Case for Electronic Device Including Screen Cleaning Apparatus

Abstract

Protective carrying cases for portable and handheld electronic devices include an integrated screen cleaning apparatus. The screen cleaning apparatus may be automatically used when a device is inserted or removed from the protective case. Alternatively, the screen cleaning apparatus may be manually activated by a user as needed. The screen cleaning apparatus is self-contained and cleans the screen and optionally other portions of the electronic device as it is at least partially within the protective case.

1 . A case for an electronic device, the case comprising:
 a case including at least a front cover adapted to cover at least one screen of an electronic device, the front cover including an outer surface and an inner surface; and   a wiper attached to the inner surface and adapted to at least temporarily contact at least a portion of the screen of the electronic device.   
     
     
         2 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case includes an opening for inserting and removing the electronic device, wherein the wiper is located in proximity to the opening such that at least the portion of the screen of the electronic device moves over and in contact with the wiper as the electronic device is inserted or removed from the case. 
     
     
         3 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case includes a hinge connected with the front cover, wherein the hinge enables the front cover including the wiper to be moved away from the portion of the screen to expose the portion of the screen and to be moved towards the portion of the screen to place the wiper in proximity to the portion of the screen. 
     
     
         4 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the front cover includes a mechanism adapted to move the wiper over the portion of the screen while in contact with the portion of the screen. 
     
     
         5 . The case of  claim 4 , wherein the mechanism is manually actuated. 
     
     
         6 . The case of  claim 5 , wherein the mechanism includes a manually-actuated tab. 
     
     
         7 . The case of  claim 6 , wherein the tab is connected with the wiper. 
     
     
         8 . The case of  claim 7 , wherein the tab extends from the inside surface to the outside surface through the front cover. 
     
     
         9 . The case of  claim 4 , wherein the mechanism includes a wiper return actuator having a component with elasticity. 
     
     
         10 . The case of  claim 6 , wherein the mechanism moves the wiper a first distance when the tab is moved over a second distance less than the first distance. 
     
     
         11 . The case of  claim 4 , wherein the mechanism is electrically actuated. 
     
     
         12 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the wiper includes a deformable material adapted to conform to a shape of the electronic device as the wiper moves relative to the portion of the screen. 
     
     
         13 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the wiper includes a fabric cleaning surface. 
     
     
         14 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the wiper includes a reservoir adapted to dispense cleaning fluid to the portion of the screen. 
     
     
         15 . The case of  claim 14 , wherein the reservoir includes a valve adapted to control the dispensation of the cleaning fluid. 
     
     
         16 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case includes a back cover adapted to contact a portion of the electronic device opposite to the portion of the screen. 
     
     
         17 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is a sleeve-style case. 
     
     
         18 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the case is a book-style case. 
     
     
         19 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the front cover includes a latch adapted to apply maintain pressure between the wiper and the portion of the screen as the wiper is moved relative to and in contact with the screen. 
     
     
         20 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the wiper includes at least one blade adapted to absorb dirt or oil from the portion of the screen.