PRIORITY APPLICATION DETAILS

[001] The present application claims the priority from the Indian patent application number 202221043373 dated July 28, 2022, having a title as - AN APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING A HANDHELD DEVICE USING A FIRING MECHANISM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The present invention relates generally to protective casings for handheld devices and more particularly relates to an apparatus for protecting a handheld device.

BACKGROUND

[003] In today's world, handheld devices are very popular and their usage is wide spread. A handheld device can be a mobile device, a tablet, a palm laptop, a remote-control device, or any similar electronic device. The handheld devices work on myriad of delicate and expensive components. In day-to-day handling of the handheld devices, there are chances that the handheld device may drop or fall from the substantial height, thereby damaging the handheld device. It is important to protect the handheld devices as the impact causes damage to the delicate components of the handheld devices, thereby completely or partially disabling the functionality. In some instances, there are high chances that the handheld devices are permanently damaged. [004] In the prior art, various types of covers are available with various materials and designs. Also, flip covers are widely used for protecting touch screen of the handheld devices. Typically, a plastic or leather cover is used to protect/ wrap the handheld device, but this cover protects only the screen of the handheld device. Inner delicate components may be damaged because of the impact of the force generated due to the sudden falling event. Back covers are available to take care of the handheld device during a dropping event. However, in a severe dropping event of the handheld device, these conventional back covers cannot sustain the generated impact force during the dropping event, thereby causing damage to the inner fragile components of the handheld device. Further, these conventional back covers create technical problems in the handheld device due to heat dissipation, thereby heating the handheld device even for a short duration usage. Also, heat dissipation causes impact on charging speed of the handheld device. The handheld devices with the conventional back covers consume more power for good signal strength. Installation of covers such as screen protectors is complicated and these covers cannot be reused.

SUMMARY

[005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[006] Before the present subject matter relating to an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular apparatus described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.

[007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.

[008] In one embodiment, an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more protection means disposed inside a housing. The one or more protection means are configured to slide from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. An actuation unit is coupled to the one or more protection means. The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements, a tank containing gas and a nozzle coupled to the tank. At least one sensor is coupled to the actuation unit. The at least one sensor is configured to detect a dropping event of the handheld device. The actuation unit is configured to actuate an actuating element to generate a high pressurized gas inside the tank and the protection means slide from the stowed position to the deployed position when the sensor detects the dropping event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[009] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.

[0010] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device depicting an arrangement of actuating elements, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device depicting an arrangement of umbrellas, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device encased with an apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a handheld device after severe dropping event, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0015] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional view depicting an open up umbrella in a severe dropping event of a handheld device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device depicting an arrangement of a plurality of actuating elements, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [0017] Figure 7 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device illustrating an arrangement of umbrellas, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a handheld device after a severe dropping event, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates a sectional view depicting an open up umbrella in a severe dropping event, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0020] Figure 10 is a sectional view depicting an actuation unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0021] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

[0022] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism is now described.

[0024] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that an apparatus can be utilized in any situation where there is a dropping of a handheld device from higher surface. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0025] The present disclosure provides technical solutions to the technical problems identified in the prior art. In the prior art, various types of covers are available with various materials and designs. Also, flip covers are widely used for protecting touch screen of a handheld device. The problem with these covers is that the covers protect only a touch screen of the handheld devices. In the dropping event of the handheld device, the inner fragile components may be damaged causing inoperability of the handheld device. Back covers are available to take care of the handheld device during a dropping event. However, in a severe dropping event of the handheld device, these conventional back covers cannot sustain a generated impact force during the dropping event, thereby causing damage to the inner fragile components of the handheld device. Further, these conventional back covers create technical problems in the handheld device due to heat dissipation, thereby heating the handheld device, even for a short duration usage. Also, heat dissipation causes, impact on charging speed of the handheld device.

