CN117897855A - Temperature adjusting shell - Google Patents

Abstract

A temperature regulated housing for engaging a portable electronic device is provided. The temperature regulating housing includes a shell for engaging the portable electronic device. The housing includes at least one heating element aligned with the back of the portable electronic device for heating the electronic device when in use at low temperatures.

Description

Temperature adjusting shell

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/224,864 entitled "temperature regulated heating housing" filed 7/23/2022 and U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/287,964 entitled "temperature regulated housing" filed 12/2021, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a temperature regulating housing for a portable electronic device, and more particularly to a housing comprising at least one heating element for maintaining a predetermined temperature within the temperature regulating housing and/or an electronic device housed in the housing.

Background

Portable electronic devices, including tablet computers, such as iPAD, iPAD air, and iPAD mini; smart phones such as iPhones and Android phones; a mobile telephone; and personal computers, all of which are typically battery powered so that a user can carry them and use them as desired, including when working indoors and outdoors, and when operating a vehicle such as an airplane, boat, truck, train or automobile. Typically, these devices provide information to the user, and for many users such devices have become a required tool for work, navigation, and general daily use. Such devices are also used to process sales transactions, track inventory, perform data entry, and for other business purposes, which require long-term continuous use of portable electronic devices both indoors and outdoors.

In use, if the electronic device is exposed to cold, it may become problematic. If the electronic device becomes too cold for a long time, it may be turned off or shut down. Currently, if the device becomes too cold, the only option for the user is to bring the device into a warmer environment and increase its internal temperature. For example, the device may be heated by placing the device in a pocket of the user. Once the internal temperature of the device rises, it can automatically reopen if there is no permanent damage. Exposure of electronic devices to extreme coldness may affect, for example, the aeronautical operations of business cold food producers, cold food transportation and storage workers, warehouse workers whose temperatures may reach-18F, and/or cold climate airports. There is a need for portable electronic devices that are used at colder temperatures and for extended periods of time without interruption from exposure to extreme cold.

Disclosure of Invention

A temperature regulated housing for engaging a portable electronic device is provided. The temperature regulating housing includes a shell for engaging the portable electronic device and at least one heating element positioned in the shell in alignment with the back of the portable electronic device for heating the electronic device when in use at low temperatures. The heating element may be any number of different types of heating elements, for example, the heating element may be a flexible heating pad, or in another example, a peltier plate. The heating element may be in direct contact with the portable electronic device or positioned behind the electronic device with a thermally conductive plate or cover positioned between the heating element and the electronic device. The temperature adjustment housing may also include a temperature sensor located near or in contact with the back of the electronic device. Further, the temperature regulation housing may include a proportional integral derivative ("PID") temperature controller in communication with the temperature sensor.

In another example, the temperature adjustment housing may include a top housing and a bottom housing. The top housing is for covering a peripheral edge of a top of the portable electronic device and includes an opening for a screen of the portable electronic device. The bottom housing includes a receptacle for receiving a portable electronic device. The bottom housing further includes at least one heating element, at least one battery, a power switch, and a circuit board in communication with the at least one heating element, the at least one battery, and the power switch. The at least one heating element is positioned in the bottom housing in alignment with the back side of the portable electronic device for heating the electronic device when in use at low temperatures.

The heating element may be a flexible heating pad or a peltier plate. The heating element may be positioned on the back of the portable electronic device opposite the screen and may be positioned in direct contact with the surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen. The at least one heating element, the at least one battery, the power switch, and the circuit board may all be located below the portable electronic device when engaged with the temperature adjustment housing.

In yet another example of an embodiment, a temperature regulating housing includes a top housing and a bottom housing. The top housing covers a peripheral edge of a top of the portable electronic device and has an opening for a screen of the portable electronic device. The bottom housing includes at least one heating element and a temperature sensor located behind the portable electronic device. The bottom housing further includes at least one battery, a power switch, and a circuit board in communication with the at least one heating element, the at least one battery, the power switch, and the temperature sensor. As with the other examples, the at least one heating element may be a flexible heating pad, or in another example, a peltier plate. The at least one heating element may be in direct contact with a surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen. In addition, the temperature sensor may also be in direct contact with a surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen.

