U.S. patent application number 15/401742 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-03 for case with electrical multiplexing.
The applicant listed for this patent is OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC. Invention is credited to TODD C. ADELMANN.
Application Number | 20170222683 15/401742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59387200 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170222683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ADELMANN; TODD C. |
August 3, 2017 |
CASE WITH ELECTRICAL MULTIPLEXING
Abstract
A case for an electronic device includes a shell and at least
three electrical connectors. The shell receives the electronic
device and covers at least a portion of the electronic device. A
first electrical connector is on an interior of the shell and
electrically connects the case to an electrical interface of the
electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the
case. A second electrical connector is on an exterior of the shell
and electrically connects a first external electrical device to the
electronic device through the electrical interface of the
electronic device. A third electrical connector is on the exterior
of the shell and electrically connects a second external electrical
device to the electronic device.
Inventors: |
ADELMANN; TODD C.; (FORT
COLLINS, CO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
OTTER PRODUCTS, LLC |
Fort Collins |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59387200 |
Appl. No.: |
15/401742 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62289414 |
Feb 1, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72527 20130101;
H05K 5/0247 20130101; H04B 1/3888 20130101; H04M 1/0249 20130101;
H04M 1/0258 20130101; G06F 1/1613 20130101; H02J 7/0044 20130101;
H04M 1/185 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20060101
H04B001/3888; H04M 1/02 20060101 H04M001/02 |
Claims
1. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case
comprising: a protective shell configured for receiving the
electronic device and covering at least a portion of the electronic
device when the electronic device is installed in the protective
shell, the protective shell having an interior surface and an
exterior surface; a first electrical connector attached to the
interior surface of the protective shell, the first electrical
connector configured for electrically connecting to an electrical
interface of the electronic device when the electronic device is
installed in the protective case; a second electrical connector
accessible at the exterior surface of the protective shell, the
second electrical connector configured for conducting first
electrical signals between the first installed electronic device
and a first external electrical device connected to the second
electrical connector, the first electrical signals conducted
through the second electrical connector and the first electrical
connector to the electrical interface of the installed electronic
device; and a third electrical connector accessible at the exterior
surface of the protective shell, the third electrical connector
configured for conducting second electrical signals between the
installed electronic device and a second external electrical device
connected to the third electrical connector, the second electrical
signals conducted through the third electrical connector and the
first electrical connector to the electrical interface of the
installed electronic device.
2. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising electrical
circuitry, wherein the first electrical signals and the second
electrical signals are conducted through the electrical
circuitry.
3. The protective case of claim 1 wherein each of the first
electrical signals and the second electrical signals includes one
or more of unidirectional electrical signals and bidirectional
electrical signals.
4. The protective case of claim 1 wherein each of the first
electrical signals and the second electrical signals includes one
or more of data and electrical power.
5. The protective case of claim 1 wherein the third electrical
connector includes a headphone jack, the second external electrical
device includes an audio device, and the second electrical signals
include audio signals conducted from the installed electronic
device to the headphone jack.
6. The protective case of claim 2 wherein the electrical circuitry
includes electrical conductors.
7. The protective case of claim 2 wherein the electrical circuitry
multiplexes the first electrical signals from the second electrical
connector and the second electrical signals from the third
electrical connector, the multiplexed first and second electrical
signals being conducted to the first electrical connector.
8. The protective case of claim 2 wherein the electrical circuitry
demultiplexes electrical signals received from the first electrical
connector to produce the first electrical signals and the second
electrical signals, the first electrical signals conducted to the
second electrical connector and the second electrical signals
conducted to the third electrical connector.
9. The protective case of claim 2 wherein the electrical circuitry
includes digital electrical components and analog electrical
components.
10. The protective case of claim 2 wherein the electrical circuitry
includes a computer processor.
11. The protective case of claim 1 wherein the second electrical
connector is configured for receiving electrical power from the
first external electrical device.
12. The protective case of claim 2 further comprising a power
storage device.
13. The protective case of claim 12 wherein the power storage
device includes a rechargeable battery.
14. The protective case of claim 12 wherein the power storage
device is configured to provide stored electrical power from the
power storage device to the installed electronic device through the
electrical circuitry and the first electrical connector.
15. The protective case of claim 12 wherein external electrical
power is supplied to the power storage device through the second
electrical connector, the electrical circuitry, and the first
electrical connector.
16. The protective case claim 1 wherein the protective shell
includes a first shell portion and a second shell portion that
removably attaches to the first shell portion.
17. The protective case of claim 16 further including a seal that
seals the first shell portion to the second shell portion to form a
water resistant cavity for the electronic device.
18. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising a wireless
communication module.
19. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising an inductive
coil configured for one or more of wirelessly receiving electrical
power and wirelessly transmitting electrical power.
20. The protective case of claim 1 further comprising a fourth
electrical connector accessible at the exterior surface of the
protective shell, the fourth electrical connector configured for
conducting third electrical signals between the installed
electronic device and a third external electrical device connected
to the fourth electrical connector.
22. A case for an electronic device, the case comprising: a shell
configured for receiving the electronic device and covering at
least a portion of the electronic device when the electronic device
is installed in the shell, the shell having an interior surface and
an exterior surface; electrical circuitry contained in the shell; a
first electrical connector attached to the interior surface of the
shell, the first electrical connector configured for electrically
engaging an electrical interface of the electronic device when the
electronic device is installed in the shell; a second electrical
connector accessible at the exterior surface of the shell, the
second electrical connector configured for conducting first
electrical signals between the first installed electronic device
and a first external electrical device connected to the second
electrical connector, the first electrical signals conducted
through the second electrical connector, the electrical circuitry,
and the first electrical connector to the electrical interface of
the installed electronic device; and a third electrical connector
accessible at the exterior surface of the shell, the third
electrical connector configured for conducting second electrical
signals between the installed electronic device and a second
external electrical device connected to the third electrical
connector, the second electrical signals conducted through the
third electrical connector, the electrical circuitry, and the first
electrical connector to the electrical interface of the installed
electronic device.
23. The case of claim 22 wherein the electrical circuitry is
configured for multiplexing the first electrical signals and the
second electrical signals.