[0026] The handheld devices with the conventional back covers consume more power for good signal strength. Installation of covers, such as, screen protectors is complicated and these covers cannot be reused. Above problems and other problems should be identified by a person ordinary skilled in the art. The present disclosure provides a technical solution to the aforementioned technical problems in the prior arts. An apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure acts as a cover for the handheld device which includes a plurality of bumpers, a plurality of umbrellas and an actuation unit. The cover can be a back cover or a flip cover of the handheld device. The bumpers are adapted to protect the handheld device, when the impact force generated during the dropping event of the handheld device is less than the predetermined threshold value of the impact force. In the severe dropping event of the handheld device, when the generated impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the actuation unit is automatically activated for opening up the umbrellas, thereby preventing the damage of the delicate parts of the handheld device. The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure can sustain the impact force generated during the dropping event of the handheld device, when the handheld device is encased with the apparatus, either by bumpers or by umbrella, thereby protecting the handheld device from the damage. The bumpers and umbrellas are automatically retracted back to their original position after deploying the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure, thereby reusing the same apparatus for the handheld device. The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure is installed at all sides of the handheld device for keeping the back side of the handheld device open, thereby avoiding the heat dissipation. Thus, the handheld device encased with the apparatus gets a good signal strength. Also, the handheld device does not heat up during the usage and charging speed of the handheld device is maintained properly. The installation of the apparatus disclosed in the present disclosure is very simple.

[0027] In an embodiment, as described above, an apparatus for protecting a handheld device using a firing mechanism is used to protect the inner fragile components of the handheld device when the handheld device falls from a table or in an event of a free fall of the handheld device from user's hand. The installation of an apparatus on the handheld device or any portable electronic device is very simple. The apparatus for protecting a handheld device includes a housing, a bumper, a sensor, an actuation unit, one or more protection means and a locking mechanism. The housing may be of a size to receive the handheld device or any portable electronic device such as a tablet or an iPad® or a remote-control device. The one or more protection means are disposed inside the housing through an openable flap provided at the corners of the apparatus. The protection means may be an umbrella or an inverted umbrella stowed inside the housing. In one embodiment, the umbrella may be a balloon shaped umbrella. The umbrella may be made up of a light material, thereby making the apparatus light weight. [0028] The apparatus includes a bumper forming an edge of the handheld device and mounted on diagonally opposite corners of the housing. The bumper may be an openable flap. In one embodiment, the bumper may be made up of a resilient material. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one sensor disposed inside the housing to detect the severe dropping event of a handheld device. The sensor detects a dropping event of the handheld device when the handheld device falls from the user ⁷ s hand or from any objects. In an embodiment, the sensor includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to compute the rate of fall and the impact force generated during the dropping event of the handheld device. A predetermined threshold value for the impact force is computed based on the sensitivity of internal parts, and total impact force. In addition to that, another suitable factors may be employed for the computation of the predetermined threshold value. The actuation unit includes a first actuating element and a second actuating element. The first actuating element and the second actuating element are connected to the sensor. In one embodiment, the first actuating element and the second actuating element may be located on sides of the apparatus. In another embodiment, the first actuating element and the second actuating element are located at the centre of the back side of the handheld device. The actuation unit is coupled to the sensor. The actuation unit is activated by the sensor, when the generated impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value of the impact force. The bumpers may sustain the impact force generated by dropping of the handheld device, when the generated impact force is less than the predetermined threshold value of the impact force and the actuation unit remains in a deactivated state. When the impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the sensor generates a signal to activate the actuation unit. The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements, a tank and a nozzle coupled to the tank. The actuating element includes a tank which contains gas generation chemicals. In one embodiment, the tank may include a gas stored at a very high pressure. A nozzle is coupled to the tank. During the severe dropping event of the handheld device encased with the apparatus, the sensor generates a signal to initiate the actuation unit. In the tank, a chemical reaction occurs among the gas generating chemicals and a high pressurized gas is formed. The high pressurized gas from the tank is directed through the nozzle and the high pressurized gas is configured to push the spring in the direction of umbrella, thereby actuating the one or more protection means to slide from the stowed position inside the housing to the deployed position outside the housing and trigger a knob present on the shaft of the umbrella. The umbrella unlocks the locking mechanism and open up through the openable flap, thereby pushing the bumper away from the housing. The one or more umbrellas open up simultaneously/ concurrently and cover the handheld device from the front side and the back side, thereby protecting the handheld device from damaging during a severe dropping event. After deploying, the umbrellas are retracted back and locked into the housing. The sensor generates a signal to activate the actuation unit. The activated actuation unit initiates the plurality of actuating elements to trigger the knob for closing the umbrellas. The open up umbrellas get closed and slide from deployed position out of the housing to the stowed position inside the housing. The locking mechanism locks the umbrellas inside the housing and restores the apparatus at its original orientation.

