CA3032676A1 - Cell phone case with magnetically removable modular sections and assembly thereof - Google Patents
Cell phone case with magnetically removable modular sections and assembly thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA3032676A1 CA3032676A1 CA3032676A CA3032676A CA3032676A1 CA 3032676 A1 CA3032676 A1 CA 3032676A1 CA 3032676 A CA3032676 A CA 3032676A CA 3032676 A CA3032676 A CA 3032676A CA 3032676 A1 CA3032676 A1 CA 3032676A1
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- Prior art keywords
- section
- modular
- cell phone
- protective cover
- clip
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/18—Ticket-holders or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C11/18—Ticket-holders or the like
- A45C11/182—Credit card holders
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/10—Arrangement of fasteners
- A45C13/1069—Arrangement of fasteners magnetic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45C
- A45C2200/15—Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes
Abstract
A cell phone assembly includes a protective cover for affixing to a cell phone and magnetically detachable modular sections. Magnets and ferromagnetic material allow interchangeability and stacking modular sections in different configurations on the protective cover. The modular sections include any number of user-convenience features including but not limited to a wallet section modular section for holding cash, cards, and a stylus, pen, or other pointing instrument. The cash and cards are secured within the wallet section using a magnetic clip that is divided into two magnetic clip sections hinged together. An ID holder section is magnetically stackable on the wallet section, and the ID holder and wallet sections are hinged together thereby allowing the ID holder to pivot away from the wallet holder section while still being mechanically attached to act as a kickstand. The kickstand enables propping the phone on a surface in vertical or horizontal viewing orientations.
Description
CELL PHONE CASE WITH MAGNETICALLY REMOVABLE MODULAR
SECTIONS AND ASSEMBLY THEREOF
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention The invention pertains generally to cell phone cases. More specifically, the invention relates to a cell phone case assembly that includes a protective cover and a plurality of modular sections that are magnetically attached to the protective cover.
SECTIONS AND ASSEMBLY THEREOF
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention The invention pertains generally to cell phone cases. More specifically, the invention relates to a cell phone case assembly that includes a protective cover and a plurality of modular sections that are magnetically attached to the protective cover.
(2) Description of the Related Art Wallets and cell phones are two items that are often carried by a person while out of the home.
There have been attempts to merge these two items into a single unit to facilitate user convenience by avoiding the need to carry and keep track of two different items. Examples of typical solutions include flimsy elastic pouches, bulky folding pleather cases, and a variety of individual separate solutions that do not rectify all phone case and user needs. Some phone wallets solve some problems, but not all. Often these solutions utilize low quality materials that quickly break down.
Some solutions cover the screen of the phone and are cumbersome to use in daily life by requiring the user to open the case like a book every time the user wants to check their messages. Some cell phone cases can hold identification cards but not cash, some can hold cash and cards but can't be removed, some are too small to hold enough cards and cash, while yet others are too large and bulky for a many users' needs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a cell phone case assembly that has magnetically removable modular sections to increase many areas of convenience for the user. Examples include quick draw of most commonly used cards, multi angle kickstand, and quick magnetic attach and release of car or desk mounts. The modular sections are interchangeable and can be swapped in and out by the user for different applications. For instance, some modular sections include drawers for small items like toothpicks, stir sticks, reusable straws, change holders, needle and thread, drink testers, pills and the list goes on.
Using magnets, the cell phone protective cover and modular sections firmly and securely grip each other and can hold cards and cash similar to a wallet. Beneficially, one or more modular sections can be removed for a non bulky feel and to reduce the weight while holding to view content or for special occasions when taking many cards and cash is not required. Likewise, the modular sections also allow leaving the cell phone at home when the phone is not required. The iPhonee now comes with a dongle that is easily lost. Modular sections disclosed herein include a clip for that.
Modular sections disclosed herein include key rings for FOBs or keys. The cell phone case assembly in some embodiments includes strong magnets and can be used to add future features like a security finger loop or swap out different styles of removable wallets.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a cell phone case assembly including a protective cover including a first ferromagnetic element.
The protective cover is adapted to affix to a cell phone and including a flat section that runs across a back side of the cell phone and the first ferromagnetic element is included in the flat section. A first modular section is adapted to physically rest adjacent the flat section of the protective cover and includes a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element are magnetically attracted to each other by a magnetic force. The first modular section is completely detachable from the protective cover by a user pulling or sliding the first modular section away from the protective cover with a physical force overcoming the magnetic force.
These and other advantages and embodiments of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments illustrated in the various figures and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent preferred embodiments thereof:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of a protective cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of the protective cover of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the protective cover showing the outer surface of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the protective cover showing the inner surface of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a wallet modular section according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the wallet modular section of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates the perspective view of the wallet modular section of FIG.
6 rotated about the horizonal plane in order to better illustrate a plurality of staircase ridges provided on the card holding surface.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of the wallet modular section when the first clip section is rotated about the clip hinge substantially perpendicular to the second clip section.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of an identification (ID) holder modular section according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of the ID holder modular section of FIG.
8.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of a cell phone case assembly formed by the ID holder of FIGs. 9-10 mounted to the wallet holder modular section of FIGs. 5-8, which is mounted to the protective cover of FIGs. 1-4 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the top surface of the cell phone case assembly of FIG.
11.
FIG. 13 illustrates atop view of the cell phone assembly of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 illustrates a first exploded view of the cell phone assembly being mounted on a cell phone as seen from an angle above the cell phone and looking in the downwards direction.
FIG. 15 illustrates a second exploded view as seen from an angle below the cell phone and looking in the upwards direction.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled configuration showing the cell phone assembly mounted on the cell phone by a user following the assembly processes illustrated in FIGs.
14 and 15.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of deployment of the kickstand functionality of the assembly of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view showing how the first clip section is held captive within the
There have been attempts to merge these two items into a single unit to facilitate user convenience by avoiding the need to carry and keep track of two different items. Examples of typical solutions include flimsy elastic pouches, bulky folding pleather cases, and a variety of individual separate solutions that do not rectify all phone case and user needs. Some phone wallets solve some problems, but not all. Often these solutions utilize low quality materials that quickly break down.
