U.S. patent application number 16/583166 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for magnetically coupled wallet accessory for mobile device.
The applicant listed for this patent is 1LSS Inc.. Invention is credited to Alejandro BACA, Mydul Ronny ISLAM, Fernando MORA.
Application Number | 20200093231 16/583166 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69883301 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200093231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MORA; Fernando ; et
al. |
March 26, 2020 |
MAGNETICALLY COUPLED WALLET ACCESSORY FOR MOBILE DEVICE
Abstract
A mobile device accessory system including a first accessory
device having a first front side and a first back side. The first
accessory device has a first plurality of alternating polarity
magnets on the first front side and a second plurality of
alternating polarity magnets on the first back side. A second
accessory device having a second front side and a second back side,
the second accessory device having a third plurality of alternating
polarity magnets on the second front side and a fourth plurality of
alternating polarity magnets on the second back side. The first
accessory device is arranged to magnetically couple to a
device-side attachment associated with a mobile device and is
interposed between the device-side attachment and the second
accessory device.
Inventors: |
MORA; Fernando; (Reseda,
CA) ; BACA; Alejandro; (North Hollywood, CA) ;
ISLAM; Mydul Ronny; (Van Nuys, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
1LSS Inc. |
Canyon County |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69883301 |
Appl. No.: |
16/583166 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62736379 |
Sep 25, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20130101;
A45F 2200/0516 20130101; B60R 11/0241 20130101; B60R 2011/007
20130101; H04M 1/04 20130101; A45C 2011/002 20130101; B60R
2011/0075 20130101; H01F 38/14 20130101; A45C 13/1069 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45C 2001/067 20130101; A45C 2200/15 20130101;
A45C 1/06 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101; H01F 7/0252 20130101; F16M
13/005 20130101; A45C 2001/065 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45C 1/06 20060101
A45C001/06; A45F 5/00 20060101 A45F005/00; F16M 13/00 20060101
F16M013/00 |
Claims
1. A wallet, comprising: a layered front section including a
plurality of front layers; a layered back section including a
plurality of back layers wherein the layered front side and the
layered back side are arranged to form a compartment; a plurality
of magnets disposed on at least one of the plurality of front
layers and one of the plurality of back layers; wherein the wallet
is magnetically coupleable to at least one of an external object
and an external surface.
2. The wallet of claim 1 wherein the plurality of front layers
include a front portion and a front support.
3. The wallet of claim 2 wherein the plurality of back layers
include a back portion and a back support.
4. The wallet of claim 2 wherein the plurality of front layers
further include a metallic front shield.
5. The wallet of claim 3 wherein the plurality of back layers
further include a metallic back shield.
6. The wallet of claim 5 wherein the metallic front shield and the
metallic back shield form opposing surfaces of the compartment.
7. The wallet of claim 1 wherein the external object comprises a
case for a portable electronic device including a first set of
magnets and the external surface comprises a mounting surface to
which is affixed a surface-side attachment including a second set
of magnets.
8. The wallet of claim 3 wherein the plurality of magnets include a
first plurality of magnets attached to the front support and a
second plurality of magnets attached to the back support.
9. The wallet of claim 8 wherein a first subset of the first
plurality of magnets are attached proximate a top end of the front
support and a second subset of the first plurality of magnets are
attached proximate a bottom end of the front support.
10. The wallet of claim 6 wherein the front support is interposed
between the metallic front shield and the front portion and wherein
the back support is interposed between the metallic back shield and
the back portion.
11. The wallet of claim 6 further including a divider interposed
between the metallic front shield and the metallic back shield, the
divider being positioned to divide the compartment into a first
compartment space and a second compartment space.
12. The wallet of claim 1 wherein the layered front section defines
a content removal slot facilitating visual access to the
compartment.
13. The wallet of claim 1 wherein the layered back section includes
a loop element and defines a loop slot wherein the loop element is
configured to slide between a retracted position and a flattened
position within the loop slot.
14. A mounting system, comprising: a device-side attachment
including a first plurality of magnets disposed in a protective
cover for an electronic device; a wallet including a second
plurality of magnets and a third plurality of magnets wherein at
least one of the first plurality of magnets is arranged to
attractively couple with at least one of the second plurality of
magnets; and a surface-side attachment including a fourth plurality
of magnets wherein at least one of the fourth plurality of magnets
is arranged to attractively couple with at least one of the third
plurality of magnets.
15. The mounting system of claim 14 wherein the wallet includes a
layered front section and a layered back section arranged to form a
compartment and wherein the second plurality of magnets are
disposed within the layered front section and the third plurality
of magnets are disposed within the layered back section.
16. A system, comprising: a device-side attachment including a
first plurality of magnets disposed in a protective cover for an
electronic device; a wallet including a layered front section, a
layered back section and a second plurality of magnets wherein at
least one of the first plurality of magnets is arranged to
attractively couple with at least one of the second plurality of
magnets and wherein the layered front section and the layered back
section form a compartment.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the second plurality of magnets
includes a first subset of magnets disposed within the layered
front section and a second subset of magnets disposed within the
layered back section.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/736,379, entitled INTERPOSABLE MAGNETICALLY COUPLED DEVICES,
filed on Sep. 25, 2018, the content of which is incorporated herein
by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is
related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/288,243, entitled
"LOW PROFILE MAGNETIC MOUNT FOR ELECTRONIC DISPLAY DEVICES," filed
May 27, 2014, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/059,163,
entitled "SELF-ALIGNING, MULTI-SURFACE MAGNETIC MOUNT FOR
ELECTRONIC DISPLAY DEVICES," filed Mar. 2, 2016 the disclosures of
each which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for
all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Cell phones are an essential part of many people's lives and
frequently carried by people throughout the day. Cell phones can
provide navigation, entertainment, and function as a camera in
addition to their primary purpose as a telecommunications device.
Like cell phones, wallets are an integral part of daily life.
Wallets come in a variety of sizes and configurations for
organizing and securing credit cards, cash, checks, identification,
photos, and other possessions.
[0003] A cell phone and wallet are the two important items that
people carry with them throughout their day. These items can get
buried in one's purse, fall between the seats of a vehicle, and
otherwise become displaced. When driving, it is important to have a
cell phone at the ready in case navigation is required without
having to search for it. Also it is sometimes necessary to have
one's wallet close by to pay tolls or swipe a badge to enter a
parking garage. In addition, a battery pack or wireless charger may
be needed for recharging of the cell phone and plug-in charging is
unavailable. Thus, a need exists to better arrange one's cell
phone, wallet and other related accessories.
SUMMARY
[0004] The embodiments described herein relate generally to mobile
electronic display device accessories and mounts and, more
specifically, to a mounting system that can be used to easily mount
and unmount mobile electronic display devices and related
accessories to each other and to various surfaces in various
stacked and other configurations and in various orientations (e.g.,
landscape and portrait). Such accessories may include, for example,
wallets, battery packs, wireless chargers, kickstands, finger loops
and combinations thereof. In particular, the embodiments described
herein utilize magnetic coupling to facilitate rapid mounting and
unmounting of such accessories to and from mobile electronic
display devices.