[0029] In one embodiment, the actuation unit, the sensor and at least one protection means may be incorporated into a case, which is coupled to the handheld device or any portable electronic device.

[0030] It should be noted that the above advantages and other advantages will be better evident in the subsequent description. Further, in the subsequent section the present subject is better explained with reference to the figures.

[0031] Referring now to the drawings, particularly by their reference numbers, Figure 1 illustrates an elevation of an apparatus for protecting a handheld device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present claimed subject matter.

[0032] In an embodiment, an apparatus 100 for protecting a handheld device 102, comprises a housing 101, an actuation unit 103, a plurality of bumpers 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d and a sensor 110. The actuation unit 103 comprises a first actuating element 104 and a second actuating element 106. The first actuating element 104 is located at the center of a first longitudinal side of the housing 101 and the second actuating element 106 is located at the center of a second longitudinal side of the housing 101. Each bumper 108 is positioned at a corner of the housing 101 of the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, each bumper 108 is located at diagonally opposite ends of the housing 101. The bumper 108a and the bumper 108d are positioned diagonally opposite to each other. The bumper 108b and the bumper 108c are positioned diagonally opposite to each other. In one embodiment, the bumper 108 is an openable flap and is made up of a resilient material. The first actuating element 104 and the second actuating element 106 are connected to a sensor 110. The sensor 110 is configured to detect a dropping event of the handheld device 102 when the handheld device falls from the user's hand or from any object, for example, a table, and the handheld device 102 is encased with the apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the sensor 110 includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to compute the rate of fall and the impact force generated during the dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100. [0033] Figure 2 illustrates a handheld device 102 along with the arrangement of one or more protection means (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d). In an embodiment, the protection means 202 are umbrellas 202a, 202b, 202c and 202d. Each umbrella 202 includes a cover, a shaft 208 with a knob 204. The umbrella 202a includes the cover and the shaft 208a with the knob 204a. The shaft 208a holds the umbrella 202a in an upward standing position. In one embodiment, the shaft 202a is made up of, but is not limited to, an aluminum, a wooden material, or a fiberglass. The shaft 208a is coupled to a first actuating element 104 via a spring 206a. The umbrella 202a is stowed inside a housing 101 at a top section of a first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 202b includes the cover and the shaft 208b with the knob 204b. The shaft 208b holds the umbrella 202b in an upward standing position. In one embodiment, the shaft 208b is made up of, but is not limited to, the aluminum, the wooden material, or the fiberglass. The shaft 208b is coupled to the second actuating element 106 via the spring 206b. The umbrella 202b is stowed inside the housing 101 at the top section of second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 204c includes the cover and the shaft 208c with the knob 204c. The shaft 208c is coupled to the first actuating element 104 via the spring 206c. The shaft 208c holds the umbrella 202c in the downward standing position. In one embodiment, the shaft 208c is made up of, but is not limited to, an aluminum, the wooden material, or the fiberglass. The umbrella 202c is stowed inside the housing 101 at the bottom section of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 204d includes the cover and the shaft 208d with the knob 204d. The shaft 208d is coupled to the second actuating element 106 via the spring 206d. The umbrella 202d is stowed inside the housing 101 at the bottom section of second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. [0034] When a severe dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100 occurs, a sensor 110 determines the rate of fall and the impact force generated due to the dropping event. If the impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the sensor 110 generates a signal to activate the actuation unit 103. In an embodiment, the predetermined threshold value is an accepted threshold value. The actuating element 104 actuates the umbrella 202a to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the upward direction by providing the external force via the spring 206a. The umbrella 202a pushes the bumper 108a away from the housing 101 during deployment. The deployed position may be the top corner of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204a present on the shaft 208a, thereby opening the umbrella 202a outside the housing 101. Similarly, the actuating element 104 actuates an inverted umbrella 202c to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the downward direction by providing the external force via a spring 206c. The umbrella 202c pushes the bumper 108c away from the housing 101 in the downward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. In an embodiment, the sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204c present on the shaft 208c thereby opening the umbrella 202c. The actuating element 106 actuates the umbrella 202b to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the upward direction, by providing the external force via the spring 206b. The umbrella 202b pushes the bumper 108b away from the housing 101 in the upward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204b present on the shaft 208b, thereby opening the umbrella 202b. Similarly, the actuating element 106 actuates the inverted umbrella 202d to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the downward direction by providing external force via the spring 206d. The umbrella 202d pushes the bumper 108d away from the housing 101 in the downward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the bottom edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204d present on the shaft 208d, thereby opening the umbrella 202d.

