009 Tai &'2009 Jones 1120 I 0 Wi!SOII, II et al. 412010 llocllwarth et al. 412010 Bau 4120 I 0 Richa.rdson et al. S/20 lO Channcy ct a!.
FORHl(iN l'ATENT l)()CUMENTS
WO 02/11161 AI 212002
OTIIBR J>UBLICADONS
Shod:: protection of ponable electronic product&: Shod:: re!!ponse IIJ*-1rwn. damage boundaly approach, and beyond <loyal, S. (Reprint); Papadopouws, JM; Sullivan, PA AT&T Bell Labi.lucent Techno!, Wucless RDsLab,600MtAvo,Rm 11>-212, MwmyHill.N1, 07974(Reprint)SbodtandVibratioll,l997, voi.4,No.J,p.)69-l91. Improving impact tolerance of portable elc!:tronic products: Case &tudy of cellular phones S. Goyal, S. Upasani and D.M. Patellixperimeatal Mechanics Cover Dale: Mar. 18, 1999 Publisher: Sprin~ Boston lSSN: 0014-485 I Subject: E!lgineering Start p.43 E.nd p. S2 vol. 39lsi!IW: 1 L"Rl.: http://dx.doi.org!l0.100718f02329300 DOT: 10.1007/BF02329300; 10 pp. Ca.ndyShell Source: http:i/web.archive.oJgtwcb/2008!2 18035309/ http:ilwww.spcd::products.com/productslcandys.bellt1pbone-3g! 162, Dec. 18. 2008, 3 pp. Role of &hock. respo1111e spectrum in electronic product suspension d<:Sign Goyal, S .. Elko, Gacy W., Buratynski, 1-:dwud K. 'lbe lnter.llational1olll'llll ofMicrocircuits 1111d Electronic Packaging. vol. 23, No.2, Socond Quarter, 2000, pp. 182-190 ISSN: 1063·1674 So~~~~:e: bttp:/lwww.imaps.orgljOWD&li2000fQ2/goyal.pdt 9pp. Designing best-in~lass impact-tolerant cellular ph011cs and other portable producta Goyal, S., Upasani, Sanjay S .. Patel, Dhiren M. Bell f.absTcchllicaiJoutn.al. vol. 3, No.3, 1998, pp. 159-1741.)01: IO.I002Ibltj.2123 $01.'1W): http:Jidx.doi.orgll0.10021bllj.2123. 24 pp. il'hone Case Review Roundup: Vaja, Scna, OtterBox, DLO and Hoxwave Soun:e: httjrJlwww.mobilo:tcchrevicw.comfiPod!iPhonecases-rwicw.htntAcccsscd: Sep. 27,2011, 8pp. CapsuleRebeJ1'W for iPhonc lG Source: http:llweb.arcbivll.OflfwcbJ 2008122SO 12114/http:!lwww.switcheasy.~ts/RebelJ Rcbcl.pllp, Dec. 25, 2008, 3pp. C',.apsuleNeo'fW for iPhonc 3G &lutce: bttp:llweharchive.orgfwcb.l 20081222050045/bttp://www,,wit~heasy.com'p~eo!Neo. pltp; Dec. 22, 2008, 4pp. Speck. CandyShell for il'honc 3G Source: http:/lwcb.a:rchive.oqy web/2009011921123S.Ihttp://ilounge.com/inde>t.phplreviews/entr)ll speck-candy1hell·fOr·ipiwDo·3g; Jan. 16, 2009, 7pp. Spc:<:k; PCTI11S20 10022330 flkd Jan. 211, 20 10; ln!e11Wion.al Search Report, lSAIUS; Mar. 31, 2010, 3 pp.