[0005] In one aspect the disclosure relates to a mobile device
accessory including an accessory device having a surface. An
arrangement of magnets of alternating polarity are included within
the accessory device or attached to the surface. The arrangement of
magnets are magnetically coupleable to a device-side attachment
including a plurality of magnets. The device-side attachment may be
attached to a mobile device or part of a protective case for the
mobile device. The plurality of magnets may include a first
plurality of magnets arranged in a first direction and a second
plurality of magnets arranged in a second direction, thereby
enabling the accessory device to be disposed in different
orientations when magnetically coupled to the device-side
attachment. When the device-side attachment is part of a protective
case for a mobile device, the different orientations may include a
portrait orientation and a landscape orientation relative to the
mobile device.
[0006] The disclosure is also directed to a mobile device accessory
system including a first accessory device having a first front side
and a first back side. The first accessory device includes a first
plurality of alternating polarity magnets on the first front side
and a second plurality of alternating polarity magnets on the first
back side. A second accessory device has a second front side and a
second back side, the second accessory device having a third
plurality of alternating polarity magnets on the second front side
and a fourth plurality of alternating polarity magnets on the
second back side. The first accessory device is magnetically
coupled to a device-side attachment associated with a mobile device
and is interposed between the device-side attachment and the second
accessory device. The second plurality of alternating polarity
magnets may be aligned with and magnetically coupled to the third
plurality of alternating polarity magnets.
[0007] In addition, the second accessory device may be interposed
between the first accessory device and a surface-side attachment
including a fifth plurality of alternating polarity magnets. In
this case the fourth plurality of alternating polarity magnets are
magnetically coupled to the fifth plurality of alternating polarity
magnets.
[0008] In another aspect the disclosure pertains to a system
including a first plurality of alternating plurality magnets
attached to a protective case for a mobile device. A first
accessory device has a first front side and a first back side, the
first accessory device having a second plurality of alternating
polarity magnets on the first front side and a third plurality of
alternating polarity magnets on the first back side. The second
plurality of alternating polarity magnets are magnetically coupled
to the first plurality of alternating polarity magnets. A second
accessory device has a second front side and a second back side,
the second accessory device having a fourth plurality of
alternating polarity magnets on the second front side and a fifth
plurality of alternating polarity magnets on the second back side.
The fourth plurality of alternating polarity magnets are
magnetically coupled to the third plurality of alternating polarity
magnets.
[0009] The system may further include a third accessory device
having a third front side and a third back side. The third
accessory device includes a sixth plurality of alternating polarity
magnets on the third front side and a seventh plurality of
alternating polarity magnets on the third back side. The sixth
plurality of alternating polarity magnets are magnetically coupled
to the fifth plurality of alternating polarity magnets. In one
implementation the first accessory device, the second accessory
device and the third accessary device are configured in a stack. In
addition, the first accessory device, the second accessory device
and the third accessary device are configured to be able to be
moved to different positions in the stack.
[0010] In another aspect the disclosure relates to an accessory
wallet for use with a mobile electronic device. The wallet includes
a layered front section including a plurality of front layers. The
wallet further includes a layered back section including a
plurality of back layers wherein the layered front side and the
layered back side are arranged to form a compartment. A plurality
of magnets are disposed on at least one of the plurality of front
layers and one of the plurality of back layers. This arrangement of
magnets renders the wallet magnetically coupleable to at least one
of an external object and an external surface.
[0011] The plurality of front layers of the wallet may include a
front portion and a front support and the plurality of back layers
may include a back portion and a back support. The plurality of
front layers may further include a metallic front shield and the
plurality of back layers may further include a metallic back
shield. In this case the metallic front shield and the metallic
back shield form opposing surfaces of the compartment.
[0012] The disclosure is further directed to a mounting system
including a device-side attachment having a first plurality of
magnets disposed in a protective cover for an electronic device.
The mounting system further includes a wallet including a second
plurality of magnets and a third plurality of magnets wherein at
least one of the first plurality of magnets is arranged to
attractively couple with at least one of the second plurality of
magnets. A surface-side attachment includes a fourth plurality of
magnets arranged to attractively couple to the third plurality of
magnets.
[0013] The wallet may be configured with a layered front section
and a layered back section arranged to form a compartment. The
second plurality of magnets may be disposed within the layered
front section and the third plurality of magnets may be disposed
within the layered back section.
[0014] The disclosure further pertains to a system including a
device-side attachment having a first plurality of magnets disposed
in a protective cover for an electronic device. The system also
includes a wallet having a layered front section, a layered back
section and a second plurality of magnets where the layered front
section and the layered back section form a compartment. The first
plurality of magnets are arranged to attractively couple with the
second plurality of magnets.
[0015] The mounting systems disclosed herein may include a
surface-side attachment affixed to a surface including a
nonmagnetic surface and device-side attachment coupled to the
electronic display device as described in the above-referenced U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 15/059,163. While it is recognized that
the surface-side attachment can be affixed to a ferromagnetic
surface, the present mounting system is especially suitable for
nonmagnetic surfaces. In one implementation, a plurality of magnets
is embedded within the surface-side attachment. Alternatively, a
plurality of magnets may be directly attached to the nonmagnetic
surface that is covered by a protective housing. In another
implementation, the surface-side attachment is integrated into the
nonmagnetic surface during its manufacture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wallet with extended loop,
according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wallet with retracted
loop, according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective, exploded view of a wallet,
according to an embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a wallet
including exemplary materials of construction, according to an
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a partially assembled wallet
including a detail of exemplary materials of construction,
according to an embodiment.
[0021] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective, hidden views of a wallet
including placement of magnets therein, according to
embodiments.
[0022] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of a back portion and front
portion of wallet , according to an embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a view of a user holding a wallet, according to an
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a wallet attached to an
electronic display device case, according to an embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an electronic display device
case, a wallet, and a magnetic surface-side attachment, according
to an embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view of a wallet interposed between an
electronic display device case and a magnetic surface-side
attachment, according to an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13A is a front view of an electronic display device
case.
[0028] FIGS. 13B-13D are cross-sectional views of the electronic
display device case of FIG. 13A, a wallet, and a magnetic
surface-side attachment, respectively.
[0029] FIGS. 14A and 14B are views of a back portion of wallet
attached to an electronic display device case, according to an
embodiments.
[0030] FIGS. 15A and 15B are views of a front portion an electronic
display device case including electronic display device case
magnets, according to an embodiments.
[0031] FIGS. 16A and 16B are hidden views of a back portion of
wallet attached to an electronic display device case showing
exemplary positions of electronic display device case magnets,
according to an embodiments.
[0032] FIGS. 17A and 17B are views of a back portion of wallet
attached to an electronic display device case, according to an
embodiments.
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wallet interposed between
an electronic display device case and a magnetic surface-side
attachment, according to an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a charging device,
according to an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 20 is a side view of a charging device with extended
loop, according to an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a charging device including
power port, according to an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 22 is an exploded, perspective view of an electronic
display device case, a charging device, and a magnetic surface-side
attachment attached to a vehicle dash, according to an
embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an electronic display
device case, a charging device, and a magnetic surface-side
attachment attached to a vehicle dash, according to an
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 24 is a view of a user holding a wallet using the loop,
according to an embodiment.
[0040] FIGS. 25-28 are perspective views of a wallet functioning as
a kickstand, according to embodiments.
[0041] FIGS. 29-32 are perspective views of a wallet functioning as
an adjustable kickstand, according to embodiments.
[0042] FIGS. 33 and 34 are partially transparent rear views of a
battery pack with wireless charging and a protective cover for an
electronic device.
[0043] FIGS. 35 and 36 are partially transparent rear views of a
battery pack with wireless charging and a protective cover for an
electronic device.