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100. The actuation unit 103 comprises an actuating element 104 and an actuating element 106 located on each longitudinal sides of the handheld device. The actuating element 104 comprises a tank 302a and a nozzle 304a. In one embodiment, the tank 302a contains a gas generating chemicals. In one embodiment, the gas is stored under a very high pressure in the tank 302a. The nozzle 304a is coupled to the tank 302a. In a dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103. The actuation unit 103 actuates the actuating element 104, thereby performing a chemical reaction of gas generating chemicals inside the tank 302a. The high pressurized gas formed from the chemical reactions is directed towards the umbrella 202a through the nozzle 304a. The pressurized gas pushes the spring 206a upward and actuates one or more protection means 202a to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103 for triggering a knob 204a present on the shaft 208a of the umbrella 202a, thereby opening the umbrella 202a. Similarly, the actuation unit 103 actuates the actuating element 106, thereby generating the chemical reaction of the gas generating chemicals inside the tank 302b. The gas formed from chemical reactions is directed towards the umbrella 202b through the nozzle 304b. The pressurized gas pushes the spring 206b upward and actuates one or more protection means 202b to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103 for triggering a knob 204b present on the shaft 208b of the umbrella 202b, thereby opening the umbrella 202b.

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates a handheld device 102 encased with an apparatus 100 in a dropping event with open up umbrellas 202. The apparatus 100 includes one or more umbrella 202 as a protection means. In one embodiment, the umbrellas 202 include a balloon shaped cover to provide the appearance of umbrellas 202a as balloons. In one embodiment, the umbrellas 202a includes a balloon shaped cover, a plurality of ribs 402a, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft 208a, a top spring and a tip 404a. The tip 404a is provided at the top edge of the umbrella 202a. A balloon shaped cover is made up of a plurality of panel sections 406a. In one embodiment, the cover is made up of, but is not limited to, the plurality of plastic panel sections, teflon panel sections, and acrylic sections. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208a. The plurality of ribs 402a is attached to the shaft 208a and connected to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by the plurality of ribs 402a. The ribs 402a are running from the tip 404a of the umbrella 202a to the bottom edge of the umbrella 202a and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella 202a. The runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft 208a for opening and closing the umbrella 202a. Similarly, the umbrella 202b includes the balloon shaped cover, the plurality of ribs 402b, the runner, the plurality of stretchers, the shaft 208b, the top spring and the tip 404b. The tip 404b is provided at the top edge of the umbrella 202b. The balloon shaped cover is made up of, a plurality of panel sections 406b. In one embodiment, the cover is made up of, but is not limited to a plurality of the plastic panel sections, the teflon panel sections, and the acrylic sections. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208b. The plurality of ribs 402b is attached to the shaft 208b and connected to the stretchers with the joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by the plurality of ribs 402b. The ribs 402b are running from the tip 404b of the umbrella 202b to the bottom edge of the umbrella 202b and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella 202b. The runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft 208b for opening and closing the umbrella 202b.