24. The case of claim 22 wherein the electrical circuitry is
configured for demultiplexing the first electrical signals and the
second electrical signals.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/289,414, filed Feb. 1, 2016, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to cases, covers, and/or
encasements for electronic devices. More specifically, the present
application relates to cases, covers, and/or encasements having a
plurality of electrical connectors for electrically connecting
external devices to an electronic device installed in the case,
cover, or encasement.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Portable electronic devices are commonly used for
communication and entertainment purposes. Portable electronic
devices include devices such as smartphones, cellular phones,
mobile communication devices, computers, portable computing
devices, mobile computing devices, tablet computers, cameras, video
players, smart watches, audio players, electronic media readers,
two-way radios, global positioning satellite (GPS) devices, and/or
other types of electronic computing or communication devices,
including combinations thereof. Cases, protective cases, covers,
protective covers, enclosures, or encasements are sometimes used
with these types of electronic devices in order to protect the
devices from damage due to exposure to shock, impact, dropping,
puncture, dust, dirt, water, snow, rain, mud, chemicals, and/or
other potentially damaging forces or elements. The term "case" is
used herein to refer to any type of case, cover, protective case,
protective cover, enclosure, encasement, shell, or combination
thereof. Cases are also sometimes used to supplement the
functionality of an electronic device and/or to change the
aesthetics of the electronic device.
[0004] Electronic devices are commonly powered by one or more
internal batteries or other power sources. Batteries enable
electronic devices to be used in a portable manner and/or without
being tethered to a power source. These batteries are often
rechargeable. Electronic devices with more features, such as larger
displays and/or more computing power, typically consume the
available power even more quickly. When an electronic device's
battery is exhausted, the device may become unusable until the
battery can be recharged or until the device can be connected to
another battery or a power source, such as a wall outlet. Battery
capacity for electronic devices may become an issue due to factors
such as power requirements of the electronic device, extended usage
of the electronic device, physical space constraints of the
internal battery, power requirements of peripherals attached to the
electronic device, temperature extremes, unavailability of a power
source for charging, decreased battery capacity due to aging of the
battery, decreased battery life due to the number of
charge/discharge cycles the battery has endured, and the like, as
well as combinations thereof. These factors can reduce the
usefulness of the electronic device because usage of the device
between recharges may be limited and the user may have to
discontinue use of the device due to a depleted battery until an
external power source is located.
[0005] In some situations, a user may separately carry a spare
battery for the electronic device. The spare battery can be used as
a replacement for a discharged battery. While carrying a spare
battery enables the user to use the device again without having to
find a charging source, swapping batteries has drawbacks. First,
the user must remember to carry the spare battery(s), in addition
to the electronic device. Second, the user must remember to keep
the spare battery in a charged state in case it is needed. Third,
replacing an exhausted battery, or swapping an exhausted battery
out of the electronic device for charging purposes, typically
requires that the device be shut down, restarted, and/or rebooted.
This process is often inconvenient and typically results in
temporary loss of use, communication, and/or data. Finally, when a
charging source is available, the various batteries must be swapped
into and out of the electronic device in order to charge them,
unless a separate host-charging device is available for the extra
battery.
[0006] As electronic devices become smaller and/or more complex,
their external electrical interfaces may also become smaller, more
complex, and/or further integrated. In some situations,
manufacturers of electronic devices may include multiple functions
within a single electrical interface or within a smaller number of
electrical interfaces on the electronic device. In some situations,
the electrical interface may be proprietary from an electrical,
mechanical, and/or protocol standpoint. Newer types and styles of
connectors may make it difficult for users to connect the
electronic devices to legacy peripherals or external devices that
do not have connectors compatible with the newer electrical
interface(s) on the electronic device.
[0007] Improved cases, protective cases, covers, and/or encasements
for electronic devices which solve these and other problems are
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0008] In one example, a protective case for an electronic device
is provided. The protective case may comprise a protective shell, a
first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a
third electrical connector. The protective shell is configured or
adapted for receiving the electronic device and covering at least a
portion of the electronic device when the electronic device is
installed in the protective case. The protective shell includes an
interior surface and an exterior surface. The first electrical
connector is on the interior surface of the protective shell and is
configured or adapted for electrically connecting the protective
case to an electrical interface of the electronic device when the
electronic device is installed in the protective case. The second
electrical connector is on the exterior surface of the protective
shell and is configured or adapted for electrically connecting a
first external electrical device to the installed electronic device
through the electrical interface of the installed electronic
device. The second electrical connector is electrically connected
to first electrical connector through electrical circuitry in the
protective case. The third electrical connector is on the exterior
surface of the protective shell and is configured or adapted for
electrically connecting a second external electrical device to the
installed electronic device through the electrical interface of the
installed electronic device. The third electrical connector is
electrically connected to first electrical connector through the
electrical circuitry.
[0009] In some examples, the protective case also includes a power
storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Electrical power
from the power storage device may be supplied to the installed
electronic device through the first electrical connector and the
electrical interface of the installed electronic device. Also,
power may be supplied to the power storage device through one of
the electrical connectors and the electrical circuitry.
[0010] Various other embodiments and variations of the techniques
are also disclosed. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still
other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art
from the following detailed description and figures, which describe
and show illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be
realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various
aspects, all without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described and
explained through the use of the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a protective
case and an electronic device;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a front exploded perspective view of a
protective case;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an electronic
device;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of a protective case;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a protective case;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a protective case;
and
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a protective case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following detailed description, various specific
details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of and
describe the apparatuses and techniques introduced here. However,
the techniques may be practiced without the specific details set
forth in these examples. Various alternatives, modifications,
and/or equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art
without varying from the spirit of the introduced apparatuses and
techniques. For example, while the embodiments described herein
refer to particular features, the scope of this solution also
includes embodiments having different combinations of features and
embodiments that do not include all of the described features.
Accordingly, the scope of the techniques and solutions introduced
herein are intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the
claims, together with all equivalents thereof. Therefore, the
description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the
invention, which is defined by the claims.
[0020] Some of the cases described herein are described as
protective cases. However, the apparatuses and techniques disclosed
herein are not to be limited to any particular protective
characteristic of the case and may be applicable to cases, covers,
or encasements that do not necessarily have protective features or
characteristics.
[0021] As electronic devices become smaller and/or more complex,
their electrical interfaces may also become smaller, more complex,
and/or integrated a smaller number of electrical interface, such as
into a single electrical or electromechanical connector. In some
situations, manufacturers of electronic devices may include
multiple functions within a single electrical interface on the
electrical device. In some situations, the electrical interface may
be proprietary from an electrical, mechanical, and/or protocol
standpoint. Newer types and styles of connectors may make it
difficult for users to connect the electronic devices to legacy
devices or peripherals that do not have connectors compatible with
the newer electrical interface(s) on the electronic device. For
example, many electronic devices commonly have some combination of
a power connection, a data connection, and/or an audio or headphone
connection. In many situations, two or more of these connections
are implemented in separate connectors or electrical interfaces on
the electronic device.
