JP2018523225A - Docking sleeve with electrical adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective arrangement for an electronic device includes a flexible cover having a panel and a skirt that form an internal cavity for receiving the electronic device, a fixedly positioned on the flexible cover, and for mating with a female socket of the device A male plug with a connector extending into the interior cavity of the flexible cover and a contact electrically connected to one or more of the plug's connectors adjacent outwardly from the flexible cover. And an adapter having a contactor. A docking cradle or external adapter can accept the electronic device and cover. [Selection] FIG. 50A

Description

[Cross-reference to related applications]
This patent application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 754,492, filed Jun. 29, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US Patent Application No. 14 / 829,378, which is a continuation-in-part of US patent application No. 14 / 936,517, which is a continuation-in-part of 29/2015 Continuation of US patent application Ser. No. 15 / 195,176.

  The present invention relates to a cover for protecting a portable electronic device, in particular a flexible cover having an electrical adapter for coupling the device to a docking station.

  Protective covers or “skins” for protecting a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet or another portable electronic device are generally known. Such skins are typically somewhat flexible that allow them to wrap around the device and partially wrap it.

US Pat. No. 5,992,807 US Pat. No. 6,149,116 US Pat. No. 5,895,018

  However, known protective covers or “skins” are limited in providing an efficient and reliable use of such portable electronic devices in their function.

  The present invention is a cover for protecting a portable electronic device that overcomes the limitations of the prior art regarding the efficient and reliable use of such portable electronic devices.

  One aspect of the present invention includes a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an internal cavity therebetween, the skirt communicating with an internal cavity configured and arranged to receive an electronic device. A male plug having a flexible cover forming an opening and a connector that is fixedly positioned in the flexible cover and extends into an internal cavity of the flexible cover in an arrangement for mating with a female socket of the device And a contactor having contacts contacted outwardly from the flexible cover and electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug, and around at least a portion of the flexible protective cover And a hard shell having an opening that is configured and arranged to be disposed in the adapter contactor and is extendable therethrough A protective arrangement. The hard shell can also include a corner opening, and the flexible cover can include a corner portion configured and arranged to protrude from the corner opening of the hard shell. The hard shell can include at least one button opening, and the flexible cover can include at least one soft button configured and arranged to protrude from the at least one button opening of the hard shell. it can.

  Another aspect of the invention is a hard shell having an opening configured and arranged to be disposed about at least a portion of an electronic device and having access to an input / output socket of the electronic device, and a panel And an skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an internal cavity therebetween, the skirt being in communication with the internal cavity configured and arranged to receive an electronic device disposed in the hard shell A flexible cover that forms an internal cavity of the flexible cover in a position that is fixedly positioned to the flexible cover and fits into an input / output socket of the device through an opening in the hard shell A male plug having a connector extending to the flexible cover and electrically adjacent one or more of the plug's connectors adjacent outwardly A protective arrangement for an electronic device comprising an adapter including a contactor having a combined contact.

  Yet another aspect of the present invention is a docking connector having the above-described protective arrangement and a contact positioned to connect to one or more of the contacts of the tray and contactor configured to receive the protective arrangement. A docking system including one of a docking cradle having

  Other aspects of the invention are described in detail herein.

  Many of the above-described aspects and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more readily appreciated as it will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. I will.

