Connector cover for communication device
View Patent ↗An apparatus for protecting an accessory connector ( 12 ) on a communication device ( 10 ). The communication device can include an opening ( 14 ) for providing access to the connector. The apparatus can be a cover ( 16 ) attached in a tethered relation to the communication device. A portion of the cover can be flexible so as to allow a user to selectively move the cover between a first position and a second position. In the first position, at the cover can substantially close the opening such that the connector is substantially protected from the infiltration of solid particles and the gross intrusion of liquids. In the second position, the cover can be held away from the connector such that substantially unimpeded access to the connector is permitted. The cover and communication device can have various associated features to ensure that the cover is retained in the first and second positions.
1. An accessory cover for a communications device having a connector, comprising:
a flap that selectively covers the connector; and
at least two attachment legs, each leg having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of each leg being flexibly connected to the flap, the distal end of each leg being adapted for connection to the communication device, at least a portion of the attachment leg being bendable,
wherein the flap is movable between at least a closed position and an open position, wherein in the open position, the flap allows the connector to receive an accessory that the connector is designed to receive and wherein the flap remains in the open position irrespective of the positioning of the accessory cover or the communication device, wherein the two attachment legs are substantially parallel.
2. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein, in the closed position, the flap is disposed substantially 90 degrees relative to the attachment legs.
3. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the cover provides one of a tactile signal or an audible signal when the cover is moved between the closed and open positions.
4. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the flap includes at least two notches, each of the notches receiving at least a portion of a respective attachment leg when the cover is moved.
5. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the at least one attachment leg includes two substantially parallel attachment legs.
6. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the flap is substantially flat.
7. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the flap is substantially rectangular.
8. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the at least one attachment leg includes one or more slots, whereby the slots lockingly receive a corresponding protrusion on the communication device.
9. The accessory cover of claim 1 , wherein, in the open position, the flap is disposed substantially in the same plane relative to the attachment legs.
10. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the distal end of the at least one attachment leg includes one or more protrusions, whereby the one or more protrusions are lockingly received in a corresponding passage on the communication device.
11. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein at least one projection extends substantially transversely from the flap, the at least one projection shaped to interface with the connector.
12. The accessory cover of claim 11 wherein the at least one projection is shaped to substantially surroundingly receive the connector.
13. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the flap includes at least one edge portion, the edge portion including at least one protrusion, wherein the at least one protrusion lockingly engages a portion of the communication device so as to retain the communication device in the closed position.
14. The accessory cover of claim 1 wherein the flap includes at least one notch, wherein the at least one notch lockingly engages a respective protrusion on the communication device so as to retain the communication device in the closed position.