The temperature-regulating housing may further comprise a second temperature sensor for monitoring the ambient air temperature outside the temperature-regulating housing. The second temperature sensor is in communication with the circuit board. The temperature regulation housing may also include a PID temperature controller in communication with the first temperature sensor and/or the second temperature sensor. Finally, the temperature adjustment housing may further include a cable in communication with the circuit board and the battery for connecting to a charging adapter of the electronic device to charge the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is in the temperature adjustment housing.

Other devices, systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with 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 description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

The invention may be better understood by reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the top right side of one example of an embodiment of a temperature adjustment housing of the present invention, which appears to engage an iPhone.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the top left side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of one example of an embodiment of a temperature adjustment housing of the present invention, which appears to engage an iPad.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the right side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a rear view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the left side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 12 is a top perspective exploded view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5.

Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of one example of an embodiment of a temperature adjustment housing of the present invention, which appears to engage an iPhone.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the right side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 16 is a rear view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 17 is a side view of the left side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 18 is a front view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13.

Fig. 21 is a flowchart describing one exemplary method for controlling the operation of the temperature-regulated housing of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a temperature regulating housing for portable electronic devices including, but not limited to, tablet computers such as iPAD, iPAD air and iPAD mini; smart phones such as iPhones and Android phones; a mobile phone; and personal computers (each being "electronic devices") that not only will extend product life, but also prevent critical temperature shutdown and general supercooling of the device. As further illustrated and explained below, in one example, the present invention is a heating housing that provides at least one heating element positioned within the housing such that the at least one heating element is aligned with a back side of an electronic device. In some applications, the heating element may be one or more heating pads. The heating pad may be in the form of a flexible film pad, a heating plate or other known heating elements. In other examples, the heating element may be a peltier plate or other physical heating element that generates heat through the process of joule heating or the peltier effect. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the temperature regulating housing can heat and cool the portable electronic device when a peltier plate is used.

In one example, the temperature regulating housing includes a bottom housing and a top housing for housing an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is housed in the housing, and a screen and buttons of the electronic device are accessible through the housing. In addition to the heater pads, the bottom housing also includes a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board ("PCB") board or an integrated circuit ("IC"), which may include a microprocessor or controller, and a battery for providing power to the heater pads and the circuit board. A power button and a power adapter are also provided. In one example, the top and bottom housings are removably attached and held together by friction fit, screws and nuts, snaps, or other known mechanisms for removably securing the top and bottom housings together.

The device may also include a temperature probe for adjusting the temperature of the electronic device to determine when to turn the heating pad on and off. The battery may be rechargeable, replaceable and/or exchangeable and may also be designed as a cartridge-type battery. The temperature adjustment housing may also include a battery life indicator and a power on/off indicator. The housing design may allow access to a charging port of the electronic device and separately allow access to the charging port to charge a battery of the housing. Alternatively, the electronic device may be plugged into an electrical connector integrated into the housing to allow the electronic device to draw power from the housing battery. A separate port is then provided for charging the housing battery.

The temperature regulating housing is a protective housing designed to protect the device in case of a drop or impact of the device. The housing is desirably designed to support the electronic device for use to allow the device to be attached to a belt or other apparatus for portability. The temperature regulated housing allows camera access and touch screen access for scanning. Waterproof and dust-proof connection products are also recommended in the design.

The invention may also optionally include a probe having a temperature sensitive head that is mounted on the back of the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is engaged within the housing. The temperature sensitive probe may detect when the ambient temperature or the temperature of the portable electronic device reaches some predetermined level and begin heating the device.