Some solutions cover the screen of the phone and are cumbersome to use in daily life by requiring the user to open the case like a book every time the user wants to check their messages. Some cell phone cases can hold identification cards but not cash, some can hold cash and cards but can't be removed, some are too small to hold enough cards and cash, while yet others are too large and bulky for a many users' needs.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a cell phone case assembly that has magnetically removable modular sections to increase many areas of convenience for the user. Examples include quick draw of most commonly used cards, multi angle kickstand, and quick magnetic attach and release of car or desk mounts. The modular sections are interchangeable and can be swapped in and out by the user for different applications. For instance, some modular sections include drawers for small items like toothpicks, stir sticks, reusable straws, change holders, needle and thread, drink testers, pills and the list goes on.
Using magnets, the cell phone protective cover and modular sections firmly and securely grip each other and can hold cards and cash similar to a wallet. Beneficially, one or more modular sections can be removed for a non bulky feel and to reduce the weight while holding to view content or for special occasions when taking many cards and cash is not required. Likewise, the modular sections also allow leaving the cell phone at home when the phone is not required. The iPhonee now comes with a dongle that is easily lost. Modular sections disclosed herein include a clip for that.
Modular sections disclosed herein include key rings for FOBs or keys. The cell phone case assembly in some embodiments includes strong magnets and can be used to add future features like a security finger loop or swap out different styles of removable wallets.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a cell phone case assembly including a protective cover including a first ferromagnetic element.
The protective cover is adapted to affix to a cell phone and including a flat section that runs across a back side of the cell phone and the first ferromagnetic element is included in the flat section. A first modular section is adapted to physically rest adjacent the flat section of the protective cover and includes a second ferromagnetic element. The first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element are magnetically attracted to each other by a magnetic force. The first modular section is completely detachable from the protective cover by a user pulling or sliding the first modular section away from the protective cover with a physical force overcoming the magnetic force.
These and other advantages and embodiments of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments illustrated in the various figures and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent preferred embodiments thereof:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of a protective cover according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of the protective cover of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the protective cover showing the outer surface of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the protective cover showing the inner surface of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a wallet modular section according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the wallet modular section of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 illustrates the perspective view of the wallet modular section of FIG.
6 rotated about the horizonal plane in order to better illustrate a plurality of staircase ridges provided on the card holding surface.
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of the wallet modular section when the first clip section is rotated about the clip hinge substantially perpendicular to the second clip section.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of an identification (ID) holder modular section according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of the ID holder modular section of FIG.
8.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of a cell phone case assembly formed by the ID holder of FIGs. 9-10 mounted to the wallet holder modular section of FIGs. 5-8, which is mounted to the protective cover of FIGs. 1-4 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the top surface of the cell phone case assembly of FIG.
11.
FIG. 13 illustrates atop view of the cell phone assembly of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 illustrates a first exploded view of the cell phone assembly being mounted on a cell phone as seen from an angle above the cell phone and looking in the downwards direction.
FIG. 15 illustrates a second exploded view as seen from an angle below the cell phone and looking in the upwards direction.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled configuration showing the cell phone assembly mounted on the cell phone by a user following the assembly processes illustrated in FIGs.
14 and 15.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of deployment of the kickstand functionality of the assembly of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view showing how the first clip section is held captive within the
3 loop slot on the card holder when there is a card and / or transparent plexiglass held in the card holder according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a horizontal configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a vertical configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of a protective cover according to an exemplary embodiment. The cell phone protective cover is a first part of a cell phone case assembly and is formed by a hard-shell case that provides protection to a cell phone in the event the cell phone impacts a table, floor or other object. In this embodiment, the case is made of nylon plastic and polyethylene; however, any suitable material can be utilized in other embodiments. The protective cover in this embodiment includes a camera and flash hole for allowing a front-facing camera of the cell phone to take pictures and further includes a plurality of circular holes that reduce the weight of the protective cover without significantly scarifying the protective capabilities of the cover.
The protective cover further includes a plurality of positioning slots 110 provided on the outer surface. The position slots are utilized to help align one or more modular sections for attachment to the protective cover by the user as explained further below. Other openings and holes for ports and buttons on the external surface of the cell phone can be included as needed and the exact positions of these elements on the protective cover can be adjusted in different embodiments according to the manufacturer and model of the cell phone. Both the back surface 112 of the protective cover along with the rim that surrounds the back surface 112 have a maximum surface area that is substantially flat meaning there are no raised portions or other ridges extending above the level of the surface. The flat surface level allows for sliding other modular sections (described below) along that the back surface 112 without items held by the other modular sections jamming against the protective cover. This is particularly beneficial when attaching other modular sections
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a horizontal configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a vertical configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of a protective cover according to an exemplary embodiment. The cell phone protective cover is a first part of a cell phone case assembly and is formed by a hard-shell case that provides protection to a cell phone in the event the cell phone impacts a table, floor or other object. In this embodiment, the case is made of nylon plastic and polyethylene; however, any suitable material can be utilized in other embodiments. The protective cover in this embodiment includes a camera and flash hole for allowing a front-facing camera of the cell phone to take pictures and further includes a plurality of circular holes that reduce the weight of the protective cover without significantly scarifying the protective capabilities of the cover.
The protective cover further includes a plurality of positioning slots 110 provided on the outer surface. The position slots are utilized to help align one or more modular sections for attachment to the protective cover by the user as explained further below. Other openings and holes for ports and buttons on the external surface of the cell phone can be included as needed and the exact positions of these elements on the protective cover can be adjusted in different embodiments according to the manufacturer and model of the cell phone. Both the back surface 112 of the protective cover along with the rim that surrounds the back surface 112 have a maximum surface area that is substantially flat meaning there are no raised portions or other ridges extending above the level of the surface. The flat surface level allows for sliding other modular sections (described below) along that the back surface 112 without items held by the other modular sections jamming against the protective cover. This is particularly beneficial when attaching other modular sections
4 that are holding business cards, paper and identification cards, for example.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of the protective cover of FIG. 1. As illustrated, a plurality of magnets 200 are integrated with the protective cover and are visible in this embodiment when viewing the inner surface. The magnets are strong, neodymium magnets mounted onto the inner surface or otherwise embedded into the protective cover in this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cell phone protective cover further includes a curved ridge that runs around the perimeter of the cover. To install the cover on a cell phone, the user pushes a first corner of the cell phone into a corresponding corner under the curved ridge and then snaps the other corners of the cover into place around the cell phone by running their fingers around the perimeter of the cover. The manner of installing the protective cover is similar to other hard shell covers for cell phones well-known in the art and further explanation is omitted herein for brevity.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the protective cover showing the outer surface of FIG. 1. Likewise, FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the protective cover showing the inner surface of FIG. 2. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the protective cover includes a plurality of eight strong magnets or other ferromagnetic material (like iron/steel) integrated within the protective cover. Assuming magnets are utilized, the polarity direction of the magnets are all the same.
