Fabric Items with Anti-Soiling Features

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/645,079, filed May 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This relates generally to fabric items, and, more particularly, to fabric items for electronic devices.

Electronic devices such as cellular telephones, wristwatches, and other electronic equipment are sometimes used in conjunction with fabric items such as external cases, fabric covers, fabric straps, and other fabric items. A user may, for example, place an electronic device in a removable fabric case to protect the electronic device from scratches. Removable cases may also be used to personalize electronic devices. Fabric may also be used in conjunction with wearable electronic devices such as headphones, head-mounted devices, and wristwatches.

It can be challenging to avoid soiling (e.g., staining, discoloration, etc.) of fabric during normal use of an electronic device. A user may repeatedly place an electronic device in a pocket of the user's clothing, causing friction between the user's clothing and the fabric case that is protecting the electronic device. Headphones, head-mounted devices, and wristwatches may be worn for extended periods of time, exposing the fabric on these devices to sweat and sebum. This repeated rubbing and friction can cause dye, sweat, sebum, or other staining agent to be transferred onto the fabric, which in turn can lead to significant discoloration and wear on the fabric over time.

A fabric item that comes into repeated contact with a staining agent may be provided with anti-soiling features to help prevent the staining agent from transferring to the fabric. The fabric item may be a case or strap for an electronic device or may be an integral portion of an electronic device such as an outer housing layer.

A case for an electronic device may include a back panel and a sidewall extending from the back panel. The back panel and sidewall may define a recess configured to receive the electronic device. The panel and sidewall may be joined at a corner. Anti-soiling features may be located at the corner and/or may be located elsewhere such as at the periphery of openings on the back panel (e.g., a rear-facing camera opening).

Anti-soiling features for a case, strap, housing layer, or other fabric item may include a raised lip of material having a higher elastic modulus than the fabric. The anti-soiling features may include an incompressible material (e.g., fused fabric, fabric impregnated with adhesive, or non-fabric materials such as metal or glass), edge piping, molded fabric, protruding ridges, stitches covered with welt, a recess that receives a cord of a removable strap, and/or compressible fabric regions. An internal frame member may protrude through the fabric or may press on an inner surface of the fabric to form anti-soiling features.

Fabric may sometimes be used in conjunction with electronic devices. For example, an electronic device such as a cellular telephone or tablet computer may be received within a fabric case or protected with a fabric cover. Wearable electronic devices such as wristwatches and head-mounted devices may be provided with fabric straps to attach the wearable electronic device to the user's wrist or head. Fabric may be an integral part of an electronic device. For example, speakers, headphones, and/or other electronic devices may include fabric that forms an outer housing layer of the device. In some instances, the fabric item may be removable from the electronic device. For example, when a user desires to protect an electronic device from scratches or other damage, the user may place the electronic device within a removable fabric case. In other instances, fabric may be permanently integrated with the electronic device. For example, headphones may include non-removable fabric on the car cups.

Fabric items such as these may be provided with anti-soiling features (sometimes referred to as anti-stain features, stain bumpers, etc.) that prevent dye, sebum, sweat, and/or other staining agents from transferring onto the fabric. Anti-soiling features may be formed from a change in fabric construction (e.g., a denser fabric construction or a fabric construction with directional ridges that reduce friction with external materials), a non-fabric component such as a metal or plastic component, a raised edge or protruding lip, rigid bumpers, regions of fabric with higher density and/or rigidity, ridges, edge piping, an overmolded component, an inserted component, molded fabric, fused fabric, impregnated fabric, stitching, recessed regions, channels, protruding portions of an internal frame member, compressed fabric regions, compressible fabric regions, and/or any other suitable component, feature, and/or structure that reduces transfer of a staining agent onto the fabric.

An electronic device of the type that may be integrated with or coupled to fabric having one or more of these types of anti-soiling features is shown in. In the example of, deviceincludes a display such as displaymounted in housing. Housing, which may sometimes be referred to as an enclosure or case, may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramics, fiber composites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or a combination of any two or more of these materials. Housingmay be formed using a unibody configuration in which some or all of housingis machined or molded as a single structure or may be formed using multiple structures (e.g., an internal frame structure, one or more structures that form exterior housing surfaces, etc.).