• cited by examiner
0 0
U.S. Patent Jun. 19, 2012 Sheet l of 6 US 8,204,561 B2
FIG.1
0
U.S. Patent Jun. 19, 2012 Sheet 2 of 6 US 8,204,561 B2
20 20
13
12
FIG. 2A
12 20
22
13 ~21
FIG. 28
0
U.S. Patent Jun.l9,2012 Sheet 3 of6 US 8,204,561 B2
12
23
20
21
FIG. 3
0
U.S. Patent Jun. 19, 2012 Sheet 4 of 6 US 8,204,561 B2
12
FIG. 4
20
FIG. 6
0 Sb-_.t Sot6
13
12
23
/:JG. S
0
Us. Pate,.t 0
US 8,204,561 B2
FIG. 7A
FIG. 78
us 8,204,561 B2 1
ONE Pl}:CE CO-FORMED J<:XTERIOR BARD SHELL CASE WITDA."'l' t:I.A."iTOMERIC
LINER FOR MOBO:.E ELECTRONIC DEVICES
2 users like the feel of thc Qrigina1 phone aod would like to maintain that feel but still want protection fur their device. The hard protective e1tteriorshell of the present invention has a low coefficient of friction. This allows the device to easily be
RELA:l'HD AI>PLICA:I'IONS s slipped in and out of pockets easily without becoming
attnchl..>d or without great resi5tance to clothing materials. A major complaint .from I.'Uifent elastomeric case users.
This application is a CON11NUA110N of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 121366,769, f.ded Feb. 6, 2009, the con-tentii ofwhielt is incorporated hemin by reference. to
TECHNICAL PlliW OF Till INVEN'l10N
The case taught by the present invention has an interior elastomeric portion that provides shock protection for the device from dropping, faUs, or other impacts. The interior elastomcric portion also ensures the device and the case fit together with no gaps u the case is a single piece usembly. The case has a very solid connection to the pbone and feels e1ttremely high quality and lightweight. 1hc present invention relates gcncrnlly to handheld mobile
electronic devices, such as a per.;onal digi!al assistant, ccllular telephone, lab top computers or portllbltt digital media player. More spccific11lly the present invention relates to a multiple-component protective case for mobile electronic devices.
15 What makes this case different is the geometry and manu· factnring of the case. The exterior hard shell part is formed to fit the di."'licc closely with a small offset from tbe devices surface. The exterior hard shell raps around the edges of the device it is tormed for. To allow the shell to be able to bc
BACKGROUND OF TilE INVENTION 20 mounted on the device thc comers of the hard shell are cut
apen. This allows each sidewall to flex away when a device is in..,._>rted and snap back once it is in place. The unique aspect
There are mnny cases for handheld electronic devices. of this case is that lhe elastomeric material is limned in 'I hey fall into four Illllin categories: Hlutomeric/Rubbor addition to the exterior bard shell on tl~e interior of the exterior skins, hard plastic shells, cut and sew matcriabr; and combi- 2S hard shell. The elastomcric materia IIllis in the gaps crested at nations of these. In general the elastomeric cases are a single the comers of the exterior hard mel! to allow the hard shell to skin which, because of the flexible nature of the materiol, can flex for mounting. Theelastomeric material is provided in this easily be stretched over the device and then once installed location becau.o;e it hw; much greater inh=t flexibility than conform closely to the shape of lbe device. The rubbery the plastic or metal of the exll.'rior hard shell and it stretches material can pmvidc very good shock rcsistance.lbe down· 30 sufficiently to alluw the sidewalls of the exterior hard shell to side of these types of CBSI."S is that the lllastomeric malerial has still flex away on mounting. This creates a one-piece cue that a high surface friction ct>efficient. This makes this type of wraps around a phone or other mobile electronic device even case difficult to place in and romnve from pockets Wld other on COIIll:IS Wld prevents dirt and fluids from emering wber-tight places. What is needed is a device that oflbrs the very 1.-vcr possible. The elastomeric liner also can bc fimru:d over good shock resistance of an cl!llltomeric case without the high 35 the buttons on the phone wherein a user simply presses the >urface friction coeilicient making it more conveniern:e for clalitomeric liner corresponding to the ponion of the mobile usc. electronic device input that is desired.