[0022] In one specific example, many electronic devices have one
electrical interface for power and/or data connections. Examples of
these electrical interfaces includes USB connectors, mini USB
connectors, micro USB connectors, APPLE LIGHTNING connectors,
proprietary connectors, and/or other types of connectors. In some
examples, the power connection and the data connection may include
two separate electrical interfaces on the electronic device.
Continuing with the example above, many electronic devices also
have additional electrical interfaces for other functions. One
example of this type of additional electrical interface is a
headphone port or audio signal port which is separate from the
power and/or data electrical interface. Additional electrical
interfaces and/or types of electrical interfaces on electronic
devices are possible.
[0023] As described above, it may be desirable for electronic
device manufacturers to further consolidate or integrate electrical
interfaces on electronic devices. This may be desirable for
purposes of making the electronic device more compact, thinner,
have fewer openings, be more aesthetically pleasing, improve
compatibility with other devices, and/or for other reasons. In one
specific example, a power/data electrical interface may be combined
with a headphone electrical interface such that a new electronic
device has one electrical interface that includes all or some
combination of these features. This new electrical interface may
have new electrical and/or mechanical characteristics that may not
be compatible with legacy external devices or peripherals, such as
legacy headphones or legacy chargers. In other words, a user may
have a new electronic device and may wish to use existing chargers,
headphones, or other external devices with the electronic device,
but may be unable to do so because the electrical interface on the
new electronic device is electrically and/or mechanically different
than previous devices. In another example, a user may have an
external credit card magnetic strip reader that makes use of a
headphone port on the electronic device. When the user obtains a
new electronic device that does not have the legacy headphone port,
the user may use one of the cases disclosed herein in order to
continue using his or her existing credit card magnetic strip
reader with the electronic device.
[0024] The cases disclosed herein resolve this and other problems
by providing an electrical connector on an inside surface of the
case that interfaces with the electronic device and branches,
splits, separates, and/or demultiplexes the signals from the single
electrical connector out to two or more electrical connectors on an
outside surface of the case. The electrical connectors on the
outside of the case may be compatible with legacy or prior external
devices. Described in the opposite direction, signals from the two
or more electrical connectors on the outside of the case may be
combined, joined, and/or multiplexed together and routed to the
single electrical interface on the inside of the case that is
compatible with and interfaces with the installed electronic
device. Even though an electronic device may include a new type of
connector with integrated functions, the case enables the user to
still make use of his or her legacy peripherals, devices, or
accessories.
[0025] Some existing cases for electronic devices also include
supplemental power devices or power sources for supplying power
from the case to the electronic device. Supplemental power is often
provided by one or more rechargeable batteries included in the
case. While many of the examples herein are discussed in the
context of single batteries or power sources, it should be
understood that the techniques, apparatuses, systems, and methods
disclosed herein are also applicable to configurations in which
more than one power source in the electronic device is used and/or
more than one supplemental power source in the case is used. Cases
having batteries as supplemental power sources are sometimes
generally referred to herein as "battery cases" or "power cases."
The term "battery" is used broadly herein to refer to any type of
electrical and/or chemical energy storage device. A battery or
energy storage device may include one or more: rechargeable
batteries, fuel cells, capacitors, supercapacitors, alkaline
batteries, carbon-zinc batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries,
lithium batteries, lithium ion batteries, lithium titanate cells,
and/or lithium polymer batteries. A battery or energy storage
device may be a single device or can be a plurality of devices. The
improved cases disclosed herein may or may not be battery cases and
may or may not include supplemental power sources as described in
further details below.
[0026] While many of the examples herein are described with respect
the mobile phones or smartphones, the apparatuses, techniques, and
methods described herein are equally applicable to other types of
electronic devices, such as smart watches, and are not to be
limited to mobile phones. Furthermore, various examples provided
herein discuss the providing, transfer, or delivery of power from
one device to another. Other examples discuss the providing,
provision, transfer, or delivery of current from one device to
another. It should be understood that no functional distinction is
made in the apparatuses, techniques, and methods disclosed herein
with respect to delivering power or delivering current as the
amount of power provided, transferred, and/or delivered at a known
voltage can be mathematically determined based on the amount of
current provided, transferred, and/or delivered.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a protective
case 100 for an electronic device 170 in accordance with the
techniques and improvements introduced herein.
[0028] Electronic device 170 may be a cellular phone, smartphone,
mobile communication device, mobile computing device, portable
computing device, tablet, phablet (phone/tablet), portable
computer, personal video player, electronic media reader, audio
player, handheld scanner, camera, GPS device, or electronic
computing or communication device of another type, including
combinations thereof. In one specific example, electronic device
170 may be an APPLE IPHONE. In another specific example, electronic
device 170 may be a SAMSUNG GALAXY phone.
[0029] Protective case 100 comprises any type of protective shell,
cover, covering, enclosure, bumper, sheath, encasement, member,
and/or a combination thereof used with the electronic device 170.
Protective case 100 may provide protection against forces or
damaging elements such as shock, impact, dropping, puncture, dust,
dirt, heat, cold, water, snow, rain, mud, fluids, chemicals, and/or
other potentially damaging elements. In various instances, as
described in further detail below, protective case 100 may be
waterproof, watertight, and/or water-resistant. In other examples,
techniques disclosed herein may implemented in the form of a cover
for electronic device 170 which provides some or all of the
functions disclosed herein while having little or no protective
characteristics.
[0030] Protective case 100 may encase or cover electronic device
170 partially or fully. For example, in various configurations,
protective case 100 may attach, contact, or interface to only a
single surface of electronic device 170 or may attach, contact, or
interface with a plurality of surfaces of electronic device 170. In
some configurations, protective case 100 may include a membrane
positioned over an interactive control panel or a touch screen
interface of electronic device 170 such that inputs provided by a
user on an outside surface of the membrane can be detected by
electronic device 170 through the membrane. In some configurations,
a membrane may not be present. However, as described in further
detail below, even in instances where a membrane is not present,
protective case 100 may still be waterproof or water-resistant when
electronic device 170 is installed. This may be accomplished using
one or more gaskets, seals, sealing surfaces, and/or o-rings that
seal or form a seal between protective case 100 and a surface of
electronic device 170, such as at a perimeter of the touchscreen or
the housing of electronic device 170. Such sealing may enable a
remaining portion of electronic device 170 to be protected in a
waterproof or water-resistant manner even though a portion of
electronic device 170, such as the touchscreen, is directly
exposed.
