{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853674","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853674","title":"Electronic device case with a friction surface","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-10-28T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04B","H04M","H04M"],"num_claims":25,"abstract":"A case for use with an electronic device includes a base portion with side portions extending therefrom forming a pocket. The case also includes a first material generally at an exterior of the pocket, forming a majority of an exterior surface of the base portion, and a second material secured to and having a higher coefficient of friction than the first material, generally at an interior of the pocket. The second material protrudes through aperture(s) in the first material at the base portion to protrude from the interior to the exterior of the base portion, and outward from the first material such that the second material contacts a support surface when the base portion is placed thereon. The protruding second material extends away from the aperture(s) on opposing surfaces of the first material at the exterior and interior of the pocket to provide securement between the first and second materials."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface (US-9853674) presents a novel solution to the pervasive problem of electronic devices slipping from various surfaces. At its core, this innovation introduces a sophisticated dual-material case design engineered for superior stability.\n\nThe primary problem addressed is the inherent lack of grip in conventional electronic device cases, which often leads to accidental drops, damage, and user frustration. Existing solutions are typically either bulky, aesthetically unappealing, or offer insufficient targeted friction. This patent overcomes these limitations by integrating high-friction elements in a clever and durable manner.\n\nTechnically, the invention comprises a base portion and side portions that form a protective pocket for an electronic device. The key approach involves two distinct materials: a first material forming the majority of the case's exterior, and a second material with a significantly higher coefficient of friction. This second material is not merely an overlay; it is securely attached to the first material and strategically protrudes through apertures in the base portion. These protrusions extend from the interior to the exterior of the case, ensuring that the high-friction material directly contacts any support surface the device is placed upon. A critical aspect of the design is the securement mechanism, where the protruding second material extends away from the apertures on opposing surfaces of the first material, creating a robust, long-lasting bond that prevents detachment or wear.\n\nThe business value and applications of this technology are substantial. It offers a compelling competitive advantage for manufacturers in the highly saturated electronic accessories market, providing a tangible, user-centric benefit beyond mere aesthetics or basic protection. For consumers, it translates to reduced device damage, extended device lifespan, and enhanced peace of mind. The market opportunity extends beyond smartphones and tablets to any portable electronic device requiring enhanced stability, including point-of-sale terminals, medical devices, and industrial handhelds. This innovation provides a robust, elegant, and practical solution to a common everyday problem, promising significant market adoption and revenue potential.","layman_explanation":"For many business professionals, the constant companion of a smartphone or tablet is indispensable. Yet, a subtle but pervasive problem often undermines their utility and longevity: the tendency for these devices, especially when encased, to slip off surfaces. Whether it's a conference room table, a car dashboard, or a busy workstation, the unexpected slide can lead to costly damage and disrupt workflow. The **Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface** patent offers an elegant and robust solution to this everyday challenge.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\n\nAt its core, this innovation addresses the widespread issue of electronic device instability on various surfaces. Current device cases primarily focus on aesthetic appeal, material durability, and basic impact protection. However, most cases, whether made of plastic, silicone, or metal, often present a smooth exterior that offers minimal friction against common surfaces. This leads to accidental drops, screen cracks, and general user frustration. For businesses, this translates to potential repair costs, decreased employee productivity due to damaged equipment, and a lack of confidence in device placement during critical tasks. Existing 'grippy' solutions are often uniform, bulky, or rely on adhesive layers that degrade over time, failing to provide a sophisticated, long-lasting solution.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\n\nThink of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface as a smart, two-layered system for your device. The primary layer is the standard case material you see, chosen for its looks and protective qualities. But here's the clever part: embedded within this primary layer, specifically on the base, is a second, specialized material. This second material is engineered to be significantly 'stickier' or have a much higher coefficient of friction. Instead of just being glued on, this high-friction material actually protrudes through small, strategically placed openings in the main case material. Imagine tiny, durable rubberized feet that emerge from the case's bottom. When you place your device down, it's these protruding, high-friction elements that make direct contact with the surface, effectively 'gripping' it and preventing slippage.\n\nThe genius extends to how these 'sticky feet' are secured. They're not just pushed through; they're designed to anchor themselves by extending outward on both the interior and exterior sides of the main case material around each opening. This mechanical interlock ensures the high-friction elements are extremely durable and won't detach or wear out prematurely, providing reliable stability over the long term. It's a precise engineering solution that offers targeted grip without making the entire case feel overly sticky or bulky.