U.S. patent application number 13/743343 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for multipurpose protective case for portable electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Noam COHEN, Roy Roee FISHER, Kobi HADAD. Invention is credited to Noam COHEN, Roy Roee FISHER, Kobi HADAD.
Application Number | 20130220847 13/743343 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49001663 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130220847 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FISHER; Roy Roee ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
MULTIPURPOSE PROTECTIVE CASE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a
rear support portion providing a back support the portable
electronic device, the rear support portion comprising a recess to
receive and store therein an accessory. Accessories for storage
within the recess of the protective case include: a cigarette
lighter, a USB Flash drive, a set of earphones, a Bluetooth
headset, or other suitable articles adapted to be held in place
within the recess.
Inventors: |
FISHER; Roy Roee; (Ariel,
IL) ; COHEN; Noam; (Sunny Isles, FL) ; HADAD;
Kobi; (Ariel, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FISHER; Roy Roee
COHEN; Noam
HADAD; Kobi |
Ariel
Sunny Isles
Ariel |
FL |
IL
US
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
49001663 |
Appl. No.: |
13/743343 |
Filed: |
January 17, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61587193 |
Jan 17, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/005 20130101;
G06F 1/1628 20130101; B60R 2011/0056 20130101; B60R 2011/0075
20130101; G06F 2200/1633 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101; B60R
2011/0026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising: a protective case for a portable electronic
device, the protective case comprising a rear support portion
providing a back support the portable electronic device, the rear
support portion comprising a recess to receive therein an
accessory.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the recess is generally
rectangular, and wherein a long dimension of the recess is
generally parallel to a long dimension of the protective case.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion
comprises a pin to lock said accessory to the rear support
portion.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion
comprises a spring to release said accessory from said recess.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion
comprises one or more support ribs generally perpendicular to a
long dimension of the recess.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion
comprises a latching mechanism to hold said accessory in said
recess and to allow release of said accessory from said recess.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an
extension/retraction mechanism to allow extension of the accessory
beyond a contour of the protective case while the accessory remains
within said recess, and to allow retraction of a portion of said
accessory subsequent to extension of said portion beyond said
contour of the protective case.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein a cross section of said recess is
generally trapezoid.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein a size of said accessory is
generally identical to the size of said recess, wherein a shape of
said accessory is generally identical to the size of said
recess.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said accessory is held within
said recess exclusively by a friction force between the accessory
and an area of the protective case which surrounds the recess.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said rear support portion is
generally flat in a first state in which the accessory is removed
from the protective case; and wherein said rear support portion is
non-flat in a second state in which the accessory is held by the
protective case.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an
electric cigarette lighter.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a USB
Flash drive.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a
headset.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a pair
of earphones.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a
suction cup to connect the protective case via suction to a
window.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an
article selected from the list consisting of: a medicine container,
a money container, a candy container, a Swiss-army knife, a Laser
pointer, a mirror, a make-up article, a perfume container, a
tobacco container, a container for one or more cigarettes, a
folding stand for said portable electronic device, a wristband, a
miniature book made of paper, a miniature Bible book, a projector,
and a contact lens container.
18. The system of claim 1, further comprising said accessory.
19. The system of claim 1, further comprising said portable
electronic device; wherein the portable electronic device comprises
a device selected from the group consisting of: a cellular phone, a
smartphone, a tablet, a portable gaming device, a portable audio
player, and a portable video player.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and benefit from U.S.
application 61/587,193, entitled "Multipurpose Protective Case for
Portable Electronic Device", filed on Jan. 17, 2012, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of protective
cases for cellular phones and other portable electronic
devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Millions of users utilize cellular phones, smartphones,
tablets, and other portable electronic devices for various
purposes, for example, telephone calls, sending and receiving
electronic mail, playing games, capturing images and videos, or the
like.
[0004] Portable electronic devices may be fragile, and may break or
malfunction if they fall down or if they hit a hard object. Some
users may enclose a portable electronic device within a protective
case, made of plastic, rubber, polycarbonate, leather, or other
suitable material(s).