Displaymay be a touch screen display that incorporates a layer of conductive capacitive touch sensor electrodes or other touch sensor components (e.g., resistive touch sensor components, acoustic touch sensor components, force-based touch sensor components, light-based touch sensor components, etc.) or may be a display that is not touch-sensitive. Displaymay include an array of pixels formed from liquid crystal display (LCD) components, an array of electrophoretic pixels, an array of plasma pixels, an array of organic light-emitting diode pixels or other light-emitting diodes, an array of electrowetting pixels, or pixels based on other display technologies.

Displaymay be protected using a display cover layer such as a layer of transparent glass or clear plastic. The display cover layer may form a planar front face for device. The rear of housingmay have a parallel planar surface. Housing sidewalls may run around the periphery of housing. Devicemay have a rectangular outline (e.g., a rectangular footprint when viewing the front face of the device) or may have other suitable footprints.

Openings may be formed in the display cover layer. For example, an opening may be formed in the display cover layer to accommodate ports such as speaker port. Openings may also be formed in housingto form communications ports (e.g., an audio jack port, a digital data port, etc.), to form openings for buttons such as button, etc. Buttons such as buttonmay be located on a sidewall portion of device, if desired. Buttons such as buttonmay include power buttons, volume buttons, sleep and wake buttons, silent mode slider switches, and/or any other suitable buttons.

Electronic devicemay be a computing device such as a laptop computer, a computer monitor containing an embedded computer, a tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device, a smaller device such as a wrist-watch device, a pendant device, a headphone or earpiece device, a head-mounted device, a device embedded in eyeglasses or other equipment worn on a user's head, or other wearable or miniature device, a television, a computer display that does not contain an embedded computer, a gaming device, a navigation device, an embedded system such as a system in which electronic equipment with a display is mounted in a kiosk or automobile, equipment that implements the functionality of two or more of these devices, or other electronic equipment. In the illustrative configuration of, deviceis a portable device such as a cellular telephone, media player, tablet computer, or other portable computing device. Other configurations may be used for deviceif desired. The example ofis merely illustrative.

is a perspective view of deviceofin a configuration in which devicehas been coupled to a fabric item such as fabric item. Fabric itemmay be a removable case or protective cover, may be a non-removable outer housing layer of device, may be a strap or band that couples deviceto a user's wrist, head, or other body part, or may be any other suitable fabric item that is removably or non-removably coupled to electronic device. In arrangements where deviceis a cellular telephone, tablet computer, or other handheld electronic device, fabric itemmay be a protective case for device. In arrangements where deviceis a head-mounted device or a wristwatch device, fabric itemmay be a strap or band that couples deviceto the user's head or wrist. In arrangements where deviceis a pair of headphones (e.g., over-the-ear headphones), fabric itemmay form an outer layer of the car cups that are placed over the user's ears. In general, devicemay be any suitable electronic device and fabric itemmay be any suitable fabric item coupled to or integrated with device. Arrangements in which fabric itemis a case for deviceare sometimes described herein as an illustrative example. However, it should be understood that the anti-soiling features described herein can be incorporated into other fabric items such as straps, bands, car cups, speaker covers, and/or other fabric items.

Fabric item(sometimes referred to as case) may be removable. As shown in, casemay have walls that extend around the periphery of device. If desired, casemay form a cover with a hinged portion, a structure with a pocket into which devicemay slide, or other enclosure that receives device. In the example of, casesurrounds device, but does not cover display. This type of arrangement, which may be desirable for devices such as cellular telephones, watches, and tablet computers, allows displayto be viewed by a user without opening a cover flap or moving any portion of case. If desired, however, casemay be provided with pockets, flaps, hinged portions, straps, and other structures. The configuration ofis merely illustrative.