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\n\nThis innovation holds significant market impact and opportunities. For consumers, it means fewer broken screens, longer device lifespans, and greater peace of mind. For businesses, it translates into reduced equipment damage, lower maintenance costs, and improved operational efficiency, especially in environments where devices are frequently moved or used on varied surfaces (e.g., field service, logistics, healthcare). This technology offers a clear competitive advantage for case manufacturers, allowing them to differentiate their products with a tangible, high-value feature. It also presents an opportunity for device manufacturers to integrate this concept directly into their products, enhancing user experience and brand loyalty. The potential ROI is compelling, as the cost of implementing this design is likely far outweighed by the value it provides in preventing damages and enhancing usability.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\n\nBeyond traditional phone cases, the principles of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface could be applied to a wide array of products. Consider laptop stands, portable payment terminals, medical monitoring devices, or even smart home hubs that need to remain stationary. Its market adoption is likely to be driven by consumer demand for more functional accessories and by manufacturers seeking innovative differentiators. This patent sets a new standard for device stability, paving the way for a future where our electronic companions are not just powerful, but also reliably secure.","technical_analysis":"The patent US-9853674, titled **Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface**, delineates an innovative approach to enhancing the stability of electronic devices through a sophisticated multi-material case design. This technical analysis will delve into the architectural components, implementation details, material science considerations, and performance implications of this invention.\n\n**Technical Architecture and Material Composition:**\nThe core architecture of this invention consists of a base portion and side portions that collectively form a protective pocket for an electronic device. The novelty lies in the intelligent integration of two distinct materials. The 'first material' constitutes the primary exterior of the case, forming the majority of the base portion. This material is typically selected for its aesthetic appeal, structural integrity, and manufacturing feasibility (e.g., polycarbonate, TPU, ABS). The 'second material' is the functional core, characterized by a significantly higher coefficient of friction than the first material. Suitable candidates for this second material include various elastomers, silicone, or specialized thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) known for their excellent grip properties.\n\n**Implementation Details and Protrusion Mechanism:**\nThe critical aspect of the design is how the second material is integrated and presented. It is secured to the first material, but crucially, it is designed to protrude through strategically placed 'aperture(s)' in the first material at the base portion. These apertures allow the high-friction second material to extend from the interior of the pocket to the exterior of the base portion. This ensures that when the device is placed on a support surface, it is the high-friction second material, and not merely the primary case material, that makes direct contact. The geometry, size, and distribution of these apertures and the protruding elements are key design parameters that would be optimized during development to balance aesthetic integration with maximal frictional contact area and uniform pressure distribution.\n\n**Securement Mechanism and Durability:**\nOne of the most significant technical advancements described is the robust securement mechanism between the two materials. The patent explicitly states that the protruding second material extends *away from* the aperture(s) on *opposing surfaces* of the first material at both the exterior and interior of the pocket. This implies a mechanical interlocking or anchoring mechanism, rather than a simple adhesive bond. This could be achieved through advanced manufacturing techniques such as co-molding (where two materials are injected into the same mold simultaneously), over-molding (where a second material is molded over a pre-formed first material), or a sophisticated snap-fit design. This method of securement is crucial for preventing delamination, premature wear, or detachment of the high-friction elements, ensuring long-term durability and consistent performance of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface.\n\n**Performance Characteristics and Integration Patterns:**\nThe effectiveness of this invention hinges on the differential in the coefficient of friction between the two materials. The second material must provide superior static and dynamic friction against a wide array of common support surfaces (e.g., wood, glass, metal, fabric, plastic). Performance testing would involve measuring the force required to initiate and sustain movement on various inclined planes and surfaces. The design's modularity allows for integration into existing case manufacturing workflows with minimal disruption, primarily requiring adaptation of mold designs for co-molding or over-molding processes. This approach is superior to simple textured surfaces or adhesive pads, as it provides a more durable, integrated, and effective anti-slip solution. The precise control over the contact points also allows for optimized grip without creating excessive drag or making the device difficult to reposition when desired.","business_analysis":"The **Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface** (US-9853674) patent represents a significant opportunity within the multi-billion dollar electronic accessories market. This innovation addresses a common, yet often unaddressed, pain point for consumers: the pervasive issue of electronic devices slipping and falling. The business implications of such a practical and effective solution are substantial, offering avenues for market disruption, competitive advantage, and robust revenue generation.\n\n**Market Opportunity Size and Segmentation:**\nThe global smartphone accessories market alone is projected to reach over $100 billion by 2027, with cases being a dominant segment. Tablets, laptops, and other portable electronic devices add to this substantial market. Within this, the segment for protective and functional cases is highly competitive but also ripe for innovation that offers tangible user benefits. The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface targets a broad consumer base, appealing to anyone who wants to prevent accidental drops and enhance device stability. Beyond direct consumers, there's a lucrative niche in enterprise and industrial sectors for ruggedized cases or devices requiring enhanced grip for specific applications (e.g., logistics, healthcare, field service).