[0037] In an embodiment, the umbrellas 202c and 202d can be inverted umbrellas. The umbrella 202c includes the balloon shaped cover, the plurality of ribs 402c, the runner, the plurality of stretchers, the shaft 208c, the top spring and the tip 404c. The tip 404c is provided at the top edge of the umbrella 202c such that the tip 404c is in opposite direction with respect to the tip 404a of the umbrella 202a. The balloon shaped cover is made up of a plurality of panel sections 406c. In one embodiment, the cover is made up of, but is not limited to, the plurality of plastic panel sections, the Teflon panel sections, and the acrylic panel sections. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208c. The plurality of ribs 402c is attached to the shaft 208c and coupled to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by the plurality of ribs 402c. The ribs 402c are running from the tip 404c of the umbrella 202c to the bottom edge of the umbrella 202c and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella 202c. [0038] Further, the runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft 208c for opening and closing the umbrella 202c. Similarly, the umbrella 202d includes the balloon shaped cover, the plurality of ribs 402d, the runner, the plurality of stretchers, the shaft 208d, the top spring and the tip 404d. The tip 404d is provided at the top edge of the umbrella 202d such that the tip 404d is in opposite direction with respect to the tip 404d of the umbrella 202b. A balloon shaped cover is made up of the plurality of panel sections 406d. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208d. The plurality of ribs 402d is attached to the shaft 208d and connected to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by the plurality of ribs 402b. The ribs 402b are running from the tip 404d of the umbrella 202d to the bottom edge of the umbrella 202d and provide the framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella 202d. The runner provides a vertical up-down movement to the shaft 208d for opening and closing the umbrella 202d.

[0039] In the dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204a. The knob 204a slides the runner to the top portion of the shaft 208 of the umbrella 202a, thereby expanding the stretchers in an outward direction. As the stretchers get expanded in outward direction, the ribs 402a are raised up and spreads the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella 202a opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The top spring locks the umbrella 202a in an expanded form. The umbrella 202a opens up in a vertically upward position. Similarly, the sensor 110 generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204b. The knob 204b slides the runner to the top of the umbrella 202b, thereby expanding the stretchers in outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in outward direction, the ribs 402b are raised up and spread the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella 202b opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The top spring locks the umbrella 202b in expanded form. The umbrella 202b opens up in a vertically upward position.

[0040] At the same time, the sensor 110 generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204c. The knob 204c slides the runner to the top portion of the umbrella 202c in the downward direction, thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 402c are raised up and spread the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella 202c opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The top spring locks the umbrella 202c in an expanded form. The umbrella 202c opens up in a vertically downward position. Similarly, the sensor 110 generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204d. The knob 204d slides the runner to the top portion of the umbrella 202d in the downward direction, thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretchers gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 402d are raised up and spreads the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella 202d opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the bottom edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The top spring locks the umbrella 202d in the expanded form. The umbrella 202d opens up in a vertically downward position.

[0041] In the dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates signal to actuate the actuation unit 103, thus the first actuating element 104 and the second actuating element 106 activates simultaneously. Therefore, one or more umbrellas 202 open up simultaneously in a balloon shape and cover front as well as back surface of the handheld device 102, thereby protecting the handheld device 102 from damage.