Illustrated by way of example and not limitation as a fully integrated one-piece elastomeric protective cover or skin when partially wrapping a target portable electronic device such as a prior art smartphone or tablet or another portable electronic device having a port for a docking connector FIG. Illustrated by way of example and not limitation as a fully integrated one-piece elastomeric protective cover or skin when partially wrapping a target portable electronic device such as a prior art smartphone or tablet or another portable electronic device having a port for a docking connector FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating, by way of example and not limitation, a type of docking cradle useful for the protective cover of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating, by way of example and not limitation, a type of docking cradle useful for the protective cover of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating, by way of example and not limitation, a type of docking cradle useful for the protective cover of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view different from FIG. 7, illustrating the protective cover of FIG. 1 with the portable device removed for illustrative purposes, not limiting; FIG. 7 is a view different from FIG. 6, showing the protective cover of FIG. 1 with the portable device removed for illustrative purposes, not limiting; FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover of FIG. 1 taken through the electrical adapter of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the elastomer protective cover of FIG. 1 in place when partially wrapping a target portable electronic device. When the target device is received within the internal cavity of the flexible protective shell of the present invention as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of electrical connectors of the male plug of the electrical adapter are mechanically coupled to the female input / output socket of the target electronic device. It is a figure which shows electrically fitting. FIG. 2 illustrates a target portable electronic device being received within the flexible protective shell of the protective cover of FIG. 1 and the protected target portable electronic device being subsequently inserted into a docking cradle. The protective cover of FIG. 1 is an integral window panel in which at least the flexible central panel of the protective shell is formed of a substantially optically transparent flexible membrane for use with a portable electronic device having a pressure sensitive touch screen. It is a figure which shows a flexible protective shell. A portable electronic device is received within the flexible protective shell of the protective cover of FIG. 1, and the touch sensitive screen of the target electronic device is positioned in contact with the integral transparent window panel of the central panel as disclosed in FIG. FIG. 5 shows the protected and portable electronic device being subsequently inserted into the docking cradle and the touch-sensitive screen facing away from it. A protective shell is formed with an internal transparent window panel for use with a portable electronic device having a touch-sensitive screen, and the male plug of the electrical adapter interfaces with the electrical contacts of the female I / O socket of the portable electronic device. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. The protective cover of FIG. 1 is formed with an internal transparent window panel for use with a portable electronic device having a touch sensitive screen as shown in FIG. 12, and the internal window panel is juxtaposed with the touch sensitive screen of the portable electronic device. FIG. 5 shows that the inlet opening positioned as described and passing through the side skirt of the protective shell is positioned between the transparent window panel and the opposing panel of the protective shell adjacent to one side thereof. . The electrical adapter of the protective cover of FIG. 1 is configured as a through electrical adapter having an electrical coupling between a sequentially ordered pair of electrical connectors of the male plug and a corresponding electrical contact of the contactor. It is a block diagram which shows this. The electrical adapter of the protective cover of FIG. 1 is configured as a conversion electrical adapter having an electrical coupling between a discontinuously ordered pair of electrical connectors of the male plug and a corresponding electrical contact of the contactor. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment. 1 shows the electrical adapter of the protective cover of FIG. 1 with two individual adapter plugs located in different areas of the protective shell and a conversion adapter configured to separate the male plug and contactor into the contactor body. It is. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover of FIG. 1 showing the individual plugs and contactor bodies of the electrical adapter interconnected within the protective shell of the protective cover, for example, by elongated electrical cables, wires, or other conductors. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the protective cover of FIG. 1 showing the individual plugs and contactor bodies of the electrical adapter interconnected within the protective shell of the protective cover, for example, by elongated electrical cables, wires, or other conductors. FIG. 2 shows a conversion adapter configured to be separated into a plurality of male plugs (two shown), each positioned in a side skirt of the protective cover of FIG. 1 in different areas of the elastomer shell. FIG. 2 shows the protective cover of FIG. 1 with the male plug of the conversion adapter separated from and spaced from the contactor of the conversion adapter as shown more clearly in the following figures. A converter adapter contactor provided on the outer surface of the flexible central panel, while the docking cradle alternatively positions the docking connector in a position for mating with a contactor so positioned It is a figure which shows the protective cover of FIG. 1 comprised so that it might do. The docking cradle includes a piece of magnetic attraction couple (magnet shown) operable between the protective cover and the docking cradle to secure the protective cover to the docking cradle as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a docking cradle configured with a female nest for receiving the protective cover of FIG. 1 having a contactor of a conversion adapter provided on the outer surface of the neutral central panel. A protective cover includes one part of the magnetic attraction couple (the illustrated magnetically permeable ferromagnetic member) operable between the protective cover and the docking cradle to secure the protective cover to the docking cradle, as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 shows a single protective shell of the protective cover of FIG. 1 formed using a locator dam configured as a complementary male nesting accessory configured to sit on the female nesting of the docking cradle embodiment. The complementary male nesting accessory of the protective cover is nested with the female nesting of the docking cradle, and the magnetic attraction couple part present on each of the protective cover and the docking cradle secures the shell of the protective cover to the docking cradle FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing that the elastomeric shell of the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 25 sits on the tray of the docking cradle embodiment shown in FIG. The components of the magnetic attraction couple are inverted between the protective cover and the docking cradle, i.e., the permeable member is replaced in place of the magnet in the docking cradle, while the magnet replaces the permeable member in the protective cover. FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 25 with FIGS. 28 and 29, showing a docking cradle configured with a magnetically permeable member replaced with FIG. The components of the magnetic attraction couple are inverted between the protective cover and the docking cradle, i.e., the permeable member is replaced in place of the magnet in the docking cradle, while the magnet replaces the permeable member in the protective cover. FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 25 with FIGS. 27 and 29, showing the protective cover configured with magnets replaced with FIG. The components of the magnetic attraction couple are inverted between the protective cover and the docking cradle, i.e., the permeable member is replaced in place of the magnet in the docking cradle, while the magnet replaces the permeable member in the protective cover. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing that the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 28 is seated on the tray of the docking cradle embodiment shown in FIG. 27, and the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment in conjunction with FIGS. 27 and 28. The protective cover positioning interface feature of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 28 formed by male nesting accessories and mating female nestings is inverted, and the protective cover of FIG. 25 has a female nesting positioning interface feature. FIG. 33 shows an alternative embodiment of FIGS. 31 and 32 in cooperation with the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 25 and the docking cradle of FIG. The protective cover positioning interface feature of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 28 formed by the male nesting accessory and the mating female nesting is inverted, and the docking cradle of FIG. 24 has a complementary male nesting positioning interface feature. FIG. 33 shows an alternative embodiment in conjunction with FIGS. 30 and 32 for cooperating the protective cover of FIG. 1 and the docking cradle of FIG. 24 as shown in FIG. The positioning interface feature of the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 28 formed by the male nesting accessory and the mating female nesting is inverted, and the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view showing mating with the tray of the pedestal embodiment, and an alternative embodiment in which the protective cover of FIG. 1 and the docking cradle of FIG. FIG. Positioning interface dam in the side skirt of the protective shell similar to that shown in FIG. 6 so that the complementary male nesting accessory is received in the female nesting of the base receptacle of the docking cradle as shown in FIG. In contrast, the positioning interface dam outside the protective shell is spaced from the male plug of the conversion adapter, which plug is spaced from the contactor and contacts of the conversion adapter as disclosed herein. FIG. 1 as shown in FIGS. 18-20, extending into the protective shell at a location within the different side skirts of the shell, wherein the complementary male nesting appendage is further configured with one or more magnets of a magnetic attraction couple. It is a figure which shows the protective cover of. It is a figure which shows the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 33 by which the magnetically permeable member was replaced instead of the magnet of the magnetic attraction couple, and the electronic device was installed. In FIG. 33, the male plug and contactor of the electrical adapter are spaced apart in different areas of the side skirt of the protective shell, and the complementary male nesting accessory is further configured with one or more magnets of a magnetic attraction couple. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken through the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown. Through the protective cover of FIG. 1 as shown in FIG. 34, the male plug and contactor of the electrical adapter are spaced apart in different areas of the side skirt of the protective shell and the permeable member is replaced in place of the magnet of the magnetic attractive couple. It is sectional drawing taken. FIG. 5 shows a female nesting feature of a base receptacle in a docking cradle that includes one or more ferromagnetic members exposed adjacent positions on either side of a biasing electrical contact of a docking connector, for example. One or more magnets replace the female nesting feature of the alternative base receptacle in place of the ferromagnetic member in the adjacent position on either side of the biasing electrical contact of the docking connector as shown in FIG. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. It is a side view which shows one Embodiment of the contact arrangement of the adapter of a cover. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter for use in a cover. It is a side view which shows another embodiment of the contact arrangement of the adapter of a cover. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cover including a surrounding cavity. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 42 from a different angle. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 42 with peripheral devices disposed in the peripheral cavity. FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 42 with the portable electronic device disposed in the internal cavity. FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing the back of the cover of FIG. 42 with the peripheral device in the peripheral cavity of the cover and the portable electronic device in the internal cavity. It is a perspective view of another docking cradle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stand-alone docking cradle with a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, in the cover and disposed on the cradle. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wall mounted docking cradle with a portable electronic device such as a tablet in the cover and disposed on the cradle. It is a perspective front view of the protection arrangement | positioning which has a flexible cover and a hard shell. FIG. 50B is a perspective rear view of the protective arrangement of FIG. 50A. 1 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a portable electronic device, a cover, and an external adapter. It is a perspective view of the portable electronic device which removed the external adapter from the cover, a cover, and an external adapter. FIG. 51B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the electronic device, cover, and external adapter of FIGS. 51A and 51B. FIG. 52 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the electronic device, cover, and external adapter of FIGS. 51A and 51B with a portion of the external adapter cut away. It is a perspective front view of one Embodiment of a docking cradle with a movable arm in an extended position. FIG. 52B is a cutaway side view of the docking cradle of FIG. 52A. FIG. 52B is a perspective front view of the docking cradle of FIG. 52A with the movable arm in the close position. FIG. 52B is a cutaway side view of the docking cradle of FIG. 52C. FIG. 52B is a perspective front view of the docking cradle of FIG. 52A with the portable electronic device and cover received by the docking cradle. FIG. 52B is a cutaway side view of the docking cradle of FIG. 52E. It is a perspective view of another docking cradle. It is a perspective view of the docking cradle which can accommodate a plurality of electronic devices and a cover. FIG. 54B is a perspective view of the docking cradle of FIG. 54A with multiple electronic devices and covers docked. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an adapter for use in a cover. FIG. 55B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cover having the adapter of FIG. 55A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cover having a peripheral cavity. FIG. 56B is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 56A with a portion of the cover cut away. FIG. 56B is a perspective view of an adapter for use in a cover such as the cover of FIG. 56A having a peripheral cavity. FIG. 57B is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 57A from a different angle.

