CN112584724B - Accessory Covers for Portable Electronic Devices - Google Patents

Abstract

An accessory device for a portable electronic device is described herein. The accessory device includes a front cover coupled to a rear cover. The front cover includes a plurality of sections that are rotatable relative to one another. The segments include magnets that allow the segments to be coupled with another segment or with a portable electronic device by magnetic coupling. When the front cover engages the rear cover, the user may remove or pull one section away from the rear cover, causing the remaining sections to sequentially fall off the rear cover. In some cases, when the front cover at least partially engages the rear cover, one of the sections includes a magnet designed to couple with a magnet in the rear cover, but not with a magnet in the other section. The accessory device may further include an opening that receives a camera assembly of the portable electronic device and forms a mechanical interlock.

Description

Accessory Covers for Portable Electronic Devices

technical field

The following description refers to accessory equipment. In particular, the following description relates to accessory cases and covers that may be used with portable electronic devices. Accessory cases, accessory covers, or accessory devices described herein may include covers, flaps, protective covers, protective devices, and the like.

Background technique

Accessory equipment is designed to provide a protective cover for electronic equipment. Accessory devices can protect the housing, display, and/or transparent cover of the electronic device.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect, an accessory device for a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section defining a receiving surface for the portable electronic device. The first section may include a back surface opposite the receiving surface. The accessory device may further include a second section coupled to the first section and capable of covering the portable electronic device. The second section may include a first section and a second section. In some cases, removal of the first segment from the back surface results in automatic removal of the second segment from the back surface.

In another aspect, an accessory device for a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section defining a receiving surface for the portable electronic device. The accessory device may further include a second section coupled to the first section and capable of covering the portable electronic device. In some cases, when the portable electronic device is positioned on the receiving surface and the second section covers the portable electronic device, the first section and the second section extend laterally more than edge of the portable electronic device.

In another aspect, an accessory device for a portable electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section defining a receiving surface for the portable electronic device. The first section may also include a back surface opposite the receiving surface. The accessory device may further include a first magnetic element embedded in the first section. The accessory device may further include a second section coupled to the first section and capable of covering the portable electronic device. The accessory device may further include a second magnetic element embedded in the second section. In some cases, the magnetic coupling between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element aligns the second region with the back surface.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this specification and disclosure, be within the scope of these embodiments, and be protected by the claims below.

Description of drawings

The present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device according to some described embodiments;

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the accessory device shown in Figure 1, showing the layout of the magnets in the accessory device;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the accessory device shown in Figure 2, taken along line 3-3, showing various features of the accessory device;

Figure 4 shows a side view of an accessory device showing a second section partially positioned over the back surface of the first section;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of the accessory device shown in Figure 4, showing a second section partially aligned with the first section;

6 shows a side view of an accessory device showing a second section positioned over and engaged with the back surface of the first section;

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the accessory device shown in Figure 6, showing a second section aligned with the first section;

Figure 8 shows a side view of an accessory device showing the first section of the second section pulled away from the back surface of the first section;

Figure 9 shows a side view of an accessory device showing the first section engaged with the second section;

10 shows a side view of an accessory device showing a first section partially engaged with a second section, and a first section rotated to engage the second section;

Figure 11 shows a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device;

Figure 12 shows a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device in an alternative configuration;

13 illustrates a plan view of an accessory device showing the camera assembly and flash module of the electronic device positioned in an opening of the accessory device;

14 illustrates a side view of the accessory device and electronic device shown in FIG. 13, showing the camera assembly protruding through the opening of the accessory device;

15 illustrates a side view of the electronic device positioned between first and second sections of the accessory device, showing the first and second sections extending beyond the electronic device;

16 illustrates a plan view of the electronic device and accessory device shown in FIG. 15, showing the first section extending beyond the electronic device in multiple dimensions;

Figure 17 illustrates a side view of the accessory device and the electronic device, showing the electronic device engaged with the first section;

Figure 18 illustrates a side view of the accessory device and the electronic device, showing the electronic device engaged with the second section;

19 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device holding an electronic device, further showing an object coupled to an edge of the electronic device; and

Figure 20 shows a side view of the accessory device and electronic device shown in Figure 19 with the object removed.

Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that, in accordance with common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the dimensions of the various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to better Embodiments of the disclosure described herein are clearly illustrated.

Detailed ways

Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the embodiments defined by the claimed technical solutions.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments according to which embodiments are described. While these embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from spirit and scope of the described embodiments.