[0044] FIGS. 37 and 38 are perspective views of a charging device
interposed between a protective case for a mobile device and a
surface-side attachment, according to an embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 39 is a side view of a stacked arrangement of
magnetically-coupled accessories for a mobile device, according to
an embodiment.
[0046] FIGS. 40A, 40C, and 40E are perspective views of a surface
with a surface-side attachment, according to an embodiment.
[0047] FIGS. 40B, 40D, and 40F show front views of a surface-side
attachment.
[0048] FIGS. 41A to 41D are front views of multiple device-side
attachments embedded in the interior of a protective case for an
electronic display device, according to an embodiment.
[0049] FIGS. 42A to 42D show multiple views of an embodiment of a
protective case mounted in a landscape orientation.
[0050] FIGS. 42E to 42F show multiple views of an embodiment of an
electronic display device mounted in a landscape orientation.
[0051] FIG. 42G is another prospective view of electronic display
device within a protective case that is mounted to a surface.
[0052] FIGS. 43A to 431 depict examples of self-aligning
arrangements of outwardly-facing magnet poles for use in
device-side attachments and in surface-side attachments.
[0053] FIGS. 43J to 43L depict examples of self-aligning
arrangements of magnets for device-side attachments and for
surface-side attachments including ferrous inserts "Fe"
[0054] FIG. 44A is a prospective view of three surface-side
attachments.
[0055] FIG. 44B is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
including three magnets within a surface-side attachment
housing.
[0056] FIG. 44C is a front view of a surface-side attachment
including three magnets within a surface-side attachment
housing.
[0057] FIG. 45 is a prospective view of three surface-side
attachments.
[0058] FIG. 46 is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
including five magnets and a surface-side attachment housing
further including an angled face.
[0059] FIG. 47 is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
including seven magnets within a surface-side attachment
housing.
[0060] FIG. 48 is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
including seven magnets within a surface-side attachment
housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0062] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0063] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0064] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of" will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of" "only one of"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0065] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0066] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures,
Section 2111.03.
[0067] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, an
"electronic display device" should be understood to mean any
electronic device or any display device including cell phones,
computer tablets, phablets, electronic organizers, personal digital
assistant, navigation devices (GPS), radar detectors, garage door
openers, remote controls, wireless microphones and/or speakers,
cameras, video recorders, music players, controllers and
microcomputers. While the mounting system described herein is
intended for electronic display devices, it should be understood
that the mounting system is suitable for any object of similar size
and dimensions as an electronic display device.
[0068] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, a
"wallet" should be understood to mean any apparatus for holding at
least one of a credit card, cash, identification, a check, a badge,
a picture, a key, a piece of paper, a coupon, business cards, and
combinations thereof. While the wallet described herein is intended
for containing the aforementioned items, it should be understood
that a wallet is also suitable for containing any objects of
similar size and dimensions as these items. While the wallet's
contents are generally described as credit cards, it should be
understood that a wallet can carry any number of the
[0069] As used herein in the specification and in the claims,
"outward" or "outwardly," should be understood to mean facing away
from of an object or surface, rather than facing toward an object
or surface to which it is affixed. The outward faces of the
attachments are designed to couple to each other and can have
complementary physical features which interact with each other.
When the device-side attachment is mounted to the surface-side
attachment, the outward face of the surface-side attachment is
coupled to the outward face of device-side attachment.
[0070] As used herein in the specification and in the claims,
"front" and "back," should be understood to mean facing away toward
or away from a user during interaction with the object. For
example, the a wallet may be held in a person's hand with a finger
extended through the loop or finger strap, which is on the back
side of the wallet, and the front side of the wallet faces the
user.
[0071] Each embodiment in this specification is to be applied
mutatis mutandis to every other embodiment unless expressly stated
otherwise.
[0072] In some embodiments, a wallet is magnetically coupleable to
a case configured to contain an electronic display device is
described herein. In some embodiments, a wallet is magnetically
coupleable to a magnetic mount configured to attach to a surface is
described herein. In some embodiments, a wallet is interposable
between electronic display device and a magnetic surface mount is
described herein.
[0073] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wallet 100 with loop
(finger strap) 115 in an extended position, according to an
embodiment. Wallet 100 includes a back portion 110, left portion
130, top portion 150, and a bottom portion 160. Loop 115, also
referred to as a finger strap, is show in an extended position with
a portion of a plurality of credit cards 10 visible through loop
slot 116. Loop 115 provides a user with a secure grip on wallet
100.
[0074] In some embodiments, a Wallet 100 holds a plurality of
credit cards 10 in an amount from 1 to 8 credit cards, in an amount
of at least 2 credit cards, in an amount of at least 5 credit
cards, in an amount from 3 to 10 credit cards, in an amount from 2
to 8 credit cards, in an amount from 3 to 8 credit cards, in an
amount from 4 to 8 credit cards, and/or in an amount from 3 to 8
credit cards.
[0075] In some embodiments, a Wallet 100 has overall dimensions of
70 mm wide.times.90 mm tall, and 4 mm to 10 mm thick depending on
credit cards 10 contained therein.
[0076] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wallet 100 with loop 115
in a retracted position, according to an embodiment. Loop 115
flattens to fit within loop slot 116. In some embodiments, loop
slot 116 allows the loop 115 to flatten within loop slot 116 such
that loop 115 is substantially flush with back portion 110 forming
a substantially planer configuration. In some embodiments, loop
slot 116 allows only a first portion of loop 115 to flatten within
loop slot 116 such that a second portion of loop 115 protrudes from
a plane defined by the back portion 110.
[0077] FIG. 3 is an perspective, exploded view of a wallet 100,
according to an embodiment. Wallet 100 includes a back support 112
and a front support 122. Back support 112 and front support 122 can
provide stiffness and rigidity to wallet 100. Back support 112 and
front support 122 can also provide a substrate for attaching
back-side magnets 119, and front-side bottom magnets 128 and
front-side top magnets 129. Back shield 113 and front shield 123
protect magnetically sensitive credit cards from exposure to the
magnetic fields created by back-side magnets 119, front-side bottom
magnets 128, and front-side top magnets 129. Exemplary
configurations of back-side magnets 119, front-side bottom magnets
128, and front-side top magnets 129 are disclosed in U.S.
Publication No. 2016-0260532, and in particular the disclosure of
the device-side attachments that provide self-alignment with
surface-side attachments. To assemble wallet 100, back portion 110
and front portion 120 are folded about an axis to form a
compartment for storing credit cards 10. An optional divider 125
separates a one compartment into two compartments. In some
embodiments, wallet 100 includes one or more dividers. A divider is
a useful means to separate the credit cards from the cash bills and
other contents of the wallet 100.
[0078] FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of a wallet 100
including exemplary materials of construction, according to an
embodiment. Divider 125 can be made from materials such as plastic,
cardboard, paper, metal, composites, laminations, and combinations
thereof. Back shield 113 and front shield 123 can be made from
magnetic field blocking materials including metal, foil coated
plastic, foil coated cardboard, carbon filled composites, and
combinations thereof. Back support 112 and front support 122 can be
made from materials such as plastic, cardboard, paper, metal,
composites, laminations, and combinations thereof. Back portion 110
and front portion 120 can be made from a single substrate and
folded together, or in other embodiments, back portion 110 and
front portion 120 can be made from two or more pieces and joined
together. Back portion 110 and front portion 120 can be made from
materials such as plastic, leather, composites, laminations,
fabric, synthetic material, and combinations thereof
[0079] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a partially assembled wallet
100 including a detail of exemplary materials of construction,
according to an embodiment. Components can be bonded together with
adhesive.