For example, in some embodiments all magnets are south-pole orientated to face toward the inner side of the protective cover.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a wallet modular section according to an exemplary embodiment. The wallet modular section includes a fiat section for positioning adjacent the outer surface of the protective section. The perimeter of the flat section includes sidewalls and there are a plurality of protrusions 510 extending inward from the sidewalls for helping the wallet modular section to lock into place at a correct position when attaching to the protective cover. In particular, when the wallet section is positioned correctly adjacent the protective cover, the protrusions extend into the corresponding positioning slots on the outer surface of the protective cover. The wallet modular section is made of nylon plastic and embedded ferromagnetic material such as neodymium N52 magnets at least under the flat section thereby causing the wallet modular section to be attracted toward the protective cover by the magnetic attraction of the various magnets embedded into the protective cover.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of the protective cover of FIG. 1. As illustrated, a plurality of magnets 200 are integrated with the protective cover and are visible in this embodiment when viewing the inner surface. The magnets are strong, neodymium magnets mounted onto the inner surface or otherwise embedded into the protective cover in this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cell phone protective cover further includes a curved ridge that runs around the perimeter of the cover. To install the cover on a cell phone, the user pushes a first corner of the cell phone into a corresponding corner under the curved ridge and then snaps the other corners of the cover into place around the cell phone by running their fingers around the perimeter of the cover. The manner of installing the protective cover is similar to other hard shell covers for cell phones well-known in the art and further explanation is omitted herein for brevity.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the protective cover showing the outer surface of FIG. 1. Likewise, FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the protective cover showing the inner surface of FIG. 2. As illustrated, in this embodiment, the protective cover includes a plurality of eight strong magnets or other ferromagnetic material (like iron/steel) integrated within the protective cover. Assuming magnets are utilized, the polarity direction of the magnets are all the same.
For example, in some embodiments all magnets are south-pole orientated to face toward the inner side of the protective cover.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a wallet modular section according to an exemplary embodiment. The wallet modular section includes a fiat section for positioning adjacent the outer surface of the protective section. The perimeter of the flat section includes sidewalls and there are a plurality of protrusions 510 extending inward from the sidewalls for helping the wallet modular section to lock into place at a correct position when attaching to the protective cover. In particular, when the wallet section is positioned correctly adjacent the protective cover, the protrusions extend into the corresponding positioning slots on the outer surface of the protective cover. The wallet modular section is made of nylon plastic and embedded ferromagnetic material such as neodymium N52 magnets at least under the flat section thereby causing the wallet modular section to be attracted toward the protective cover by the magnetic attraction of the various magnets embedded into the protective cover.
5 FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the wallet modular section of FIG. 5.
The outer surface includes clips for holding a stylus or pen or iPhoneg dongle adaptor, a cash and card holding area, first and second clip sections 610, 612, a toothpick drawer, a plurality of first hinge knuckles, and raised sidewalls for aligning with another modular section. The clip sections 610, 612 in this embodiment include embedded magnets and these clips are hinged together by a clip hinge. In the flat orientation illustrated in FIG. 5, both clip sections are lying flat adjacent the surface of the cash and card holding area. The clips in this configuration experience a magnetic attraction toward the ferromagnetic material under the surface of the cash and card holding area and thereby frictionally hold cash and cards securely therebetween. When the first clip 610 and second clip 612 are both down as illustrated in FIG. 5, there are two magnets holding the cash and cards in the holding area.
FIG. 7 illustrates the perspective view of the wallet modular section of FIG.
The outer surface includes clips for holding a stylus or pen or iPhoneg dongle adaptor, a cash and card holding area, first and second clip sections 610, 612, a toothpick drawer, a plurality of first hinge knuckles, and raised sidewalls for aligning with another modular section. The clip sections 610, 612 in this embodiment include embedded magnets and these clips are hinged together by a clip hinge. In the flat orientation illustrated in FIG. 5, both clip sections are lying flat adjacent the surface of the cash and card holding area. The clips in this configuration experience a magnetic attraction toward the ferromagnetic material under the surface of the cash and card holding area and thereby frictionally hold cash and cards securely therebetween. When the first clip 610 and second clip 612 are both down as illustrated in FIG. 5, there are two magnets holding the cash and cards in the holding area.
FIG. 7 illustrates the perspective view of the wallet modular section of FIG.
6 rotated approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees about the horizonal plane in order to better illustrate a plurality of staircase ridges 700 provided on the card holding 712 surface near the hinges and under the clips 610, 612. As cards, one on top of each other, are inserted into the card holding surface 712, lower cards impact the staircase ridges 700 sooner than higher cards. This causes a staircase effect where the lower cards fan out further than the higher cards and thus all cards held by the hard holder 500 and are easier for a user to identify and grab (see FIG. 18 described later).
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of the wallet modular section when the first clip section 610 is rotated about the clip hinge substantially perpendicular to the second clip section 612. In this configuration, the first clip can be utilized as a kickstand while the second clip section holds the cash and cards securely in the holding area. When the first clip is rotated up as illustrated in FIG. 8, there is still one magnet (i.e., the second clip section) holding the cash and cards in the holding area.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of an identification (ID) holder modular section according to an exemplary embodiment. The ID holder modular section includes a frame around a card holding area. One or more panels of transparent plexiglass may be inserted into the card holding area to hold an identification card such as a user's driver's license sandwiched therebetween. The ID holder modular section further includes two integrated magnets for attracting and holding the ID holder modular section against the outer surface of the wallet modular section.