The following disclosure relates to accessory devices for use with portable electronic devices, such as mobile wireless communication devices and tablet devices. As non-limiting examples, accessory devices described herein may be referred to as covers, cases, protective covers, protective shells, or folders. Accessory devices are designed to house and protect portable electronic devices. In this regard, the accessory device herein can cover both a transparent cover (or cover glass) positioned over the display assembly of the portable electronic device, as well as the housing of the electronic device. Accordingly, the accessory devices described herein can provide protection against damage to portable electronic devices.

The accessory device may include a rear cover (also referred to as a first section or rear panel) attached by a hinge to a front cover (also referred to as a second section or front panel). The front cover can cover the transparent cover of the portable electronic device, while the back cover can at least partially cover the housing of the electronic device. The front cover may comprise a plurality of sections which are rotatable relative to each other. At least some of the segments may include magnets that allow the segments to be coupled or secured to each other (via magnetic coupling) and to the portable electronic device (via magnetic coupling to magnets in the portable electronic device). Furthermore, when the sections are coupled to each other, the front cover can be folded and form a support or stand for the portable electronic device.

The back cover can provide a receiving surface for the electronic device. Also, the back cover may include several magnets designed to magnetically couple with magnets in the portable electronic device. Additionally, at least some of the magnets in the front cover may be magnetically coupled to the magnets in the back cover. This allows for configurations of accessory devices in which the front cover is stored behind the rear cover. Accordingly, the accessory device provides a compact design with a reduced footprint. Also, some of the magnets in the front cover may magnetically couple with magnets in the back cover before the front cover lays flat against the back cover (and when air pockets separate the front cover from the back cover). In this way, the magnetic coupling can provide the force to displace or move the front cover and align the front cover with the rear cover. This allows the hinges coupling the front cover to the back cover to provide additional flexibility, as the magnetic coupling can align the front and back covers with each other.

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS. 1-20 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device 100 according to some of the described embodiments. Accessory device 100 is designed for use with electronic devices 180, including portable electronic devices such as mobile wireless communication devices and tablet computer devices. In this regard, accessory device 100 may be referred to as a case, cover, protective cover, protective case, folder, or the like.

As shown, the accessory device 100 can include a first section 102a coupled to a second section 102b. The first section 102a may define a rear cover or rear panel for the electronic device 180 . Additionally, the first section 102a may define a receiving surface 104 that receives the electronic device 180 , and in particular, the housing 182 of the electronic device 180 . In this regard, the first section 102a may hold the electronic device 180 with one or more magnets embedded in the first section 102a. This will be shown and discussed below. The first section 102a may further include an opening 106 or through hole designed to receive a camera assembly 184 and a flash module 185 (both shown as dashed lines) of the electronic device 180 .

The second section 102b is designed to wrap and cover the electronic device 180 , including the display 186 of the electronic device 180 . As such, the second section 102b may be referred to as a front panel or a front cover. The second section 102b may include a plurality of sections. For example, the second section 102b may include a first section 108a, a second section 108b, and a third section 108c. Each segment can be rotated or moved relative to the rest of the segments. Additionally, although a discrete number of segments is illustrated, the number of segments may vary in other embodiments.

The second section 102b is coupled to the first section 102a by a hinge 112 such that the first section 102a can rotate relative to the second section 102b and vice versa. The hinge 112 may be formed in part from one or more continuous pieces of material extending along the first section 102a and the second section 102b. The material forming one or more layers may include a polymer encasing the fiberglass material, such as polyurethane. Other materials such as leather are also possible. However, to facilitate the flexibility and relative movement of the aforementioned sections and segments, fiberglass material (and/or other relatively rigid or rigid materials) may not be located at the hinge 112 and may not be located between the segments. This will be shown and described below. Additionally, a soft, non-abrasive material such as microfibers may cover the first section 108a, the second section 108b, and the third section 108c. In this way, when the second section 102b wraps around and covers the display 186 (which may include a transparent cover overlying the display 186), the soft, non-abrasive material does not cause damage when in contact with the transparent cover.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 1 showing the layout of the magnets in the accessory device 100 . The magnets (or magnetic elements) described herein may include permanent magnets, ferromagnetic materials, rare earth magnets, or other magnetically attractable materials. As shown, the accessory device 100 can include a magnetic element 114a, a magnetic element 114b, a magnetic element 114c, and a magnetic element 114d located in the first section 102a. Magnetic element 114a , magnetic element 114b , magnetic element 114c , and magnetic element 114d are designed to magnetically couple with a magnet in electronic device 180 (shown in FIG. 1 ) to retain electronic device 180 with receiving surface 104 . Accordingly, accessory device 100 does not require mechanical features, such as retaining walls, side walls, or mechanical interlocks, to retain electronic device 180 . In addition, magnetic elements in accessory device 100 that are magnetically coupled to magnets in electronic device 180 provide a magnetic attraction force that acts on electronic device 180 even when forces, such as gravity, that would otherwise cause electronic device 180 to separate from accessory device 100 Electronic device 180 can also be held while on.