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates the open up umbrella 202b in a severe dropping event of the handheld device 102. In the severe dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor generates a signal to initiate the actuation unit 103. The actuating element 106 comprises a tank 302b and a nozzle 304b. The tank 302b contains a gas stored under a very high pressure. The nozzle 304b is coupled to the tank 302b. The actuation unit 103 actuates the actuating element 106 and the high pressurized gas from the tank 302b is directed towards the umbrella 202b through the nozzle 304b. The pressurized gas pushes the spring 206b upward and actuates the umbrella 202b to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204b present on the shaft 208b. The knob 204b slides the runner to the top portion of the shaft 208b, thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretchers get expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 402b are raised up and spreads the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella 202b opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 202b opens up in a vertically upward position.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100 along with the plurality of actuating elements provided at the center of the back side of the handheld device 102. The first actuating element 104 is connected to the sensor 110 and located at the top side of the sensor 110. The second actuating element 106 is connected to the sensor 110 and located at the bottom side of the sensor 110. A locking mechanism 602a is provided at the top edge of the first longitudinal side inside the bumper 108a to lock the umbrella 202a in a stowed position inside a housing 101. A locking mechanism 602b is provided at the top edge of the second longitudinal side inside the bumper 108b to lock the umbrella 202b in a stowed position inside the housing 101. The locking mechanism 602c is provided at the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side inside the bumper 108c to lock the umbrella 202c in a stowed position inside the housing 101. A locking mechanism 602d is provided at the bottom edge of the second longitudinal side inside the bumper 108d to lock the umbrella 202d in a stowed position inside the housing 101.

[0044] Figure 7 illustrates a handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100 along with the arrangement of protection means 202. The apparatus 100 includes inverted umbrellas 202a, 202b, 202c and 202d. The umbrella 202a is stowed inside the housing 101 at the top section of the first longitudinal side diagonally inside the housing 101. The umbrella 202a is stowed in an idle position by locking in a locking mechanism 602a. The umbrella 202a includes a shaft 208a coupled to a canopy and diagonally connected to the first actuating element 104 via a spring 206a. The shaft 208a holds the umbrella 202a in a diagonal position facing the umbrella 202a in an upward direction. The shaft 208a includes a knob 204a. In one embodiment, the shaft 208a is made up of a rigid material. The umbrella 202b is stowed diagonally inside the housing 101 at the top section of the second longitudinal side. The umbrella 202b is stowed in position by locking in a locking mechanism 602b. The shaft 208b holds the umbrella 202b in the diagonal position facing the umbrella 202b in the diagonally upward direction. The umbrella 202b includes a shaft 208b coupled to a canopy and diagonally connected to the second actuating element 106 via the spring 206b. The shaft 208b includes the knob 204b.

[0045] The umbrella 202c is stowed inside the housing 101 at the bottom section of the first longitudinal side diagonally inside the housing 101. The umbrella 202c is stowed in the idle position by locking in the locking mechanism 602c. The umbrella 202c includes a shaft 208c coupled to a canopy and diagonally connected to the first actuating element 104 via the spring 206c. The shaft 208c holds the umbrella 202c in the diagonal position facing the umbrella 202c in the downward direction. The shaft 208c includes a knob 204c. In one embodiment, the shaft 208c is made up of a rigid material. The umbrella 202d is stowed diagonally inside the housing 101 at the top section of the second longitudinal side. The umbrella 202d is stowed in position by locking in the locking mechanism 602d. The shaft 208d holds the umbrella 202d in the diagonal position facing the umbrella 202d in the diagonally downward direction. The umbrella 202d includes the shaft 208d coupled to the canopy and diagonally connected to the second actuating element 106 via the spring 206d. The shaft 208d includes a knob 204d.

[0046] When a dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100 occurs, a sensor 110 determines the rate of fall and the impact force generated due to the dropping event. If the impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the sensor 110 generates a signal to activate the actuation unit 103. The first actuating element 104 actuates the umbrella 202a to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the diagonally upward direction, by providing an external force via the spring 206a.

[0047] Further, the umbrella 202a pushes the bumper 108a away from the housing 101 during deployment. The deployed position may be the top corner of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the first actuating element 104 for triggering the knob 204a which is present on the shaft 208a. The umbrella 202a unlocks the locking mechanism 602a and opens up outside the housing 101 in a diagonally upward direction. Similarly, the first actuating element 104 actuates the umbrella 202b to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the diagonally upward direction, by providing the external force via the spring 206b. The umbrella 202b pushes the bumper 108b away from the housing 101 during deployment. The deployed position may be the top corner of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to the first actuating element 104 for triggering the knob 204b which is present on the shaft 208b. The umbrella 202b unlocks the lock from locking mechanism 602b and opens up outside the housing 101 in a diagonally upward direction.