If desired, casemay include one or more openings, buttons, and/or logos. A logo may be placed on a rear face of case. Openings and buttons such optional buttonmay be aligned with corresponding input-output components in devicewhen deviceis received within case. For example, buttonmay align with buttonof device. A user may actuate buttonon deviceby pressing buttonon case.

is a perspective view of caseofin a configuration in which deviceis not present (i.e., a configuration in which casehas been removed from device). As shown in, casemay have a rear wall such as rear walland four sidewalls such as sidewalls. Sidewallsmay each extend along and cover a respective one of the four sidewalls of device. Corner portionsC of casejoin sidewallstogether to form a case with a rectangular ring shape. CornersC may be rounded when viewed from above (i.e., when casehas a footprint with rounded corners) or may have other shapes. Central recessmay have a rectangular shape (e.g., a rectangular shape with rounded corners) or other shape suitable for receiving electronic devicewhen electronic deviceis mounted within case. Rear wallmay have a first surface such as inner surfaceA facing deviceand an opposing second surface such as outer surfaceB facing away from device.

Casemay have one or more portions formed from fabric, polymer, wood, leather, ceramic, fiber composites, and/or any other suitable materials. As shown in, for example, casemay include fabric. Portions of casethat are formed from fabricmay be soft (e.g., casemay have a fabric surface that yields to a light touch), may have a rigid feel (e.g., the surface of casemay be formed from a stiff fabric), may be coarse, may be smooth, and/or may have ribs or other patterned textures. If desired, fabricmay be integrated with non-fabric structures such as plastic, metal, glass, crystalline materials, ceramics, or other materials. For example, fabricmay enclose or otherwise cover a rigid internal frame member or other stiffening structure.

Fabricmay be formed from strands of material such as strandsthat are woven, knitted, braided, or otherwise interlaced (e.g., using intertwining equipment such as weaving equipment, knitting equipment, or braiding equipment). Strandsmay be single-filament strands (sometimes referred to as fibers or monofilaments), may be yarns or other strands that have been formed by intertwining multiple filaments (multiple monofilaments) of material together, or may be other types of strands (e.g., tubing). Monofilaments for fabric may include polymer monofilaments and/or other insulating monofilaments and/or may include bare wires and/or insulated wires. Monofilaments formed from polymer cores with metal coatings and monofilaments formed from three or more layers (cores, intermediate layers, and one or more outer layers each of which may be insulating and/or conductive) may also be used. Elastic materials such as elastomeric silicone or other elastomers may be used to form stretchable strands of material that can be interlaced to form a stretchable fabric.

Fabricmay include strandsformed from polymer, metal, glass, graphite, ceramic, natural materials as cotton or bamboo, or other organic and/or inorganic materials and combinations of these materials. Conductive coatings such as metal coatings may be formed on non-conductive material. For example, polymer strands of material may be coated with metal to make the strands conductive. Reflective coatings such as metal coatings may be applied to make strands and monofilaments reflective. Strands may be formed from a bundle of bare metal wires or metal wire intertwined with insulating monofilaments (as examples).

As shown in, casemay have peripheral portions such as peripheral wall portions(sometimes referred to as sidewall) and a rear wall portion such as back panel. Back panel(sometimes referred to as a back panel portion, a rear wall, a rear wall portion, etc.) may cover the rear side of electronic devicewhen deviceis within case. Peripheral walls(sometimes referred to as sidewalls, a sidewall portion, etc.) may include vertical sidewalls that extend around the periphery of devicewhen deviceis installed within case. The planar shape of sidewall portionof caseofis merely illustrative. If, for example, devicehas edges with a curved cross-sectional shape, the profile of sidewall portionmay have a corresponding curved shape (e.g., sidewallmay bow outwards). If desired, casemay be formed from compliant materials to accommodate and/or conform to deviceswith a variety of different edge profiles and footprints. The example ofis merely illustrative.

Back panelmay be formed from polymer, fabric, metal, and/or other suitable materials. Back panelmay cover some or all of the rear of device.

Sidewall portionmay be formed from a fabric tube having one or more layers of fabric that surround an internal cavity. The internal cavity may be empty (e.g., air-filled) or may include an internal structure such as a rigid frame (e.g., one or more metal frame members, plastic frame members, inlaid metal wires, and/or other rigid structures), an elastic frame (e.g., one or more elastic polymer structures, elastic fabric structures, textile-covered cables, and/or other elastic structures), and/or a combination of rigid and elastic internal structures. Arrangements in which fabricforms some or all of back paneland some or all of sidewallsmay sometimes be described herein as an illustrative example.