Some of the magnetic elements shown and described in FIG. 2 (illustrated as dashed lines) may comprise several discrete magnetic elements. For example, as shown in the enlarged view, magnetic element 114a includes six discrete magnetic elements. In other embodiments, the number of magnetic elements may vary. The ease of aligning the electronic device 180 (shown in FIG. 1 ) with the first section 102a is improved by using several smaller discrete magnetic elements rather than fewer larger magnetic elements. For example, each magnetic element provides a relatively small external magnetic field (not shown in FIG. 2 ), thereby reducing the magnetic attraction force of each magnetic element during alignment. However, these magnetic elements as a group (such as the cluster of magnetic elements 114a) can provide a common external magnetic field similar to a single larger magnetic element. Thus, the magnetic attraction force of the set of magnetic elements is similar to that of a single larger magnetic element, while the ease of alignment is improved compared to using a single larger magnetic element.

Accessory device 100 may further include magnetic element 114e, magnetic element 114f, and magnetic element 114g in first section 102a, which are designed to communicate with magnetic element 114h, magnetic element 114i, and magnetic element 114i, respectively, in second section 102b. Element 114j is magnetically coupled. When, for example, the back surface of the second section 102b (not shown in FIG. 2 ) is rotated past the hinge 112 and onto the back surface of the first section 102a (not shown in FIG. 2 ), these magnetic Coupling may occur where the back surface of the first section 102a is opposite the receiving surface 104 . Additionally, these magnetic couplings may occur when the second section 102b is rotated past and onto the receiving surface 104 .

The accessory device 100 may further comprise a magnetic element 114k and a magnetic element 114l located in the first section 102a, which are designed to communicate with the magnetic elements located in the second section 102b, specifically the second section 108b, respectively. Magnetic element 114m and magnetic element 114n are magnetically coupled. Magnetic element 114m and magnetic element 114n are parallel (or aligned) to each other, while magnetic element 114k is offset (or misaligned) relative to magnetic element 114l. In addition, when the aforementioned back surfaces of the first section 102a and the second section 102b are joined to each other, the magnetic element 114k and the magnetic element 114l are shifted relative to the magnetic element 114m and the magnetic element 114n, respectively. However, the degree of offset between magnetic element 114k and magnetic element 114m may be different than the degree of offset between magnetic element 1141 and magnetic element 114n. In this way, when the back surface of the second section 102b is positioned against the back surface of the first section 102a, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic element 114k and the magnetic element 114m can be different from the magnetic attraction between the magnetic element 114k and the magnetic element 114m. Magnetic attraction. For example, the magnetic attraction between magnetic element 114k and magnetic element 114m may be greater than the magnetic attraction between magnetic element 114k and magnetic element 114m. Thus, when magnetic element 114k is no longer coupled to magnetic element 114m, magnetic element 1141 is no longer coupled to magnetic element 114n. This may be part of an integration process in which removal of the first section 108a from the back surface of the first section 102a causes subsequent removal of the second section 108b and third section 108c from the first section 102a. The back surface of section 102a is removed without requiring any additional force other than that required to pull first section 108a away from the back surface of first section 102a. In other words, when the first section 108a is removed from the back surface, the second section 108b and the third section 108c may automatically disengage from the back surface of the first section 102a. This will be shown and described below.

The accessory device 100 may further comprise magnetic elements 114o located in the first section 102a, designed to magnetically couple with the magnetic elements 114p located in the second section 102b, specifically in the third section 108c . When the second section 102b is positioned against the back surface of the first section 102a, the magnetic element 114o is magnetically coupled with the magnetic element 114p. Additionally, when the second section 102b is rotated past and onto the back surface of the first section 102a, the magnetic element 114p is in contact with the magnetic element before the second section 102b is fully pressed against the back surface of the first section 102a. Element 114o is magnetically coupled. The magnetic coupling may provide a magnetic attraction force that pulls the second section 102b in a manner that aligns the second section 102b with the back surface, preventing the second section 102b from contacting the first section. Misalignment between sections 102a. In other words, due to the magnetic coupling between the magnetic element 114o and the magnetic element 114p, the second section 102b will not bend relative to the first section 102a. This will be explained in further detail below.