In one example, the heating pad may include a thermistor that feeds a PID loop to control the power supplied to the heater to maintain a set temperature. Sensors may also be provided to monitor the ambient temperature, the temperature of the circuit board, the temperature of the battery and the temperature of the heater. Based on the sensed temperature, the system may be programmed to stop heating, start heating, activate preheating, or change the power supplied to the heating element.

To help maintain the temperature within the temperature regulating housing, the housing may be designed from materials having known insulating properties, and the various electronic components and edges of the housing may be further surrounded by materials having insulating properties, such as neoprene liners or fabric sheets.

Optionally, the present invention may also include a magnet mounting assembly for quick mounting and release of the portable electronic device to and from various objects, including brackets, clamps and/or retainers (i.e., support mounts) to support the portable electronic device in a raised position at various angles. The magnet mounting assembly may be attached to the back of the temperature control unit or the back of the portable device by, for example, engaging a protective perimeter housing. The mount may also include a ping-pong pin or other electrical connector for powering the temperature adjustment housing and/or the portable electronic device when the magnet mounting assembly is connected to the support mount.

Fig. 1-4 show an example of an embodiment of a temperature-regulating housing. Fig. 5-12 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention designed for iPad. Fig. 13-20 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention designed for use with an iPhone. Finally, fig. 21 shows an example flow chart illustrating the operation of the present invention to control the temperature of the housing and/or the electronic device.

Turning now to fig. 1-4, fig. 1 is a top right side top perspective view of one example of an embodiment of a temperature adjustment housing 100 ("housing or shell") of the present invention, which appears to engage an iPhone. In this example, the housing 100 includes a bottom enclosure 102 and a top enclosure 104 for receiving an electronic device 105, wherein a screen is accessible through an opening in the top enclosure 104. The top housing 102 and the bottom housing 104 are removably attached and may be held together by friction fit, screws and nuts, snaps, hinges, or other known mechanisms (or any combination thereof) capable of removably securing the top housing 104 and the bottom housing 102 together. Here, the nut 108 is shown securing the top housing 104 and the bottom housing 102 to each other. The housing 100 also includes a button adapter 106 for engaging a button of the electronic device 105, in this example, a volume up/volume down button on an iPhone. Although not shown, an opening may also be provided for engaging a mute switch on a new version of iPhone.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the top left side of the temperature adjustment housing 100 of fig. 1. Similar to fig. 1, the bottom housing 102 and the top housing 104 are shown as housing a portable electronic device 105. Fig. 2 shows a second button adapter 107 for engaging a button of the electronic device 105, which in this example is an on/off/lock button on an iPhone.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the temperature-adjusting housing 100 of fig. 1. As shown in fig. 3, the housing 100 also includes one or more heating pads 110, the one or more heating pads 110 being located directly below the electronic device 105 within the housing 100. The bottom housing 102 includes a cavity for a circuit board 112, such as a printed circuit board ("PCB") or integrated circuit ("IC") that may include a controller, microprocessor, or microcontroller. The cavity may also house at least one or more batteries 114 to provide power to the heating pad 110 and the circuit board 112. A power button/switch 116 is also provided for opening and closing the temperature adjustment housing. A power adapter is also provided on the housing for charging the battery 114.

The bottom housing 102 also includes a window or camera opening 118 for exposing a camera 400 (see fig. 4) on the iPhone 105. Also in this example, the bottom housing 104 includes screw holes 116 for alignment with corresponding openings in the top housing 102. Here, thumb screws and nuts 108 are provided for removably securing the top housing 104 with the bottom housing 102. Similar openings may also be included on the opposite end of the housing 100 for removably securing the opposite end with fasteners.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the temperature adjustment housing 100 of fig. 1. As shown, the power button 116 is accessible from the bottom housing 104. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the location of the power button 116 in any of the figures of any of the embodiments provided herein is not limiting, as the power button 116 may be located anywhere on the bottom housing 104. The power button 116 communicates with the circuit board 112 to open and close the adjustment housing 100. The first button adapter 106 and the second button adapter 107 are also shown protruding from the sides of the bottom housing 104. Camera 400 of iPhone105 is also shown through window or camera opening 118. Finally, in fig. 4, pins or posts 404 on the top housing 104 are shown extending through top openings 404 in the bottom housing 104. In addition to the thumbscrew and nut 108, a post 402 extending through a top opening 404 may help align the top housing 102 with the bottom housing 104. The post 402 passing through the top opening 404 may create a snap or friction fit between the top housing 104 and the bottom housing 102, or the post 402 may include threads and extend beyond the lower surface of the bottom housing 102 for engaging a male component, which may further secure the top housing 104 to the bottom housing 104.