[0031] Protective case 100 may include one member, two member, or
more members to form a shell. Some of these members may be
permanently attached to each other and some of these members may be
removably attachable to each other for insertion and/or removal of
electronic device 170 from protective case 100. In some situations,
protective case 100 may be a one-piece case or a one-piece assembly
into which electronic device 170 snaps or slides. Protective case
100 may also include one or more cushion members, cushion layers,
and/or cushion portions that are removably attached or permanently
attached to any combination of the one, two, or more members. Any
portion of protective case 100 may be made of any suitable
material, including, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), high
impact polystyrene (HIPS), nylon, fiberglass-filled nylon,
acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramic, metallized ceramic,
aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, wood, carbon fiber, and/or any
combination thereof. The techniques disclosed herein are not to be
limited to any particular type, structure, or configuration of the
shell or case.
[0032] In various instances, protective case 100 may include a
supplemental power source (internal to protective case 100 and not
visible in FIG. 1) that is capable of providing electrical power to
electronic device 170. The term `supplemental` power source is used
in various instances to indicate that the protective case makes
additional power available to electronic device 170 rather than the
power being `supplemental` relative to protective case 100 itself.
In some configurations, protective case 100 includes an internal
electrical, mechanical, and/or electromechanical interface (not
visible in FIG. 1) for conducting the electrical power from the
supplemental power source of protective case 100 to the installed
electronic device 170.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a front exploded view of protective case
100. Protective case 100 includes a front member 620 and a back
member 640. Front member 620 includes a front surface and sides,
such as side 624, which engage back member 640 to form a cavity
into which an electronic device, such as electronic device 170, may
be placed. Front member 620 and back member 640 may partially or
fully receive, encase, or enclose the electronic device.
[0034] Front member 620 can be made of any suitable material,
including, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), high impact
polystyrene (HIPS), nylon, fiberglass-filled nylon, acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), ceramic, metallized ceramic, aluminum,
aluminum alloy, titanium, wood, carbon fiber, and/or any
combination thereof.
[0035] Some or all of the features of the electronic device may be
accessible or usable while the electronic device is in protective
case 100. Front member 620 includes opening 622 in the front
surface of front member 620 for accessing the installed electronic
device. In one example, the electronic device may have a
touchscreen display and the user may directly access the
touchscreen display of the electronic device through opening 622 of
front member 620 when the electronic device is in protective case
100. Opening 622 may or may not be covered by a membrane, film, or
skin (not shown). When no membrane, film, or skin is present, the
user is able to directly touch the touchscreen display through
opening 622. If a membrane, film, or skin is included, it may be
sufficiently thin and sufficiently optically transparent to allow
the user to operate the touchscreen through the membrane in a
manner similar to how the device would be operated if the membrane,
skin, or film was not present and the user was touching the device
directly. In other words, the membrane, film, or skin may have
little or no effect on the operation of the touchscreen by the
user. The membrane, skin, or film may be included for purposes of
protecting the display of the electronic device. In some
situations, the membrane, skin, or film may be attached to or
adhered to the electronic device rather than to front member 620.
Alternatively or in addition to protecting the touchscreen from
scratches or impact, the membrane, skin, or film may be included
for sealing the protective case against elements such as, for
example, dirt, water, snow, dust, or chemicals.
[0036] The membrane, film, or skin can be made of any suitable
material that permits the user to interact with the display screen
of the electronic device through the membrane. In one example, the
membrane can be made from a thin layer of thermoplastic
polycarbonate (e.g. LEXAN), polyvinylchloride, high-strength
alkali-aluminosilicate thin sheet glass (e.g. GORILLA GLASS),
urethane, silicon, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or any other
suitable material. The membrane can be formed using any suitable
manufacturing process, such as thermoforming, casting, stretching,
heating, or injection molding. In one example, the membrane can
include a thin, transparent, flexible layer of polyurethane, which
can serve as a clear screen protector with desirable optical
qualities (e.g. high transparency and low reflectivity). The
membrane can have any suitable thickness. In one example, the
membrane can have a thickness of about 0.001-0.100, 0.001-0.050,
0.004-0.020, 0.005-0.015, or 0.005-0.010 inches. The membrane can
also have a micro-textured surface to reduce glare. The membrane
can include an oleophobic surface coating on its outer surface to
minimize the appearance of fingerprints or oily smudges on the
membrane, thereby allowing the screen of the electronic device to
be clearly viewed through the membrane while reducing the
possibility of unwanted obstructions.
[0037] Front member 620 may also include one or more other
apertures or openings for accessing the electronic device. For
example, an opening may enable a user to access a switch or control
on a side of the electronic device when the electronic device is in
protective case 100. One or more openings or apertures may exist on
any side or surface of front member 620 or back member 640 for
accessing a switch, control, or feature of the electronic device.
In various instances, one or more of the apertures or openings may
be covered, such as with a flexible or semi-flexible material, such
as TPE, so as to make the aperture watertight while still allowing
access and/or control of the one or more control features of the
encased electronic device.
[0038] In some instances, in addition to apertures or openings,
front member 620 and/or back member 640 may include one or more
button features, such as button features 632, 634, and 636. These
features enable a user to operate a button or control of the
electronic device inside the protective cover without directly
contacting the electronic device. The button features may be
implemented using a variety of devices or structures.
[0039] In one example, button feature 632 is configured to engage a
power switch of an electronic device. The button feature may be
used to engage other types of switches of the electronic device.
Button feature 632 may be designed to flex inward with respect to
front member 620 and toward the inside of front member 620 when a
user applies force to an outer surface of button feature 632,
thereby permitting actuation of the power switch of the electronic
device. Button feature 632 may be flexibly coupled to front member
620 by a flexible hinge or beam. In some configurations, the
flexible hinge may be formed using a different material than the
primary material used to form front member 620. During
manufacturing, thin gates can be formed to permit flow of the
second material to the area around button feature 632. The thin
gates may be easily be broken by actuating button feature 632
during a first use. As a result, button feature 632 decouples
entirely from front member 620 and stays attached to the second
material, where it can easily be actuated by the user. Other
methods of manufacture and other methods of flexibly attaching
button feature 632 to front member 620 are possible. For example in
other configurations, button feature 632 may be formed from a same
material as front member 620.
[0040] In contrast to button feature 632, button features 634 and
636 may be movable to engage a button or control feature of the
electronic device inside protective case 100 without being attached
to front member 620 in a fixed manner. For example, button feature
634 and/or button feature 636 may be a separate piece which is
captured within constraint features of front member 620 such that
the button feature freely moves relative to front member 620,
within a range of movement. In other words, button features 634 and
636 may be loosely coupled to front member 620 to allow it to move
enough relative to 620 to engage a button, switch, or control
feature of an electronic device inside protective case 100. This
configuration permits the button feature to move or be actuated
with respect to front member 620 while still being contained by
front member 620.