liard plastic shells normally arc manufactured as more than one piece to aUow the device to slide into the case before being closed in with a SIICOndary piece. Additionally thi.')' will 40
oftw have a liner of elastomeric material, which helps to cushion the device. This can he co-molded, pert:naDelltly attached or floating with the assembly. C"ut and S!.-w cases are nonnally lllll<k from tlat stock material, which is cut into patterns and then sewn into a shape thai the d1.'Vice can slide 4~ into. 'Ihe device is then held in place, by friction or a strap of some form. The downside to thl::se devices is that it can he difficult to attached a device to a rigid case, or wbc:rc a case bas a secondary piece for securing a device, it can add bulk to the combination ofthedeviccand case, making it impractical. so Additionally, the manufacture of cases which are roquirod to
BRIEF DESCRIP110N Or THE DRAWINGS
'!he nccompanying drawings, which arc incorporated herein and torm a part of the specification, illustrate tbe present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the .invention and to cnablu a person ski Ucd in the pertinent art to rnakJ= and use the invention.
FIG. I is a perspective view of a handheld device prott~etive cue depicting the external hard shell layer wilh cut comers and inner elastomeric lay!.'f of the prot~ve carrying cue where it fills in the cut comers of the external hard shell layer;
FIGS. :ZO and 2h are sectional views of the protective case of the present invention showing the detent cn.."lltc..'<l by the inner elastomeric layer for securing a device in the case;
FlU. 3 is a top orthogonal view of a handheld device
be cut and sewn together greatly increases cost. What is needed is a case that combines both hard lihcll cases and elastomeric materials that is easy to produce and requires minimal material in its production.
SUMMARY OF TIIF. !NVENTION
5$ protective case depicting the external hard sheU layer with cut comers and in.ncrclastomeric layeroftheprotectivecanying case where is fills in the cot comers of the external hard shell layer and an additiooallarp.c clastomcric overhand for =r-
'lbe present invention is an improwmont owr the existing ing a device; cases because it combines the bcstfea~~ofbothbatdcaliC11 60 FlO. 4 is sectional view ofthcprotlll.1ivecaseoftheprcsent and the elastomeric cases while b!.>i.ng only a single part, invention showing the large elastomeric overhand for secur-which is particularly useful from a consumer viewpoint. The ing a device; present invention provides a hard protective exterior shell. FIG. Sis a Jl!.'TSJX.'Ctivc view of the protective case o!' the This hard prult~etive exterior sbell allows the device maxi· pl'e$Cnt invention before a devke is secured therein; mum protection from impacts with sharp obj1.-cl.s. The hard 65 FIG. 6 h; a perspective view or the proii.'Ciivc case attached protective exterior sheJl mimics the finish of existing phones, to a sample device showing the di..'tcnl created by the iuncr MP3/4 players, and other mobile electronic devices. Many elastomcric layer for securing 11 device in the case; and
US 8,204,561 B2 3
FIGS. 1a and 7bare perspective views of !he present invention depicting the external hard shell layer with cut comers and inner elastomerlc layer of the protective canying case is a resting, securing position and in an expanded, device insertion position.
DliTAII.rill DESCRll'110N Of TilE INVENTION
4 cut would be fonned in the elastomeric material but the flex· ing to allow a device 10 be inserted into !he protective case would come from the harder material, and again, cuningaway the comers of the case allows the sides to easily flex.