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention may include, for example, a
multipurpose protective case for a portable electronic device. The
rear side or the back supporting side, of the protective case, may
include a recess or cavity or crater, which may be able to hold or
receive or store therein an accessory. The accessory may be
inserted into the recess, held within the recess, and/or removed
from the recess. The accessory may optionally be modified or
operated to partially extend or protrude beyond the contour of the
protective case, and to retract back.
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, for example, a
system may comprise: a protective case for a portable electronic
device, the protective case comprising a rear support portion
providing a back support the portable electronic device, the rear
support portion comprising a recess to receive therein an
accessory.
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
recess is generally rectangular, and a long dimension of the recess
is generally parallel to a long dimension of the protective
case.
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
rear support portion comprises a pin to lock said accessory to the
rear support portion.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
rear support portion comprises a spring to release said accessory
from said recess.
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
rear support portion comprises one or more support ribs generally
perpendicular to a long dimension of the recess.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
rear support portion comprises a latching mechanism to hold said
accessory in said recess and to allow release of said accessory
from said recess.
[0012] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises an extension/retraction mechanism to allow
extension of the accessory beyond a contour of the protective case
while the accessory remains within said recess, and to allow
retraction of a portion of said accessory subsequent to extension
of said portion beyond said contour of the protective case.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, for example, a
cross section of said recess is generally rectangular or generally
trapezoid.
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, for example, a
size of said accessory is generally identical to the size of said
recess, and a shape of said accessory is generally identical to the
size of said recess.
[0015] In accordance with the present invention, for example, said
accessory is held within said recess exclusively by a friction
force between the accessory and an area of the protective case
which surrounds the recess.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises an electric cigarette lighter.
[0017] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises a USB Flash drive.
[0018] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises a headset.
[0019] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises a pair of earphones.
[0020] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises a suction cup to connect the protective case
via suction to a window.
[0021] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
accessory comprises an article selected from the list consisting
of: a medicine container, a money container, a candy container, a
Swiss-army knife, a Laser pointer, a mirror, a make-up article, a
perfume container, a tobacco container, a container for one or more
cigarettes, a folding stand for said portable electronic device, a
wristband, a miniature book made of paper, a miniature Bible book,
a projector, and a contact lens container.
[0022] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
system further comprises said accessory.
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, for example, the
system further comprises said portable electronic device; wherein
the portable electronic device comprises a device selected from the
group consisting of: a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a
portable gaming device, a portable audio player, and a portable
video player.
[0024] The present invention may provide other and/or additional
benefits and/or advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown
in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For
example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated
relative to other elements for clarity of presentation.
Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures
to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are
listed below.
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cellular phone with a
multipurpose case carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance
with the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 3A is a back elevation view of the multipurpose case
carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the multipurpose case
carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a top plan elevation view of the multipurpose case
carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a bottom elevation view of the multipurpose case
carrying an electronic lighter;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a cellular phone with
the multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 7 is a side view of a cellular phone case, showing a
volume hole which enables a way to access the volume buttons of the
cellular phone, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments
of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a cellular phone with the
multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 8B is a perspective back view of the spring button
which mechanically locks the accessory into the case, in accordance
with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a back elevation view of the multipurpose case, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case
showing how the electronic lighter accessory lights up, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cellular phone with the
multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a back elevation view of the electronic lighter,
in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 13A is a front elevation view of the electronic
lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the electronic lighter, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the electronic lighter,
in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electronic lighter, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the electronic lighter, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case
with a USB memory drive, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a back elevation view of the USB memory drive
with the USB connector pulled out, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the USB memory drive,
in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case
with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case
with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 22 is a bottom elevation view of the multipurpose case
with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case with
a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 24 is a back elevation view of the wireless headset, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the wireless headset, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0054] FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the wireless headset,
in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0055] FIG. 27 is a top elevation plan view of the wireless
headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the
present invention;
[0056] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case
connected to a car holder with a phone inside, in accordance with
some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case
connected to a car cell phone holder, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case
connected to a car cell phone holder, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case
connected to a car cell phone holder, in accordance with some
demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the car holder, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case with
headphones accessory, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case with
headphones accessory, showing how the headphone wire is released,
in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 35 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case
with headphones accessory, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case
with headphones accessory, showing how the headphone wire is
released, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the
present invention;
[0065] FIGS. 37-39 are views of the multipurpose case with a
suction cup or vacuum cup embedded on an external side of a plug-in
module which can be removably inserted into the back side or rear
side of the protective case, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention;
[0066] FIGS. 40-48 are multiple views of the multipurpose
protective case and an electric lighter module, in accordance with
some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;
[0067] FIGS. 49A-49H and 50A-50H are multiple views of the
multipurpose case adapted to store an electric lighter, in
accordance with some other demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention;
[0068] FIGS. 51A-51H and 52A-52G are multiple views of the
multipurpose case adapted to store a USB memory drive, in
accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0069] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of
ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.