[0041] Button features 634 and 636 may be manufactured as a
separate piece from front member 620 and have an interference fit
with respect to an opening in front member 620 such that they are
initially snapped or pushed into place with sufficient force to
overcome the force of the constraint feature and stay constrained
after being pushed or forced into place. Alternately, as discussed
above with respect to button feature 632, button feature 634 and/or
636 may be formed as part of front member 620 with thin gates,
which are broken upon initial use or post molding processing and
stay loosely coupled to protective case 100 within a range of
movement afterward.
[0042] Back member 640 comprises an inner surface and one or more
sides, such as sides 644. Back member 640 couples with front member
620 to partially or fully capture, contain, encase, or enclose the
electronic device. When inside protective case 100, the electronic
device rests against the inner surface. Back member 640 may be made
of any suitable material, including, but not limited to,
polycarbonate (PC), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), nylon,
fiberglass-filled nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),
polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ceramic,
metallized ceramic, aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, wood,
carbon fiber, and/or any combination thereof.
[0043] The inner surface may also include one or more portions of a
soft, compliant, cushioning, or compressible material to further
protect the electronic device from shock, scratching, impact,
and/or vibration. The material may also reduce movement and/or
rattling of the electronic device inside protective case 100 by
applying a force to the electronic device inside protective case
100 in response to being compressed when the electronic device is
installed. The soft, compliant, cushioning, or compressible
material may comprise a single piece or multiple pieces and may or
may not be adhered to back member 640. In some configurations, a
closed cell or open cell foam material may be used. In other
configurations, other compliant materials such as rubber, TPE,
silicone, or the like may be used. Soft, compliant, or compressible
materials may be attached to front member 620 in addition to or in
place of back member 640 for similar purposes. In some instances,
one or more of these materials may be molded to, molded with, or
comolded with one or more portions of the case, such as in a single
shot or double shot molding process.
[0044] Front member 620 and back member 640 may be formed from
materials having a same color or may be formed from materials
having different colors to produce a contrast effect. In addition,
one or more of front member 620 and back member 640 may receive a
surface treatment to provide a different texture or feel to the
surface. In one example, one or more of front member 620 and back
member 640 may be transparent, may be semi-transparent, may have
transparent portions, or may be painted or coated with a soft touch
paint to provide a soft, velvet, leathery, and/or rubbery feel. The
types of treatments, finishes, or coatings may give the components
increased grip, improved durability, improved scratch resistance,
improved resilience to fingerprints, and/or other characteristics.
In another example, front member 620 and/or back member 640 may
include metallic components, may be coated with a metallic
material, or may include metallic particles for altering, changing,
improving, and/or re-directing electromagnetic signal transmission
or reception between the electronic device and an external
device.
[0045] In some situations, back member 640 may also contain one or
more electrical components for implementing power-related
functions. For example, back member 640 may contain one or more of
a battery, a supplemental power source, electrical components,
electronic components, electromechanical components, a computer
processor, and/or printed circuit boards for implementing
electrical, electronic, and/or power features. Back member 640 may
comprise two or more structural components that are permanently or
semi-permanently attached to each other during a manufacturing or
assembly process to contain or enclose any of the power,
electrical, electronic, or electromechanical components described
herein in a cavity of back member 640. In some configurations, the
electrical and/or electronic components may be permanently or
semi-permanently enclosed in a cavity such that they are not
visible, not accessible, protected, and/or not easily accessible to
a user.
[0046] Back member 640 may also contain an electrical connector,
such as electrical connector 654, for interfacing to an installed
electronic device. In one example, electrical connector 654 may be
an APPLE LIGHTNING connector. In another example, electrical
connector 654 may be USB connector, a mini USB connector, a micro
USB connector, a USB type C connector, another variety of USB
connector, a cylindrical connector, and/or a proprietary connector.
When an electronic device is inserted into back member 640,
electrical connector 654 may electromechanically interface with an
electrical interface or connector of the electronic device. When
electronic device 170 is inserted or installed in protective case
100, electronic device 170 is held in place as to stay engaged with
electrical connector 654.
[0047] In addition to transmitting power to the electronic device,
electrical connector 654 may be used to transmit data to the
electronic device, receive data from the electronic device,
transmit messages to the electronic device, receive messages from
the electronic device, transmit control signals to the electronic
device, and/or receive control signals from the electronic device.
Electrical connector 654 may be used, among other functions, to
provide electrical power to the electronic device from a battery
contained inside protective case 100 and/or from a power source or
power supply external to protective case 100. Further, electrical
connector 654 may contain circuitry or electrical components, other
than electrical conductors, such as passive analog components,
active analog components, passive digital components, and/or active
digital components. Electrical connector 654 may be attached to
protective case 100 in a fixed manner, may pivot in one or more
axes, or may be attached to a flexible cable that allows it to be
attached to electronic device 170 before electronic device 170 is
fully inserted into protective case 100.
[0048] Although the various electrical and electronic features and
functions disclosed herein are primarily described as being
included in back member 640, some or all of the electrical
components, including electrical connector 654, may be contained in
front member 620. In another variation, the electrical components
and/or features may be distributed among front member 620 and back
member 640. In addition, one or more electrical interconnections
may exist between front member 620 and back member 640. It should
be understood that any of the features, functions, or
characteristics of protective case 100 may be implemented as a
single piece case, sometimes also referred to as a one piece case,
or may be implemented in a case having two or more structural or
shell members.
[0049] Back member 640 may also contain one or more button
features, such as button features 632, 634, and/or 636, depending
on where buttons or control features are located on electronic
device 170. Variations of protective case 100 may have button
features, openings, and/or other features in various locations on
front member 620 and/or back member 640 to correspond to locations
of buttons, switches, control features, ports, cameras, displays,
and/or other interfaces on a particular model of electronic
device.
[0050] Front member 620 and/or back member 640 may also contain
other types of openings, such as opening 650, for a camera, camera
flash, and/or related features of electronic device 170. Opening
650 allows the camera, camera, flash, and/or related features of
the electronic device to still be used even though the electronic
device is enclosed within protective case 100. Opening 650 may be
an open aperture between the inside and outside of protective case
100 or may be covered with an optically transparent, or nearly
optically transparent, membrane, film, or lens that further
protects the electronic device while permitting the camera, camera
flash, and/or related features to remain usable. Openings may exist
in other locations on back member 640 and/or front member 620, to
accommodate other features of the electronic device. Any of the
openings described herein may be covered with a membrane or other
material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), to make the case
water-resistant or waterproof with respect to that opening.