  As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the protection content of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, the technology, system, and operating structure according to the protection content of the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may differ significantly from those of the disclosed embodiments. As a result, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, but from that point of view, they provide the best embodiment for disclosure purposes and It is considered to provide the basis for the claims herein that define the scope of protection. In the following, a detailed description of exemplary embodiments (and some alternative embodiments) of the protection content of the present invention is presented.

  In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements.

  FIGS. 1 and 2 show the completeness of the invention in situ when partially wrapping a portable electronic device 1 such as a smartphone or tablet having a port for the docking connector 3 or another portable electronic device of the prior art. An integral one piece elastomer protective cover or skin 100 is shown. The cover 100 of the present invention is sized and shaped to fit and closely match over a smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device 1 such that the cover 100 fits the device 1 such as a surgical glove. A sheath molded from a suitable elastic or flexible elastic elastomer such as, but not limited to, vinyl.

  Smartphones or smart phones are mobile phones that have more advanced computing capabilities and connectivity than basic function phones. Early smartphones typically combined the functionality of mobile phones with the capabilities of other popular consumer devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), media players, digital cameras, and / or GPS navigation units . Modern smartphones incorporate all of these functions, and typically incorporate additional features of touch screen computers, including web browsing, Wi-Fi, and third party apps and accessories. The most common smartphones today are powered by Google's Android and Apple's iOS mobile operating system. See, for example, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

  A tablet computer, or simply a tablet, is a mobile computer with a display, circuitry, and battery in a single unit. Tablets include sensors including a camera, microphone, accelerometer, and touch screen, and finger or stylus movement replaces the computer mouse and keyboard. The tablet can include physical buttons for controlling basic functions such as speaker volume, power and port for network communication, and for charging the battery, for example. A pop-up virtual keyboard on the screen is typically used for typing. Tablets are typically 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured in a diagonal direction, and larger than smartphones and personal digital assistants. An example of a tablet is an Apple iPad® tablet computer. See, for example, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

  Hybrid tablets with detachable keyboards have been on sale since the mid-1990s. A replaceable touch screen notebook computer has a keyboard that can be hidden with a swivel or slide joint. The booklet type tablet includes a dual touch screen and can be used as a notebook by displaying a virtual keyboard on one of the displays. See, for example, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

  Other portable electronic devices include, for example, test equipment (eg, ohmmeter, multimeter, alignment tool, battery tester, calibrator, distance meter, illuminometer, pressure gauge, radiation detector, thermometer, etc.), camera, Or a media player etc. can be included. In at least some embodiments, the portable electronic device is, for example, temperature, pressure, leveling, angle, altitude, light, density, x-ray, magnetic field, acceleration, velocity, velocity, distance, energy, current or energy flow, force , Durometer, mass / weight, torque, resistance, capacitance, voltage, reactance, etc., or any combination thereof.

  As disclosed herein, the electrical adapter is part of the protective cover 100, and the electrical adapter is in an arrangement for mating with a female input / output socket of a smartphone or other portable electronic device 1. And a plurality of male plugs having a plurality of electrical connectors extending into a cavity formed by the connector and positioned adjacent to the outward facing of the protective cover 100 and electrically coupled to one or more of the male plug connectors. A contactor having a plurality of electrical contacts.

  Accordingly, when the electronic device 1 is received in the cavity of the flexible protective cover 100, the plurality of male plug connectors fit into the female socket of the device 1. The female input / output socket is then electrically accessed through a plurality of contacts on the contactor outside the protective cover 100.

  The protective cover 100 with the electronic device 1 installed therein is then inserted into a docking cradle 5 that includes a docking connector 3 having its own plurality of contacts. The docking connector is connected to the contactor of the electrical adapter with one or more of the plurality of contacts being electrically coupled with the contactor of the contactor. Accordingly, the input / output socket of the electronic device 1 is electrically accessed by the docking connector of the docking cradle 5 through the electrical adapter of the protective cover 100.