[0080] FIGS. 6 and 7 are perspective, hidden views of a wallet 100
including placement of magnets therein, according to embodiments.
In FIG. 6, the back portion 110 is facing upwards, while in FIG. 7,
the front portion 120 is facing upwards. In these embodiments, only
the front side includes magnets. In other embodiments, both the
front side and the back side include magnets.
[0081] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of a back portion and front
portion of wallet , according to an embodiments. Wallet 100
includes a content removal slot 126 that facilitates the removal of
credit cards 10. A user can place their finger through the content
removal slot 126 and slide credit cards 10 through the top portion
150 of wallet 100. Content removal slot 126 also provides a window
into the compartment of wallet 100 for visually inspecting its
contents.
[0082] FIG. 9 is a view of a user holding a wallet 100, according
to an embodiment. Wallet 100 can hold a plurality of credit cards
10 in a compartment formed between front portion 120, back portion
110, bottom portion 160, top portion 150, left portion 130 and
right portion 140.
[0083] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the wallet 100 as attached
to an electronic display device case 200, according to an
embodiment. The front portion 120 of wallet 100 is temporarily
affixed to the back side of electronic display device case 200 by
magnetic attraction between the magnets embedded in the wallet 100
and magnets embedded in the electronic display device case 200.
Loop 115 allows a user to securely grip the wallet 100, which in
turn also provides a secure grip on the electronic display device
case 200. In this manner, loop 115 is removable from the back side
of the electronic display device case 200 when wallet 100 is
detached from the electronic display device case 200. Wallet 100
provides the added functionality of a convenient, removable grip
that allows a user to easily use electronic display device 250.
Loop 115 (along with wallet 100), are quickly and easily removed
for wirelessly charging electronic display device 250. After
wirelessly charging, Loop 115 (along with wallet 100), are quickly
and easily attached to the electronic display device case 200.
[0084] In these embodiments, wallet 100 is configured and designed
to that it can be used while attached to the electronic display
device case 200.
[0085] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of an electronic display device
case 200, a wallet 100, and a magnetic surface-side attachment 300,
according to an embodiment. The back side magnets 119 are
configured to magnetically align and attach to surface-side
attachment 300. The front-side top magnets 129 and front-side
bottom magnets 128, in turn, are configured to magnetically align
and attach to electronic display device case 200.
[0086] FIG. 12 is a view of a wallet 100 interposed between an
electronic display device case 200 and a magnetic surface-side
attachment 300, according to an embodiment. In this manner, a
single surface-side attachment 300 is able to securely hold both a
wallet and an electronic display device case 200 (with electronic
display device therein) at the same time.
[0087] FIG. 13A is a front view of an electronic display device
case 200. FIGS. 13B-13D are cross-sectional views of the electronic
display device case 200, a wallet 100, and a magnetic surface-side
attachment 300, respectively. In FIG. 13A, electronic display
device case 200 is bisected by line AA, and the relative positions
of electronic display device case magnets (device-side attachments)
210 that are embedded within the electronic display device case 200
can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13B. The
cross-sectional view of wallet 100 also shows back-side magnets
119, front-side bottom magnets 128, and front-side top magnets 129
embedded within the back portion 110 and front portion 120,
respectively.
[0088] FIGS. 14A and 14B are views of a back portion 110 of wallet
100 attached to an electronic display device case 200, according to
an embodiments.
[0089] FIGS. 15A and 15B are views of a front portion 120 an
electronic display device case 200 including electronic display
device case magnets (device-side attachments) 210, according to an
embodiments.
[0090] FIGS. 16A and 16B are hidden views of a back portion 110 of
wallet 100 attached to an electronic display device case 200
showing exemplary positions of electronic display device case
magnets (device-side attachments) 210, according to an
embodiments.
[0091] FIGS. 17A and 17B are views of a back portion 110 of wallet
100 attached to an electronic display device case 200, according to
an embodiments.
[0092] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wallet 100 interposed
between an electronic display device case 200 and a magnetic
surface-side attachment 300, according to an embodiment. In this
embodiment, the surface-side attachment 300 is affixed to a vehicle
dash or dashboard 400. In this manner, an electronic display device
250 and wallet 100 are at an arm's reach for a driver of the
vehicle. Another advantage is that a single surface-side attachment
300 can be used to mount two items (i.e. a cell phone and wallet).
In some embodiments, the electronic display device 250 mounted to
wallet 100 is in a portrait orientation. In some embodiments, the
electronic display device 250 mounted to wallet 100 is in a
landscape orientation.
[0093] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a charging device 500,
according to an embodiment. Charging device 500 can have a
configuration similar to wallet 100 meaning that it can have
similar physical dimensions as well as the placement of the
front-side bottom magnets 528, front-side top magnets 529, and
back-side magnets 519. Charging device 500 can be a wireless
charging device that transmits energy through an electronic display
device case 200 and into electronic display device 250 to recharge
its battery. Charging device 500 can be a battery pack that
wirelessly transmits energy through an electronic display device
case 200 and into electronic display device 250 to recharge its
battery. In some embodiments, charging device 500 is a battery pack
only. In some embodiments, charging device 500 is wireless charging
device only. In some embodiments, charging device 500 is both a
battery pack and a wireless charging device together.
[0094] FIG. 20 is a side view of a charging device 500 with loop
515 shown in an extended position, according to an embodiment.
[0095] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a charging device 500
including power port 511, according to an embodiment. Charging
device 500 can be externally powered through power port 511. For
example, power port 511 can be a USB connector that receive a cable
that electrically couples charging device 500 to a power supply
such as a vehicle battery or power outlet.
[0096] In other embodiments, charging device 500 can be a battery
pack that transfers an electrical charge to an electronic display
device 250 through a cable connected to power port 511. In this
manner, the charging device 500 has a wired connection to
electrically charge the electronic display device 250.
[0097] FIG. 22 is an exploded, perspective view of an electronic
display device case 200, a charging device 500, and a magnetic
surface-side attachment 300 attached to a vehicle dashboard 400,
according to an embodiment. Charging device 500 is magnetically
coupled to the back side of electronic display device case 200 and
wirelessly charges electronic display device 250. Power cable 512
is attached to power port 511. In embodiments, power cable 512
electrically couples charging device 500 to a power source. In
embodiments, power cable 512 electrically couples charging device
500 to an electronic display device 250. The concentric circles
shown on charging device 500 represents a wireless charging pad,
according to some embodiments.
[0098] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a charging device 500
interposed between an electronic display device case 200 and a
magnetic surface-side attachment 300 that is affixed to a vehicle
dashboard 400, according to an embodiment. It should be noted and
appreciated that one or more charging devices 500 and/or wallets
can be interposed between an electronic display device case 200 and
a magnetic surface-side attachment 300. In this manner, multiple
devices can be stacked one on top of each other.
[0099] FIG. 24 is a view of a user holding a wallet 100 using the
loop 115, according to an embodiment. Wallet 100 contains a
plurality of credit cards 10 and is magnetically attracted to one
or more device-side attachments directly adhered to an electronic
display device 250. In this embodiment, no electronic display case
is used.