FIGS. 2a and 6 are sectional views of the protective ca:~e 10 of the present invention showing the detent 20 Cl'tllltcd by the inner elastomeric layer 13 for secoringa device HI in the case. The protective case 10 is fitted to clasp on10 a device 19, and
In the following detail(.'!! d~.-'Serlption of the invention of incorporates a deteutlO to ensure a snug and secuJ'\l fJt. exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to In an alt!."mlllivc embodiment as shown in FIGS. lb and 4, IO!heaccompanyingdrawings{wberulikcnumbersrepresent an additional large clastomeric overhllng 21 for securing a like clements}, v.ilich form a part hereof, and in which is device 19 may be included in the protective case 10. This shown by w-.zy of illustration specific exemplary cmbodi- illustrates a po~sible alternative embodiment where ralher ments in which the invention may be practiced. 'lbese thanhavinganundercutinlheextemalhardshelllayerl3and embodiments arc described in sufficient detail to enable those IS its corresponding sides of the protective case 10, the inner skilled in. the art 10 practice the invention, but otbec emblxli· clastomeric layer 13 forms features that would secwe the ments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and protective case to a device 19. other changes may be made without departing from !he scope These feat:urcs could be dctcnts 20 as described along the of the prcl'l.-'111 invcn.tian. The following detailed description is side or top and bottom of the external bard shell layer 1.2 or it therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of 20 could be a large area like illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 4 where the present invention is defined only by the appended clai.ms. an additional large elastom.eric overhang 21 for securing a
'l'b.e invention will IIDW be described with reference 10 FIG. device 19 may be included in the protective case 10 so that a 1, which iu perspective view of !he prot~ivc case 10 depict· device would be slipped Ullder Olldsecurcd thorcby with some ing the outer layer of the protective c~U~C U, comprising two form of undercut on the opposite end whether molded iniO the separate layers, an first external hard shell layer 12 and a 2S extemallwd shclllayer 12 or the inner elasiOm~.-ric layer 13. second interior elastomcrie layerl3. The lirsl cxtemal hard As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the cxtcmal hard s.hclllay(.'fll shell layer 1.2 and a second interior elastomerlc layer 13 are defines a fitted cavity ll fitted to clasp omo a device 19 and combined 10 independently attach 10 a handheld device 19 incorporates a detent .20 10 ensure a snug and secure fit. The and incorporate at least one vicwing window 14, input/output handheld device 19 protective case depicts the extemallwd access ports 15, 16, and 17, and molded elastomerlc covers 30 shell layer 12 with cut co.mcrs 23 and innerelastomeric layer over device buttons, accessible though holes in the hard shell 13 of !he prot~tivc carrying case where the inner elas10mcric 18 und 16. This hard protoolive exterior shellll allows the layer 13 fills in th1.1 cut comers .23 of the external hard &hcll device maximum protection from impacts with sharp objects. layer 11. The external hard shell layer 12 mimics the fmish of existing What makes this case different is the goometry and manu· phones, MP3/4 players, and other mobile electronic devices. 3S facturing of the case. The external bard shell layer n is Many uscxs like th1.1 feel of the original pllooo and would like formed 10 fll a device 19 closely with a small offset from the 10 mainmin that feel but still want protection for their device &.:vices surface. The external hard shell layer 12 raps around 19. l'b.e extemal hard shell layer 12 ofthe present invention lhe t:dges of a device 19 it is formed for. To allow the external bas a low coefficient of friction. This allows the device to hard shell layer 1.2 to be able to be mounted on a device 19 the easily be slipped in and out of pockets easily without becom· 40 comers lJ of the external hard shell layer 12 arc cut open. ing attached or without great resistance to clothing materials. This allows each sid~.-'Wall of the extcm.al bard shell layer 12 to