[0048] In a dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates a signal to enable the actuation unit 103. The first actuating element 104 actuates the umbrella 202c to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the downward direction, by providing the external force via a spring 206c. The umbrella 202c pushes the bumper 108a away from the housing 101 in the downward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204c present on the shaft 208c to open up the umbrella 202c. Similarly, the second actuating element 106 actuates the umbrella 202d to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 in the downward direction, by providing external force via the spring 206d. The umbrella 202d pushes the bumper 108d away from the housing 101 during deployment. The deployed position may be the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100 outside the housing 101. The sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204d present on the shaft 208d to open up the umbrella 202d in the downward diagonal direction.

[0049] Figure 8 illustrates a handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100 in a severe dropping event with open up umbrellas 202. The apparatus 100 includes one or more umbrellas 202 as a protection means. The umbrellas 202a, 202b, 202c and 202d are inverted umbrellas. In one embodiment, the umbrella 202a includes a canopy 808a, a cover, a plurality of ribs 802a, a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft 208a, a top spring and a tip 804a. The tip 804a is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella 202a. The canopy 808a is made up of a plurality of panel sections 806a. In one embodiment, the panel sections 806a are made up of a special carbon fiber material. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208a at the tip 804a. The plurality of ribs 802a is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy 808a is supported by a plurality of ribs 802a. The ribs 802a are running from the tip 804a of the umbrella 202a to the top surface of the umbrella 202a and provide a framework to the canopy 808a of the umbrella 202a. The runner moves the shaft 208a in up and down direction for opening and closing the umbrella 202a. Similarly, the umbrella 202b includes the canopy 808b, the plurality of ribs 802b, the runner, the plurality of stretchers, the shaft 208b, the top spring and the tip 804b. The tip 804b is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella 202b. The canopy 808b is made up of a plurality of panel sections 806b. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208b at the tip 804b. The plurality of ribs 802b is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy 808b is supported by a plurality of ribs 802b. The ribs 802b are running from the tip 804b of the umbrella 202b to the top surface of the umbrella 202b and provide a framework to the canopy 808b of the umbrella 202b. The runner moves the shaft 208b in up and down direction for opening and closing the umbrella 202b. The umbrella 202c includes the canopy 808c, the plurality of ribs 802c, the runner, the plurality of stretchers, the shaft 208c, the top spring and the tip 804c. The tip 804c is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella 202c. The canopy 808c is made up of a plurality of panel sections 806c. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208c at the tip 804c. The plurality of ribs 802c is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy 808c is supported by a plurality of ribs 802c. The ribs 802c are running from the tip 804c of the umbrella 202c to the top surface of the umbrella 202c and provide a framework to the canopy 808c of the umbrella 202c. The runner moves the shaft 208c in up and down direction for opening and closing the umbrella 202c. The umbrella 202d includes the canopy 808d, the plurality of ribs 802d, the runner, the plurality of stretchers, the shaft 208d, the top spring and the tip 804d. The tip 804d is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella 202d. The canopy 808d is made up of the plurality of panel sections 806d. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft 208d at the tip 804d. The plurality of ribs 802d is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy 808d is supported by the plurality of ribs 802d. The ribs 802d are running from the tip 804d of the umbrella 202d to the top surface of the umbrella 202d and provide a framework to the canopy 808d of the umbrella 202d. The runner moves the shaft 208d up and down for opening and closing the umbrella 202d.