[0051] Protective case 100 may also include a camera flash isolator
(not pictured). When the electronic device is installed in the
protective case 100, the camera flash isolator can be located
between a camera and a flash on a back side surface of the
electronic device. In one example, the camera flash isolator can
include a foam layer adhered to the inner surface of back member
640. The foam layer can provide a light barrier between the camera
and the flash and can extend from a back side surface of the
electronic device. When a user takes a flash photo with the
electronic device, the camera flash isolator can prevent light
emitted from the flash from reflecting off of the inner surfaces of
protective case 100 toward the camera, where the reflected light
could result in unwanted optical artifacts, aberrations, and/or
blurriness in the image captured by the electronic device.
[0052] Front member 620 and/or back member 640 may also contain
features for channeling, routing, guiding, and/or directing audio
to/from the electronic device when it is inside protective case
100. In one example, the electronic device may have a speaker
and/or microphone along its bottom edge. Back member 640 contains
reliefs 659 that allow audio to/from the microphone/speaker to be
routed toward the front of back member rather than being blocked by
the a seating surface of back member 640 where the bottom of the
electronic device rests. Reliefs 659 align with openings 639 of
front member 620 when front member 620 is attached to back member
640. Beneficially, audio is effectively routed to/from the front of
protective case 100 from/to the electronic device even though the
electronic device is partially or completely enclosed by protective
case 100. It should be understood that many other configurations
are possible for accomplishing similar audio effects and the
configuration may vary depending on the location of audio features
on the electronic device.
[0053] Front member 620 includes clasping features 626 along sides
624 for engaging clasping features 646 along sides 644 of back
member 640. Clasping features 626 engage and/or mate with clasping
features 646 to attach front member 620 to back member 640. The
clasping features hold front member 620 and back member 640
together until sufficient force is applied to overcome the clasping
features and non-destructively pull them apart. Clasping features
624 and 646 may include any kind of clip, snap, fastener, latch,
tab, cantilever snap joint, cantilever hook, compressive hook,
torsion snap joint, annular snap joint, cylindrical snap joint,
bayonet finger, trap, ball and socket, lip, groove, finger, detent,
and/or other permanent or semi-permanent retention mechanism for
holding front member 620 and back member 640 together. It is
desirable to have clasping features 626 and/or 646 within the outer
surface of front member 620 and/or back member 640 such that
protective case 100 has a smooth, or nearly smooth, outer surface
that can be easily slid into a pocket, does not catch on clothing,
and/or does not easily scratch other items. A user may periodically
desire to detach front member 620 from back member 640 to remove
electronic device 170 from protective case 100.
[0054] While particular numbers, locations, and types of clasping
mechanisms may be illustrated in the figures, any number, location,
or type of clasping mechanisms may be placed along the perimeters
of front member 620 and back member 640. Clasping mechanisms may
also be present on the top and/or bottom edges of front member 620
and/or back member 640. Many other clasping mechanism positions,
orientations, combinations, and/or configurations are possible.
[0055] A gasket, o-ring, seal, and/or other sealing feature may
also be used between front member 620 and back member 640 to make
protective case 100 water-resistant or waterproof. A seal, gasket,
sealing surface, and/or o-ring may extend around a perimeter of one
or more of front member 620 and back member 640 and be compressed
when front member 620 and back member 640 are attached together.
Attachment of the clasping mechanisms may maintain a compressive
force on the gasket to achieve or improve the sealing effect.
[0056] In some instances, a seal or gasket may be a molded-in or
comolded feature. In some configurations, one or both of front
member 620 and back member 640 may contain an overmolded gasket.
The overmolded gasket may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer. In
one example, a front member can include a mating surface configured
to mate against the overmolded gasket when a back member is
attached to the front member. The seal formed between the
overmolded gasket and the mating surface can be a water-resistant
or water-proof seal. During assembly, the mating surface can
provide a compressive force against the overmolded gasket thereby
compressing the overmolded gasket to create the seal. In some
configurations, the overmolded gasket may include a groove located
between the flexible sealing surface and an inner gasket portion.
The groove can permit flexing of the flexible sealing surface
during assembly to provide a water-resistant or water-proof seal
between the flexible sealing surface and the sealing surface. In
some configurations, the inner gasket portion may not seal against
the sealing surface of the front portion. Instead, the inner gasket
portion may improve manufacturability of the overmolded gasket. The
inner gasket portion can also enhance adhesion between the
overmolded gasket and the inner back surface of the back portion
due to the greater contact area between the overmolded gasket and
the inner back surface. Consequently, the inner gasket portion may
enhance durability and longevity of the overmolded gasket. In some
situations, a formed-in-place gasket may be created on one or more
portions of the case.
[0057] In the case of water-resistant or water-proof applications,
one or more of the openings or apertures discussed herein may be
covered with a material that allows sound and/or air to pass
between the outside of protective case 100 and the inside of
protective case 100 while maintaining the water-resistant or
water-proof characteristics of the case (e.g., GORE-TEX).
[0058] In addition, one or more of the openings or apertures
discussed herein may be covered with a plug, port cover, door,
and/or bung to protect against water, snow, dust, or other elements
when the aperture or opening is not in use. In one example, the
port cover can be configured to cover and seal an opening in either
the front member or the back member. The port cover may include a
gasket or o-ring configured to seal against a surface of the
opening to provide a water-resistant or water-proof seal when the
port cover is in a closed position. When in an open position, the
port cover can provide access to features of the personal
electronic device through the opening. In one example, the port
cover can be attached to the case by inserting a feature of the
port cover into a slot in the front or back member. The port cover
can include a hinge to permit flexing of the first port cover
during opening and closing. In one example, the hinge can be a
portion of the port cover having a relatively thinner
cross-sectional area than adjacent portions of the port cover
allowing it to flex away from the port opening. The port cover may
be inserted into the opening by pressing it into the opening. The
port cover may stay in place as a result of a snug fit with the
opening or an interference opening. In another example, the port
cover may be a bung that is threaded into either the front member
or the back member to cover an opening. The opening and the bung
may have a gasket and seating surface that meet to seal the opening
when the bung is screwed into place. The bung may also contain a
tether to the protective case or to a cable or adapter such that
the bung is not misplaced when not in use.
[0059] In some configurations, one or more of front member 620
and/or back member 640 may each include a first layer and a second
layer. In one example, the second layer can be overmolded onto the
first layer. The first layer can be made of a relatively hard
material and the second layer can be a relatively soft material.