[0070] Applicants have realized that a protective case for a
portable electronic device ("PED") may be utilized for one or more
purposes other than protecting the PED from shock or impact. For
example, a protective case may comprise a storage region in which
an accessory may be stored, such that a user may carry together the
PED and an accessory stored within the protective case.
[0071] In accordance with the present invention, for example, a
back side of a protective case may comprise a cavity or a crater,
into which an accessory may be inserted or placed for storage, and
from which the accessory may be removed for utilization. The
accessory may comprise, for example, an electronic cigarette
lighter, a portable Flash memory unit or a USB memory unit, a
BlueTooth earphone and/or microphone, a pair of earphones, or other
suitable devices. Such devices may be related to the operation of
the PED (e.g., a BlueTooth microphone), or may be unrelated to the
operation of the PED (e.g., a cigarette lighter).
[0072] The terms "portable electronic device" or "PED", as used
herein, may include, for example, a hand-held electronic device, a
cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable device having a
touch-screen, a portable gaming device, a portable audio/video
player, or the like.
[0073] Although portions of the discussion herein may relate, for
demonstrative purposes, to a protective cover for a cellular phone,
the present invention may be used in conjunction with other
suitable types of PEDs.
[0074] In accordance with the present invention, a flexible or
rigid protective cover or protective case for a portable electronic
device, may include (e.g., in its back side) a replaceable module,
or a cavity or channel or recess that can accommodate a replaceable
module, or a detachable module, or a removable module, or an
interchangeable module. Such module may be, for example, a hardware
module having an electric cigarette lighter; a hardware module
having a USB Flash drive (or other non-volatile memory stick with
connector); a hardware module having a suction-based connection
mechanism (e.g., to allow connection to a window or a glass); a
hardware module having a recess or compartment to allow secure
and/or efficient storage of a pair of stereo earphones; a hardware
module having a recess or compartment to allow secure and/or
efficient storage of a pair of a wireless head-set or wireless
(e.g., BlueTooth) earphone/microphone component or ear-piece. The
modular and multi-purpose protective case may thus transform a
portable electronic device into a "Swiss-knife" able to
interchangeably store add-on accessories and/or able to provide
additional functionalities to the user of such portable electronic
device.
[0075] In accordance with the present invention, a protective case
for a portable electronic device may include a lighter (e.g., a
cigarette lighter) integrated with, or built-in into, the
protective case or the back side of the protective case. The
lighter may be powered by gas, fuel, or liquid. Alternative, the
lighter may be non-fuel-based, may be an electric lighter or
electronic lighter able to light a cigarette by generating electric
current or voltage on a wire or set of wires, without utilizing gas
or liquid or fuel. Optionally, the electric lighter may be
removably embedded within the protective case; or may be detachably
attached to the protective case.
[0076] In accordance with the present invention, a protective case
for a portable electronic device may include a USB flash drive or
memory unit or memory stick, or other type of non-volatile memory
unit or storage unit (e.g., which may not need power in order to
maintain the stored data). Such USB memory drive may be integrated
with, or built-in into, the protective case or the back side of the
protective case. Optionally, the USB memory unit may have a first
position in which the USB connector is hidden or does not protrude;
and a second position in which the USB connector is exposed,
extended and/or protruding. Optionally, the USB memory unit may be
removably embedded within the protective case; or may be detachably
attached to the protective case.
[0077] In accordance with the present invention, a protective case
for a portable electronic device may include a suction-based or
vacuum-based mechanism or connector, able to connect the protective
case to a window or a glass or a car windshield or a car door or a
wall or a panel, or other generally-smooth surface or
generally-flat surface. A suction cup may be directly embedded
within or at the back side of the protective case; or
alternatively, may be located at an end of a string or tube or
flexible connector which connects to the back side (or other side)
of the protective case. Optionally, the suction-based connection
mechanism may be removably embedded within the protective case; or
may be detachably attached to the protective case.