  3, 4, and 5 illustrate, but are not limited to, a type of docking cradle 5 useful with the protective cover 100. For example, the docking cradle 5 has a tray 7 with a base receptacle 9 sized to receive a particular smartphone, tablet, or other portable electronic device 1 that is already protected within the cover 100. The tray 7 includes a back support surface 101 that supports the back surface of the cover 100 and a docking support surface 103 that extends away from the back support surface. The back support surface 101 and the docking support surface 103 can form an angle in the range of 90 to 130 degrees or more.

  The docking connector 3 is provided on the docking cradle 5 and is often provided at the center of the base receiver 9 of the tray 7. The docking connector 3 can be specific to a particular portable electronic device 1 or can be generic to the type of device 1. The docking connector 3 includes a plurality of biasing electrical contacts 11 and typically includes biasing pogo pins or biasing leaf spring contacts. The electrical contact 11 is coupled to a lead 13 in an electrical wire or cable 15 that is coupled to the docking cradle 5. The docking connector 3 can be a female connector as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and can define a rim 105. The rim 105 can be recessed with respect to the docking support surface 103.

  The docking connector 3 may also include an optional guide pin 17 adapted to mate with a mating guide pin receptacle within the electrical adapter contactor, as disclosed herein.

  The docking cradle 5 includes a clamp 19 adapted to capture a specific portable electronic device 1 in the base receptacle 9 of the tray 7 as required. The clamp 19 also has an arm 21 that operates to press the electrical contacts of the compression component, ie the contactor, out of the protective cover 100 to contact the electrical contacts of the docking connector 3.

  6 and 7 show the protective cover 100 of the present invention with the portable electronic device 1 removed for clarity. The protective cover 100 is complementary in shape to the portable electronic device 1. The protective cover 100 is formed from a single flexible protective shell 102 having a flexible central panel 104 surrounded by an integral flexible side skirt 106. The panel 104 and the skirt 106 combine to form an internal cavity 108 therebetween, the internal cavity 108 at least partially covering the side of the portable electronic device 1 and at least one of the front and back surfaces, and The portable electronic device 1 is sized so as to extend to the other peripheral edge of the front surface and the back surface. The continuous integral lip 110 extends inside the side skirt 106 and forms an inlet opening 112 that communicates with the cavity 108. The inlet opening 112 is sized to receive the electronic device 1 into the cavity 108 therethrough.

  The protective cover 100 includes an adapter 114 that is fixedly positioned on the side skirt 106. For example, the adapter 114 is overmolded, joined, or fastened through the side skirt 106. The adapter 114 is formed with a male plug 116 having a plurality of electrical connectors 118 extending into the cavity 108 of the shell 102 in an arrangement for mating with a female input / output socket of the portable electronic device 1. The adapter 114 also includes a contactor 120 having a plurality of electrical contacts 122 spaced from the male plug 116 at the opposite end of the adapter 114, as shown in FIGS. The adapter 114 extends through the protective shell 102, for example, through either the central panel 104 or the side skirt 106 (shown). Thus, the male plug 116 extends into the cavity 108 of the shell 102, but the contactor 120 and its contacts 122 are positioned adjacent to the outer 124 of the shell 102, so that the plurality of electrical contacts are the electrical contacts of the docking connector 3. 11 is exposed for connection.

  FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover 100 taken through the electrical adapter 114. As shown, the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are routed through electrical cables, wires, traces, or other conductors 126 (one of which is shown for clarity) embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114. One or more electrical connectors 118 of plug 116 are electrically coupled. The contactor 120 of the adapter 114 optionally includes one or more guide pin receptacles 130 sized and positioned to mate with an optional guide pin 17 of the docking connector 3, if present. Formed using.

  Optionally, the contactor 120 of the adapter 114 is further recessed in the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102. By way of example and not limitation, an optional dam 132 is formed on the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the dam 132. The electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are protected from damage by being recessed in the dam 132 or otherwise in the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing the elastomer protective cover 100 of the present invention in the original position when the portable electronic device 1 is partially wrapped. Here, the portable electronic device 1 is received within the cavity 108 of the flexible protective shell 102 through an inlet opening 112 that communicates with the cavity 108. The electronic device 1 is inserted into the flexible protective shell 102 through the inlet opening 112 of the continuous monolithic lip 110 through the side skirt 106 that communicates with the cavity 108. One of the front surface 23 (shown) or the back surface of the electronic device 1 is exposed to the entrance opening 112. Here, the touch sensitive screen or other display 25 of the portable electronic device 1 is exposed to the entrance opening 112 to facilitate operation by the user.

  FIG. 10 shows that when the portable electronic device 1 is received in the cavity 108 of the flexible protective shell as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 are connected to the female input / output sockets of the device 1 and the machine. It is shown that it fits electrically and electrically. Thus, the mating of the male plug 116 and the female input / output socket 27 creates access to power, sensors, and / or other functions of the portable electronic device 1 from the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102.

  FIG. 11 shows that the portable electronic device 1 is received within the flexible protective shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the protective cover with the portable electronic device 1 is subsequently inserted into the docking cradle 5. . The docking connector 3 of the docking cradle 5 is connected to the adapter contactor 120 with one or more of the plurality of energizing electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrical contacts of the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114. Is done. Thus, the portable electronic device 1 is accessed through the docking cradle 5 without first being removed from the protective cover or “skin” 100 as required by prior art protective covers. Depressing the clamp 19, if present, helps maintain an electrical connection between the electrical contact 122 of the adapter contactor 120 and the electrical contact 11 of the docking connector 3.

  FIG. 12 shows the protective cover 100 that is reversed on the electronic device 1 with the central panel 104 adjacent to the front surface of the electronic device 1 having the display 25. The protective shell 102 is formed using an inlet opening 112 that communicates with a cavity 108 located substantially opposite the central panel 104. The continuous integral lip 110 extends inwardly of the side skirt 106 and forms an inlet opening 112 that communicates with the cavity 108.

  Here, the window opening 134 is on the flexible central panel 104 of the flexible protective shell 102 opposite the entrance opening 112 and on the touch sensitive screen display of the portable electronic device 1 for operation of the portable electronic device 1. 25 is formed at a position above.