Additionally, the accessory device 100 can include a reinforcement layer 115 positioned in the first section 102a around the opening 106 . The reinforcement layer 115 may provide additional stiffness to the void or space defining the opening 106 . This can prevent the first section 102a from breaking along the corner where the reinforcing layer 115 is located. In some embodiments, reinforcement layer 115 includes a fiberglass material having a relatively high density. However, other materials such as metal, rigid plastic, as non-limiting examples, are possible. Furthermore, the first section 102a, in particular the receiving surface 104, is substantially planar. In some cases, however, first section 102a may include a localized thickness in a location corresponding to opening 106 due in part to a thicker reinforcement layer than reinforcement layer 115 shown in FIG. 2 .

Accessory device 100 may include certain dimensional features. For example, hinge 112 may include a dimension 116a that is the same as, or at least substantially similar to, a major dimension of electronic device 180 . The “main dimension” may refer to the dimension of the maximum length of the electronic device 180 . Additionally, the dimensions of some of the segments may vary. For example, first section 108a may include dimension 118a that is smaller than dimension 118b of second section 108b and smaller than dimension 118c of third section 108c. Additionally, the dimension 118b of the second section 108b may be the same as, or at least substantially similar to, the dimension 118c of the third section 108c. However, other dimensional relationships for the first section 108a, the second section 108b, and/or the third section 108c are also possible.

Additionally, the accessory device 100 can include a magnetic element 114q, a magnetic element 114r, and a magnetic element 114s embedded in the first section 102a. In some cases, magnetic element 114h , magnetic element 114i , and magnetic element 114j may be magnetically coupled with magnetic element 114q , magnetic element 114r , and magnetic element 114s , respectively, when first section 108a is engaged with second section 108b . This will be shown below.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 2 , taken along line 3 - 3 , showing various features of the accessory device 100 . Accessory device 100 may include a first layer 122a and a second layer 122b. The first layer 122a and the second layer 122b may include polymer layers extending over both the first section 102a and the second section 102b (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Alternatively, each of the first layer 122a and the second layer 122b may include other materials, such as leather. In this regard, the first layer 122a and the second layer 122b may define the hinge 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The accessory device 100 may further include a third layer 122c surrounded by the first layer 122a and the second layer 122b. The third layer 122c may comprise a relatively rigid material such as fiberglass (as a non-limiting example). A third layer 122c may fill each of these sections. For example, as shown, the third layer 122c fills the first section 108a. However, the third layer 122c may be constrained to the first section 108a to facilitate (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) the flexibility of the second section 102b and relative movement between the sections. Additionally, although not shown, the first layer 122a and the second layer 122b can terminate along the second section 102b, and additional layers (similar to those of the first layer 122a and the second layer 122b) can form the first section 102a. . In this regard, the hinge 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be formed from materials other than the first layer 122a and the second layer 122b.

Accessory device 100 may also include layers on each section. For example, first section 108a includes layer 124a. Layer 124a may comprise a fabric layer, including microfibers. In general, layer 124a may include a material that resists scratching to the glass (or other transparent cover or transparent layer) of electronic device 180 (shown in FIG. 1 ). To promote flexibility, layer 124a may terminate in (or may be limited to) first section 108a. Furthermore, layer 124a may be applied to the uppermost (flat) surface of first section 108a, as well as a portion of the curvature (along first layer 122a) around said uppermost surface. In some cases, layer 124a extends along a surface generally perpendicular to the uppermost surface. However, layer 124a may terminate before reaching an additional surface parallel or at least substantially parallel to said uppermost surface. In general, the layer 124a may extend between a first line 126a and a second line 126b shown at each end of the first segment 108a. It should be noted that the second section 108b and the third section 108c (both shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may include the same layers as shown for the first section 108a, including the same features and configuration. For example, layer 124b (separate from layer 124a) is positioned on second section 108b.

Accessory device 100 can also include reinforcing element 128 positioned between first layer 122a and second layer 122b. As non-limiting examples, reinforcing elements 128 may include fiberglass, rigid plastic, or metal. Accessory device 100 may further include adhesive 132a and adhesive 132b securing first layer 122a to second layer 122b.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the accessory device 100 showing the second section 102b partially positioned over the back surface 134 of the first section 102a. It may be desirable to configure the accessory device 100 so that the back surface 136 of the second section 102b lies flat against the back surface 134 of the first section 102a (opposite the receiving surface 104), since this configuration provides a more compact device.