With further rcf~.->rence to FIG. 1, the external hard shell flex away when a device 19 is inserled and snap back oocc it layer 12 is llltached to the second interiur elastomcric layf..'r is in place. Tb<~ unique &'Peel of the protective case 10 is that 13. 1be extcmal hard shell layer 1.2 and the interior elasto· an inner elastomeric layer 13 is formed in addition to the merle layer 13 may be attached in several ways, such as glue, 45 external hard shell layer 12 on the interior of the external hard chemical bonding, heating, heat treated chemicals or any shell layer 12. The inner elastomerlc layer 13 fills in the gaps other means know in the an which pemllllll.!!l.tly attach the crooted ut the comers .23 of the external hard shell layer 1l to external hard shell layer 12 to the interior elasiOmeric layer allow the external bard shell layer 12 to flex during mounting 13. The iutcrior ela&1omcric portion 13 provides shock pro· a~ shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b. tcction for the device from dropping, fal1s, or olher impacts. so The inner elastomcric layer 13 is provided in this location The intcriorelastomeric portion 13 also ensures the device 19 because it has much gl\-'llter inherent flexibility than the plas· and the protective ta'IO 10 fit together with no gaps as the tic or metal of the external hDrdsbclllaycr 12 and it stretches protcctive case 10 is a single piece assembly. The protective sufficiently to allow the sidewalls of the external hard shell case bas a VW)' solid co1111ection to a device 19 Wld feels layer 1l to !>till tlex away on l1lOUilling as shown in FIGS. 7a !.'Xlrcmely high quality and ligbtw1::ight. ss and 7b. ]his creates a one-piece protective calie 10 that wraps
Depending on manufacturing methods other materials around a device even on comers and p«.-vcnts dirt and ftuids made be used to replace the hard pllll>"tic used by the external from entering wherever possible. bard shell layer 12 in a pn:fcrrcd 1..-mbodimcnt of the present The Jnn.=r chtlllom<:rio li•Y'-'T 13 also can be formed over the invention. For example, if it was desired to make 11 mcJal/ buttons on a device 19 wherein a user simply presses the elastomerlc combo ft>r the protective case 19 without over- 60 exposed inner clastomeric layer 13 corresponding to the por· bangs in the lwd material, in this example metal, a simple tian of the mobile electronic device input that is desired as bending proccn could be considered for the metal manufac- illu~1:rllted by the bunon 18 and26on FIG.l. FIGS. ?a and ?b turing. An over molded interior clll!ltomeric layer 13 would arc perspective views of the present invcn.tion depicting the providethcundercutstosccureadevice. Thcmctalorhard10 external hard shell layer 1.2 with cut corners 23 and inner material would then simply provide li fi-dllli.'Work lOr !he 65 el.u."tomcric layer 13 of the protective canying case 10 is a softer material intcriorlaycr and also provide the el~1ic stiff· resting, securing position 24 and in an expandod, device ness to allow !he device to be held in the opening. The under- insertion position 25.
US 8,204,561 B2 5 6
lt is appreciaU:d that the optimum dimensional relation- that is sufficiently flexible to enable the co-molded one-piece ships for the parts oftbe invention, to indude variation in si:t.tl, assembly to deform and lhe.reby accept insertion of the per-marerials, shape, form, function, and manner ~:~f operation, son.al electronic device. assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious 6. The one-piece case of claim 1, wherein the exterior hard to one of ordiwlry skill in the art, and all equivalent relation- s layer includes at lt:ait four side surfaces that intenect to form ships to those illustrated in the drawings and <h.-scribed in the at least four comer joints and two of the comer joints com-above w.~ription an:: intended to be encompassed by the prise cut-away portions that expose the co-molded flexible preloiCnt invention. im:lcr layer.
Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit :from lhi& 7. The one-piece case of claim 1, wherein the co-molded method and adjustments to the cbign are anticipated. 'lbus, to one-piece assembly includes an overllang extending trom a the scope of the invtllltion should be determined by the topportionofoneormoreofthesideswfaccsinparalleltothe appended claims and tm..ir l<.'gll) equivalents, rllther than by bottom surface of the one-pkcc case. the examples given. S.lbc one-piece case of claim 1, further comprising:
What is claimed is: an opening parallel to lhe bottom surface of the flexible 1. A one-piece case for enclosing a peMltlul electronic IS innerlayerpositionedsuchthataportionoftheinserted
ck'Vice comprising: personal electronic device is not enclosed by tbc co-a flexible inner layer co-molded wilh an exterior hard layer molded one-piece assembly.