Casemay include one or more anti-soiling features such as anti-soiling features. Anti-soiling featuresmay be configured to prevent staining agents such as dye, sebum, and sweat from transferring onto fabric. Anti-soiling featuresmay be formed from a change in fabric construction, a non-fabric component such as a metal or plastic component, a raised edge, rigid bumpers, regions of fabric with higher density and/or higher rigidity, protrusions, ridges, edge piping, an overmolded component, an inserted component, molded fabric, fused fabric, impregnated fabric, stitching, recessed regions, channels, protruding portions of an internal frame member, compressed fabric regions, compressible fabric regions, low-friction coatings, low-friction fabric designs, and/or any other suitable component, feature, and/or structure that reduces transfer of a staining agent onto the fabric.

Anti-soiling featuresmay be located in any suitable location of case. In the example of, anti-soiling featuresare located between sidewalland back panel(e.g., along a corner that joins sidewalland back panel). Anti-soiling featuresmay form a continuous or non-continuous loop around the periphery of back panel. Anti-soiling featuresmay be flush with back paneland/or sidewallor may be proud (e.g., protruding) relative to back paneland/or sidewall.

In some arrangements, anti-soiling featuresmay be formed from a portion of fabric. For example, fabricthat forms back panel(and, if desired, sidewalls) may also be used to form anti-soiling features. With this type of arrangement, fabricmay have different properties in anti-soiling featuresthan in back panel. For example, anti-soiling featuresmay be formed from fabrichaving a different fabric construction than fabricof back panel. The different fabric construction may be denser and/or more rigid in anti-soiling featuresthan in back panelto help prevent a staining agent (e.g., dye from a user's clothing pocket) from transferring onto back panel. If desired, fabricmay include binder, may be impregnated with polymer materials, and/or may be fused (e.g., melted) to create stiff fabric regions that are stiffer than fabricof back panel. In some arrangements, anti-soiling featuresinclude fabricwith directional ridges that serve to reduce friction with external materials such as clothing pockets.

In other arrangements, anti-soiling featuresmay be non-fabric materials and/or may otherwise be separate from fabric(e.g., fabricthat forms back paneland/or sidewall). For example, anti-soiling featuresmay include a low-friction coating on fabricthat reduces friction with exterior materials such as a clothing pocket. Materials that have higher density and/or rigidity than fabricmay also be used to form anti-soiling features. For example, one or more pieces of metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, leather, and/or other non-fabric materials may be used to form anti-soiling features. The non-fabric materials that form anti-soiling featuresmay be embedded within fabric, may be formed on an outer surface of fabric, may be located along (and/or form part of) a seam that connects fabricof sidewalland fabricof back panel, may be located within a recess of fabric, and/or may be located elsewhere in case.

If desired, anti-soiling featuresmay include a combination of any two or more of these different types of anti-soiling features. For example, low-friction coatings may be formed on raised edges, a denser fabric construction may be combined with a non-fabric component such as a metal or glass rod, compressible fabric regions may be arranged side-by-side with incompressible components, etc. These examples are merely illustrative.

Anti-soiling featuresmay be placed in any suitable location of case, depending on where soiling tends to occur for the particular shape and use of case(or other fabric item). In the example of, anti-soiling featuresare located at an outer periphery of back panel, forming a continuous or segmented loop around back panel(because back panelmay be the most vulnerable to staining and discoloration from repeated contact with a user's clothing pocket). If back panelincludes one or more openings aligned with input-output components of devicesuch as a rear-facing camera, anti-soiling featuresmay also be placed around the periphery of the one or more openings on back panel(e.g., to form a continuous or segmented loop around a rear-facing camera opening in case). If desired, anti-soiling featuresmay be placed at discrete locations of case(e.g., only at the corners of back panel, only at the corners of a rear-facing camera opening in back panel, only along the sides of back panel, etc.).