[0078] In accordance with the present invention, a protective case
for a portable electronic device may include an integrated recess
or crater or channel or cavity, able to accommodate an accessory of
the cellular phone or other portable electronic device; such as,
for example, a Bluetooth headset, or a pair of stereo earphones or
headphones. The recess may be shaped and formed, in a
three-dimensional manner, within the back side of the protective
case.
[0079] The present invention may include a single-purpose or
dual-purpose or multi-purpose protective case for a portable
electronic device: a first (primary) purpose may be to protect the
portable electronic device from physical harm or damage; and a
second (secondary) purpose may be to allow a user to utilize an
additional function (e.g., to light a cigarette using an integrated
lighter; to store data or files on the USB memory unit; to attach
the portable electronic device to the inner side of a window or a
windshield of a car), and/or to allow the user to carry and/or
efficiently store an accessory (e.g., to store a BlueTooth headset,
or a pair of stereo earphones, within the back side of the
protective case).
[0080] The present invention may include a multi-purpose and/or
modular protective case for a portable electronic device, such that
additional modules and/or function may be removed from the
protective case, inserted into the protective case (e.g., into its
back side), attached to the protective case, detached from the
protective case, or otherwise interchanged with other modules. For
example, a protective case may have a back side which may
accommodate an electronic lighter, or alternatively a USB memory
stick or memory unit, or alternatively a Bluetooth headset
(earphone/microphone set).
[0081] The protective case may be flexible, may be formed of a
flexible material (e.g., silicone or rubber); or alternatively, may
be rigid or semi-rigid (e.g., made of polycarbonate or plastic or
metal). Other suitable materials or combination of materials may be
used.
[0082] Some embodiments of the invention may include, for example,
cellular phone case (or, a protective case for other suitable PED)
with integrated portable and interchangeable accessories.
[0083] The present invention is related to cellular phone
equipment, and more particularly to a cell phone (or smart-phone,
or other suitable portable electronic device) protective case (or
sleeve, or holder), which can carry and/or integrate therein one or
more various accessories or plug-in components, such as, for
example, an electronic lighter (e.g., able to produce fire or a
flame, with or without liquid fuel), a USB flash drive or USB
memory stick, a cavity or recess to store a wireless (e.g.,
BlueTooth) headset, a car holder (e.g., by utilizing a suction cup
or a suction/vacuum mechanism), and/or headphones (e.g., a cavity
to hold one or more headphones).
[0084] Cellular phones have become so commonly used have increased
dramatically in the past few years. The use of cellular phones has
also become multi-purpose and integrated with high end electronics
into them. For example, a cellular phone is used to play games,
connect to the internet, manage a schedule, take photos and videos,
and more.
[0085] Since cell phones are made of delicate electronics,
protective gears such as cases are often used to protect them.
These cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost
every phone in the market.
[0086] Applicants have realized that when a user goes out of his
dwellings, the user may be required take with him a variety of
accessories besides their cellular phones. Such accessories may be,
for example, a wallet, keys, cigarettes, an electronic lighter, USB
thumb drive or memory stick or Flash drive, a pair of stereo
headphones, a headset, and other components or accessories. Some
accessories might also be related to their cellular phone,
accessories such as a wireless headset or headphones.
[0087] Applicants have realized that the amount of accessories one
may need to carry is most of the time is either held in pockets or
bags, which is usually incompact, uncomfortable and may require
more space. Often, a user may forget his accessories at home or at
various locations. For example, a person might light a cigarette in
a public place, and forget his lighter there. Those problems, and
other problems, the current invention may solve.
[0088] Applicants have realized that some users tend to less forget
their cellular phones then other accessories, as they rely on the
cellular phone for communication, work and entertainment.
[0089] Applicants have realized that the prior art fails to teach a
way to carry various accessories together with a cellular phone
and/or within a protective case of a cellular phone.