  The central panel 104 of the protective shell 102 is formed using an internal window opening 134 that communicates with the cavity 108. The internal window opening 134 is positioned and sized to show the pressure sensitive touch screen 25 of the portable electronic device 1 residing in the cavity 108 therethrough. A continuous integral lip 136 extends around the periphery of the central panel 104 and inward of the side skirt 106 to form an internal window opening 134.

  The integral internal window panel 138 is positioned in the flexible central panel 104 within the window opening 134 and is retained within the protective shell 102 by a continuous integral lip 136 surrounding the opening 134. For example, as shown more clearly in FIG. 14, the perimeter 140 of the inner window panel 138 is welded, glued, bonded or otherwise joined to the integral lip 136 of the window opening 134. Optionally, a substantially waterproof joint 142 is formed between the window panel 138 and the integral lip 136 of the window opening 134. According to one embodiment, the inner window panel 138 is overmolded into the integral lip 136 of the window opening 134 to join the integral lip 136 and form a waterproof joint 142 therebetween.

  The integral internal window panel 138 is formed of a substantially optically transparent film for use with a portable electronic device 1 having a pressure sensitive touch screen 25 so that operation of the electronic device 1 by the touch sensitive screen 25 is intervening. Accomplished through window panel 138

  Optionally, the inner window panel 138 is formed of an incompressible material that is rigid and non-resilient. For example, the plastic sheet components that form the inner window panel 138 are relatively rigid and substantially optional, including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another suitable substantially visually transparent material. An incompressible sheet of visually transparent material. According to one embodiment, the plastic sheet component forming the inner window panel 138 is optionally an incompressible sheet of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that is relatively rigid and substantially visually transparent. As disclosed herein, a tactile sensation of the touch-sensitive screen display 25 of the portable electronic device 1 is provided by an internal window panel 138 formed of PET or PVC or other rigid, incompressible, non-elastic plastic sheet material. Stimulation is possible as well.

  Alternatively, the entire protective shell 102 or only the inner window panel 138 is optionally formed of an optically transparent flexible elastomeric film that is transparent or colored with a visually pleasing pink or blue or the like. can do. In other embodiments, the protective shell 102 is opaque or translucent and can be any color or pattern. In such an embodiment, the portable electronic device 1 is disposed within the protective cover 100 and its display is visible through the entrance opening 112.

  Optionally, the optically transparent elastomer of only the protective shell 102 or the inner window panel 138 is a dielectric material having electrostatic dissipation properties such as an effective dielectric constant on the order of about 4.5. For example, the elastomer contains an amount of powdered metal, mixed metal oxide, polymer, or is coated with a static dissipative coating. Optionally, the optically clear elastomer of only the protective shell 102 or the inner window panel 138 is polarized to reduce glare. Accordingly, the protective cover 100 is optionally utilized with a portable electronic device 1 having a pressure sensitive touch screen that allows data entry and operation of the device 1 by application of light pressure by a user as is well known.

  The portable electronic device 1 is inserted into the cavity 108 of the flexible protective shell 102 through the second entrance opening 112 and positioned with the touch sensitive screen 25 in contact with the inner window panel 138 of the opposing central panel 104. Thus, the flexibility of the elastomeric material generally allows the application of pressure to the touch sensitive screen 25 for inputting data and operating the electronic device 1. As disclosed herein, the inner window panel 138 of the central panel 104 is configured as a thin flexible membrane at a location corresponding to the touch sensitive screen 25 of the device 1. By way of example and not limitation, the window area of the flexible central panel 104 is approximately 0.05 to 0.06 inches thick, or generally by the user to enter data and operate the electronic device 1. It is desirable to have another thickness suitable for the touch sensitive screen 25 to be responsive to the applied pressure. The integral window panel 138 of the central panel 104 protects it from scratches, dents, and other external wear on the pressure-sensitive touch screen 25 of the electronic device 1. The portions of the protective shell 102 surrounding the side skirt 106 and the inner window panel 138 of the central panel 104 can be thicker to provide protection from impact and abrasion.

  The male plug 116 of the adapter 114 is inserted into the female input / output socket 27 of the electronic device 1.

  FIG. 13 shows that the portable electronic device 1 is received within the flexible protective shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the touch sensitive screen 25 is positioned in contact with the internal window panel 138. The protective cover 100 having the portable electronic device 1 is then inserted into the docking cradle 5 with the touch sensitive screen 25 facing outwardly therefrom. The docking connector 3 of the docking cradle 5 is such that one or more of the plurality of energizing electrical contacts 11 are electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114. Connected to contactor 120. Thus, the portable electronic device 1 is accessed by the docking cradle 5 without first being removed from the protective cover or “skin” 100 required by prior art protective covers. Depressing the clamp 19, if present, helps maintain an electrical connection between the electrical contact 122 of the adapter contactor 120 and the electrical contact 11 of the docking connector 3.

  FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the protective cover 100 shown in FIG. 12, and the protective shell 102 is formed using an internal window panel 138. FIG. 14 shows that the male plug 116 of the electrical adapter 114 is connected to a plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female input / output socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1.

  FIG. 15 shows that the protective cover 100 is formed with an internal transparent window panel 138 at a position juxtaposed with the touch-sensitive screen 25 of the portable electronic device 1. However, the inlet opening 112 passing through the side skirt 106 is positioned adjacent to one side 144 of the unitary protective shell 102 between the internal window panel 138 in the central panel 104 and the opposing panel 146 of the protective shell 102. Is done. Here, the inlet opening 112 is formed by a continuous integral lip 110 that extends inwardly of the side skirt 106 at the side 144 of the protective shell 102.

  When the inlet opening 112 is formed through the side skirt 106 adjacent to one side 144 of the protective shell 102, the electrical adapter 114 is positioned on the side skirt 106 at the second side 148 opposite the side 144. With the inlet opening 112 and the electrical adapter 114 thus positioned on opposite sides 144 and 148 of the protective shell 102, respectively, the male plug 116 of the electrical adapter 114 allows the portable electronic device 1 to be cavityd through the side inlet opening 112. When received in 108, it extends into the cavity 108 of the shell 102 in a position that is received in the female input / output socket 27 of the device 1 and mechanically and electrically mated with the female input / output socket 27. Thus, in practice, the portable electronic device 1 is inserted through the side inlet opening 112 into the protective shell 102 and into the internal cavity 108 until the female input / output socket 27 is mechanically mated with the male plug 116 of the electrical adapter 114. (Arrow 150), at which time the input / output socket 27 is simultaneously electrically engaged with the electrical adapter 114. The portable electronic device 1 is removed from the protective shell 102 in the reverse order along the insertion direction (arrow 150).