A cross-section of casetaken along lineand viewed in directionis shown in. Sidewallmay wrap around the sides of deviceand may cover some or all of sidewalls of device. Back panelmay cover some or all of the rear surface of device. If desired, sidewalland/or back panelmay include one or more openings for input-output components such as cameras, sensors, speakers, microphones, buttons, charging ports, etc. For example, back panelmay include an opening for one or more rear-facing cameras on device.

In the example of, anti-soiling featuresinclude rigid materials such as incompressible material. In some arrangements, incompressible materialmay be formed from a portion of fabric. For example, incompressible materialmay be formed from fabricthat has been fused, melted, impregnated with adhesive, hardened with binder, and/or otherwise locally modified to be stiffer (e.g., with a higher elastic modulus) than fabricof back panel. If desired incompressible materialmay be formed from different materials than fabricof back panel. For example, incompressible materialmay be formed from fusible strands whereas fabricof back panelmay be formed from non-fusible strands (e.g., strands that cannot be melted or strands that have a higher melting temperature than that of incompressible material). In other arrangements, incompressible materialand fabricof back panelmay be formed from the same material but may be provided with different properties during post-processing. For example, incompressible materialmay be formed from fabricthat has been locally heated to the point of melting, such that the polymer flows and fills gaps between strands. When cooled, this melted polymer may form a hard plastic structure without gaps (or with fewer gaps than fabricof back panel). These types of incompressible structuresmay help prevent dye or other staining agents from being transferred to outer surfaceB of back panel.

If desired, anti-soiling featuresmay include one or more monofilament strands. For example, anti-soiling featuresmay include a monofilament strand such as a monofilament strand of polymer (e.g., polyurethane terephthalate, thermoplastic polyurethane, nylon, meltable materials, and/or other polymers), metal, or other suitable material. Unlike multifilament strands, monofilament strands do not have any void space and may therefore help prevent soiling agents from accumulating in the yarn. If desired, monofilament strands in anti-soiling featuresmay have a larger diameter than other strands in fabric.

In some arrangements, one or more monofilament strands may be used to form incompressible material. The monofilament strand may be located at the outer perimeter of back panelbetween back paneland sidewall. The monofilament strand may be flush with back panelor may be raised to form a protruding lip around back panel. The monofilament strands that form incompressible materialmay extend continuously around the perimeter of back panelor may only be located in certain segments of the perimeter of back panel(e.g., at corners, along one or more sides, etc.). If desired, monofilaments may also or instead be placed around the perimeter of a camera opening on back panel.

In other arrangements, monofilament strands may be interlaced with multifilament strands to form fabricwith anti-soiling features. The monofilament strands may extend along a single direction in fabric(e.g., a warp direction or a weft direction) or may extend along more than one direction in fabric(e.g., both warp and weft directions). Fabricmay have any suitable ratio of monofilament strands and multifilament strands to optimize material flexibility. Higher percentages of monofilament strands may increase fabric rigidity. As examples, fabricmay be formed from 15% monofilaments and 85% multifilaments; may be formed from 20% monofilaments and 80% multifilaments; may be formed from 30% monofilaments and 70% multifilaments; or may be formed from any other suitable percentage of monofilaments and multifilaments. If desired, fabricin different portions of casemay have different ratios of monofilaments and multifilaments. For example, fabricmay have a higher percentage of monofilaments in anti-soiling featuresthan in other regions of fabric(e.g., back paneland/or sidewallmay have a lower percentage of monofilaments than anti-soiling features).

In other arrangements, incompressible materialmay be a non-fabric component such as a metal component, a glass component, a plastic component, and/or other suitable component having a higher elastic modulus than fabric. The non-fabric component may be a metal rod, a glass rod, or other rod-shaped component that extends partially or completely around the perimeter of back panel. The non-fabric component may be embedded within fabric, may be formed on the outside of fabric, and/or may replace fabricentirely within that particular location of case. For example, incompressible materialmay physically separate sidewallfrom back panelor may be incorporated into a seam that attaches sidewallto back panel.

The example ofin which incompressible structureis flush with back panelis merely illustrative. If desired, incompressible structureof anti-soiling featuresmay be proud with respect to back panel. This type of arrangement is illustrated in.