The first layer can be made of any suitable material, including,
but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), high impact polystyrene
(HIPS), nylon, fiberglass-filled nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate
(PET), ceramic, metalized ceramic, aluminum, aluminum alloy,
titanium, wood, carbon fiber, or any combination thereof. The
second layer can be made of any suitable material, such as a
thermoplastic elastomer. The first layer can bolster the structural
rigidity of the case to enable the case to withstand a moderate
drop without experiencing significant physical deformation upon
impact, thereby ensuring that unwanted separation of the front
member and the back member does not occur at impact. Separation is
undesirable, since the electronic device will typically exit the
cavity of the case and then be unprotected and vulnerable to
scratching, shattering, or water damage as it makes direct contact
with the ground or water.
[0060] The second layer can be made of a relatively soft but
durable material that dampens, absorbs, and/or dissipates impact
energy associated with a moderate drop, thereby reducing the
magnitude of shock or impact forces transmitted to the electronic
device housed inside the protective case at a moment of impact
and/or shortly thereafter.
[0061] Front member 620 and/or back member 640 can include a
plurality of relatively soft protrusions on their inner surfaces.
The protrusions can improve the fit of the electronic device within
the cavity. For example, respective protrusions can compress toward
the inner surfaces of the cavity when the electronic device is
installed in the cavity, thereby taking up any gap between the
device and the inner surfaces of the cavity. This approach may
permit the cavity to be manufactured with a tolerance that is less
restrictive than a tolerance that would be required if the cavity
were required to fit snugly around the electronic device. This
approach may also reduce manufacturing costs since a higher
percentage of manufactured components may meet design
specifications, thereby reducing the number of rejected parts
and/or reducing waste in the manufacturing process(es).
[0062] In addition to manufacturing considerations, the protrusions
may isolate the electronic device from the inner surfaces of the
cavity. As a result, an air gap is provided around the side
surfaces of the electronic device. The air gap may prevent impact
forces from being transmitted directly from the first layer to the
electronic device. The air gap may also prevent side surfaces of
the electronic device from becoming marred as a result of frequent
contact and minor positional shifting relative to the harder and
less forgiving surfaces of the cavity. Consequently, degradation of
the exterior surface of the electronic device over time is reduced.
In addition, the protrusions may reduce the tendency for vibrations
or movement to occur between the electronic device and hard
surfaces of the case such as, for example, form handling of the
device or when audio is being produced by a speaker of the
electronic device.
[0063] It should be understood that many of the features of
protective case 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 are optional and that the
techniques disclosed herein may be implemented in many different
types of cases, protective cases, covers, protective covers,
encasements, and/or protective encasements.
[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of electronic device 170.
Electronic device 170 includes an electrical interface 172 for
interfacing or electrically connecting with electrical connector
654 when electronic device 170 is inserted into protective case
100. Electrical interface 172 may include a USB connector, a mini
USB connector, a micro USB connector, a USB type C connector, an
APPLE LIGHTNING connector, a proprietary connector, and/or another
type of connector. Electrical interface 172 may be located on any
surface or side of electronic device 170. Electronic device 170 may
also include other features, such as microphone 176 and speaker
174. These other features may also be located on any other surface
or side of electronic device 170.
[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of protective case 100.
Protective case 100 includes electrical connector 672. Electrical
connector 672 may include a USB connector, a mini USB connector, a
micro USB connector, an APPLE LIGHTNING connector, a proprietary
connector, and/or another type of connector. Electrical connector
672 may be located on any exterior surface or side of protective
case 100. Protective case 100 also includes another electrical
connector, electrical connector 679. Electrical connector 679 may
be a headphone jack, a headphone connector, a connector for another
type of device, a 2.5 mm connector, a 3.5 mm connector, a
proprietary connector, and/or an electromechanical connector of
another type. Electrical connector 679 may be located on any
exterior surface or side of protective case 100.
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of electrical features of
protective case 100 with electronic device 170 installed. FIG. 5
illustrates these elements in a functional manner rather than
illustrating the actual physical appearance of these elements. When
electronic device 170 is inserted into or installed into protective
case 100, electrical interface 172 of electronic device 170 mates,
engages, connects, electrically connects, and/or electrically
interconnects with electrical connector 654 of protective case 100
such that electrical signals and/or power from electronic device
170 may be conducted or transferred between electronic device 170
and electrical connector 654.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 5, electrical connector 654 is
electrically connected to both electrical connector 672 and
electrical connector 679 of protective case 100. Electrical
connector 672 and/or 679 may be located or accessible at an
external surface of protective case 100. Some of the electrical
signals conducted through electrical connector 654 from electronic
device 170 are routed or conducted to electrical connector 672,
while other of the electrical signals are routed or conducted to
electrical connector 679. It should be understood that the
techniques disclosed herein are also applicable in configurations
in which there are additional quantities and/or types of electrical
connectors and/or interfaces.
[0068] Cases implemented using the techniques disclosed herein
enable a user to utilize legacy devices or peripherals that may be
compatible with electrical connector 672 and/or electrical
connector 679, even though electronic device 170 may include a new
type of interface, such as electrical interface 172, that is not
compatible (electrically, mechanically, or both) with those legacy
devices. Protective case 100 also enables these legacy devices to
be used with an electronic device 170 in which signals associated
with multiple legacy connectors or interfaces have been combined
into a single connector or interface. In one example, electrical
interface 172 may contain both signals related to charging of
electronic device 170 as well as audio signals. The power related
signals may be routed to electrical connector 672 while the audio
signals are routed to electrical connector 679. In another example,
electrical interface 172 may contain both data communication
signals as well as audio signals. The data communication signals
may be routed to electrical connector 672 while the audio signals
are routed to electrical connector 679. Other combinations of
signal types and routing are possible.
[0069] While many of the examples herein are discussed with respect
to power, data, or electrical signals being sent to or from one
device or another, it should be understood that the techniques
herein are equally applicable in situations where the power, data,
or electrical signals are being sent in the other direction and/or
in both directions. The techniques include any combination of
unidirectional and bidirectional signals. In one specific example,
protective case 100 may enable a user to continue to utilize a
legacy charger and legacy headphones with an electronic device 170
in which those previously separate interfaces have been combined
into a single electrical interface that is mechanically and/or
electrically incompatible with the legacy devices.
[0070] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of protective case 100
with electronic device 170 installed. Relative to FIG. 5, FIG. 6
further includes electrical circuitry 688. Electrical circuitry 688
may include any combination of discrete components, integrated
circuits, electrical conductors, passive analog components, active
analog components, passive digital components, active digital
components, programmable devices, a printed circuit board, a
microcontroller, programmable logic, and/or a computer processor.