and permanently aflixed together to fonn a co-molded 9. The ~ of claim 8, wherein an overhang extending On<."-picce assombly; from a top portion of one or more of the side surfaces and
wherein the co-molded om.'-picce assembly is sufficiently 2o extends completely around the perimeter of the opening. flexible to accept inse:rtion of tbc personal electronic 10. The one-piece case of claim 1, further comprising: dt.'Vicc and sufficiently rigid to securely retain the an aperture sua:l and positioned to align v.ith a feature of inserted pei'IIOnal cloctronic device, wherein: the inserted personal electronic &."Vice and !hereby
the tlexible inner layer includes a lx1ttom surfuce. side enable access to the feature. surfiK:cs joined to the bottom surface and extending 2S 11. The one-piece case of claim 1, wherein the side sur-upward therefrom, and a litted cavity coo..!igured to Jaces ofat leat."t one of the flexible inner layer and the exterior accept and retain the ialierted pet110n.al electronic device hard layer extend above a top surface of the inserted personal such that the bottom surfilce covers at least a portion of eiel."trunic device. a bottom lit!Cf.lce of lhe inserted personal electronic 12. The one-piece case of claim 1, wherein the flexible d1.'Vice and the side surfaccs cover at least a portion of a 30 inner layer is manufactured from at least one of robber, sill-side surface of the inserted personal electronic device; con, plastic, or tab ric.
the exterior bard layer includes a bottom surface and side 13. 1be one-piece case of claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaces sized and shaped to substantial! y cover an cJtte- hard layer is manufactured from at least one of plastic, m.ctal, rior of the bottcm and side sur:fuecs of the flexible inner 11 polyc-.ubonatc material, or a para-amnid material. layer and a cut away portion that is permanently filled JS 14. The case of claim 1 wherein the co-molded one-piece with a portion of the co-moldod flexible inner layer. assembly comprises a plurnlity of .mdiused corners and a
2. '!be one-picct< ca.<;e of claim 1, wherein the cut-away plurality of cut-away portions and wherein each of the plu-portion forms an expansion portion in. the co-molded one- rality of radiused corners contairu; one of the plurality of piece assembly that contributes to the overall flexibility of the cut-away portions. co-molded one-piece assembly. 40 IS. '!be one-piece case of claim 1, wherein the exterior
3.'Ibconc-piccccascofclaim1,whcreinthettcxibluinm.'1' hard layer includes at least two side surfaces that form a layer of the CQ·molded one-piece assembly provides shock radiused comer and the cut-away portion is located at sub-protection for the enclo!IW personal electronic device. stantially the bisector of the radiused comer.
4. The one-piece a~se of claim 1, wherein the side surfaces 16. The case of claim 1 wherein the cut-away portion that of the exterior hard layer form a corner joint and lhe CO· 4S ispermane.ntlyfilledwithaportionofthcftexibleinnerlayer, molded flexible inner layer fills in the cut-away portion extends through at least the side surface and a portion of the located at the comer joint contributing to the overall fiexibil- bottom surface of the exterior hard layer. ity of the one-piece case.
S. Tbe one-piece case of claim 1. wherein the flexible inner layer that fills in the cut-away portion creates a stretch-woe • • • • •
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL COVER SHEET
DEFENDANTS
ORIGINAL I (a) PLAINTIFFS (Check box if you are representing yourselfO)
SPECULATIVE PRODUCT DESIGN, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company d/bJa SPECK PRODUCTS,
KAREN BECKER, an Individual, KA TINKAS USA, LLC, a Utah Limited Liability Company, and DOES I -10, Inclusive,
(b) Attorneys (Firm Name, Address and Telephone Number. If you are representing yourself, provide same.)
JOHNSON & PHAM, LLP, 6355 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 326 Woodland Hills, CA 91367, Ph: 818-888-7540; Fax: 818-888-7544
Attorneys (If Known)
II. BASIS OF JURISDICTION (Place an X in one box only.) Ill. CITIZENSHIP OF PRINCIPAL PARTIES- For Diversity Cases Only (Place an X in one box for plaintiff and one for defendant.)