The ID holder further includes a kickstand prop 802 that acts to hold and position the end of the first clip 610 of the wallet section when the first clip 610 is rotated in the up orientation. In some embodiments, the user's identification card is held within the ID holder between the kickstand prop 800 adjacent a first side of the card and a panel of plexiglass mounted into a grove / slot 804 that surrounds an inner-facing edge of the frame. The ID holder further includes a plurality of second hinge knuckles and a hinge pin for mating with the corresponding plurality of first hinge knuckles of the wallet section.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of the ID holder modular section 800 of FIG. 9. The hinge bar 806 is seen more clearly from this angle as well as the slot 804 around the .. inner-facing edge of the ID holder perimeter. Either cards and/or transparent plexiglass can be inserted and held within slot 804 for holding items such as an ID card adjacent the kickstand prop 802.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of a cell phone case assembly 1000 formed by the ID holder 800 of FIGs. 8-9 mounted to the wallet holder modular section 500 of FIGs. 5-7, which is mounted to the protective cover 100 of FlGs. 1-4 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the top surface of the cell phone case assembly of FIG.
11.
As illustrated in FIGs. 11 and 12, the structures including the outer-perimeter grooves and curves of the protective cover 100 and modular sections 500, 800 are adapted to allow the various modular sections 500, 800 to come together and be frictionally and mechanically held together in the lateral directions with the protective cover 100 such that the cover 100 and various modular sections 500, 800 are prevented from sliding adjacent to one another. For instance, the wallet holder modular section 500 cannot slide off the protective cover 100 once the wallet holder 500 and protective cover 100 are properly mounted together.
The magnets and/or other ferromagnetic material of the protective cover 100, wallet holder 500 and the ID holder section 500 attract toward each other and in this way the modular sections are generally prevented from being accidentally separated without separation force applied by the user.
For instance, the strong neodymium magnets exert a first force of attraction holding the assembly together that is greater than typical forces that might tend to pull the sections apart while the
FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the outer surface of the wallet modular section when the first clip section 610 is rotated about the clip hinge substantially perpendicular to the second clip section 612. In this configuration, the first clip can be utilized as a kickstand while the second clip section holds the cash and cards securely in the holding area. When the first clip is rotated up as illustrated in FIG. 8, there is still one magnet (i.e., the second clip section) holding the cash and cards in the holding area.
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of an identification (ID) holder modular section according to an exemplary embodiment. The ID holder modular section includes a frame around a card holding area. One or more panels of transparent plexiglass may be inserted into the card holding area to hold an identification card such as a user's driver's license sandwiched therebetween. The ID holder modular section further includes two integrated magnets for attracting and holding the ID holder modular section against the outer surface of the wallet modular section.
The ID holder further includes a kickstand prop 802 that acts to hold and position the end of the first clip 610 of the wallet section when the first clip 610 is rotated in the up orientation. In some embodiments, the user's identification card is held within the ID holder between the kickstand prop 800 adjacent a first side of the card and a panel of plexiglass mounted into a grove / slot 804 that surrounds an inner-facing edge of the frame. The ID holder further includes a plurality of second hinge knuckles and a hinge pin for mating with the corresponding plurality of first hinge knuckles of the wallet section.
FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of the ID holder modular section 800 of FIG. 9. The hinge bar 806 is seen more clearly from this angle as well as the slot 804 around the .. inner-facing edge of the ID holder perimeter. Either cards and/or transparent plexiglass can be inserted and held within slot 804 for holding items such as an ID card adjacent the kickstand prop 802.
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a lower surface of a cell phone case assembly 1000 formed by the ID holder 800 of FIGs. 8-9 mounted to the wallet holder modular section 500 of FIGs. 5-7, which is mounted to the protective cover 100 of FlGs. 1-4 according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the top surface of the cell phone case assembly of FIG.
11.
As illustrated in FIGs. 11 and 12, the structures including the outer-perimeter grooves and curves of the protective cover 100 and modular sections 500, 800 are adapted to allow the various modular sections 500, 800 to come together and be frictionally and mechanically held together in the lateral directions with the protective cover 100 such that the cover 100 and various modular sections 500, 800 are prevented from sliding adjacent to one another. For instance, the wallet holder modular section 500 cannot slide off the protective cover 100 once the wallet holder 500 and protective cover 100 are properly mounted together.
The magnets and/or other ferromagnetic material of the protective cover 100, wallet holder 500 and the ID holder section 500 attract toward each other and in this way the modular sections are generally prevented from being accidentally separated without separation force applied by the user.
For instance, the strong neodymium magnets exert a first force of attraction holding the assembly together that is greater than typical forces that might tend to pull the sections apart while the
7 assembly in a user's pocket or bag. In some embodiments, the magnets of the protective cover are orientated with their N-S poles having a same orientation of the N-S poles of the magnets in the wallet section and ID holder. In this way, for example the south poles of the protective cover magnets face the north poles of the wallet holder, and the south poles of the wallet holder face the north poles of the ID holder thereby causing the attractive magnetic forces to hold the assembly together.
FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the cell phone assembly 1000 of FIG. 11. As illustrated, neither the ID holder modular section nor the wallet modular section interfere with or otherwise impede the camera hole of the protective cover. Again, depending on the manufacture and model of the target cell phone, different configurations of the cell phone assembly including its consistent parts of the cover and modular sections can be developed and sold separately.
FIG. 14 illustrates a first exploded view of the cell phone assembly 1000 being mounted on a cell phone as seen from an angle above the cell phone 1300 and looking in the downwards direction.
FIG. 15 illustrates a second exploded view as seen from an angle below the cell phone 1300 and looking in the upwards direction. As illustrated, the protective cover mechanically mounts onto the cell phone and then the various modular and clip sections mount together both mechanically and magnetically to thereby form the assembly attached to the cell phone.
Beneficially, the assembly and disassembly processes is easily performed by the user. In some embodiments, mounting and dismounting the protective cover may require the user to bend back the corner of the protective cover in order to insert and/or remove the corresponding corner of the cell phone; however, assembly of the various modular sections merely requires the user to overcome the magnetic force while sliding or pulling the modular sections away from the protective cover and each other along the vertical line illustrated in the exploded views of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled configuration showing the cell phone assembly mounted on the cell phone 1300 by a user following the assembly processes illustrated in FIGs. 14 and 15. As shown, the various ports, buttons, cameras, microphones, and speakers of the cell phone are not obstructed by the cell phone assembly. The assembly adds only approximately 1-2cm of width in this embodiment and the assembly allows the user to store a variety of articles attached to the phone. The user may opt to store cash and cards in the wallet and ID modular sections and bring these sections attached to the protective cover instead of carrying a
FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the cell phone assembly 1000 of FIG. 11. As illustrated, neither the ID holder modular section nor the wallet modular section interfere with or otherwise impede the camera hole of the protective cover. Again, depending on the manufacture and model of the target cell phone, different configurations of the cell phone assembly including its consistent parts of the cover and modular sections can be developed and sold separately.