[0090] In order to solve the above mentioned problems of the prior
art, and/or in order to achieve other goals and novel benefits, the
present invention may provide to cellular phone users a way and a
solution to carry various accessories without leaving them behind
and losing them or forgetting them.
[0091] The present invention may provide to cellular phone users a
way to carry accessories while reducing the amount of space (e.g.,
volume, dimensions, mass, weight) they take and/or by increasing
the number of functions that a cellular phone (or, that a cellular
phone together with its protective case) is able to provide.
[0092] The present invention may provide portable cellular phones a
convenient way to carry accessories related to direct use with
them, such a wireless headset, a cellular phone car holder and/or
headphones. All these accessories may connect to one protective
case with multiple purposes.
[0093] The present invention may include a cellular cell phone
cover or protective case, that may have multiple uses. Its primary
use may be to protect the delicate electronics in the cell phone.
The secondary purpose(s) may be a protective case that has the
ability to interconnect with multiple accessories, or to
efficiently store one or more accessories.
[0094] The present invention may provide enhanced security for
accessories, for example, by having a locking mechanism that would
protect the accessories from getting disconnected from the
protective case and being lost or forgotten.
[0095] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which shows a multipurpose case
2 covering a cellular phone 1, in accordance with the present
invention. Multipurpose case 2 may protect cellular phone 1 from
physical impact. Multipurpose case 2 may reveal a top surface of an
electronic lighter 3, which may be held by multipurpose case 2.
[0096] Reference is made to FIG. 2, which is a side view of
multipurpose case 2 revealing a camera hole 4, allowing a camera of
cellular phone 1 the ability to capture photos and videos without
interrupting its lens. Also depicted is a locking button 5, which
enables a quick release of electronic lighter 3.
[0097] Reference is made to FIG. 3A, which demonstrates how
electronic lighter 3 may be held inside multipurpose case 2.
Further depicted is locking button 5, which may be embedded inside
multipurpose case 2.
[0098] Reference is made to FIG. 3B, which shows a sectional view
of FIG. 3A. As demonstrated, the internal components of
multipurpose case 2 and the internal components of electronic
lighter 3 may be seen. Locking button 5 may be supported by
flexible spring 10, which may ensure that locking button 5 is under
pressure, and may bring locking button 5 back into its original
location once pressed. Additionally, a USB connector 8 allows
electronic lighter 3 to subsequently connect to an external power
source in order to receive power and get charged. A battery 19 may
store energy which may be received from USB connector 8. A lighter
opening button 7 may allow the user to pop open electronic lighter
3. A heating coil 6 may receive energy from battery 19 and may
generate sufficient heat to light a cigarette.
[0099] Reference is made to FIG. 4 which demonstrates an external
emboss 12 allowing turning cellular phone 1 on and off. A hole 13
may provide an opening for an external sound output, for example, a
headphone connector.
[0100] Reference is made to FIG. 5 which shows a power hole 14,
allowing a user to connect cellular phone 1 to a power source for
charging.
[0101] Reference is made to FIG. 6, which is a front elevation view
of cellular phone 1 with multipurpose case 2, in accordance with
the present invention.
[0102] Reference is made to FIG. 7, which shows a volume hole 15
allowing a user to access volume button(s) of cellular phone 1.
[0103] Reference is made to FIG. 8A, which is a perspective view of
cellular phone 1 with multipurpose case 2, in accordance with the
present invention; and to FIG. 8B, showing flexible spring 10
discussed above.
[0104] Reference is made to FIG. 9, which shows internal support
ribs 16 which may provide to multipurpose case 2 a stronger
structure, and which may define a cavity 99 or crater or other
storage compartment which may accommodate an accessory or a
hardware module or other suitable article.
[0105] Reference is made to FIG. 10, which demonstrate that lighter
opening button 7 may be pushed up, in order to pop open heating
coil 6, which in turn allows the user to light a cigarette. It is
noted that heating coil 7 is opened sufficiently far from cellular
phone 1, to avoid heating damage to cellular phone 1.
[0106] Reference is made to FIG. 11, which shows a locking pin 11
allowing an accessory to be safely secured and locked into
multipurpose case 2.
[0107] Reference is made to FIG. 12, which shows USB connector 8 in
a covered position.
[0108] Reference is made to FIGS. 13A-13B, which show a pin hole 20
located where locking pin 11 may lock into an attached
accessory.