Turning now to fig. 5-12, another embodiment of the present invention designed for iPad is shown. Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of the temperature adjustment housing 500 as it appears to be engaged with the iPad 505. Similar to the temperature regulating housing 100 used with the iPhone105, the housing 500 includes a bottom housing 502 and a top housing 504 for housing an electronic device 505, in this example, a tablet computer, such as an iPad, with a screen accessible through an opening in the top housing 504. The housing 500 also includes a button adapter 506 for engaging a volume button of the electronic device 505.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the right side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 5. The bottom housing 502 includes a battery compartment 620 and a power compartment 622 for housing a power switch 1206 (fig. 12) and an optional power indicator light 902 (fig. 9). Also shown is an optional mount 624 that may be removably secured to an outer surface of the bottom housing 502 and may provide independent power and data to the temperature regulating housing and/or electronics. A second button adapter 507 for engaging an on/off/lock button on the iPad505 is also shown. As with the temperature adjustment housing 100 of fig. 1-4, the top and bottom shells 504, 502 are removably attached and may be held together by friction fit, screws and nuts, hinges, snaps, or other known mechanisms for removably securing the top and bottom shells 502, 504 together. Here, a clasp 626 is provided for aligning and securing the top housing 102 and the bottom housing 104 to each other.

Fig. 7 is a rear view of the temperature-adjusting housing 500 of fig. 5. Clasp 626 is shown positioned at the rear of housing 500 for engaging top housing 504 and bottom housing 502. A power adapter 700 for powering the batteries in the battery compartment 620 is also shown. As shown in fig. 7 and further described below in connection with fig. 12, the battery compartment in this example is two separate components: a battery 702 and an electrical compartment 704.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the left side of the temperature adjustment housing 500 of fig. 5, further showing the top and bottom shells 504, 502, the battery compartment 620, the power compartment 622, and the clasp 626. Here, a first button adapter 506 for a volume button on an iPad and a second button adapter 507 for an on/off/lock switch 507 are shown.

Fig. 9 is a front view of the temperature-adjusting housing 500 of fig. 5. Here, a power switch 900 and optional indicator light 902 are shown on the power compartment 622. A second button adapter 507 for an on/off/lock switch is also shown.

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the temperature adjustment housing 500 of fig. 5. A window or camera opening 1000 can be seen on the bottom housing 502 to expose the camera of the electronic device 505. A mount 624, which may be removably secured to a lower surface of the bottom housing 502, is secured to the bottom housing 502. Battery compartment 620, power compartment 622, and clasp 626 are also shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the temperature adjustment housing 500 of fig. 5. The mount 624 may include electrical components and/or data connections 1100 for powering the iPad or housing 500 and/or transmitting data to and receiving data from the iPad505 or housing 500.

Fig. 12 is a top perspective exploded view of the temperature adjustment housing 500 of fig. 5. As best shown in fig. 12, the housing 500 also includes a heater mat 1200 located directly below the electronics 505 within the housing 500. A support plate 505 is also provided in the bottom housing 502 to support the iPad in the shell 500. The support plate 505 includes an opening for the heating plate 510 to extend through to contact the bottom of the electronic device 505.