As shown in, incompressible structureof anti-soiling featuresforms a raised lip such as raised liparound the periphery of back panel. Raised lipmay be extend to height H relative to outer surfaceB of back panel. Raised lipmay form a continuous or segmented loop around some or all of the periphery of back panel, or may be located at discrete locations such as corners, sides, etc. Incompressible structuremay be formed from portions of fabricand/or may be separate from fabric. In general, incompressible structuremay be formed from any of the structures described in connection with incompressible structureof.

In the example of, incompressible structureof anti-soiling featureshas been formed at various different locations such as corners of sidewalland corners of back panel. Incompressible structuremay protrude outwardly at any suitable angle (e.g., horizontally or parallel to outer surfaceB, vertically or orthogonal to outer surfaceB, or at some other angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to outer surfaceB). If desired, incompressible structuresmay only be located at cornersC of case() and/or may be located along the sides between cornersC. Incompressible structuremay be formed from portions of fabricand/or may be separate from fabric. In general, incompressible structuremay be formed from any of the structures described in connection with incompressible structureof.

In the illustrative arrangement of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from edge piping such as edge piping. Edge pipingmay extend continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or may only be located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Edge pipingmay create a space between outer surfaceB and external materials such as a clothing pocket, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel. Edge pipingmay be located along a seam between fabricof sidewalland fabricof rear panel. Edge pipingmay be formed from fabric that forms a tube. The longitudinal axis of the tube may be parallel to outer surfaceB of back panel. The tube may be empty (e.g., air-filled) or may be filled with a material such as material. Materialmay be fabric (e.g., a braided cord or other fabric item) or may be non-fabric such as a metal rod, a plastic rod, a glass rod, and/or other non-fabric component. Edge pipingmay be sewn, stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to sidewalland/or back panel.

In the illustrative arrangement of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from formable fabric such as molded fabric. Molded fabricmay extend continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or may only be located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Molded fabricmay create a space between outer surfaceB and external materials such as a clothing pocket, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel. Molded fabricmay be located along a seam between fabricof sidewalland fabricof rear panel. Molded fabricmay be formed from fabric that is pressed into a desired shape (e.g., a rounded corner shape, a right-angle corner shape, and/or any other suitable shape) using heat and pressure from a molding tool. Molded fabricmay be sewn, stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to sidewalland/or back panel.

In the illustrative arrangement of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from non-planar surface features such as ridges. Ridgesmay extend continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or may only be located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Ridgesmay create a space between outer surfaceB and external materials such as a clothing pocket, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel. Ridgesmay be located along the corner between fabricof sidewalland fabricof rear panel. Ridgesmay be formed from fabric that is molded using heat and pressure from a molding tool, may be formed from a ribbed fabric construction, may be formed from a non-fabric component such as a metal, glass, or plastic component, and/or may be formed from other suitable structures with undulating ridges. Ridgesmay also serve to provide casewith extra grip, making it easier to hold in a user's hand. Ridgesmay be integral with fabricor may be sewn, stitched, glued, covered with, or otherwise attached to fabricthat forms back paneland/or sidewalls.

In the illustrative arrangement of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from an inserted component such as inserted non-fabric component. Inserted componentmay extend continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or may only be located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Inserted componentmay form a region of higher elastic modulus than fabricof back panel, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel. Inserted componentmay be located along the corner between fabricof sidewalland fabricof rear panel(e.g., inserted componentmay separate back panelfrom sidewall, if desired). Inserted componentmay be formed from an incompressible material such as metal or glass or may be formed from other materials such as plastic, wood, silicone, and/or any other suitable material. Inserted componentmay be sewn, stitched, glued, covered with, embedded in, or otherwise attached to fabricthat forms back paneland/or sidewalls. If desired, inserted componentmay include engagement features such as engagement featuresthat help interlock inserted componentwith fabric.