  FIG. 16 shows that the adapter 114 is further configured as a pass-through adapter having an electrical coupling between a sequentially ordered pair of the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 and the corresponding electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120. FIG. Here, a wire or other conductor 126 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 provides a direct sequential communication between the electrical connector 118 of the male plug 116 and the corresponding electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120. When the adapter 114 is configured as a pass-through adapter and the portable electronic device 1 (shown in phantom line) is received in the protective cover 100 and two of them are received in the docking cradle 5 (shown in phantom line), as shown In addition, the input / output signals on the plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1 are in the same order as shown on the electrical contacts 29 of the female input / output socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1. The electrical contact 11 of the docking connector 3 is shown. Therefore, the electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 need to be ordered corresponding to the electrical contacts 29 of the input / output socket 27 of the electronic device 1. Any desired reordering of the input / output signals on the electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the electronic device 1 must take place at the docking connector 3 of the docking cradle 5 or elsewhere downstream of the docking connector 3.

  FIG. 17 further illustrates that the adapter 114 is instead configured as a conversion adapter having an electrical coupling between the discontinuously ordered pairs of the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 and the corresponding electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment. Here, wires, traces, or other conductors 126 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 communicate between the electrical connector 118 of the male plug 116 and the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 in a non-sequential relationship. When the adapter 114 is configured as a conversion adapter and the portable electronic device 1 (shown in phantom line) is received by the protective cover 100 and two of them are received in the docking cradle 5 (shown in phantom line), as shown In addition, the input / output signals on the plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1 are electrically connected to the female input / output socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1 as in the passing configuration of the adapter 114 shown in FIG. The electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 are shown in any desired order, as opposed to only the order shown on the contacts 29. The electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 are thus ordered corresponding to the defined input / output order on the leads 13 in the electrical cable 15 of the docking cradle 5. Thus, the input / output signals on the electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the electronic device 1 are reordered in any desired order to fit the docking connector 3, thereby causing the female socket 27 of the electronic device 1 in the docking connector 3. The downstream reordering of the input / output signals on the electrical contacts 29 of the electrical contacts 29 need not be adapted to the specific electronic device 1 received in the docking cradle 5. Instead, the docking connector 3 operates as a universal docking connector that cooperates with any device 1 inserted into the docking cradle 5 when the conversion adapter 114 is adapted to the portable electronic device 1. Accordingly, the docking cradle 5 has a single universal or universal docking connector 3 and is male within the electrical adapter 114 by routing wires, electrical traces, or other conductors 126 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114. Simply adjusting the order of the coupling relationship between the electrical connector 118 of the plug 116 and the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 can still be utilized with a variety of different devices of the portable electronic device 1.

  FIG. 18 illustrates a conversion adapter 114 configured to separate the male plug 116 and contactor 120 into two individual adapter plug bodies 128a and contactor bodies 128b positioned in different areas of the protective shell 102. FIG. . The individual adapter plug bodies 128 a of the male plug 116 and the contactor body 128 b of the contactor 120 are fixedly positioned on the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102. Here, for example, the individual adapter plugs and contactor bodies 128a, 128b are optionally embedded in the protective shell 102 and overmolded. By way of example and not limitation, male plug 116 is optionally embedded in skirt 105 adjacent one side 102a of protective shell 102, while contactor 120 is optionally spaced from male plug 116. Embedded in the skirt 106. For example, the contactor 120 is optionally embedded in the skirt 106 spaced from the male plug 116 and adjacent one side 102b of the protective shell 102.

  Optionally, the contactor body 128 b of the adapter contactor 120 is recessed in the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102. By way of example and not limitation, an optional dam 132 is formed on the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102 and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the dam 132. The electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are protected from damage by being recessed in the dam 132 or otherwise in the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102.

  19 and 20 show that the individual adapter plug body 128a of the male plug 116 and the contactor body of the contactor 120 are interconnected within the protective shell 102 by extended wires, traces, or other conductors 126. FIG. It is shown that. For example, the plurality of conductors 126 may be elongated electrical cables, wires, or wires that are extended to electrically interconnect the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male adapter plug 116 with the corresponding plurality of electrical contacts 122 of the adapter contactor 120. Configured as other conductors (three shown). The conductor 126 is fixedly positioned within the protective shell 102. For example, the conductor 126 is optionally embedded in the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102 and overmolded. Alternatively, the conductor 126 is optionally adhered to the surface of the protective shell 102, i.e., the inner surface or the outer surface.

  Optionally, side surface 102 a and / or side surface 102 b of protective shell 102 are adapted to receive a plurality of conductors 126 within skirt 106 of protective shell 102. For example, each portion of the side surface 102 a and / or 102 b of the protective shell 102 is optionally thickened to accommodate the additional volume of the plurality of conductors 126 within the skirt 106.

  FIG. 21 is separated into a plurality of male plugs 116 (two shown) within a plurality of individual adapter plug bodies 128a positioned on side skirts 106 adjacent to different sides 102a of different areas of elastomer shell 102. The conversion adapter 114 comprised as follows is shown. Each of the plurality of male plugs 116 is electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 in the single contactor body 128b mounted on the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102. The adapter plug body 128 a of each individual male plug 116 and the contactor body 128 b of the contactor 120 are fixedly positioned on the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102. By way of example and not limitation, all male plugs 116 are optionally embedded in a side skirt 106 adjacent to one or more different sides 102a of the protective shell 102. For example, each individual adapter plug body 128 a is optionally overmolded into the protective shell 102. The contactor 120 is optionally embedded in the side skirt 106 at a location spaced from one or more of the male plugs 116, for example, overmolded. For example, the contactor 120 is optionally embedded in the skirt 106 spaced from the male plug 116 and adjacent one side 102b of the protective shell 102.