\n\n**Competitive Advantages and Strategic Positioning:**\nThis patent provides a clear competitive edge over existing solutions. Most cases offer either basic protection, aesthetics, or a uniform, often mediocre, level of grip. The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface, however, offers *targeted, superior friction* without compromising on design or adding excessive bulk. This dual-material, integrated approach is technically more sophisticated and durable than simple adhesive strips or fully rubberized cases. This allows manufacturers to position their products as premium, functionally superior offerings that genuinely solve a user problem. The robust securement mechanism described in the patent also ensures longevity, differentiating it from solutions prone to material degradation or detachment.\n\n**Revenue Potential and Business Models:**\nRevenue potential can be realized through several business models: direct sales of branded cases, licensing the technology to major accessory manufacturers (e.g., OtterBox, Spigen), or partnering with device OEMs (e.g., Apple, Samsung) for integrated solutions. Given the widespread nature of the problem, even a small market penetration percentage could translate into significant revenue. Pricing could command a premium due to the added functionality and durability. Furthermore, the technology could be adapted for other product categories, such as laptop stands, charging pads, or even built into smart home devices, expanding potential revenue streams.\n\n**Strategic Positioning and ROI Projections:**\nCompanies adopting this technology can strategically position themselves as innovators focused on practical user experience and device longevity. This can lead to increased brand loyalty and market share. The ROI for investing in this technology is strong, considering the high demand for device protection and the clear value proposition of preventing damage. Reduced warranty claims (if integrated into devices) and increased customer satisfaction contribute to long-term profitability. Early movers in adopting the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface could establish a dominant position, setting a new industry standard for functional device accessories.","faqs":[{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface (US-9853674) is a patented invention that describes an innovative case design for electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and other portable gadgets. Its primary purpose is to significantly enhance the stability of these devices on various support surfaces, preventing accidental slips and drops. Unlike conventional cases that often feature smooth exteriors, this invention integrates a specialized high-friction material directly into the case's base.\n\nThis technology uses a clever dual-material construction. A first material forms the main body and aesthetic exterior of the case. Crucially, a second material, engineered to have a much higher coefficient of friction, is embedded within the first. This second material is designed to protrude through specific apertures in the primary material, ensuring that when the device is placed down, it's these grippy elements that make direct contact with the surface.\n\nThe design not only provides superior grip but also ensures durability. The high-friction material is securely anchored within the case, extending away from the apertures on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the primary material. This robust securement prevents the friction elements from detaching or degrading over time, offering a long-lasting solution to a common problem faced by electronic device users worldwide.","question":"What is Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface works through an ingenious combination of materials and structural design. First, the case features a base and side portions, forming a pocket to hold the electronic device. The exterior of this case is primarily made of a 'first material,' chosen for its protective qualities and aesthetic appeal, such as a durable plastic or silicone.\n\nSecond, and critically, a 'second material' with a significantly higher coefficient of friction is integrated into the base of the case. This second material is not merely a surface coating; it is securely attached to the first material and strategically designed to protrude through precisely engineered 'apertures' (small openings) in the first material. These protrusions extend from the inside of the case, through the base, and slightly outward to the exterior.\n\nWhen the electronic device, encased in the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface, is placed on a support surface (like a table or dashboard), it is these protruding high-friction elements that make direct contact. This direct engagement provides a strong grip, effectively preventing the device from sliding. The patent also details a robust securement method where the protruding material extends away from the apertures on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the first material, creating a mechanical interlock that ensures the friction elements remain firmly in place over time, resisting wear and detachment.","question":"How does Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface work?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface solves the pervasive and costly problem of electronic devices slipping and sliding off various surfaces. In our increasingly mobile world, smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices are constantly being placed on desks, car dashboards, countertops, and other surfaces that often lack sufficient friction. This inherent slipperiness, especially when devices are encased in smooth protective covers, leads to frequent accidental drops, cracked screens, and damaged internal components.\n\nBeyond the financial cost of repairs, device slippage causes significant user frustration and can disrupt workflow, particularly in professional environments where devices are critical tools. Existing solutions, such as fully rubberized cases, often come with aesthetic compromises, attract lint, or add undesirable bulk. Simpler adhesive-backed friction pads tend to wear out or detach over time, offering only temporary relief.