In the illustrative arrangement of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from stitching such as stitchesand welt. Stitchesmay be formed from box stitches, chain stitches, and/or any other suitable stitches. Stitchesmay connect fabricof sidewallwith fabricof back panel. Weltmay be Norwegian welting or other suitable welting covering stitcheson the exterior surface of case. Stitchesand weltmay extend continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or may only be located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Stitchesand weltmay be located along a seam between fabricof sidewalland fabricof rear panel. Because weltis raised with respect to outer surfaceB of back panel, stitchesand weltmay create a space between outer surfaceB and external materials such as a clothing pocket, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel.

In the illustrative arrangement of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from a recess in fabricsuch as recess. Recessmay be unfilled (e.g., air-filled) or may be configured to receive material such as cord. Recess(and, if desired, cord) may extend continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or may only be located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. The presence of recessand cordmay help isolate abrasion and soiling from back panel. Cordmay be flush with outer surfaceB of back panel, or may be proud (e.g., protruding) relative to outer surfaceB of back panel. Recessmay be located in outer surfaceB of back panel, may be located along the corner between fabricof sidewalland fabricof rear panel, or may be located along sidewall, if desired. Cordmay be formed from fabric (e.g., cordmay be formed from braided strands, twisted strands, etc.), or cordmay be formed from non-fabric materials such as plastic, metal, silicone, etc.).

In some arrangements, cordmay be permanently attached to fabricwithin recess. For example, cordmay be sewn, stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to fabricwithin recess. In other arrangements, cordmay be removable. As shown in, for example, cordmay form a removable lanyard or carrying strap that is used to carry caseand devicewhen cordis stowed within recess. If desired, cordmay form a loop such as loopthat can be worn around the user's wrist, neck, or other body part, or that can be attached to another object such as a backpack, purse, or luggage.

If desired, casemay include fabric that is wrapped around a rigid internal frame member. For example, any of the casesofmay include an internal frame member formed from metal, plastic, ceramic, wood, or other rigid materials to provide casewith structure and stiffness where needed. If desired, this rigid internal frame member may be used to form anti-soiling features. This type of arrangement is illustrated in.

As shown in, casemay include fabricwrapped around an internal frame member such as rigid internal frame member. Frame membermay be formed from an incompressible material such as metal or glass, or may be formed from other suitable materials such as plastic, silicone, wood, etc. Frame membermay be located in sidewallsand/or in back panelto provide casewith additional stiffness and structure. In the example of, frame memberincludes protruding portionsthat protrude through openings in fabricsuch as openingsto form anti-soiling features. Protrusionscreate a raised lip that extends continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or that is only located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Protrusionsmay create a space between outer surfaceB and external materials such as a clothing pocket, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel. Protrusionsmay be located along the corner between fabricof sidewalland fabricof back panelor may be located elsewhere on back panel. Protrusionsmay have any suitable shape (e.g., hooks, ridges, rounded bumps, undulating patterns, etc.). Protrusionsmay also serve to provide casewith extra grip, making it easier to hold in a user's hand.

In the example of, protrusionsof internal frame memberdo not protrude through fabricbut instead press against fabricto create compressed fabric regions. As fabricis bonded to internal frame member, the thickness of fabricin regionsis locally reduced (e.g., from 0.4 mm to 0.1 mm or other suitable thickness) relative to other regions of fabricforming back panel. This reduced thickness in regionsincreases the density of fabricin regionsto form anti-soiling features. Due to the increased density of fabricin regions, staining agents may be prevented from transferring to back panel.

In the illustrative example of, anti-soiling featuresare formed from non-fabric materials such as componentthat has been attached locally to the exterior of fabricto form a stain resistant surface. Componentmay create a raised lip that extends continuously or non-continuously around the periphery of back panel, or that is only located at discrete regions such as corners, sides, etc. Componentmay create a space between outer surfaceB and external materials such as a clothing pocket, thereby isolating abrasion and soiling from back panel. Componentmay be located along the corner between fabricof sidewalland fabricof back panelor may be located elsewhere on back panel. Componentmay have any suitable shape and texture (e.g., smooth surfaces, hooks, ridges, rounded bumps, undulating patterns, etc.). Componentmay also serve to provide casewith extra grip, making it easier to hold in a user's hand.