Attached to the underside of the bottom housing 502 is a battery pack and/or a battery compartment 702 containing at least one battery or a plurality of batteries. The battery pack 702 communicates with an electrical compartment 704 for housing a circuit board having a controller or microcontroller 1214. Attached to the underside of the bottom housing is a support bracket 1204 for engagement with the battery pack 702 so that it can be removed and recharged separately. The battery pack and the electrical compartment together form a battery compartment 620. A power compartment 622 in communication with the circuit board 1214 is also attached to the underside of the bottom housing 502. The power compartment 622 includes a power switch 900 and a power/charge indicator light 902 for turning the temperature regulating housing on and off.

The at least one battery 702 provides power to a circuit board 1214, which circuit board 1214 communicates with the heater mat 1200 and also controls the power supplied to the heater mat 1200. A power adapter 700 is also provided to charge the battery 702 and/or the electronic device 505. Optionally, a USB-C cable 1206 (or similar power cord) is provided in communication with the battery 702. The cable 1206 may be electrically connected to a charging port of the iPad so that the battery 702 may charge and provide power to operate the temperature adjustment housing 500.

In the example shown, the top and bottom housings 504, 502 are detachably connected and held together by a clamping mechanism 626 in this example. In this example, the clamping mechanism 626 includes two or more U-shaped clips 1208. Clip 1208 engages a lip 1210 on bottom housing 502 and a notch 1212 on top housing 504. Clips 1208 may be secured to either the top housing 504 or the bottom housing 502 to allow the top housing 504 and the bottom housing 502 to be separated to insert the iPad into the temperature adjustment housing 1300. As with other examples, the top housing 504 and the bottom housing 502 are removably attached and held together by friction fit, screws and nuts, hinges, snaps, or other known mechanisms for removably securing the top and bottom housings together. Although not shown, the front edges of the top housing 504 and the bottom housing 502 opposite the clip 1208 may be fastened together by any of the aforementioned fasteners, including by, for example, wing nuts and screws.

Fig. 13-20 illustrate another embodiment of a temperature conditioning case 1300 designed for an iPhone. In particular, fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the temperature adjustment housing 1300 as it appears to be engaged with an iPhone. Similar to the example in fig. 1-4, the housing 1300 includes a bottom housing 1302 and a top housing 1304 for receiving an electronic device 1305, wherein a screen is accessible through an opening in the top housing 1304. The housing 1300 also includes a first button adapter 1306 for engaging a button of an electronic device 1305. A separate port opening 1342 on the top housing 1304 may be included for accessing a charging port of the electronic device 1305. A charging port 1340 for charging a battery 1314 (fig. 20) of the temperature-regulated housing 1300 may be located on the bottom housing 1302.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the temperature adjustment housing 1300 of fig. 13. As shown, the screen of the electronic device 105 may be accessed through an opening in the top housing 1304. A first button adapter 1306 is provided for the on/off/lock key of the iPhone. A second set of button adapters 1307 are provided for the volume keys of the iPhone. For newer iphones, the mute switch may also be provided with an opening, or may be covered, thereby requiring the user to mute the phone prior to inserting the phone into the temperature regulated housing.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the right side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13. The top housing 1304 includes a second button adapter 1307. Here, the bottom housing 1302 is made of two parts, a base 1500 and an electrical compartment 1502, which may be fastened together or alternatively molded as a single piece.

Fig. 16 is a rear view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13. The rear of the bottom housing includes an electrical adapter in communication with at least one battery 1314 (fig. 20) housed in the electrical compartment 1502 for charging the at least one battery 1314. The connection plate 1600 is connected to the base 1500, with the base 1500 extending upwardly adjacent the rear side of the top housing 1304. The connection plate 1600 includes an opening 1342 (which may include a cover) for accessing a charging port of the electronic device. The top housing 1304 includes a port opening that aligns with the connection plate opening 1342 and is also used to allow access to a charging port of the electronic device.