\n\nThis invention provides a durable, aesthetically integrated, and highly effective solution. By ensuring that high-friction elements make direct, secure contact with a support surface, the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface drastically reduces the risk of accidental movement, enhancing device longevity, user peace of mind, and overall usability.","question":"What problem does Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface solve?"},{"answer":"The patent US-9853674 for the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface lists specific inventors and an assignee (if applicable) at the time of filing. However, the provided patent data does not include the names of the inventors or the assignee. In general, patent documents clearly attribute inventorship to the individual(s) who conceived the intellectual property, and assignees are the entities (often companies) to whom the rights of the patent have been transferred.\n\nWithout this specific information in the provided abstract, it's not possible to name the individual inventors or the assignee. Typically, this information is crucial for understanding the origin of the innovation and its organizational context. Such details are readily available in the full patent document published by the patent office, which also provides comprehensive insights into the legal ownership and history of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface invention.","question":"Who invented Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface offers several significant benefits for users and manufacturers of electronic devices:\n\nFirstly, and most importantly, it provides **superior device stability and anti-slip performance**. By strategically integrating a high-friction material that makes direct contact with support surfaces, it drastically reduces the likelihood of accidental slips and drops, protecting valuable electronic devices from damage. This translates directly to **reduced repair costs and extended device lifespan** for consumers.\n\nSecondly, the invention boasts **enhanced durability and longevity**. The unique securement mechanism, where the high-friction material is mechanically interlocked within the primary case material, prevents detachment, wear, or degradation common in simpler adhesive-based solutions. This ensures consistent anti-slip performance over the long term. Thirdly, the design allows for **aesthetic integration without added bulk**. The targeted placement of friction elements means the overall case can maintain a sleek profile and desired aesthetic, avoiding the bulkiness or lint-attracting properties of fully rubberized cases. Finally, it offers **improved user experience and peace of mind**, allowing users to confidently place their devices on various surfaces without constant worry of slippage, enhancing usability in diverse environments from car dashboards to office desks. The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface truly redefines functional protection.","question":"What are the key benefits of Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface significantly differentiates itself from prior art through its sophisticated dual-material integration and robust securement mechanism. Traditional anti-slip solutions for device cases typically fall short in several areas.\n\nPrior art often includes cases with uniform textures or full rubberization, which can be bulky, compromise aesthetics, or attract dust and lint. While they offer some grip, it's usually not targeted or exceptionally high. Other solutions involve simple adhesive-backed friction pads, which are prone to peeling, wearing out, or leaving residue, lacking long-term durability and reliability. Basic molded textures in the primary case material also offer limited friction improvement, as they rely on the inherent (often low) coefficient of friction of the base material.\n\nIn contrast, the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface employs a 'first material' for the main case and a 'second material' with a *significantly higher* coefficient of friction. This second material is not just a surface layer; it actively protrudes through apertures in the first material, ensuring direct, high-friction contact with the support surface. Most critically, the securement of this high-friction material is achieved by extending it away from the apertures on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the first material, creating a durable mechanical interlock. This design provides superior, targeted, and long-lasting stability that overcomes the limitations of previous attempts, setting a new benchmark for functional device accessories.","question":"How is Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface different from prior art?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface has the potential to impact a wide array of industries beyond just consumer electronics. Its core innovation—providing reliable device stability—addresses a universal need across various sectors.\n\n**Consumer Electronics:** This is the most direct impact, revolutionizing the smartphone, tablet, and e-reader accessory markets by offering cases with significantly enhanced anti-slip capabilities. It will become a key differentiator for brands emphasizing functional design and device protection.\n\n**Automotive:** Devices used for navigation, entertainment, or telematics in vehicles, often placed on dashboards or consoles, can greatly benefit from this technology. It prevents devices from sliding during turns or sudden stops, enhancing safety and user experience.\n\n**Healthcare:** Portable medical devices, tablets used for patient records, or monitoring equipment often need to remain stable on carts, bedside tables, or examination surfaces. The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface can ensure these critical tools stay securely in place.\n\n**Logistics & Field Services:** Handheld scanners, inventory management devices, or rugged tablets used in warehouses, construction sites, or by field technicians require robust grip to prevent drops and ensure stable placement on diverse, often uneven, surfaces. This innovation can improve operational efficiency and device longevity in these demanding environments.\n\n**Retail & Hospitality:** Point-of-sale systems, ordering tablets, or interactive displays in these sectors can benefit from integrated stability, reducing accidental damage and ensuring a seamless customer experience. The versatility of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface makes it a foundational technology for many portable applications.","question":"What industries will Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface impact?"