  As illustrated, the contactor body 128 b of the adapter contactor 120 is recessed in the outer surface 124 of the side skirt 106 of the single protective shell 102. By way of example and not limitation, an optional dam 132 is formed on the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102 and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the dam 132. The electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are protected from damage by being recessed in the dam 132 or otherwise in the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102.

  As disclosed herein, the dam 132 is a locator formed on the outer surface 124 and fits between them as a positioning interface for positively positioning the unitary protective shell 102 relative to the docking connector 3. Work with the docking cradle 5 to facilitate

  As disclosed in each of FIGS. 11 and 13, the positioning interface dam 132 functions as a locator on the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102 and connects the contactor 120 to the docking connector 3 for mechanical and electrical coupling. Cooperating with the socket receptacle of the docking cradle 5 to position it positively. For example, the dam 132 protrudes or extends from the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 and its electrical contact 122 are recessed in the recess of the locator dam 132, for example, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the docking connector 3 is recessed in a socket receiver that is recessed in the inner surface of the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7. Accordingly, the socket receiver, as shown, locates the single protective shell 102 positively with respect to the docking connector 3 in the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7 to facilitate mating. Work with dam 132.

  FIG. 22 is shown more clearly in later figures, but there is separate from the adapter contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 provided on the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 facing the inner cavity 108. The protective shell 102 is shown having a male plug 116 of the conversion adapter 114 spaced away from it.

  FIG. 23 shows the protective shell 102 having the contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 provided on the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 facing the inner cavity 108. Alternatively, the docking cradle 5 is positioned so as to couple the docking connector 3 to the contactor 120 on the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 rather than burying the docking connector 3 in the side skirt 106. Composed.

  FIG. 24 shows one embodiment of the docking cradle 5, where the tray 7 is positioned substantially horizontally and the base receptacle 9 has an upper working surface 156 and a lower interface surface 158 separated by a peripheral side wall 160. It is comprised. As shown, the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 can be configured in a generally circular shape, but any generally square or rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, or other regular shape that provides a suitable and equivalent structure. Alternatively, it can be formed in an irregular shape.

  The working surface 156 of the docking cradle tray 7 has a female nest 157 formed with a generally flat or planar peripheral surface 164 surrounding a shallow socket receptacle 166 recessed therein and forming a support rim. It is formed. The socket receiver 166 has, for example, a substantially circular shape (illustrated) similar to the external shape of the docking tray 7, but is optionally a substantially square or rectangular shape, an oval shape that conforms to the external shape of the tray 7. It can be kidney-shaped or other regular or irregular shape. The recessed socket receptacle 166 is formed with a floor 168 that forms an electrical interface surface that can be recessed relative to the peripheral support rim 164 and substantially parallel thereto. The internal perimeter transition wall 170 provides a transition between the socket floor 168 and the perimeter support rim 164. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the internal perimeter transition wall 170 is substantially perpendicular to the offset surfaces of the socket floor 168 and the perimeter socket rim 164. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the internal perimeter transition wall 170 is optionally inclined outwardly between the socket floor 168 and the peripheral socket rim 164, thereby inclining between the socket floor 168 and the peripheral socket rim 164. Provide transition department. For example, the outwardly inclined inner peripheral transition wall 170 forms an angle in the range of about 30-60 degrees from the plane of the socket floor 168. However, this angle is optionally in a much wider range from about 15 degrees or less to 75 degrees or more from the plane of the socket floor 168.

  The docking tray 7 optionally includes a mechanism for fixing to the external mounting surface S. Thus, by way of example and not limitation, the docking cradle tray 7 is perforated by one or more fastener clearance holes 172 as described herein, each of which intermediately mounts the docking cradle tray 7 It is sized to pass a mechanical fastener suitable for attachment to an external mounting surface such as a device. The fastener clearance hole 172 is optionally a countersink or counterbore to dent the head of a threaded fastener that passes below one or both of the upper working surface 156 and the recessed socket floor 168. An annular recess or recess 174.

  Alternatively, one or more fasteners are optionally integrated with the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5. For example, the heads of two pairs of threaded studs are embedded in the forming structure of the docking cradle tray 7 with their threaded shafts protruding from the lower interface surface 158 and inserted through matching openings in the external mounting surface. And fix with a nut. In such a case, the fastener clearance hole 172 is filled with a threaded shaft of the fastener. Further, the recessed socket floor 168 and the peripheral socket rim 164, and the internal peripheral transition wall 170 therebetween, are optionally made completely uninterrupted and the docking cradle tray 7 is therefore substantially solid. Present an unbroken aspect. Other mechanisms for attaching to the external mounting surface S such as adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive tapes and films are also contemplated and can be incorporated or substituted without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.

  Optionally, the female nesting 157 of the docking cradle tray 7 is one or more male rotations configured to maintain a rotational orientation between the unitary protective shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the docking cradle tray 7. It is formed with a control feature 176. By way of example and not limitation, the male rotation control feature 176 is a socket recessed by a straight or curved portion (shown) of the internal peripheral transition wall 170 between the recessed socket floor 168 and the peripheral socket rim 164. Configured as a shallow intrusion into the receiver 166. Alternatively, the inner peripheral transition wall 170 of the socket receptacle 166 is configured with any generally square or rectangular, oval, kidney shape, or other regular or irregular shape, thereby controlling rotation. The feature 176 is unique to the socket receptacle 166 provided by such a non-circular shape.

  According to one embodiment, the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 is held on the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 under the weight of the portable electronic device 1 in the shell 102, ie by gravity. The positioning interface dam 132 of the shell 102 cooperates with the docking cradle 5 by nesting in a socket receiver 166 recessed in the docking cradle tray 7.