[0100] FIGS. 25-28 are perspective views of a wallet 100
functioning as a kickstand to prop up electronic display device
case 200, according to embodiments. The front-side top magnets 129
are attracted and coupled to electronic display device case magnets
210, however, front-side bottom magnets 128 are positioned a
distance apart from the electronic display device case 200. In this
manner, the wallet 100 form an upside down "V" shape with the
electronic display device case 200 and functions as a kickstand.
The friction between the bottom of electronic display device case
200 and a horizontal surface, and the bottom portion 160 of wallet
100 and a horizontal surface help retain the kickstand
configuration. Charging device 500 has similar functionality to
wallet 100 and can function as a kickstand. In some embodiments,
charging device 500 is a battery pack and functions as a
kickstand.
[0101] In FIG. 25, an electronic display device case 200 is in a
portrait configuration. In FIGS. 26 and 27, an electronic display
device case 200 is in a landscape configuration. FIG. 28 is a
picture of an electronic display device case 200 is in a portrait
configuration on a horizontal surface 600.
[0102] FIGS. 29-32 are perspective views of a wallet 100
functioning as an adjustable kickstand to prop up electronic
display device case 200, according to embodiments., according to
embodiments. In these embodiments, the wallet 100 is inverted such
that a bottom portion 160 of wallet 100 is attracted and coupled to
electronic display device case magnets (device-side attachments)
210. A plurality of credit cards 10 can be extended through a top
portion 150 of wallet 100 to adjust an angle .THETA. to position
electronic display device case 200 in closer to a vertical
orientation. The top portion 150 of wallet 100 has sufficient
friction to grip a plurality of credit cards 10 and hold them in a
partially extended position.
[0103] An electronic display device 250 can include a plurality of
electric display case magnets (device-side attachments) 210 coupled
to the electronic display device case 200 or directly to the
electronic display device without using a protective case. The
electronic display device 250 can be, for example, cellphone, a
tablet computer, a smartphone, a television, or an LCD display. In
some embodiments, the electronic display device 400 can be an Apple
iPad or iPhone, an Android smartphone, or eBook reader.
[0104] Magnets for the surface-side attachment 300, wallet 100,
charging device 500, electronic display device case magnets
(device-side attachments) 210, and any other accessory configured
to attach to these devices are preferably made out of rare earth
metals including alloys of neodymium or samarium-cobalt. Rare earth
magnets are selected based on their strongly magnetic properties
that include a higher maximum energy product (related to magnetic
flux per unit volume) than other types of magnets including ferrite
and alnico magnets. Neodymium magnets of grade N48 and higher are
preferred, and neodymium magnets of grade N52 and higher are more
preferred.
[0105] Magnets can generally be uniform or different in shape,
size, magnetic and/or other properties within surface-side
attachment 300, wallet 100, charging device 500, electronic display
device case magnets (device-side attachments) 210, and any other
accessory configured to attach to these devices. While these
magnets can be somewhat different in shape, size, magnetic and/or
other properties, it is preferred that when mounted, each magnet is
uniform in shape, size, magnetic and/or other properties to its
complementary magnet.
[0106] The magnets for the surface-side attachment 300, wallet 100,
charging device 500, electronic display device case magnets
(device-side attachments) 210, and any other accessory configured
to attach to these device are arranged to be self-aligning during
mounting. The magnets are arranged so that when the attachments are
coupled together during mounting, at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing north pole is attracted to a corresponding magnet
with an outwardly-facing south pole, and vice versa.
[0107] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 33 and 34, which are
partially transparent rear views of a battery pack with wireless
charging 3300 and a protective cover 3310 for an electronic device.
In FIG. 33, the battery pack with wireless charging 3300 is
separated from the protective cover 3310. In FIG. 34, the battery
pack with wireless charging 3300 is magnetically-coupled to the
protective cover 3310 in a portrait mode configuration. For
purposes of clarity, only coils 3312 of an electronic device
disposed within the protective cover 3310 are illustrated in FIG.
33. The battery pack with wireless charging 3300 can have a
configuration similar to wallet 100 meaning that it can have
similar physical dimensions as well as similar placement of
magnets.
[0108] As may be appreciated from FIG. 33, the coils 3302 and
magnets 3304 of the battery pack with wireless charging 3300 are
preferably configured to mirror the arrangement of the coils 3312
of the electronic device and the magnets 3314 of the protective
cover 3310. Specifically, note that a distance D between the coils
3302 and the magnets 3304 of the battery pack with wireless
charging 3300 is substantially identical to a distance D' between
the coils 3312 of the electronic device and the magnets 3314a of
the protective cover 3310 (when the electronic device is disposed
within the protective cover 3310). As a consequence, when the
battery pack with wireless charging 3300 becomes connected to the
protective cover 3310 (FIG. 34), its coils 3302 align with the
coils 3312 of the electronic device so that energy may be
transmitted through the protective cover 3310 and into the
electronic device to recharge its battery.
[0109] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 35 and 36, which are
partially transparent rear views of a battery pack with wireless
charging 3500 and a protective cover 3510 for an electronic device.
In FIG. 35, the battery pack with wireless charging 3500 is
separated from the protective cover 3510. In FIG. 36, the battery
pack with wireless charging 3500 is magnetically-coupled to the
protective cover 3510 in a landscape mode configuration. For
purposes of clarity, only coils 3512 of an electronic device
disposed within the protective cover 3510 are illustrated in FIG.
35.
[0110] As may be appreciated from FIG. 35, the coils 3502 and
magnets 3504 of the battery pack with wireless charging 3500 are
preferably configured to mirror the arrangement of the coils 3512
of the electronic device and the magnets 3514 of the protective
cover 3510. Specifically, note that a distance L between the coils
3502 and the magnets 3504 of the battery pack with wireless
charging 3500 is substantially identical to a distance L' between
the coils 3512 of the electronic device and the magnets 3514a of
the protective cover 3510 (when the electronic device is disposed
within the protective cover 3510). As a consequence, when the
battery pack with wireless charging 3500 becomes connected to the
protective cover 3510 (FIG. 36), its coils 3502 align with the
coils 3512 of the electronic device so that energy may be
transmitted through the protective cover 3510 and into the
electronic device to recharge its battery.
[0111] In one embodiment the battery pack with wireless charging
3500 is implemented as a unitary device. In other embodiments a
battery pack may be substituted for the battery pack with wireless
charging 3500. In this case the battery pack would be connected by
a cable or the like to the electronic device. In still other
embodiments the battery pack with wireless charging 3500 may be
implemented as a battery pack mechanically or magnetically coupled
to a wireless charger.
[0112] FIGS. 37 and 38 are perspective views of a charging device
3710 interposed between a protective case 3720 for a mobile device
3730 and a surface-side attachment 3740, according to an
embodiment. In the embodiment of FIGS. 37 and 38, the charging
device is magnetically to the protective case 3720 and to the
surface-side attachment 3740 using arrangements of alternating
polarity magnets of the type disclosed herein. As shown, in the
embodiment of FIG. 37 the charging device 3710 is arranged in a
landscape orientation relative to a direction of the surface-side
attachment 3740. In the embodiment of FIG. 38, the charging device
3710 is arranged in a portrait orientation relative to a direction
of the surface-side attachment 3740.