FIG. 14 illustrates a first exploded view of the cell phone assembly 1000 being mounted on a cell phone as seen from an angle above the cell phone 1300 and looking in the downwards direction.
FIG. 15 illustrates a second exploded view as seen from an angle below the cell phone 1300 and looking in the upwards direction. As illustrated, the protective cover mechanically mounts onto the cell phone and then the various modular and clip sections mount together both mechanically and magnetically to thereby form the assembly attached to the cell phone.
Beneficially, the assembly and disassembly processes is easily performed by the user. In some embodiments, mounting and dismounting the protective cover may require the user to bend back the corner of the protective cover in order to insert and/or remove the corresponding corner of the cell phone; however, assembly of the various modular sections merely requires the user to overcome the magnetic force while sliding or pulling the modular sections away from the protective cover and each other along the vertical line illustrated in the exploded views of FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.
FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled configuration showing the cell phone assembly mounted on the cell phone 1300 by a user following the assembly processes illustrated in FIGs. 14 and 15. As shown, the various ports, buttons, cameras, microphones, and speakers of the cell phone are not obstructed by the cell phone assembly. The assembly adds only approximately 1-2cm of width in this embodiment and the assembly allows the user to store a variety of articles attached to the phone. The user may opt to store cash and cards in the wallet and ID modular sections and bring these sections attached to the protective cover instead of carrying a
8 separate wallet in addition to the user's cell phone. In addition to the various items otherwise stored in the user's wallet, the assembly according to this embodiment also allows the user to store a plurality of other items such as a money clip, key tag, toothpick drawer, and iPhoneg dongle clip.
The assembly 1000 further includes a kickstand formed by the hinged ID holder modular section 800 and the first clip of the wallet section 500.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of deployment of the kickstand functionality of the assembly of FIG. 16. As shown, the first clip section 610 rotates upwards around the clip hinge and the ID
holder 800 rotates upward about the ID holder hinge. The end of the first clip section 610 meets with and is inserted into a corresponding clip slot 806 on the card holder.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view showing how the first clip section 610 is held captive within the loop slot 806 on the card holder when there is a card and / or transparent plexiglass held in the card holder. As illustrated, the end of the first clip section impact the card and/or plexiglass and is held in position by the loop slot 610. The combination of the first clip section rotated upwards and resting against the ID holder modular section together form a kickstand that allows the angled viewing of the cell phone by the user in different situations. As illustrated, a plurality of cards 1800 held in the wallet modular section 500 are fanned out in a staircase effect as a result of the staircase ridges 700 described earlier in FIG. 7.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a horizontal configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a vertical configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
Examples of methods of utilizing the cell phone case assembly according to exemplary embodiments are described in the following. These use-case methods each include a plurality of steps, which may be performed by a user. The steps are of course not restricted to the exact order described, and, in other configurations, described steps may be omitted or other intermediate steps added. In an exemplary embodiment, a user attaches the protective cover to their cell phone such the protective cover wraps around all sides of the cell phone besides the screen-side. In some
The assembly 1000 further includes a kickstand formed by the hinged ID holder modular section 800 and the first clip of the wallet section 500.
FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of deployment of the kickstand functionality of the assembly of FIG. 16. As shown, the first clip section 610 rotates upwards around the clip hinge and the ID
holder 800 rotates upward about the ID holder hinge. The end of the first clip section 610 meets with and is inserted into a corresponding clip slot 806 on the card holder.
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view showing how the first clip section 610 is held captive within the loop slot 806 on the card holder when there is a card and / or transparent plexiglass held in the card holder. As illustrated, the end of the first clip section impact the card and/or plexiglass and is held in position by the loop slot 610. The combination of the first clip section rotated upwards and resting against the ID holder modular section together form a kickstand that allows the angled viewing of the cell phone by the user in different situations. As illustrated, a plurality of cards 1800 held in the wallet modular section 500 are fanned out in a staircase effect as a result of the staircase ridges 700 described earlier in FIG. 7.
FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a horizontal configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of the kickstand functionality enabling viewing the cell phone in a vertical configuration on a flat surface such as a table top according to an exemplary embodiment.
Examples of methods of utilizing the cell phone case assembly according to exemplary embodiments are described in the following. These use-case methods each include a plurality of steps, which may be performed by a user. The steps are of course not restricted to the exact order described, and, in other configurations, described steps may be omitted or other intermediate steps added. In an exemplary embodiment, a user attaches the protective cover to their cell phone such the protective cover wraps around all sides of the cell phone besides the screen-side. In some
9 embodiments, an initial step of utilizing the cell phone case assembly involves installing the cell phone into the protective cover.
Because of the strong magnets embedded within the protective cover in some embodiments, once the cell phone is installed in the case, the protective cover enables the user to affix their cell phone to external ferromagnetic surfaces such as a metal wall, a car body, a fridge, a door, etc. For instance, a metal surface on the dashboard of a car may act as a mount and allow affixing the user's cell phone to the dashboard for hands free usage while driving. Other examples include allowing the cell phone to be attached to the metal outside of a car or engine for automotive work, to the bathroom wall for listening to music while showering, as well as all manner of taking selfie pictures by affixing the phone to a metal surface or even to mount the phone to a fridge for recipes. The modular sections of the cell phone case assembly are magnetically detachable from the protective cover and may be kept in the user's pocket or another location while the cell phone is desired to be used separately by the user.
In another example use case, a user may replace a bulky standalone wallet with the wallet modular section of the assembly. Cash, cards, stylus, toothpicks and other items such building FOBs may affixed to the wallet modular section. The wallet modular section may be easily attached to the protective cover by a user moving the two within a predetermined distance of one another in order that the magnetic forces pull the two together. The locking protrusions enter the slots and help secure the attachment. The user may keep their cell phone and wallet modular section attached and stored in a pocket or bag for easy retrieval. If a situation occurs where the user wishes to separate their wallet items from the phone, the magnetic attachment is trivial to pull apart and the wallet modular section is thereby separated from the protective cover. This may be convenient in situations where the user wishes to loan their cell phone to another user.