0 1 U.S. Government Plaintiff fi 3 Federal Question (U.S. Government Not a Party) Citizen ofThis State
0 2 U.S. Government Defendant 0 4 Diversity (Indicate Citizenship Citizen of Another State of Parties in Item Ill)
PTF DEF 01 01
02 02
PTF DEF Incorporated or Principal Place 04 04 of Business in this State
Incorporated and Principal Place 05 05 of Business in Another State
Citizen or Subject of a Foreign Country 0 3 0 3 Foreign Nation 06 06
IV. ORIGIN (Place an X in one box only.)
r!fi1 Original 0 2 Removed from 0 3 Remanded from 0 4 Reinstated or 0 5 Transferred from another district (specify): 0 6 Multi- 0 7 Appeal to District Judge from Magistrate Judge
Proceeding State Court Appellate Court Reopened District Litigation
V. REQUESTED IN COMPLAINT: JURY DEMAND: 'Jves 0 No (Check 'Yes' only if demanded in complaint.}
CLASS ACTION under F.R.C.P. 23: 0 Yes rfNo 0 MONEY DEMANDED IN COMPLAINT:$
VI. CAUSE OF ACTION (Cite the U.S. Civil Statute under which you are filing and write a brief statement of cause. Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity.)
Federal Trademark Infringement (15 U.S.C. Section 1114/Lanham Act Section 32(a))
VII. NATURE OF SUIT (Place an X in one box only.)
OTHERS'J"ATUTES ,,,.,, " ,'"·, ·<;. '
0400 State Reapportionment Fair Labor Standards 0410 Antitrust Marine 0310 Airplane PROPERTY 0510 Motions to Act 0430 Banks and Banking Miller Act 0315 Airplane Product 0370 Other Fraud Vacate Sentence 0 720 Labor/Mgml. 0450 Commerce/ICC Negotiable Instrument Liability 0371 Truth in Lending Habeas Corpus Relations
Rates/etc. Recovery of 0320 Assault, Libel & 0380 Other Personal 0530 General 0730 Labor/Mgmt. 0460 Deportation Overpayment & Slander Property Damage 0535 Death Penalty Reporting& 0470 Racketeer Influenced Enforcement of 0 330 Fed. Employers' 0385 Property Damage 0540 Mandamus/ Disclosure Act
and Corrupt Judgment Liability Product Liability Other 0 740 Railway Labor Act Organizations 0151 Medicare Act 0340 Marine . '~KROl'tCY> .. 0550 Civil Rights 0790 Other Labor
0 422 Appeal 28 USC 0555 Prison Condition Litigation 0490 Cable/Sat TV Student Loan (Excl. 0350 Motor Vehicle 158 I .l• 0791 Empl. Ret. Inc. 0810 Selective Service Veterans) 0 355 Motor Vehicle 0423 Withdrawal 28 ;lmNALTY.&•,,'· Security Act 0 850 Securities/Commodities/ 0153 Recovery of Product Liability usc 157 0610 Agriculture il'!tr.!QPERTYRlG~
Exchange Overpayment of 0360 Other Personal . aYliLRlOHTS 0620 Other Food & 0 820 Copyrights 0875 Customer Challenge 12 Veteran's Benefits Injury 0441 Voting Drug ~30 Patent
usc 3410 0160 Stockholders' Suits 0362 Personal Injury- 0442 Employment 0625 Drug Related 840 Trademark 0 890 Other Statutory Actions 0190 Other Contract Med Malpractice 0443 Housing/Acco- Seizure of ',; SOclAL S:ecuRITY 0 891 Agricultural Act 0195 Contract Product 0365 Personal Injury- mmodations Property 21 USC 0 861 HIA (I 395ft) 0892 Economic Stabilization Liability Product Liability 0444 Welfare 881 0 862 Black Lung (923}
Act 0196 Franchise 0368 Asbestos Personal 0445 American with 0 630 Liquor Laws 0 863 DIWCIDIWW 0 893 Environmental Matters .. REAL'PRO:PERTY Injury Product Disabilities - 0 640 R.R. & Truck (405(g}) 0894 Energy Allocation Act 0210 Land Condemnation Liability Employment 0650 Airline Regs 0 864 SSID Title XVI 0895 Freedom oflnfo. Act 0220 Foreclosure .'.>'c'lli(MlQAATIOlt 0446 American with 0660 Occupational 0 865 RSI (405(g)) 0900 Appeal of Fee Determi- 0230 Rent Lease & Ejectment 0462 Naturalization Disabilities - Safety /Health T.AXSUJT$:
nation Under Equal 0240 Torts to Land Application Other 0690 Other Taxes (U.S. Plaintiff Access to Justice 0245 Tort Product Liability 0463 Habeas Corpus- 0440 Other Civil or Defendant)
0950 Constitutionality of 0290 All Other Real Property Alien Detainee Rights 0 871 IRS-Third Party 26 State Statutes 0465 Other Immigration USC7609
Actions
F G~&~ !~10~ FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: Case Number: - · .