[0113] FIG. 39 is a side view of a stacked arrangement of
magnetically-coupled accessories for a mobile device, according to
an embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 39 a first accessory
device 3910 includes first set of magnets of alternating plurality
3912 positioned proximate the top of a front surface of the device
3910 and a second set of magnets of alternating plurality 3914
positioned proximate the bottom of the front surface of the device
3910. The first accessory device 3910 also includes third set of
magnets of alternating plurality 3916 positioned proximate the top
of a back surface of the device 3910 and a fourth set of magnets of
alternating plurality 3918 positioned proximate the bottom of the
back surface of the device 3910. The first set of magnets of
alternating plurality 3912 are magnetically coupled to a fifth set
of magnets of alternating plurality 3922 positioned on or within a
protective case 3920 for a mobile device. The second set of magnets
of alternating plurality 3914 are magnetically coupled to a sixth
set of magnets of alternating plurality 3924 positioned on or
within the protective case 3920. In other embodiments the fifth set
of magnets of alternating plurality 3922 and the sixth set of
magnets of alternating plurality 3924 are embedded within or
attached to a mobile device. The first accessory device 3910 may
comprise, for example, a battery pack with a wireless charger.
[0114] The third set of magnets of alternating plurality 3916 are
magnetically coupled to a seventh set of magnets of alternating
plurality 3932 positioned on or within a top front portion of a
second accessory device 3930. The fourth set of magnets of
alternating plurality 3918 are magnetically coupled to an eighth
set of magnets of alternating plurality 3934 positioned on or
within a bottom front portion of the second accessory device 3930.
In one embodiment the second accessory device 3930 may further
include a ninth set of magnets of alternating plurality 3938, which
may be coupled to, for example, an additional accessory device or a
surface-side attachment including an additional plurality of
magnets of alternating polarity. In one embodiment the second
accessory device 3930 may comprise, for example, a
magnetically-coupleable wallet defining a compartment of the type
described herein.
[0115] By utilizing arrangements of pluralities of magnets of
alternating polarity as described herein, the protective cover
3920, first accessory device 3910 and second accessory device 3930
may be automatically aligned upon being magnetically coupled to
each other. In addition, the stack comprises of the protective
cover 3920, first accessory device 3910 and second accessory device
3930 may be secured to ferrous metal surfaces or to other surfaces
via use of a surface-side attachment including an additional set of
magnets.
[0116] It should be understood that in other embodiments the first
accessory device 3910 and the second accessory device 3930 may
comprise various different magnetically-coupleable accessories for
a mobile device. These accessories include, for example,
magnetically-coupleable wallets, wireless chargers, battery packs,
wireless chargers in combination with battery packs, kickstands,
finger loops, and combinations of any of these. In general, these
accessories may be configured in a stacked arrangement such as is
shown in FIG. 39. However, in certain embodiments (e.g., in
embodiments including a magnetically-coupleable kickstand) not all
of the accessories will be arranged in a stack.
[0117] The following discussion with reference to FIGS. 40-48,
describes various magnet arrangements which may be utilized within
the systems for facilitating the attachment of add-on devices to
mobile devices described with reference to FIGS. 1-39. See also
U.S. Pat. No. 10,134,517, the content of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0118] FIGS. 40A, 40C, and 40E are perspective views of a surface
1000 with a surface-side attachment 1100 according to an
embodiment, and FIGS. 40B, 40D, and 40F show front views of the
surface-side attachment 110. Surface-side attachment 1100 can
include a surface-side attachment housing 1300 containing a
plurality of magnets 2000. As shown in FIGS. 40A and 40B, the
surface-side attachment 1100 can include two linear rows, with each
linear row containing four individual magnets 2000. As shown in
FIGS. 40C and 40D, the surface-side attachment 1100 can include two
linear rows, with each linear row containing five individual
magnets 2000. As shown in FIGS. 40E and 40F, the surface-side
attachment 1100 can include a single linear row containing five
individual magnets 2000. It should be recognized that any number of
magnets greater than two can be used in surface-side attachment
110, and that FIGS. 40A to 40F are merely exemplary
embodiments.
[0119] Surface-side attachment housing 1300 is preferably made out
of a metal such as aluminum, or alternately, it can be made out of
polymer or a combination of metal and polymer. Magnets 2000 can be
permanently bonded to the surface-side attachment housing 1300
using adhesive or mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the
edges of surface-side attachment housing 1300 are crimped to retain
magnets 2000.
[0120] The surface-side attachment 1100 refers to a plurality of
magnets 2000 coupleable to a surface. Surface-side attachment 1100
can be affixed to surface 1000 with adhesive or by using a
mechanical fastener. For example, double-sided adhesive tape can be
used to permanently or temporarily affix surface-side attachment
1100 to surface 1000. Alternatively, adhesive glue can be selected
based on the surface 1000 characteristics and desired bond
characteristics to affix surface-side attachment 1100 to surface
1000. In one example, the surface-side attachment 1100 is affixed
to the dash of an automobile using double-sided adhesive tape. In
another example, the surface-side attachment 1100 is affixed to the
bezel of a computer monitor using double-sided adhesive tape.
[0121] Surface 1000 can be any solid surface including nonmagnetic
surfaces and nonferrous surfaces. For example, surface 1000 can be
polymer, wood, glass, metal and combinations thereof. Generally,
nonporous surfaces provide for greater adhesion of the surface-side
attachment 1100, though surface-side attachment 1100 can be bonded
to porous surfaces by using a suitable adhesive or mechanical
fastener.
[0122] FIGS. 41A to 41D are front views of multiple device-side
attachments 4100 embedded in the interior of a protective case 4300
for an electronic display device, according to an embodiment. The
device-side attachments 4100 are embedded in the perimeter of the
protective case 4300 to allow the electronic display device to be
hung in either a portrait orientation, as shown in FIG. 41A, or a
landscape orientation, as shown in FIG. 41B. As shown in FIGS. 41A
and 41B, the device-side attachments 4100 can include a single
linear row containing five individual magnets 5000. As shown in
FIGS. 41C and 41D, the device-side attachment 4100 can include two
linear rows, with each linear row containing five individual
magnets 500. It should be recognized that any number of magnets
greater than two can be used in device-side attachment 4100, and
that FIGS. 41A to 41D are merely exemplary embodiments. The
device-side attachment 4100 refers to a plurality of magnets 5000
coupleable to an electronic display device.
[0123] Protective case 4300 is preferably made out of a polymer, or
alternately, it can be made out of metal, cellulosic material, and
combinations thereof. Device-side attachment 4100 can be
permanently embedded within protective case 4300 or bonded to the
protective case 4300 using an adhesive. Mechanical fasteners can
also be used to secure device-side attachment 4100 to the
protective case 4300, are especially suitable for applications with
require a high strength connection.
[0124] FIGS. 42A to 42D show multiple views of an embodiment of a
protective case 4300 mounted in a landscape orientation. FIG. 42A
is a front view of multiple device-side attachments 4100 attached
to the interior of a protective case 4300 for an electronic display
device that is mounted to a surface 1000. FIG. 42B is a profile
view of multiple device-side attachments 4100 affixed to the
interior of a protective case 4300 for an electronic display device
that is mounted to a surface 100. FIG. 42C is a perspective view of
multiple device-side attachments 4100 affixed to the interior of a
protective case 4300 for an electronic display device that is
mounted to a surface 100. FIG. 42D is another perspective view of
multiple device-side attachments 4100 affixed to the interior of a
protective case 4300 for an electronic display device that is
mounted to a surface 1000.
[0125] FIGS. 42E to 42F show multiple views of an embodiment of an
electronic display device 4000 mounted in a landscape orientation.