},{"answer":"The patent for the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface, identified as US-9853674, has a recorded filing date and publication date.\n\nAccording to the patent data, the **Filing Date** for this invention was **2016-10-28**. This is the date when the patent application was officially submitted to the patent office. The filing date is crucial as it typically establishes the priority date for the invention, meaning it's the earliest date from which the invention's novelty and non-obviousness are assessed against prior art.\n\nThe **Publication Date** for this patent was **2017-12-26**. This is the date when the patent document was officially published and made publicly accessible by the patent office. While a patent is 'granted' at a later stage, the publication date signifies that the details of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface became public knowledge, allowing others to review the invention's specifications and claims. These dates are key milestones in the intellectual property lifecycle of this innovative device case.","question":"When was Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface filed/granted?"},{"answer":"The commercial applications of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface are extensive, spanning various markets and product categories due to its effective solution to a universal problem: device slippage. The core value proposition of enhanced stability and reduced damage makes it highly attractive.\n\n**Consumer Accessory Market:** This is the most immediate and largest application. Manufacturers of smartphone, tablet, and e-reader cases can integrate this technology to create premium products that offer superior grip and protection. This allows for market differentiation and the potential to command higher price points. Brands can leverage the 'anti-slip' feature as a primary selling point, appealing to users tired of accidental drops.\n\n**Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Integration:** Device manufacturers themselves could license or adopt this technology to integrate anti-slip features directly into their first-party cases or even into the design of the devices' chassis. This would enhance the out-of-the-box user experience and potentially reduce warranty claims related to drop damage.\n\n**Specialized Industrial and Enterprise Devices:** The technology is highly valuable for ruggedized cases used in demanding environments. This includes handheld scanners for logistics, inventory management devices, field service tablets, and medical equipment where stability on various surfaces is crucial for operational efficiency and device longevity. Preventing drops in these settings can save significant costs and downtime.\n\n**Automotive Accessories:** Car mount manufacturers or accessory designers for vehicle interiors could utilize this friction surface for non-slip phone holders, dashboard mats, or integrated charging pads, ensuring devices remain secure during driving. The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface thus offers diverse commercial avenues for product development and licensing across multiple high-growth sectors.","question":"What are the commercial applications of Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface?"},{"answer":"The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface lays a strong foundation for future advancements in device stability technology. Several exciting developments can be anticipated:\n\n**Advanced Material Science:** Future iterations may explore even more sophisticated high-friction materials. This could include compounds that are self-cleaning (repelling dust and lint), offer even higher coefficients of friction against a broader range of surfaces, or are more environmentally sustainable. Research into smart materials that can dynamically adjust their friction properties (e.g., in response to temperature or pressure) could also emerge.\n\n**Dynamic and Adaptive Friction:** Beyond static protrusions, future designs might incorporate micro-actuators or electroactive polymers that allow the friction elements to dynamically adjust their height, stiffness, or contact area. This could enable 'on-demand' grip, where the device is only highly resistive to movement when desired, making it easier to slide into pockets when not in use.\n\n**Seamless Integration into Device Design:** While currently focused on cases, the core principles of the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface could be integrated directly into the chassis of electronic devices themselves. Imagine a smartphone, tablet, or laptop with built-in, durable friction points, making external cases for stability redundant. This would represent a significant shift in device ergonomics and user experience.\n\n**Expanded Application Beyond Handhelds:** The concept of targeted, integrated friction could be applied to a wider range of products, such as laptop stands, charging docks, smart home hubs, and even furniture or vehicle interiors where stable placement of electronics is desired. The Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface is a catalyst for a new era of stable, user-friendly electronic interactions.","question":"What are the future developments expected for Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface?"}],"topics":["electronic device case","friction surface","anti-slip case","device stability","patent US-9853674","technical","background","ubiquitous"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface - Patent US-9853674","description":"Discover the Electronic Device Case with a Friction Surface, a patent for anti-slip electronic device cases. Features dual-material design and superior grip.","keywords":["electronic device case","friction surface","anti-slip case","device stability","patent US-9853674","grip technology","mobile accessory","material integration","consumer electronics","product design","patent innovation","slippage prevention","durable grip"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853674","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853674","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Electronic device case with a friction surface\" (US-9853674). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853674","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853674","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853674","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-06-06T09:27:48.609Z"}