Fig. 17 is a side view of the left side of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13. Similar to fig. 15, the top housing 1304 includes a first button adapter 1306 for engaging an on/off/lock button on an electronic device. Two portions of bottom housing 1302 are also shown: a base 1500 and an electrical compartment 1502. The base 1500 of the top housing 1304 and bottom housing 1302 are fastened together with fasteners 1508.

Fig. 18 is a front view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13. As with the other examples provided, the top housing 1304 and the bottom housing 1302 are removably attached and held together by friction fit, screws and nuts, hinges, snaps, or other known mechanisms for removably securing the top and bottom housings together. Here, the top housing 1304 and the bottom housing 1302 may be fastened together by screw fasteners 1508, 1800. The holes in the top housing 1304 may be aligned with the holes in the base 1500 of the bottom housing 1302 for receiving fasteners 1508.

Fig. 19 is a bottom view of the temperature adjustment housing of fig. 13. The electrical compartment 1502 of the bottom housing 1302 includes a power switch 1922 and a power or charge indicator 1924. The base 1500 of the bottom housing includes a camera opening or window 1928 for a camera of the electronic device 1305. The first button adapter 1306 and the second button adapter 1307 are also present on the sides of the temperature adjustment housing 1300 along with fasteners 1508.

Fig. 20 is an exploded view of the temperature adjustment housing 1300 of fig. 13. The housing includes a top housing 1304 having two guard rails 2004 mounted thereon and a bottom housing 1302, the bottom housing 1302 including a base 1500 and an electrical compartment 1502. A heating element or pad 1310 is positioned within the base 1500 directly beneath the electronic device 1305. Located within the electrical compartment 1502 are a battery 1314, a circuit board 2010, a power switch 1922, and LEDs for a power indicator 1924. The circuit board 2010 is in communication with a battery 1314, a heating element 1310, a power switch 1922, and a power indicator 1924. The battery 1314 provides power to the circuit board 2010, and the circuit board 2010 controls the heating element 1310 and provides power to the heating element 1310. A battery 1314 may be positioned in the electrical compartment 1502 and may be charged through the charging port 1340.

The base 1500 of the bottom housing 1302 includes first and second button adapters 1306, 1307 and a camera opening or window 1928 for a camera of the electronic device 1305. In the example shown, the top housing 102 and the bottom housing 104 are removably attached and may be held together by screws 1508, as previously described. To facilitate this connection, a connection plate 1600 is attached to the rear end of the base 1500 and extends upwardly such that when connected to the top housing 1304, the connection plate 1600 will also be adjacent the rear side of the top housing 1304. The connection board 1600 includes a device charging opening 1342 for accessing a charging port of the electronic device 1305. The top housing 1304 includes a port opening that aligns with the connection plate opening 1342 and also serves to allow access to the charging port of the electronic device 1305. The top housing also includes ribs 2002 positioned on each side of the port opening, the ribs 2002 fitting into corresponding grooves on the rear side of the connection plate 1600 to align the top housing 1304 with the base 1500 of the bottom housing 1304 to interconnect the two components (top housing 1304 and base 1500).

In all examples, the top housing 104, 504, and 1304 includes openings for accessing a screen of the electronic device. The openings of the top housings 104, 504, and 1304 are slightly smaller than the outer edges of the electronic device to allow the top housings 104, 504, and 1304 to engage the electronic device, wherein the screen is fully accessible to the user, but does not shift or fall out of the opening of the housing. Further, in all cases, the battery may be one or more batteries that are rechargeable or replaceable.

Further, in all examples, a temperature sensor, such as a thermistor or other type of temperature sensor, is used to monitor the temperature of the electronic device, and in some examples, the ambient temperature. The sensor may also be used in conjunction with a PID temperature controller.

In all cases, the heating element is located directly behind the electronic device. Although the heating element may be in direct contact with the back of the electronic device, the heating element may also be positioned behind a contact plate or other thermally conductive material. In one example, the thermally conductive material may be larger than the heating element and may help distribute heat over a large surface area to heat the electronic device.

