Ring-shaped cover for portable electronic device

Abstract

An outer cover for an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device, is disclosed. Since portable electronic devices are often portable, they can be damaged, such as scratched, dented, broken, and the like, when transported or used. The outer cover can serve to provide a protective member over part of the housing for the electronic device. The protective member, when placed on the portable electronic device can serve to reduce damage to sides of the portable electronic device. While the outer cover can provide side and/or edge protection, the outer cover need not also provide front or rear protection.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cover for a portable electronic device, the cover comprising:
 a ring surrounding and protecting edges of the electronic device, the ring comprising:
 an actuator configured to actuate a switch of the portable electronic device while the portable electronic device is secured within the cover. 
   
     
     
         2 . The cover of  claim 1 , wherein the ring comprises a front opening that allows viewing of a front side of the portable electronic device and a back opening that allows viewing of a back side of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         3 . The cover of  claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises:
 a cap having an outer surface and a inner surface, and   a base plate positioned between the inner surface of the cap and the switch of the portable electronic device.   
     
     
         4 . The cover of  claim 3 , wherein the base plate has a larger surface area than the area of the inner surface of the cap. 
     
     
         5 . The cover of  claim 3 , wherein the ring includes an opening for receiving the cap. 
     
     
         6 . The cover of  claim 3 , wherein the base plate is composed of metal. 
     
     
         7 . The cover of  claim 3 , wherein the actuator further includes a label positioned between the base plate and the switch. 
     
     
         8 . The cover of  claim 3 , wherein the label is composed of plastic. 
     
     
         9 . The cover of  claim 3 , wherein the outer surface of the cap is visible to a user of the electronic device. 
     
     
         10 . The cover of  claim 1 , wherein the ring includes two actuators positioned on different sides of the ring. 
     
     
         11 . A case for an electronic device, the case comprising:
 a ring having front opening that allows viewing of a front side of the electronic device and a back opening that allows viewing of a back side of the electronic device; and   an actuator positioned along an side of the ring, the actuator configured to facilitate transfer of user input to actuate a button on the electronic device while the electronic device is secured within the case.   
     
     
         12 . The case of  claim 11 , wherein the actuator includes:
 a cap positioned within an opening of the ring; and   a base plate positioned inside the ring between the cap and the button.   
     
     
         13 . The case of  claim 12 , wherein the a surface area of the base plate is larger than the opening, thereby preventing the base plate from passing through the opening while the electronic device is secured within the case. 
     
     
         14 . The case of  claim 12 , wherein the actuator includes two caps positioned within two openings of the ring, wherein the base plate is positioned between the two caps and the button. 
     
     
         15 . The case of  claim 14 , wherein the actuator is configured to actuate a volume button of the electronic device. 
     
     
         16 . The case of  claim 12 , wherein the base plate is composed of metal. 
     
     
         17 . A cover for an electronic device, the cover comprising:
 a ring-shaped band that surrounds a perimeter of the electronic device; and   an actuator configured to actuate a button of the electronic device, the actuator positioned within the ring-shaped band and including:
 a cap positioned within an opening of the ring-shaped band, and 
 a base plate positioned inside the ring-shaped band. 
   
     
     
         18 . The cover of  claim 17 , wherein the base plate is positioned between the cap and the button. 
     
     
         19 . The cover of  claim 17 , wherein a surface area of the base plate is larger than the opening, thereby preventing the base plate from passing through the opening while the electronic device is secured within the case. 
     
     
         20 . The cover of  claim 17 , wherein the actuator further comprises a label positioned between the base plate and the button.