Hinge 112 is relatively flexible, in part because hinge 112 has minimal, if any, reinforcing elements and/or adhesive, but may allow misalignment of second section 102b relative to first section 102a. For example, FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the accessory device 100 shown in FIG. 4, showing the second section 102b partially aligned with the first section 102a. As shown, the edges of the second section 102b are not aligned with the edges of the first section 102a. In the absence of any other force acting on the second section 102b, the second section 102b may bend when the second section 102b is pressed against the back surface. However, the magnetic element 114o in the first section 102a may be magnetically coupled with the magnetic element 114p in the second section 102b. The magnetic coupling provides a magnetic attraction force capable of pulling the magnetic element 114p in the second section 102b towards the magnetic element 114o in the first section 102a.

The pulling force generated by the magnetic attraction between the aforementioned magnetic elements causes the second section 102b to align with the first section 102a in a more desirable manner. For example, FIG. 6 shows a side view of accessory device 100 showing second section 102b positioned over and engaged with back surface 134 of first section 102a. The back surface of the second section 102b may be pressed against the back surface 134 of the first section 102a such that the back surface 134 (including the edge) of the first section 102a is covered by the second section 102b. It should be noted that once second section 102b and first section 102a are aligned, accessory device 100 may be rotated 180 degrees so that second section 102b is positioned on a surface (not shown) such as a desk or table. In this way, an electronic device 180 (shown in FIG. 1 ) can be positioned on the receiving surface 104 of the first section 102a.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the accessory device 100 shown in Figure 6 showing the second section 102b aligned with the first section 102a. As shown, the second section 102b is positioned over the back surface 134 of the first section 102a (both labeled in Figure 6). Figure 7 shows the alignment configuration between the first section 102a and the second section 102b. In the aligned configuration, each corner of the first section 102a overlaps a corresponding corner of the second section 102b such that in plan view (shown in FIG. 7 ), the first section 102a overlaps the second section 102b. Alternatively, the alignment configuration may also include that each corner of the second section 102b (not shown in FIG. 7 ) overlaps a corresponding corner of the first section 102a such that in an alternative plan view, the second section 102b covers the first section 102a.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the second section 102b is folded over the back surface 134 of the first section 102a, the second section 102b may be temporarily pressed against ambient air, such as an air layer. This allows the magnetic element 114o in the first section 102a to be magnetically coupled with the magnetic element 114p in the second section 102b before the second section 102b engages the first section 102a. However, in some cases, the second section 102b may partially engage the first section 102a prior to magnetic coupling between the magnetic element 114o and the magnetic element 114p. However, the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element 114o and the magnetic element 114p can align the second section 102b with the first section 102a, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .

Figure 8 shows a side view of the accessory device 100 showing the first section 108a of the second section 102b pulled away from the back surface 134 of the first section 102a. As shown, a pulling force may be applied to the second section 102b that overcomes the magnetic attraction force formed by the magnetic coupling between the magnetic element 114g in the first section 102a and the magnetic element 114j in the second section 102b. The pulling force may also overcome the magnetic attraction forces of magnetic element 114e and magnetic element 114j (both shown in FIG. 2 ) and magnetic element 114h and magnetic element 114i (both shown in FIG. 2 ), respectively, and Stop the magnetic coupling.

Once the first section 108a is pulled away from the back surface 134, the second section 108b and the third section 108c can disengage the back surface 134, as shown in phantom. Furthermore, the second section 108b and the third section 108c can disengage the back surface 134 without any additional pulling force being applied to the second section 102b. In other words, the force causing disengagement between the first section 108a and the back surface 134 is sufficient to cause disengagement of the second section 108b and the third section 108c from the back surface 134 . Thus, once the magnetic elements in the first section 108a are no longer magnetically coupled with the magnetic elements in the second section 102a and the first section 108a is pulled away from the back surface 134 of the first section 102a, the second The second section 108b and the third section 108c are disengaged from the back surface 134 . That is, the second section 108b is disengaged from the back surface 134 and then the third section 108c is disengaged from the back surface 134 . This is due in part to magnetic coupling and offset alignment between the magnetic elements 114k and 114l in the first section 102a and the magnetic elements 114m and 114n, respectively, in the second section 102b.

Figure 9 shows a side view of the accessory device 100 showing the first section 108a engaged with the second section 108b. In the absence of any external force, the first section 108a will disengage and disengage from the second section 108b due to gravity, as shown by the dashed lines. Additionally, as shown, the first section 102a is folded away from the second section 102b such that the second section 102b does not engage the first section 102a.