A heat sink and/or fan may also optionally be included within the housing of the temperature conditioning housing as needed to prevent overheating of the electrical components. Furthermore, the temperature regulating housing of the present invention may also be designed to cool an electronic device if a peltier plate is used as a heating element. Whether to operate in the heating or cooling mode may be selected by a user or automatically determined through the use of a temperature sensor (e.g., a thermistor).

In operation, different optional features may be provided by using the temperature regulation of the present invention. The following is a table describing example operational characteristics for use with an iPhone. The following may also apply to iPad or other electronic devices.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example operation of the present invention to control the temperature of a housing and/or an electronic device. First, the user of the case checks to determine if the system is on 2100. The system then checks to determine if the temperature regulated housing is connected to the power supply or charger 2102. If powered by a battery, the battery level is first read 2104 and the power indicator light is set to flash at a particular battery level 2106. The temperature of the interior of the temperature regulated housing is then checked 2108, which may be checked at an area near the back of the electronic device. The measured temperature is then compared 2116 to the control temperature. If the temperature is higher than the control temperature 2110, the system continues to check the battery and temperature until further action is required. If the temperature is below the control temperature, the heating element is engaged 2114 and controlled using, for example, a PID temperature controller 2116. The temperature 2018 of the conditioning housing and electronics is checked and the heating element is continuously engaged or disengaged based on whether the temperature reading is above or below the control temperature.

If the charger is connected, the temperature of the battery must also be maintained. The temperature of the temperature regulated housing is then checked 2122. The measured temperature is then compared to a battery threshold temperature. If the temperature is above the battery threshold temperature 2128, the system will not engage or if engaged will disable the heater 2134. If the temperature is below the battery threshold temperature, the heating element is engaged 2126 and again controlled, for example, by the PID temperature controller 2130. Checking the temperature 2132 of the conditioning case and/or electronics may account for hysteresis 2132 when determining whether the temperature reading is above or below the battery threshold temperature. Once the temperature is above the battery threshold temperature, the heater is disabled 2136. Charging 2136 of the battery is enabled. The heater is then re-engaged after a short period 2138 (e.g., 3 seconds). Once the battery is charged to a predetermined level, the power indicating display is engaged 2140 and charging is placed on hold 2124. In the case of battery charging, the temperature 2108 is then read and the heater is controlled by controlling the temperatures 2110, 2112. If the charger becomes disconnected 2120, the temperature regulating housing reverts to operating as if it were battery-only at step 2104.

In the above-described operation example, the temperature to be checked, particularly when heating the battery case, may be an ambient temperature instead of adjusting the temperature of the case/electronic device. As mentioned above, other sensors for checking the temperature of other components may also be included, and the heating element may also be activated in response to these temperatures.

Other devices, systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one with 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 description, be within the scope of the invention.

Other features may also optionally be implemented into the temperature-regulating housing described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, other heating elements, such as air heaters, may be used in addition to or in lieu of the heating pads or plates. Depending on the type of heating unit, contact between the electronics and the heating unit may be required, or contact may be avoided. In addition, cooling elements may be provided to provide heating and cooling effects on the electronic device. Optionally, the temperature regulated housing may include WiFi access, bluetooth, and other hardware and software to facilitate communication between the temperature regulated housing and the portable electronic device, and internal or external network bluetooth, wiFi, radio, and/or other wired or wireless communication may be established between the portable electronic device and the temperature regulated housing to increase functionality by placing the temperature regulated housing in signal communication with the portable electronic device. For example, a speaker or other accessory may be included in the temperature regulated housing that may be accessed through communication between the portable electronic device and the temperature regulated housing mount.