AFfER COMPLETING THE~ ~U; ~OR-~ C Pt HE INFORMATION REQUESTED BELOW.
CV-71 (05/08} CIVIL COVER SHEET Pagel of2
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL COVER SHEET
VIII(a). IDENTICAL CASES: Has this action been previously filed in this court and dismissed, remanded or closed? l'fNo 0 Yes
If yes, list case number(s): ---------------------------------------------------
VIII(b). RELATED CASES: Have any cases been previously filed in this court that are related to the present case? <iNo 0 Yes
If yes, list case number(s): ---------------------------------------------------
Civil cases are deemed related if a previously filed case and tbe present case:
(Check all boxes that apply) 0 A. Arise from the same or closely related transactions, happenings, or events; or
0 B. Call for determination of the same or substantially related or similar questions of law and fact; or
0 C. For other reasons would entail substantial duplication oflabor if heard by different judges; or
0 D. Involve the same patent, trademark or copyright,~ one of the factors identified above in a, b or c also is present
IX. VENUE: (When completing the following information, use an additional sheet if necessary.)
(a) List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH named plaintiff resides. 0 Check here if the government its agencies or employees is a named plaintiff If this box is checked go to item (b).
County in this District:* California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country
Santa Clara County, California
(b) List the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH named defendant resides. 0 Check here if the government, its agencies or employees is a named defendant. If this box is checked go to item (c).
County in this District: • Cal 1fornia County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country
Utah
(c) L1st the County in this District; California County outside of this District; State if other than California; or Foreign Country, in which EACH claim arose. Note· In land condemnation cases, use tbe location of the tract ofland involved.
County in this District:* California County outside of this District; State, if other than California; or Foreign Country
L{)s Angeles County, California
• Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, V~i_!:~;IAiiFII,-~~ Note: In land condemnation cases use the location o e tract oft
Key to Statistical codes relating to Social Secun
Nature of Suit Code Abbreviation
861 HIA
862 BL
863 DIWC
863 DIWW
864 SSID
865 RSI
CV-71 (05/08)
the informati contained herein neither replace nor supplement the filing and service of pleadings nfere the United States in September 1974, is required pursuant to Local Rule 3-1 is not filed
·~!W~~rmer!ll]aTrtnitiating the civil docket sheet (For more detailed instructions, see separate instructions sheet)
Substantive Statement of Cause of Action
All claims for health insurance benefits (Medicare) under Title 18, Part A, of the Social Security Act, as amended Also, include claims by hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, etc., for certification as providers of services under the program. (42 U.S.C. 1935FF(b)}
All claims for "Black Lung" benefits under Title 4, Part B, of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. (30 U.S.C 923)
All claims filed by insured workers for disability insurance benefits under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended; plus all claims filed for child's insurance benefits based on disability. (42 U.S.C. 405(g))
All claims filed for widows or widowers insurance benefits based on disability under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended. (42 U.S.C. 405(g))
All claims for supplemental security income payments hased upon disability filed under Title 16 of the Social Security Act, as amended.
All claims for retirement (old age) and survivors benefits under Title 2 of the Social Security Act, as amended. (42 u.s.c. (g))