A plurality of different modular sections may be developed in a similar manner to support user requirements for different applications. For instance, a certain type of user such as a specialized occupation (e.g., police, military, office worker, delivery person) may require certain attachments and any number of different modular sections may be developed as required to support said users.
In some embodiments, each of the modular sections includes ferromagnetic material, either a strong magnet and/or a metal plate, in order to allow attachment to other modular sections and / or the protective cover the cell phone case assembly.
The ID holder modular section is an example of a specialised modular section that can beneficially attach to either the wallet section and/or to the protective cover directly.
The ID holder is beneficial for situations where ID is required but it is not required to bring a large number of other cards and cash. For instance, a person may need their cell phone and a single piece of ID in order to enter a minor-free (adult only) venue or location but may not require any other cards or cash. Electronic payments may be performed utilizing RFID, network-connected software applications, or other payment functionality provided by the cell phone. However, ID is required and can be attached magnetically to the user's cell phone without worry of the card getting lost if kept loose in the user's pocket. In such situations, the user may detach the wallet modular section for storage at the user's home, and the ID holder modular section is attached directly to protective cover for a particular event. Likewise, the ID holder section itself is magnetically detachable from the cell phone at any time and can therefore beneficially be handed to a third-party such as an official of the venue in order to perform an ID check without requiring the user to also hand over their cell phone.
In an exemplary embodiment, a cell phone assembly is formed by a protective cover that affixes in a mechanical manner to a cell phone and one or more modular sections that attach and detach to the protective cover and / or other modular sections in the assembly. Magnets and ferromagnetic material is integrated in the protective cover and the modular sections allow interchangeability and stacking different modular sections in different orders and in different configurations on the protective cover. The modular sections may include any number of user convenience features including but not limited to a wallet section modular section for holding cash, cards, and a stylus, pen, or other pointing instrument. The cash and cards are secured within the wallet section using a magnetic clip that is divided into two clip sections that are hinged together.
A separate ID holder section is included and is magnetically stackable on the wallet section, and the ID holder and wallet sections are mechanically hinged together thereby allowing the ID holder to pivot away from the wallet holder section while still being mechanically attached in order to act as a kickstand. The kickstand may be secured in the deployed position by the first clip of the wallet section being rotated into a slot on the ID holder. The second clip of the wallet section still holds cards and cash secure in the wallet section even when the kickstand is deployed. The kickstand allows the cell phone to stand on a table surface with viewing orientations of the cell phone screen in either one of a user desired vertical or horizonal positions. Besides clips for a stylus, the wallet modular section includes one or more drawers for storing items such as toothpicks, gum, medicine, keys, pH and other strips for drink testing, etc. Other modular sections may include one or more eyelets for attaching to external objects such as keys and building FOBs utilizing a cord. Any number of other modular sections can be developed in a similar manner for other user convenience functions and each modular section can include ferromagnetic plates and / or magnets to allow stacking with other modular sections and/or of the protective cover in the assembly. Examples include emergency battery bank, a pressure depth sensor with deployable airbag release to recover phones dropped into lakes and oceans, RFID blocking/jamming chip holders, etc.
In an exemplary embodiment, a cell phone assembly includes a protective cover for affixing to a cell phone and magnetically detachable modular sections. Ferromagnetic material including magnets and metals allow interchangeability and stacking modular sections in different configurations on the protective cover. The modular sections include any number of user-convenience features including but not limited to a wallet section modular section for holding cash, cards, and a stylus, pen, or other pointing instrument. The cash and cards are secured within the wallet section using a magnetic clip that is divided into two magnetic clip sections hinged together.
An ID holder section is magnetically stackable on the wallet section, and the ID holder and wallet sections are hinged together thereby allowing the ID holder to pivot away from the wallet holder section while still being mechanically attached to act as a kickstand. The kickstand enables propping the phone on a surface in vertical or horizontal viewing orientations.
Although the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, although the above examples have shown the wallet section attaching move magnetically utilizing magnets and mechanically utilizing the positioning protrusions and slots, in other embodiments, the mechanical positioning slots may be removed and only magnetic attachment may be utilized.
Similarly, although the ID holder modular section is shown only utilizing magnetic attachment, in other embodiments, both magnetics and mechanical attachment means such as the protrusions and slots may be included. In yet other embodiments, certain modular sections or portions thereof may be desirable to be attached only utilizing mechanical means without requiring magnets. For instance, a FOB holder may be attached to an eyelet provided on the wallet modular section utilizing a mechanical cord or snap without magnets.
In yet another example of a modification, although the above description has focused on each of the protective cover and modular sections of the assembly including magnets, other embodiments are also possible. For instance, in another embodiment, the protective cover and the ID holder section include magnets while the wallet section includes a metal plate for attracting the magnets.
The locations of the ferromagnetic elements may be reversed or changed in other embodiments.
For instance, to maximize interchangeability, it may be desirable in some embodiments to include magnets in all of the protective cover and various modular sections. As long as the magnetic pole orientations are consistent between the various sections, the sections may be attached to each other in any order and in any combination. For instance, a plurality of three modular sections may be stacked together and attached to the protective cover with the modular sections in any order. In other embodiments, the protective cover includes only a metal plate while one or more of the modular sections include magnets for magnetically attaching to the protective cover. Although omitting the magnetics in the protective cover results in the inability to magnetically attach the cell phone to metal surfaces without the use of at least one intermediate modular assemble, the lack of magnets and metal surface of the protective cover may be beneficial in some applications where instruments or portions of the cell phone electronics may be sensitive to magnetic fields. Typical cell phones use flash memory and are not generally sensitive to magnetic fields even at close proximity; however, some cell phones may include other magnetically sensitive instruments such as a compass for direction finding. An amount of magnetic shielding (i.e., magnetic field bending) may be effected by omitting the magnetics and instead only utilizing metal in the protective cover.
The ferromagnetic materials around the cell phone and modular sections in particular the wallet and ID card holder sections may also facilitate RFID blocking to prevent card information from being read by a third-party for privacy purposes. In yet other embodiments, the wallet modular section or another modular section includes an RF1D jammer to actively prevent RFID information from being received from third-party receivers.
All combinations and permutations of the above described features and embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with the invention.