[0109] Reference is made to FIG. 14, which is a side elevation view
of electronic lighter 3; and to FIG. 15, which is a perspective
view of electronic lighter 3, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention.
[0110] Reference is made to FIG. 16 which demonstrates how USB
connector 8 may be pushed down in order to charge electronic
lighter 3.
[0111] Reference is made to FIG. 17, which shows a USB memory drive
21 (or Flash memory unit, or memory stick) locked inside
multipurpose case 2.
[0112] Reference is made to FIG. 18, which is a back elevation view
of USB memory drive 21 with USB connector 8 pulled out.
[0113] Reference is made to FIG. 19, which is a front elevation
view of USB memory drive 21, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention.
[0114] Reference is made to FIG. 20, which shows multipurpose case
2 with a wireless headset 9 settled therein.
[0115] Reference is made to FIG. 21, which shows an ear plug 23
which may be placed inside a person's ear once wireless headset 23
is removed from multipurpose case 2.
[0116] Reference is made to FIG. 22, which is a bottom elevation
view of multipurpose case 2 with wireless headset 9, in accordance
with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.
[0117] Reference is made to FIG. 23, which shows a microphone hole
24 in proximity to where a microphone of cellular phone 1 may be
located.
[0118] Reference is made to FIGS. 24-27, which are additional views
of wireless headset 9, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention.
[0119] Reference is made to FIGS. 28-30, which shows multipurpose
case 2 connected to a car window or windshield. A flexible arm 28
may be used to adjust the location or position of cellular phone 1,
to provide the user with a better view of a screen 27 of cellular
phone 1. Further shown is a suction cup 29 for attaching to a
windshield or window of a car, or other suitable panel or glass
which may be vehicular or non-vehicular (e.g., in a train, ship,
boat, airplane, bus, home, office, or the like).
[0120] Reference is made to FIG. 31, which shows a suction cup
button 30 allowing an easy release and pressure button. In order to
mount cellular phone 1 onto a windshield, the user may push or
stick suction cup 29 to the windshield; and pulling suction cup
button 30 may attach suction cup 29 by applying suction to the
windshield. In contrast, pulling suction cup button 30 may release
pressure from suction cup 29, thereby allowing the user to
disconnect cellular phone 1 from the windshield.
[0121] Reference is made to FIG. 32, which shows a locking stick 31
placed into multipurpose case 2 it locks in, enabling multipurpose
case 2 to settle on top of a car holding apparatus. Locking stick
31 may connect multipurpose case 2 to suction cup 29 through
flexible arm 28. Optionally, a rigid or semi-rigid arm or connector
or link may be used, instead of or in addition to flexible arm
28.
[0122] Reference is made to FIG. 33, which shows a headphone
accessory 34 nested inside multipurpose case 2. Headphone accessory
34 may comprise a headphone 32, a headphone pin 34, and a retract
button 33.
[0123] Reference is made to FIG. 34, which demonstrates how
headphone 32 may be pulled out from multipurpose case 2 to provide
the user sufficient space to plug headphone 32 into the ears.
Headphone pin 34 may also extend, allowing easy connection to
cellular phone 1. Retract button 33, once pressed, may retract an
access wire (as well as headphone 32 and headphone pin 34) back
into place.
[0124] Reference is made to FIG. 35, which is a front elevation
view of multipurpose case 2 with headphones 32, in accordance with
some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.
[0125] Reference is made to FIG. 36, which is a side elevation view
of multipurpose case 2 with headphones 32, showing how a headphone
wire may be released, in accordance with some demonstrative
embodiments of the present invention.
[0126] Reference is made to FIGS. 37-39, which are views of
multipurpose case 2 with suction cup 29 or vacuum cup embedded on
an external side of a plug-in locking module 31 which can be
removably inserted into the back side or rear side of the
protective case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments
of the present invention.
[0127] Reference is made to FIGS. 40-48, which are multiple views
of multipurpose case 2 and electric lighter 3, in accordance with
some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.
[0128] Reference is made to FIGS. 49A-49H and 50A-50H, which are
multiple views of the multipurpose case 2 adapted to store electric
lighter 3, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the
present invention.