FIG. 42E is a front view of electronic display device 4000 within a
protective case 4300 that is mounted to a surface 1000. FIG. 42F is
a prospective view of electronic display device 4000 within a
protective case 4300 that is mounted to a surface 1000. FIG. 42G is
another prospective view of electronic display device 4000 within a
protective case 4300 that is mounted to a surface 1000. The
mounting system described herein can provide a temporary method of
attaching an electronic display device to a surface while providing
a low profile. In other words, when mounted to the surface, the
mounting system does not add significant thickness to the
electronic display device. The device-side attachment 4100 can be
coupled in such a way that it does not add significant thickness to
the electronic display device 4000 (see, e.g., FIGS. 42B and 42G).
The surface-side attachment 1100 can be affixed in such a way that
it is integrated with the styling and design of surface 1000.
Surface-side attachment 1100 can be colored to match the surface
1000 and/or mimic the features already present on surface 1000. For
example, surface-side attachment 1100 can have a brushed aluminum
finish and include magnets 2000 that resemble buttons on the dash
of a vehicle.
[0126] An electronic display device 4000 can include a device-side
attachment 4100 coupled to a back side of the electronic display
device 4000 without using a protective case 4300 (not shown). In
some embodiments, the magnets 5000 can be coupled to the electronic
display device 4000 with, for example, a double-sided adhesive
tape. Other attachment methods such as glues, mechanical latches,
hinges, or elastic grip can alternatively be used. The device-side
attachment 4100 can be used to mount the electronic display device
4000 to a surface 1000 by coupling with a surface-side attachment
1100. The electronic display device 4000 can be, for example, a
tablet computer, a smartphone, a television, or an LCD display. In
some embodiments, the electronic display device 4000 can be an
Apple iPad or iPhone, an Android smartphone, or eBook reader.
[0127] In some embodiments, the device-side attachment has a
thickness from about 0.5 to about 6.5 mm, from about 0.5 to about 4
mm, from about 0.5 to about 2 mm, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm,
or from about 1 to about 2 mm, and including all subranges
therebetween each of the ranges. In some embodiments, the
device-side attachment has a thickness of about 0.5 mm, about 1.0
mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about
3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm,
about 6.0 mm, or about 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the device-side
attachment has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, less than 1.0 mm,
less than 1.5 mm, less than 2.0 mm, less than 2.5 mm, less than 3.0
mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 4.0 mm, less than 4.5 mm, less than
5.0 mm, less than 5.5 mm, less than 6.0 mm, or less than 6.5
mm.
[0128] In some embodiments, the device-side attachment including
the protective cover has a thickness from about 0.5 to about 6.5
mm, from about 0.5 to about 4 mm, from about 0.5 to about 2 mm,
from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, or from about 1 to about 2 mm, and
including all subranges therebetween each of the ranges. In some
embodiments, the device-side attachment including the protective
cover has a thickness of about 0.5 mm, about 1.0 mm, about 1.5 mm,
about 2.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0
mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, or
about 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the device-side attachment
including the protective cover has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm,
less than 1.0 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 2.0 mm, less than 2.5
mm, less than 3.0 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 4.0 mm, less than
4.5 mm, less than 5.0 mm, less than 5.5 mm, less than 6.0 mm, or
less than 6.5 mm.
[0129] The magnets 5000 of the device-side attachment 4100 are
attracted to the magnets 2000 of the surface-side attachment 1100.
When the device-side attachment 4100 is placed in close proximity
to the surface-side attachment 1100, the magnetic attractive forces
draw the attachments together to mount electronic display device
400. The magnetic attractive forces between magnets 5000 and
magnets 2000 are great enough to overcome the force of gravity on
the electronic display device 4000 within the protective case 4300
when mounted to the surface-side attachment 1100. This force of
friction between magnets 5000 and magnets 2000 can be proportional
to the normal force and friction coefficient of the materials. The
normal force is the magnetic attractive pull force between the
magnets 5000 and magnets 2000. This normal force, in addition to
the friction coefficient between the faces of the magnets, produce
an overall force of friction high enough to hold the electronic
display device 4000 in place when mounted to the surface 1000.
[0130] Magnets 2000 and magnets 5000 are preferably made out of
rare earth metals including alloys of neodymium or samarium-cobalt.
Rare earth magnets are selected based on their strongly magnetic
properties that include a higher maximum energy product (related to
magnetic flux per unit volume) than other types of magnets
including ferrite and alnico magnets. Neodymium magnets of grade
N48 and higher are preferred, and neodymium magnets of grade N52
and higher are more preferred.
[0131] The magnets 2000 and the magnets 5000 are permanent magnets
that retain their magnetic properties once magnetized. Every magnet
has a south pole and a north pole axially situated across opposite
faces of the magnet. The north pole of a first magnet is attracted
to the south pole of a second magnet, and vice versa. The north
pole of a first magnet is repulsed by the north pole of a second
magnet, and vice versa. The device-side attachment 4100 and the
surface-side attachment 1100 each include at least one magnet with
an outwardly-facing north pole, and at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing south pole.
[0132] Magnets can generally be uniform or different in shape,
size, magnetic and/or other properties within the device-side
attachment 4100 or within the surface-side attachment 110. While
the device-side attachment 4100 and the surface-side attachment
1100 can be somewhat different in shape, size, magnetic and/or
other properties, it is preferred that when mounted, each magnet
5000 in device-side attachment 4100 is uniform in shape, size,
magnetic and/or other properties to its complementary magnet 2000
in surface-side attachment 110. However, the magnets 5000 of the
device-side attachment 4100 can be smaller than the magnets 2000 of
the surface-side attachment 1100. It is also preferred that the
relative positions (centerlines) of each magnet 5000 within a
device-side attachment 4100 are the same as the relative positions
of each complementary magnet 2000 within the surface-side
attachment 1100 when the attachments are coupled during
mounting.
[0133] The magnets 5000 and the magnets 2000 within the device-side
attachment 4100 and the surface-side attachment 1100 are arranged
to be self-aligning during mounting. The magnets 5000 and the
magnets 2000 are arranged so that when the attachments are coupled
together during mounting, at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing north pole of the device-side attachment 4100 is
attracted to a corresponding magnet with an outwardly-facing south
pole of the surface-side attachment 1100, and vice versa. If during
mounting the magnet with an outwardly-facing north pole of the
device-side attachment 4100 lines up with a magnet with an
outwardly-facing north pole of the surface-side attachment 1100,
the like poles repulse each other. If during mounting the magnet
with an outwardly-facing north pole of the device-side attachment
4100 lines up with a magnet with an outwardly-facing south pole of
the surface-side attachment 1100, the opposite poles attract each
other. The magnetic forces of attraction and repulsion, along with
the predetermined arrangement of the outwardly-facing poles of the
magnets within each attachment, provide for self-alignment of the
coupled attachments.
[0134] FIGS. 43A to 43I depict examples of self-aligning
arrangements of outwardly-facing magnet poles for use in
device-side attachments 4100 and in surface-side attachments 1100.
For each magnet having an outwardly-facing north pole "N" on a
given attachment, the complementary attachment will have a magnet
with outwardly-facing south pole "S" positioned to align when the
attachments are coupled. FIGS. 43A, 43F, and 43H are examples of
symmetrical self-aligning magnet pole arrangements whereby the
electronic display device can be mounted in either of two positions
that are 180 degrees of each other. FIGS. 43B to 43E, 43G and 43I
are examples of asymmetrical self-aligning magnet pole arrangements
whereby the electronic display device can be mounted in only one
position.