Because of the strong magnets embedded within the protective cover in some embodiments, once the cell phone is installed in the case, the protective cover enables the user to affix their cell phone to external ferromagnetic surfaces such as a metal wall, a car body, a fridge, a door, etc. For instance, a metal surface on the dashboard of a car may act as a mount and allow affixing the user's cell phone to the dashboard for hands free usage while driving. Other examples include allowing the cell phone to be attached to the metal outside of a car or engine for automotive work, to the bathroom wall for listening to music while showering, as well as all manner of taking selfie pictures by affixing the phone to a metal surface or even to mount the phone to a fridge for recipes. The modular sections of the cell phone case assembly are magnetically detachable from the protective cover and may be kept in the user's pocket or another location while the cell phone is desired to be used separately by the user.
In another example use case, a user may replace a bulky standalone wallet with the wallet modular section of the assembly. Cash, cards, stylus, toothpicks and other items such building FOBs may affixed to the wallet modular section. The wallet modular section may be easily attached to the protective cover by a user moving the two within a predetermined distance of one another in order that the magnetic forces pull the two together. The locking protrusions enter the slots and help secure the attachment. The user may keep their cell phone and wallet modular section attached and stored in a pocket or bag for easy retrieval. If a situation occurs where the user wishes to separate their wallet items from the phone, the magnetic attachment is trivial to pull apart and the wallet modular section is thereby separated from the protective cover. This may be convenient in situations where the user wishes to loan their cell phone to another user.
A plurality of different modular sections may be developed in a similar manner to support user requirements for different applications. For instance, a certain type of user such as a specialized occupation (e.g., police, military, office worker, delivery person) may require certain attachments and any number of different modular sections may be developed as required to support said users.
In some embodiments, each of the modular sections includes ferromagnetic material, either a strong magnet and/or a metal plate, in order to allow attachment to other modular sections and / or the protective cover the cell phone case assembly.
The ID holder modular section is an example of a specialised modular section that can beneficially attach to either the wallet section and/or to the protective cover directly.
The ID holder is beneficial for situations where ID is required but it is not required to bring a large number of other cards and cash. For instance, a person may need their cell phone and a single piece of ID in order to enter a minor-free (adult only) venue or location but may not require any other cards or cash. Electronic payments may be performed utilizing RFID, network-connected software applications, or other payment functionality provided by the cell phone. However, ID is required and can be attached magnetically to the user's cell phone without worry of the card getting lost if kept loose in the user's pocket. In such situations, the user may detach the wallet modular section for storage at the user's home, and the ID holder modular section is attached directly to protective cover for a particular event. Likewise, the ID holder section itself is magnetically detachable from the cell phone at any time and can therefore beneficially be handed to a third-party such as an official of the venue in order to perform an ID check without requiring the user to also hand over their cell phone.
In an exemplary embodiment, a cell phone assembly is formed by a protective cover that affixes in a mechanical manner to a cell phone and one or more modular sections that attach and detach to the protective cover and / or other modular sections in the assembly. Magnets and ferromagnetic material is integrated in the protective cover and the modular sections allow interchangeability and stacking different modular sections in different orders and in different configurations on the protective cover. The modular sections may include any number of user convenience features including but not limited to a wallet section modular section for holding cash, cards, and a stylus, pen, or other pointing instrument. The cash and cards are secured within the wallet section using a magnetic clip that is divided into two clip sections that are hinged together.
A separate ID holder section is included and is magnetically stackable on the wallet section, and the ID holder and wallet sections are mechanically hinged together thereby allowing the ID holder to pivot away from the wallet holder section while still being mechanically attached in order to act as a kickstand. The kickstand may be secured in the deployed position by the first clip of the wallet section being rotated into a slot on the ID holder. The second clip of the wallet section still holds cards and cash secure in the wallet section even when the kickstand is deployed. The kickstand allows the cell phone to stand on a table surface with viewing orientations of the cell phone screen in either one of a user desired vertical or horizonal positions. Besides clips for a stylus, the wallet modular section includes one or more drawers for storing items such as toothpicks, gum, medicine, keys, pH and other strips for drink testing, etc. Other modular sections may include one or more eyelets for attaching to external objects such as keys and building FOBs utilizing a cord. Any number of other modular sections can be developed in a similar manner for other user convenience functions and each modular section can include ferromagnetic plates and / or magnets to allow stacking with other modular sections and/or of the protective cover in the assembly. Examples include emergency battery bank, a pressure depth sensor with deployable airbag release to recover phones dropped into lakes and oceans, RFID blocking/jamming chip holders, etc.
In an exemplary embodiment, a cell phone assembly includes a protective cover for affixing to a cell phone and magnetically detachable modular sections. Ferromagnetic material including magnets and metals allow interchangeability and stacking modular sections in different configurations on the protective cover. The modular sections include any number of user-convenience features including but not limited to a wallet section modular section for holding cash, cards, and a stylus, pen, or other pointing instrument. The cash and cards are secured within the wallet section using a magnetic clip that is divided into two magnetic clip sections hinged together.
An ID holder section is magnetically stackable on the wallet section, and the ID holder and wallet sections are hinged together thereby allowing the ID holder to pivot away from the wallet holder section while still being mechanically attached to act as a kickstand. The kickstand enables propping the phone on a surface in vertical or horizontal viewing orientations.
Although the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications, additions and alterations may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, although the above examples have shown the wallet section attaching move magnetically utilizing magnets and mechanically utilizing the positioning protrusions and slots, in other embodiments, the mechanical positioning slots may be removed and only magnetic attachment may be utilized.
Similarly, although the ID holder modular section is shown only utilizing magnetic attachment, in other embodiments, both magnetics and mechanical attachment means such as the protrusions and slots may be included. In yet other embodiments, certain modular sections or portions thereof may be desirable to be attached only utilizing mechanical means without requiring magnets. For instance, a FOB holder may be attached to an eyelet provided on the wallet modular section utilizing a mechanical cord or snap without magnets.
In yet another example of a modification, although the above description has focused on each of the protective cover and modular sections of the assembly including magnets, other embodiments are also possible. For instance, in another embodiment, the protective cover and the ID holder section include magnets while the wallet section includes a metal plate for attracting the magnets.
The locations of the ferromagnetic elements may be reversed or changed in other embodiments.