It should be appreciated that the components of the systems taught herein may also be in signal communication with each other. The term "signal communication" as used herein means that two or more systems, devices, components, modules or sub-modules are capable of communicating with each other via signals traveling on some type of signal path. A signal may be a communication, power, data, or energy signal that may communicate information, power, or energy from a first system, device, component, module, or sub-module to a second system, device, component, module, or sub-module along a signal path between the first and second systems, devices, components, modules, or sub-modules. The signal paths may include physical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, electrochemical, optical, wired, or wireless connections. Signal paths may also include additional systems, devices, components, modules or sub-modules between the first and second systems, devices, components, modules or sub-modules.

More generally, terms such as "communication" and "in …. … "in communication with" a second component "(e.g., a first component" in communication with "or" in communication with ") is used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical, electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic, or fluid relationship between two or more components or elements. Thus, the fact that one component is referred to as being in communication with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility that additional components may be present between and/or operatively associated or engaged with the first and second components. For the purposes of this application, the hardware and/or software required to establish signal communication between two components should be "communication components".

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive and does not limit the claimed invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A temperature-regulating housing for engaging a portable electronic device having a front and a rear, the temperature-regulating housing comprising:

a housing for engaging a portable electronic device; and

at least one heating element positioned in the housing and aligned with the back of the portable electronic device for heating the electronic device when in use at low temperatures.

2. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is a flexible heating mat.

3. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is a peltier plate.

4. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element is in direct contact with a surface of the portable electronic device.

5. The temperature-regulated housing of claim 1 further comprising a temperature sensor in contact with the electronic device.

6. The temperature-regulated housing of claim 5 further comprising a PID temperature controller in communication with said temperature sensor.

7. A temperature-regulating housing for engaging a portable electronic device having a screen, the temperature-regulating housing comprising:

a top housing for covering a peripheral edge of a top of the portable electronic device, the top housing having an opening for a screen of the portable electronic device; and

a bottom housing having a cavity for receiving the portable electronic device, the bottom housing further comprising at least one heating element, at least one battery, a power switch, and a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is in communication with the at least one heating element, the at least one battery, and the power switch, and wherein the at least one heating element is positioned in the bottom housing in alignment with a back side of the portable electronic device for heating the electronic device when in use at low temperatures.

8. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 7, wherein the at least one heating element is a flexible heating mat.

9. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 7, wherein the at least one heating element is a peltier plate.

10. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 7, wherein the at least one heating element is located behind a surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen.

11. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 7, wherein the at least one heating element is in direct contact with a surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen.

12. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 7, wherein the at least one heating element, at least one battery, a power switch, and a circuit board are all located below the portable electronic device when engaged with the temperature-regulating housing.

13. A temperature-regulating housing for engaging a portable electronic device having a screen, the temperature-regulating housing comprising:

a top housing for covering a peripheral edge of a top of the portable electronic device, the top housing having an opening for a screen of the portable electronic device; and

a bottom housing for housing a portable electronic device, the bottom housing further comprising at least one heating element and a temperature sensor located behind the portable electronic device, the bottom housing further comprising at least one battery, a power switch, and a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is in communication with the at least one heating element, the at least one battery, the power switch, and the temperature sensor.

14. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 13, wherein the at least one heating element is a flexible heating mat.

15. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 13, wherein the at least one heating element is a peltier plate.

16. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 13, wherein the at least one heating element is in direct contact with a surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen.

17. The temperature-regulating housing of claim 13, wherein the temperature sensor is in direct contact with a surface of the portable electronic device opposite the screen.

18. The temperature-regulated housing of claim 13 including a second temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of ambient air external to the temperature-regulated housing, wherein the second temperature sensor is in communication with the circuit board.

19. The temperature-regulated housing of claim 13 further comprising a PID temperature controller in communication with the first temperature sensor.

20. The temperature conditioning case of claim 13, further comprising a cable in the bottom housing in communication with the circuit board and the battery for connection to the charging adapter of the electronic device to charge the electronic device when the electronic device is in the temperature conditioning case.