10 shows a side view of accessory device 100 showing first section 102a partially engaged with second section 102b, and first section 108a rotated to engage second section 108b. As shown, the magnetic element 114h in the first section 108a is magnetically coupled with the magnetic element 114q in the first section 102a. Magnetic element 114h and magnetic element 114i in first section 108a (both shown in FIG. shown in ) magnetically coupled. Thus, the first section 108a remains engaged with the second section 108b due in part to the magnetic coupling between the magnetic elements in the first section 108a and the magnetic elements in the first section 102a. Furthermore, the first section 108a no longer covers a portion of the back surface 134 such that the camera assembly 184 of the electronic device 180 can protrude through the opening 106 and capture an image. 9 and 10 show that the first section 108a may not remain engaged with the second section 108b unless the first section 102a engages the second section 102b such that the magnetic elements in the first section 108a may engage the second section 108b. The magnetic elements in a section 102a are magnetically coupled.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of accessory device 100 supporting electronic device 180 . In this configuration, a user of electronic device 180 may interact with display 186 (illustrated as a dashed line) of electronic device 180 when display 186 includes touchscreen functionality. As shown, the electronic device 180 is engaged with the first section 102a, and the magnetic elements in the electronic device 180 are magnetically coupled to the magnetic elements in the first section 102a. Furthermore, the second section 102b can be folded such that the first section 108a , the second section 108b , and the third section 108c form a triangular support for the electronic device 180 . As shown in the magnified view, a portion of the second layer 122b on the first section 102a joins in part due to the separation of the layer 124b (also shown in FIG. A portion of the second layer 122b on the second section 102b. Due in part to the second layer 122b being formed of a polyurethane material, the second layer 122b provides friction between the portion of the second layer 122b that is on the first section 102a in contact with the portion of the second layer 122b that is on the second section 102b force. The friction between these portions of the second layer 122b is greater than the friction between a soft, non-abrasive layer such as microfibers. Accordingly, accessory device 100 can resist undesired movement when, for example, a user interacts with display 186 . Additionally, the third section 108c provides direct support through engagement with the first section 102a. In this configuration, however, the third section 108c may not be magnetically coupled to the first section 102a, and the weight of the electronic device 180 exerts a force on the third section 108c maintaining the triangular support.

12 shows a side view of an accessory device supporting an electronic device in an alternative configuration. A user of electronic device 180 may also interact with display 186 of electronic device 180 in this configuration. As shown, the first section 108a , the second section 108b , and the third section 108c may be folded to form an alternative triangular support for the electronic device 180 . The first section 102a is sufficiently rigid and strong to support the electronic device 180 without warping or twisting, and thus, the first section 102a is not affected by the weight of the electronic device 180 .

13 shows a plan view of accessory device 100 showing camera assembly 184 and flash module 185 of electronic device 180 positioned in opening 106 of accessory device 100 . As shown, a camera assembly 184 is enabled to capture images for the electronic device 180, and a flash module 185 may emit light to enhance image capture. Additionally, the reinforcement layer 115 surrounds the camera assembly 184 when the camera assembly 184 is in the opening 106 .

14 illustrates a side view of accessory device 100 and electronic device 180 shown in FIG. 13 showing camera assembly 184 protruding through opening 106 of accessory device 100 . A partial cross-sectional view of the first section 102a is shown to reveal the reinforcement layer 115 . When a force (represented by double-headed arrow 187 ) is applied to electronic device 180 causing lateral movement in either direction of double-headed arrow 187 , corresponding lateral movement of camera assembly 184 also occurs. However, due in part to camera assembly 184 being positioned within opening 106 , camera assembly 184 may engage one or more surfaces defining opening 106 and restrict movement of camera assembly 184 , thereby restricting movement of electronic device 180 . This allows the magnetic elements (not shown in FIG. 14 ) in the first section 102a to remain magnetically coupled with the magnetic elements (not shown in FIG. 14 ) in the electronic device 180 . Thus, opening 106 provides a mechanical stop or interface when relative lateral movement of electronic device 180 occurs.

15 shows a side view of electronic device 180 positioned between first section 102a and second section 102b of accessory device 100 showing first section 102a and second section 102b extending beyond electronic device 180 . As shown, both the first section 102a and the second section 102b engage the electronic device 180 . Furthermore, the magnetic elements in the first section 102 a and the magnetic elements in the second section 102 b may be magnetically coupled with the magnetic elements in the electronic device 180 . Additionally, the electronic device 180 may include an audio module 188, such as a speaker module, designed to generate acoustic energy in the form of audible sound. Audio modules of this type are known in the art to comprise permanent magnets. In some cases, the material of accessory device 100 may bend or warp when accessory device 100 is exposed to heat. For example, excess heat may cause the first segment 108a and the second segment 108b to extend away and at least partially disengage the electronic device 180, as indicated by the dashed lines. However, accessory device 100 may include magnetic element 114t in a location corresponding to the location of audio module 188 such that magnetic element 114t is magnetically coupled with audio module 188 , and specifically with a permanent magnet of audio module 188 . The magnetic attraction force between the magnetic element 114t and the permanent magnets of the audio module 188 can keep the first section 108a and the second section 108b engaged with the electronic device 180 and overcome problems associated with excessive heating. As shown, the magnetic element 114t is located in the first section 108a. However, the magnetic element 114t may be located in the second section 108b to accommodate different positions of the audio module 188 in the electronic device 180 .