For instance, to maximize interchangeability, it may be desirable in some embodiments to include magnets in all of the protective cover and various modular sections. As long as the magnetic pole orientations are consistent between the various sections, the sections may be attached to each other in any order and in any combination. For instance, a plurality of three modular sections may be stacked together and attached to the protective cover with the modular sections in any order. In other embodiments, the protective cover includes only a metal plate while one or more of the modular sections include magnets for magnetically attaching to the protective cover. Although omitting the magnetics in the protective cover results in the inability to magnetically attach the cell phone to metal surfaces without the use of at least one intermediate modular assemble, the lack of magnets and metal surface of the protective cover may be beneficial in some applications where instruments or portions of the cell phone electronics may be sensitive to magnetic fields. Typical cell phones use flash memory and are not generally sensitive to magnetic fields even at close proximity; however, some cell phones may include other magnetically sensitive instruments such as a compass for direction finding. An amount of magnetic shielding (i.e., magnetic field bending) may be effected by omitting the magnetics and instead only utilizing metal in the protective cover.
The ferromagnetic materials around the cell phone and modular sections in particular the wallet and ID card holder sections may also facilitate RFID blocking to prevent card information from being read by a third-party for privacy purposes. In yet other embodiments, the wallet modular section or another modular section includes an RF1D jammer to actively prevent RFID information from being received from third-party receivers.
All combinations and permutations of the above described features and embodiments may be utilized in conjunction with the invention.
Claims (16)
1. A cell phone case assembly comprising:
a protective cover including a first ferromagnetic element, the protective cover adapted to affix to a cell phone and including a flat section that runs across a back side of the cell phone, the first ferromagnetic element being included in the flat section; and a first modular section adapted to physically rest adjacent the flat section of the protective cover and including a second ferromagnetic element;
wherein the first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element are magnetically attracted to each other by a magnetic force; and the first modular section is completely detachable from the protective cover by a user pulling the first modular section away from the protective cover with a physical force overcoming the magnetic force.
a protective cover including a first ferromagnetic element, the protective cover adapted to affix to a cell phone and including a flat section that runs across a back side of the cell phone, the first ferromagnetic element being included in the flat section; and a first modular section adapted to physically rest adjacent the flat section of the protective cover and including a second ferromagnetic element;
wherein the first ferromagnetic element and the second ferromagnetic element are magnetically attracted to each other by a magnetic force; and the first modular section is completely detachable from the protective cover by a user pulling the first modular section away from the protective cover with a physical force overcoming the magnetic force.
2. The cell phone case assembly of claim 1, wherein:
the protective cover and the first modular section further include one or more protrusions and corresponding positioning slots; and a protrusion on one of the protective cover and the first modular section enters a corresponding positioning slot on the other of the protective cover the first modular section when the first modular section is held adjacent the flat section by the magnetic force.
the protective cover and the first modular section further include one or more protrusions and corresponding positioning slots; and a protrusion on one of the protective cover and the first modular section enters a corresponding positioning slot on the other of the protective cover the first modular section when the first modular section is held adjacent the flat section by the magnetic force.
3. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a plurality of modular sections, wherein the first modular section is one of the plurality of modular sections and each of the modular sections including second ferromagnetic elements.
4. The cell phone case assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of the modular sections is a wallet modular section.
5. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein at least one of the modular sections is an ID holder modular section.
6. The cell phone case assembly of claim 5, wherein the wallet modular section is stackable and magnetically held onto the flat section of the protective cover and the ID
holder modular section is stackable and magnetically held onto the wallet modular section.
holder modular section is stackable and magnetically held onto the wallet modular section.
7. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:
the modular section includes a clip formed by a first clip section and a second clip section; and the first clip section is mechanically hinged to the second clip section by a clip hinge thereby allowing the first clip section to rotate around clip hinge to an angle substantially perpendicular with the second clip section.
the modular section includes a clip formed by a first clip section and a second clip section; and the first clip section is mechanically hinged to the second clip section by a clip hinge thereby allowing the first clip section to rotate around clip hinge to an angle substantially perpendicular with the second clip section.
8. The cell phone case assembly of claim 7, further comprising:
a second modular section;
wherein the second modular section is mechanically hinged to the first modular section such that the second modular section is rotatable away from the first modular section to act as a deployed kickstand; and the first clip section rotated around the clip hinge allows an end of the first clip section to enter into a clip slot on the second modular section rotated as the deployed kickstand.
a second modular section;
wherein the second modular section is mechanically hinged to the first modular section such that the second modular section is rotatable away from the first modular section to act as a deployed kickstand; and the first clip section rotated around the clip hinge allows an end of the first clip section to enter into a clip slot on the second modular section rotated as the deployed kickstand.
9. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first modular section includes a toothpick holder.
10. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first modular section includes one or more clips for holding a stylus.
11. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first modular section includes a drawer for storing items therein.
12. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first modular section includes a money clip for storing cash bills.
13. The cell phone case assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first modular section includes an eyelet for attaching an external item to the first modular section.
14. An apparatus as shown and described herein.
15. A system as shown and described herein.
16. A method as shown and described herein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3032676A CA3032676A1 (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2019-02-05 | Cell phone case with magnetically removable modular sections and assembly thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3032676A CA3032676A1 (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2019-02-05 | Cell phone case with magnetically removable modular sections and assembly thereof |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA3032676A1 true CA3032676A1 (en) | 2020-08-05 |
Family
ID=71946856
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA3032676A Abandoned CA3032676A1 (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2019-02-05 | Cell phone case with magnetically removable modular sections and assembly thereof |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA3032676A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114422633A (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2022-04-29 | 广东安拓普聚合物科技有限公司 | Mobile phone protective sleeve, mobile phone protective sleeve recycling method and equipment |
| US20230194044A1 (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-06-22 | Ibenzer Inc. | Protective Case with a Deployable Stand |
-
2019
- 2019-02-05 CA CA3032676A patent/CA3032676A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20230194044A1 (en) * | 2021-12-17 | 2023-06-22 | Ibenzer Inc. | Protective Case with a Deployable Stand |
| CN114422633A (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2022-04-29 | 广东安拓普聚合物科技有限公司 | Mobile phone protective sleeve, mobile phone protective sleeve recycling method and equipment |
| CN114422633B (en) * | 2022-03-31 | 2022-06-14 | 广东安拓普聚合物科技有限公司 | Mobile phone protective sleeve, mobile phone protective sleeve recycling method and equipment |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20220805 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20220805 |