[0050] In the severe dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204a present on the shaft 208a. The shaft is coupled to the bottom of the inverted umbrella 202a at the tip 804a. The knob 204a slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella 202a thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 802a are raised up and spreads the panel sections 806a of the canopy 808a. The umbrella 202a opens up outwardly through the openable flap at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The top spring locks the umbrella 202a in expanded form. The umbrella 202a opens in inverted position, therefore the umbrella opens in a u-shaped structure. At the same time, the sensor 110 generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204b. The knob 204b slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella 202b, thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 802b are raised up and spreads the panel sections 806b of the canopy 808b. The top spring locks the umbrella 202b in an expanded form. The umbrella 202b opens up outwardly at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 202b is in inverted position, therefore the umbrella opens in a u-shaped structure.

[0051] The sensor 110 generates a signal to trigger the knob 204c present on the shaft 208c. The shaft 208c is coupled to the bottom of the inverted umbrella 202c at the tip 804c. The knob 204c slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella 202c, thereby expanding the stretchers in outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in outward direction, the ribs 802c are raised up and spreads the panel sections 806c of the canopy 808c. The umbrella 202c opens up outwardly through the openable flap at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 202c opens in the inverted position, appears as a u-shaped structure. At the same time, the sensor 110 generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit 103 to trigger the knob 204d. The knob 204d slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella 202d, thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 802d are raised up and spreads the panel sections 806d of the canopy 808d. The umbrella 202d opens up outwardly at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 202d is in the inverted position, therefore the umbrella opens in a u-shaped structure.

[0052] In the dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103, thus the first actuating element 104 and the second actuating element 106 activates simultaneously. Therefore, one or more inverted umbrellas 202 open up simultaneously/ concurrently and cover front as well as the back surface of the handheld device 102, thereby protecting the handheld device 102 from damage.

[0053] Figure 9 illustrates the open up umbrella 202b in a severe dropping event of the handheld device 102. In the severe dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, the sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103. The actuating element 106 comprises a tank 302b and a nozzle 304b. The tank 302b contains a gas stored under a very high pressure. The nozzle 304b is coupled to the tank 302b. The actuation unit 103 actuates the actuating element 106 and the high pressurized gas from tank 302b is directed towards the umbrella 202b through the nozzle 304b.

[0054] Furthermore, the pressurized gas pushes the spring 206b upward and actuates the umbrella 202b to slide from the stowed position inside the housing 101 to the deployed position outside the housing 101 thereby triggering a knob 204b present on the shaft 208b of the umbrella 202b. The shaft 208b is coupled to the bottom of the inverted umbrella 202b at the tip 804b. The knob 204b slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella 202b thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretchers get expanded in the outward direction, the ribs 802b are raised up and spreads the panel sections 806b of the canopy 808b. The umbrella 202b opens up outwardly through the openable flap at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus 100. The umbrella 202b is in inverted position, therefore the umbrella 202b opens in a u-shaped structure.

[0055] Figure 10, illustrates the actuation unit 103 in detail. In one embodiment, the actuating element 104 comprises a tank 302a and a nozzle 304a coupled to the tank 302a. The tank 302a contains the gas generating chemicals. In the severe dropping event of the handheld device 102 encased with the apparatus 100, due to a high impact force, the sensor 110 generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit 103. The actuating element 104, actuates to explode the gas generating chemicals inside the tank 302a and a pressurized gas is formed. The pressurized gas pushes the spring 206a via the nozzle 304a. In one embodiment, the pressurized gas is directed through an air damper to push the spring 206a.

[0056] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these following advantages may include.

[0057] Some embodiments of the apparatus provide protection to the handheld device or any portable electronic device in a severe dropping event. [0058] Some embodiments provide a light weight apparatus for protection of handheld device from damage during a severe dropping event.

[0059] The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure protects the important parts inside the handheld device, thereby improving the life of the handheld device.

[0060] In an another embodiments, the present invention provides an apparatus which is easy to install on a handheld device. The installation can be can be in a format of DIY (Do It Yourself) so that the installation can be done easily by anyone.

[0061] Although the description provides implementations of an apparatus for protecting a handheld device, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods of apparatus. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the apparatus for protecting a handheld device.