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the electronic device 180 and accessory device shown in FIG. 15, showing the first section 102a extending beyond the electronic device 180 in multiple dimensions. The electronic device 180 is covered by the first section 102a and is represented by a dashed line. Accessory device 100 can include a dimension 142a that allows first section 102a to extend beyond first edge 192a and second edge 192b of electronic device 180 . Accessory device 100 can include a dimension 142b that allows first section 102a to extend beyond third edge 192c and fourth edge 192d of electronic device 180 . Accordingly, the first section 102a may extend beyond the electronic device 180 along both the X-axis and the Y-axis. The second section 102b (not shown in Figure 16) may include any of the dimensional characteristics described for the first section 102a.

17 and 18 illustrate that accessory device 100 includes a sufficient number of magnetic elements to allow the force of gravity to push electronic device 180 along the vertical Y-axis and away from accessory device 100 even when electronic device 180 and accessory device 100 are standing upright. Also supports and holds the electronic device 180 when acting on the electronic device 180 . Figure 17 shows a side view of the accessory device 100 and the electronic device 180, showing the electronic device 180 engaged with the first section 102a. The magnetic element (not labeled) in the first section 102a couples with the magnetic element (not shown in FIG. 17 ) of the electronic device 180 and provides sufficient magnetic attraction force so that gravity and weight of the electronic device 180 are counteracted, And the electronic device 180 remains engaged with the accessory device 100 along the first section 102a.

Figure 18 shows a side view of the accessory device 100 and the electronic device 180, showing the electronic device 180 engaged with the second section 102b. The magnetic element (not labeled) in the second section 102b couples with the magnetic element (not shown in FIG. 18 ) of the electronic device 180 and provides sufficient magnetic attraction force so that the gravity and weight of the electronic device 180 is counteracted, And the electronic device 180 remains engaged with the accessory device 100 along the second section 102b.

19 and 20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 200 . It should be noted that accessory device 200 may include any of the features described herein for accessory device 100 .

19 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of an accessory device 200 resting on an electronic device 180 , further showing an object 240 coupled to an edge of the electronic device 180 . Object 240 may include a digital stylus designed to interact with display 186 (not shown in FIG. 19 ) when display 186 includes touch screen functionality or other input functionality initiated by object 240 . The accessory device 200 can include a retaining element 234 coupled with the first section 202 a and the second section of the accessory device 200 . Retention element 234 may include a bag or other type of strap that engages and holds object 240 such that object 240 remains engaged with electronic device 180 and/or accessory device 200 . The retaining element 234 may include elastic capabilities to provide additional retaining force. The retaining element 234 may be permanently coupled with at least one of the first section 202a or the second section 202b. Permanent coupling can be accomplished by adhesives, stitching, welding, and/or other bonding techniques. Alternatively, the retaining element 234 may be removably coupled with at least one of the first section 202a or the second section 202b. Removable couplings may include reusable adhesive materials, hook and loop features such as Velcro, or magnetic elements. As shown, the retaining element 234 protrudes beyond the surface of the first section 202a and the second section 202b. However, in some embodiments (not shown in FIG. 19 ), each of the first section 202a and the second section 202b includes a recess that receives the retaining element 234 such that the retaining element is aligned with the second section 202a. The surface of the first section 202a is flush or coplanar with the surface of the second section 202b.

FIG. 20 shows a side view of accessory device 200 and electronic device 180 shown in FIG. 19 with object 240 removed. As shown, the retaining element 234 can be contracted so as not to extend in an undesired manner and so that the user cannot recognize that the retaining element 234 includes elastic properties for retaining the object 240 (shown in FIG. 19 ). In this regard, retaining element 234 can provide additional support to retain first section 202 a and second section 202 b engaged with electronic device 180 , as well as facilitate a low-profile design of accessory device 200 .