[0129] Reference is made to FIGS. 51A-51H and 52A-52G, which are
multiple views of the multipurpose case 2 adapted to store USB
memory drive 21, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments
of the present invention.
[0130] As demonstrated, the accessory and/or the recess which
stores the accessory need not necessarily be rectangular or
box-shaped, and may have other suitable shape, for example, similar
to a shape of a rectangle attached to a half-circle or a dome.
Other suitable shapes may be used, for the accessory and/or the
recess.
[0131] The present invention may include, for example, a
multipurpose protective case which may be utilized for protecting
the electronic device as well as for safely storing and carrying
accessories, hardware modules, or add-on items which may be stored
in a cavity or crater at the back side of the protective case. The
accessory may be, for example, a lighter, an electric lighter, a
USB memory drive or USB Flash drive, a headset, earphones, a
suction cup or suction mechanism, a window connector, a medicine
container, a pill or medical drug container, a money container, a
candy container, a Swiss knife, a Laser pointer, a mirror, a
make-up article, a tobacco container, a container having one or
more cigarettes, a folding stand for said portable electronic
device, a wristband, a miniature book made of paper, a miniature
Bible book, a projector, a contact lens container, a battery, a
rechargeable battery, a replacement battery, a SIM card, an
SD-card, or the like.
[0132] Some embodiments of the present invention may include, for
example, a multipurpose protective case which saves space by
attaching a variety of accessories into it. Some embodiments of the
present invention may include, for example, a secured way to carry
accessories without losing or forgetting them. A rear support part
or a rear support panel of the protective case may comprise a
cavity or crater or recess, which may be elongated or generally
rectangular (e.g., generally parallel to the edges of the
protective case), may be
[0133] The recess may be, for example, generally parallel to the
longer dimension of the protective case; or generally perpendicular
to the longer dimension of the protective case; or generally
slanted relative to the longer dimension of the protective
case.
[0134] The length of the longest dimension of the recess, may be,
for example, approximately 95 or 90 or 85 or 80 or 75 or 70 or 65
or 60 or 55 or 50 or 45 or 40 or 33 percent of the longest
dimension of the protective case. The length of the longest
dimension of the recess, may be, for example, greater than 75
percent, or greater than 50 percent, or smaller than 50 percent, of
the longest dimension of the protective case.
[0135] A cross-section of the recess may be, for example, generally
rectangular or generally trapezoid, or may be shaped as half of a
circle or half of an oval, or may be triangular, may be U-shaped or
"n"-shaped, or may have other suitable cross-section shape.
Optionally, placement of the accessory within the recess may create
an elongated protrusion or external rib or "bump" beyond the
generally-planar surface of a protective case which does not store
an accessory, such bump having, for example, a generally trapezoid
cross-section, or a curved cross-section.
[0136] The recess may allow a user to insert thereto an insertable
accessory, and to remove therefrom the accessory, and/or to modify
the position or location of the accessory within the recess (e.g.,
to cause a part of the accessory to extend or to protrude beyond
the contour of the protective case, for example, to allow extension
of an electric cigarette lighter, and to retract the accessory to
its compact or non-extended position).
[0137] Optionally, a spring or pin or button or latching mechanism
or pressure mechanism or male-female mechanism or other
connection/release mechanism may be used, to hold in place the
accessory within the recess, such that the accessory may not fall
down from the recess; and/or in order to release the accessory from
the recess of the protective case; and or to extend or retract the
accessory or a portion thereof, relative to the protective
case.
[0138] The present invention may include a method for carrying
and/or storing a portable electronic device and one or more
accessories. The method may optionally include, for example, one or
more of the following operations: inserting the portable electronic
device into a protective case; inserting an accessory into a
plug-in module of the protective case; for storage of the
accessory, inserting the plug-in module into a rear side of the
protective case; for utilizing the accessory, removing the plug-in
module from the rear side of the protective case, or otherwise
modifying the protective case (e.g., by making the module protrude
therefrom). Other suitable operations may be used.
[0139] Functions, operations, components and/or features described
herein with reference to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination
with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or
features described herein with reference to one or more other
embodiments of the present invention.
[0140] While certain features of the present invention have been
illustrated and described herein, many modifications,
substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled
in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such
modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.
* * * * *