[0135] FIGS. 43J to 43L depict examples of self-aligning
arrangements of magnets for device-side attachments 4100 and for
surface-side attachments 1100 including ferrous inserts "Fe".
Ferrous inserts can be used in device-side attachments 4100 in
situations when the positioning of a magnet 5000 would interfere
with the operation of the electronic display device 4000. For
example, positioning a magnet over the location of an internal
antenna of an electronic display device may interfere with the
reception. By placing a ferrous insert within the device-side
attachment 4100, problems associated with reception can be avoided
while allowing the magnets 2000 of the surface-side attachment 1100
a ferrous surface to attractively couple to.
[0136] Ferrous inserts can also be used in surface-side attachments
1100 to reduce product costs. Rare earth magnets 2000 tend to be
expensive. A surface-side attachment 1100 that includes at least
one magnet with an outwardly-facing north pole and at least one
magnet with an outwardly-facing south pole can still provide for
self-alignment, while other magnets 2000 in the surface-side
attachment 1100 can be replaced with ferrous inserts that allow the
magnets 5000 in the device-side attachment 4100 a ferrous surface
to attractively couple to. The device-side attachment 4100 within
the mounting system still retains all of the magnets 5000 and the
ability to attractively couple to any ferrous surface. By
incorporating the ferrous inserts into the surface-side attachment
1100, the overall cost of the mounting system can be reduced while
affording the same level of functionality.
[0137] FIG. 44A is a prospective view of three surface-side
attachments 1100. In this example, the plurality of magnets is
permanently affixed to an aluminum housing.
[0138] FIG. 44B is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
1100 including three magnets 2000 within a surface-side attachment
housing 1300. In this example, the plurality of magnets is
permanently affixed to an aluminum housing.
[0139] FIG. 44C is a front view of a surface-side attachment 1100
including three magnets 2000 within a surface-side attachment
housing 1300. In this example, the plurality of magnets is
permanently affixed to an aluminum housing.
[0140] FIG. 45 is a prospective view of three surface-side
attachments 1100.
[0141] In some embodiments, the surface-side attachment has a
thickness from about 0.5 to about 6.5 mm, from about 0.5 to about 4
mm, from about 0.5 to about 2 mm, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm,
or from about 1 to about 2 mm, and including all subranges
therebetween each of the ranges. In some embodiments, the
surface-side attachment has a thickness of about 0.5 mm, about 1.0
mm, about 1.5 mm, about 2.0 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 3.0 mm, about
3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm,
about 6.0 mm, or about 6.5 mm. In some embodiments, the
surface-side attachment has a thickness of less than 0.5 mm, less
than 1.0 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 2.0 mm, less than 2.5 mm,
less than 3.0 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 4.0 mm, less than 4.5
mm, less than 5.0 mm, less than 5.5 mm, less than 6.0 mm, or less
than 6.5 mm.
[0142] FIG. 46 is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
1100 including five magnets 2000 and a surface-side attachment
housing 1300 further including an angled face. The angled face of
surface-side attachment 1100 can provide increased coupling
strength by the angled face supporting a portion of the weight of
the electronic display device 400. The angled face can also improve
the coupling strength of the mounting system by positioning the
lower end of the electronic display device 4000 against the surface
1000 which reduces the tendency of the electronic display device
4000 to rotate about the bottom edge of surface-side attachment
1100 and separate from the top edge of surface-side attachment
1100.
[0143] FIG. 47 is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
1100 including seven magnets 2000 within a surface-side attachment
housing 1300.
[0144] FIG. 48 is a prospective view of a surface-side attachment
1100 including seven magnets 2000 within a surface-side attachment
housing 1300.
[0145] As may be appreciated from FIGS. 40-48, a self-aligning
mounting system for mounting an electronic display device to a
surface or attached the electronic display device to an object
(e.g., a magnetically-coupleable wallet) may include a device-side
attachment containing a first plurality of magnets disposed in a
protective cover for the electronic display device. The first
plurality of magnets includes at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing north pole of a magnet and at least one magnet
with an outwardly-facing south pole. The protective cover can
include a high friction surface covering the first plurality of
magnets. The mounting system also includes a surface-side
attachment that includes a second plurality of magnets disposed in
a housing and configured to attach to the surface; alternatively,
the second plurality of magnets are disposed within or upon an
object to which the electronic display device is to be attached.
The second plurality of magnets includes at least one magnet with
an outwardly-facing north pole and at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing south pole. The at least one outwardly-facing
north pole of the first plurality of magnets is arranged to
attractively couple with the at least one outwardly-facing south
pole of the second plurality of magnets. The at least one
outwardly-facing south pole of the first plurality of magnets is
arranged to couple with the at least one outwardly-facing north
pole of the second plurality of magnets. The high friction surface
covering the first plurality of magnets is configured to be
disposed between the first plurality of magnets when coupled to the
second plurality of magnets.
[0146] In one implementation, a mounting system for mounting an
electronic display device to a surface or attaching the electronic
display to an object includes a protective case defining an
interior surface conforming to an exterior surface of an electronic
display device. A first plurality of magnets contacts the
protective case and configured to couple to the electronic display
device. The first plurality of magnets including at least one
magnet with an outwardly-facing north pole and at least one magnet
with an outwardly-facing south pole. The at least one magnet with
an outwardly-facing north pole of the first plurality of magnets is
arranged to couple with at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing south pole of a second plurality of magnets
included within a surface-side attachment attached to the surface
or included within or upon the object. The at least one magnet with
an outwardly-facing south pole of the first plurality of magnets is
arranged to couple with at least one magnet with an
outwardly-facing north pole of the second plurality of magnets.
[0147] The first plurality of magnets and the second plurality
magnets may be made from rare earth metals. The rare earth metals
may include alloys of neodymium or samarium-cobalt. The first
plurality of magnets and the second plurality magnets can be grade
N48 or higher. The first plurality of magnets and the second
plurality magnets may each comprise two linear rows of magnets.
[0148] The first plurality of magnets may be affixed to the
interior of the protective cover. The first plurality of magnets
may be embedded in the protective cover or the protective case. The
first plurality of magnets is affixed to an exterior surface of the
protective cover or the protective case. The protective cover may
include a high friction surface covering the first plurality of
magnets.
[0149] The shear force between the surface-side attachment and the
device-side attachment may be in a direction substantially parallel
to the first outward face and parallel to the second outward face.
The shear force may be a direction perpendicular to an attractive
force between the first plurality of magnets and the second
plurality of magnets.
[0150] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example only, and not limitation. For example, wallet 100 and
charging device 500 could be any accessory including a combination
of a wallet and a batter pack. Also for example, the surface-side
attachment 300 can be attached to any surface such as a wall,
computer monitor, inside a backpack, vehicle headrest,
refrigerator, etc., not just a vehicle dashboard 400. Where methods
described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order,
the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally,
certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel
process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as
described above.
[0151] Where schematics and/or embodiments described above indicate
certain components arranged in certain orientations or positions,
the arrangement of components may be modified. While the
embodiments have been particularly shown and described, it will be
understood that various changes in form and details may be made.
Any portion of the apparatus and/or methods described herein may be
combined in any combination, except mutually exclusive
combinations. The embodiments described herein can include various
combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions, components,
and/or features of the different embodiments described.
* * * * *