The various aspects, implementations, implementations or features of the described embodiments may be used alone or in any combination. Aspects of the described embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling production operations, or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a production line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of computer readable media include read only memory, random access memory, CD-ROM, HDD, DVD, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings.

Claims (18)

1. An accessory device for a portable electronic device, characterized in that the accessory device comprises: A first sector, said first sector comprising: first magnetic element, second magnetic element, a first surface that receives the portable electronic device, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a second section pivotably coupled to the first section, the second section comprising: third magnetic element, and A fourth magnetic element, wherein when said second section is in engagement with said second surface, wherein: the first magnetic element is magnetically attached to and aligned with the third magnetic element to form a first magnetic attachment, the second magnetic element is magnetically attached to and offset from the fourth magnetic element to form a second magnetic attachment, and The second magnetic attachment alone is not sufficient to maintain the engagement when the first magnetic attachment is removed. 2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first section is not magnetically coupled to the second section. 3. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein: the opening is configured to receive a camera assembly of the portable electronic device, and The opening is not covered by the first section when the first magnetic element is magnetically coupled with the second magnetic element. 4. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the accessory device further comprises: a hinge coupling the first section and the second section; and wherein the second section is coupled to the first section, wherein the second section is closer to the hinge than the first section; Wherein the first division also includes: a filler material embedded in the first section, and A reinforcement layer embedded in the first section and spaced from the filling material surrounds the opening. 5. The accessory device of claim 4, wherein the second section further comprises a third section, and wherein disengagement of the first section and subsequent disengagement of the second section causes the Describe the secession of the third sector. 6. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the accessory device further comprises: a third magnetic element (114e, 114f, 114g), said third magnetic element being located in said first section (102a); and A fourth magnetic element (114h, 114i, 114j) located in said first section (108a), said fourth magnetic element capable of being magnetically coupled with said third magnetic element. 7. An accessory device for a portable electronic device, characterized in that the accessory device comprises: a first section defining a first surface for receiving the portable electronic device, the first section further comprising a second surface opposite the first surface; a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element embedded in the first section; a second section coupled to the first section by a hinge that allows the second section to pivot relative to the first section and covers the portable electronic device , the second section includes a first section and a second section rotatably coupled to the first section; a third magnetic element embedded in the first section, wherein a first magnetic coupling between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element is such that the second section and said second surface is aligned; and wherein the second magnetic coupling between the second magnetic element and the third magnetic element maintains the first section in engagement with the second section, Wherein the second section is closer to the hinge than the first section. 8. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the second section further includes a third section coupled to the second section, wherein the first section and the second section A segment is defined by a first size, and wherein the third segment is defined by a second size that is smaller than the first size. 9. The accessory device of claim 8, wherein disengagement of the first section from the first section and subsequent disengagement of the second section from the first section causes the third Detachment of a segment from said first segment. 10. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the first section is not magnetically coupled to the second section. 11. The accessory device of claim 7, wherein the magnetic coupling between the first magnetic element and the third magnetic element is such that in the second region lies flat on the second surface Previously the second section was aligned with the second surface. 12. An accessory device for a portable electronic device, characterized in that the accessory device comprises: a first section defining a receiving surface for the portable electronic device, the first section including a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element; and A second section coupled to the first section and capable of covering the portable electronic device, the second section comprising: A first section comprising a third magnetic element capable of being magnetically coupled to the first magnetic element, the first section further comprising a fourth magnetic element capable of being magnetically coupled to the second magnetic element element, a second section rotatably coupled to the first section; and A third section rotatably coupled to the second section, wherein when the portable electronic device is positioned on the receiving surface and the second section partially covers the portable electronic device, the first section The first section and the second section extend laterally beyond an edge of the portable electronic device. 13. The accessory device of claim 12, wherein when the portable electronic device is positioned on the receiving surface and the second section covers the portable electronic device, the first section and The second section extends laterally beyond an edge of the portable electronic device. 14. The accessory device of claim 13 , wherein the first section has a first dimension such that the first section extends beyond the first edge of the portable electronic device and the portable electronic device the second edge of . 15. The accessory device of claim 14, wherein the first section has a second size such that the first section extends beyond a third edge of the portable electronic device. 16. The accessory device of claim 15, wherein the second section extends beyond the first edge, the second edge, and the third edge. 17. The accessory device according to claim 12, wherein the accessory device further comprises a magnetic element carried by the second section, the magnetic element and the magnetic element of the audio module located in the portable electronic device The elements are magnetically coupled, wherein the magnetic coupling holds the second section in engagement with the portable electronic device. 18. The accessory device of claim 12, wherein the first section is not magnetically coupled to the second section.

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