FIG. 5 illustrates signals conducted to/from electrical connectors
672 and 679 being conducted directly from electrical connector 654
through electrical conductors without any other modification. While
this may be suitable in some situations, in other situations the
combining of two or more legacy interfaces into a new interface may
necessitate electrical, protocol, or format changes to the signals
in addition to the mechanical reconfiguration of the
connectors.
[0071] In the example of FIG. 6, some or all of the signals are
processed through electrical circuitry 688 before being conducted
or transmitted between electrical connector 654 and electrical
connectors 672 and 679. Electrical circuitry 688 may perform one or
more of many modifications or adjustments to one or more of the
signals including: signal conditioning, voltage step up, voltage
step down, voltage scaling, threshold limiting, amplification,
biasing, and/or filtering. In addition, electrical circuitry 688
may change the formatting, protocol, and/or configuration of any
one or more of the signals. In addition, electrical circuitry 688
may combine, separate, multiplex, demultiplex, modulate,
demodulate, interlace, interleave, reorder, encode, decode, change
the timing of, change the sequence of, and/or authenticate any of
the signals or combinations of the signals to convert the signals
between a format/protocol associated with electrical connector 654
and a format/protocol associated with electrical connector 672
and/or electrical connector 679. In other words, electrical
circuitry 688 translates, transforms, or converts, the signals
between a format associated with electrical connector 654 and one
or more formats associated with electrical connector 672 and/or 679
such that devices or peripherals compatible with electrical
connectors 672 and/or 679 may be used with electronic device 170
even though they may not be directly compatible with electrical
interface 172.
[0072] Protective case 100 may comprise a protective shell, a first
electrical connector 654, a second electrical connector 672, and a
third electrical connector 679. The protective shell may be
configured or adapted for receiving electronic device 170 and
covering at least a portion of electronic device 170 when
electronic device 170 is installed in protective case 100. The
protective shell includes an interior surface and an exterior
surface. First electrical connector 654 is on the interior surface
of the protective shell and may be configured or adapted for
electrically connecting protective case 100 to electrical interface
172 of electronic device 170 when electronic device 170 is
installed in protective case 100. Second electrical connector 672
is on the exterior surface of the protective shell and may be
configured or adapted for electrically connecting a first external
electrical device to installed electronic device 170 through
electrical interface 172 of installed electronic device 170. Second
electrical connector 672 is electrically connected to first
electrical connector 654 through electrical circuitry 688 in
protective case 100. Third electrical connector 679 is at or
accessible on the exterior surface of the protective shell and may
be configured or adapted for electrically connecting a second
external electrical device to installed electronic device 170
through electrical interface 172 of installed electronic device
170. Third electrical connector 679 may be electrically connected
to first electrical connector 654 through electrical circuitry
688.
[0073] FIG. 7 illustrates a variation of protective case 100 that
optionally includes power storage device 699. Power storage device
699 may include one or more: rechargeable batteries, fuel cells,
capacitors, supercapacitors, alkaline batteries, carbon-zinc
batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium batteries,
lithium ion batteries, lithium titanate cells, and/or lithium
polymer batteries. Power storage device 699 can be included to make
protective case 100 a battery case and/or provide battery based
functions in conjunction with the other techniques and features
disclosed herein. Power storage device 699 may be charged or
recharged using power received from an external device or power
source through one or more of electrical connector 672 and
electrical connector 679. Power storage device 699 may also be used
to provide power to electronic device 170 or recharge electronic
device 170 through electrical connector 654 and electrical
interface 172 of electronic device 170.
[0074] In another variation, protective case 100 may include an
inductive coil or other electrical circuitry for receiving
electrical power wirelessly and/or transferring that received power
to electronic device 170 and/or to power storage device 699, if
present. Power may be wirelessly received through conventional
induction, using resonant induction techniques, and/or using
another type of wireless power transfer technique, including
combinations thereof.
[0075] While the examples herein describe power or current as being
received, delivered, and/or transferred, it should be understood
that various additional functions may be performed with respect to
the transferred power including power conditioning, voltage step
up, voltage step down, current limiting, spike protection, surge
protection, regulation, and/or overload protection. In addition,
although a particular device, element, or circuit is described as
delivering or transferring current or power, the current or power
may not be literally conducted through that device, element, or
circuit. In other words, the device, element, or circuit may
directly or indirectly control one or more other devices, elements,
or circuits that directly conduct the power or current.
[0076] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate signals received at electrical
connector 654 from electronic device 170 being separated or split
out among two electrical connectors on protective case 100.
However, in some situations some of the signals received at
electrical connector 654 may be directed to or through a wireless
communication module. In other words, protective case 100 may
include a wireless communication module in place of one of
electrical connectors 672 and 679, or in addition to electrical
connectors 672 and 679. Some of the electrical signals received at
electrical connector 654 may be directed to the wireless
communication module such that these signals are communicated from
protective case 100 to an external electrical device using one or
more wireless techniques. The wireless connection may conform to
one or more wireless communication standards including WIFI, NFC,
BLUETOOTH, and/or BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY. The wireless communication
may include data communications, electronic data communications, or
any other electronic exchange of data or information between
devices, in one direction, in the other direction, or in both
directions.
[0077] In another variation, wireless communication may also take
place between protective case 100 and electronic device 170 using
any of the wireless communication techniques or standards discussed
herein. The wireless communication may be in place of communication
through electrical interface 172 and electrical connector 654, or
may be in addition to the communication through electrical
interface 172 and electrical connector 654.
[0078] The elements, components, and steps described herein are
meant to exemplify some types of possibilities. In no way should
the aforementioned examples limit the scope of the invention, as
they are only exemplary embodiments.
[0079] The phrases "in some embodiments," "according to some
embodiments," "in the embodiments shown," "in other embodiments,"
"in some examples," "in other examples," "in some cases," "in some
situations," "in one configuration," "in other situations," "in
another configuration," and the like generally mean that the
particular technique, feature, structure, or characteristic
following the phrase is included in at least one embodiment of the
present invention and/or may be included in more than one
embodiment of the present invention. In addition, such phrases do
not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or to different
embodiments.
[0080] The foregoing disclosure has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. Other modifications and variations
may be possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments
described in the foregoing disclosure were chosen to explain the
principles of the concept and its practical application to enable
others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. It is
intended that the claims be construed to include other alternative
embodiments of the invention except as limited by the prior
art.
* * * * *