  Instead, one or more permanent magnets 178 are provided between the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 in order to fix the protective cover 100 in the docking cradle 5. By way of example and not limitation, one or more permanent magnets 178 are disposed in a magnet holding structure 180 adjacent to either the recessed floor 168 of the socket receiver 166 or the peripheral socket rim 164 (shown). . Each permanent magnet 178, if present, is illustratively a thin circle or disk, and not a limitation. The disk shape is advantageous, but other magnet shapes are equivalent and can be replaced. The magnet 178 is optionally a known rare earth. Rare earth magnets are very powerful for their size and are therefore useful in the practice of the present invention. However, other known and currently unknown magnets that are sufficiently powerful for the practice of the present invention are equivalent and can be replaced.

  By way of example and not limitation, the magnet retention structure 180 is as a plurality of cavities that individually position each magnet 178 proximate to either the recessed floor 168 of the socket receiver 166 or the peripheral socket rim 164 of the female nest 157. Embodied. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each cavity of the magnet retention structure 180 minimizes the distance between the magnet 178 and the recessed floor 168 or the surrounding socket rim 164 of the socket. The attenuation of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 178 is thus minimized and the generated magnetic field ensures the retention of most portable electronics and other small devices by magnetic attraction to the cooperating docking cradle 5. It remains powerful enough to do.

  According to one embodiment, the cavity of the magnet retention structure 180 fits into the magnet 178 as either a sliding fit or a compression fit so that each magnet 178 is inserted at least under light pressure and to the same extent as a pressure fit. It is sized like this.

  The magnet holding cavity 180 can be provided on the lower interface surface 158 of the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 opposite the working surface 156. The magnet 178 in the retention cavity 180 is retained near the recessed floor 168 of the socket receiver 166 or the peripheral socket rim 164 of the female nest 157. The docking cradle tray 7 is formed of a substantially rigid plastic or other elastomeric material that has the property of resiliently responding to slight deformations, and a magnet holding cavity 180 is optionally a compression fit for the magnet 178. The magnet 178 is retained by radial compression of a smaller cavity 180 that is elastically deformed by the magnet 178 upon insertion. Thus, double adhesive tape taught by Tarulli in US Pat. No. 5,992,807 and Won in US Pat. No. 6,149,116, or incorporated herein by reference. Avoid other retaining elements such as a bayonet in the mating aperture taught by Rielo in US Pat. No. 5,895,018 issued Apr. 20, 1999, entitled “Magnet Support Attachment”. Is done.

  As disclosed herein, the docking connector 3 includes a plurality of biased electrical contacts 11 configured, for example, as spring biased pogo pins that are electrically coupled to electrical leads 13 of a wire or cable 15. Generally, the docking connector 3 includes a minimum number of at least two energized electrical contacts 11, but is not limited to having more contacts 11.

  FIG. 25 shows the unitary protective shell 102 of the protective cover 100 formed with the locator dam 132 of the shell 102 as a complementary male nesting accessory 159 configured to seat on the female nesting 157. For example, the locator dam 132 of the complementary male nesting feature 159 is configured to fit into the recessed socket receptacle 166 of the horizontal base receptacle 9 within the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 as shown in FIG. The The complementary locator dam 132 protrudes or extends from the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 facing the internal cavity 108 in which the portable electronic device 1 is seated. The complementary locator dam 132 is configured with a generally circular shape when the recessed socket receiver is so configured. Alternatively, the locator dam 132 can be any generally square or rectangular, oval, when the recessed socket receptacle 166 of the female nest 157 on the working surface 156 of the docking cradle tray 7 is so configured. Constructed with a kidney shape or other regular or irregular shape. Accordingly, the complementary locator dam 132 is substantially flat offset from the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 to a distance about the depth of the recessed floor 168 in the socket receptacle 166 of the docking cradle tray 7. A shallow protrusion formed using the contactor surface 182. Accordingly, the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 of the protective shell 102 is a male that engages the peripheral support rim 164 of the docking cradle tray 7 when the complementary locator dam 132 is nested in the recessed socket receptacle 166. The lower rim of the nested accessory 159 is formed.

  When the internal perimeter transition wall 170 of the female socket receptacle 166 is inclined between the socket floor 168 and the perimeter socket rim 164, the complementary male locator dam 132 optionally contacts the flexible central panel 104. It includes a peripheral transition wall 184 formed between the vessel surface 182 and the outer surface 152 and formed with a substantially matching slope. Accordingly, the tilted complementary male locator dam 132 is nested in the tilt of the recessed socket receptacle 166 of the female nesting 157.

  When the socket receptacle 166 of the female nesting 157 is configured with one or more male rotation control features 176, the complementary male locator dam 132 may include one or more matching rotation control features 186. It is comprised. For example, if the rotation control feature 176 of the female socket receptacle 166 is configured as a male perimeter protrusion of the transition wall 170 into the interior of the socket 166 between the recessed socket floor 168 and the peripheral socket rim 164 The control feature 186 is positioned to mate with the male rotation control feature 176 in the socket transition wall 170 and is adapted to fit into the periphery of the sized complementary locator dam 132. Configured as part.

  Alternatively, the matching male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 are optionally inverted between the female socket receptacle 166 and the complementary locator dam 132 so that the female rotation control feature 176 is A female rotation control feature 186 provided to the complementary locator dam 132 of the shell 102 as a male perimeter protrusion of the transition wall 184 is complementary to the periphery of the transition wall 170 in the rim 164 surrounding the female socket receptacle 166. Provided as a typical female or dent or intrusion.

  Accordingly, as disclosed herein, the male positioning interface 132 includes a combination of an offset protruding contactor surface 182 and a recessed female rotation control feature 186 formed therearound, the rotation control feature 186. Is coplanar with the peripheral edge formed by the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel that contacts the rim 164 surrounding the socket receptacle 166 when seated in the female nesting 157 of the docking cradle tray 7, for example. The recessed female rotation control feature 186 of the male positioning interface 132 engages with the male rotation control feature 176 of the docking cradle tray 7 within the female nest 157 so that the shell 102 is attached to the base receptacle 9 of the tray 7. Rotationally directed against. Accordingly, the complementary locator dam 132 on the outer surface 152 of the protective shell 102 is nested within the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle tray 7 with the female socket receptacle 166, while the mating male and female rotation controls. Features 176 and 186 control the rotation of the protective shell 102 relative to the base receiver 9 of the tray 7.

  If the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 includes an optional magnet 178 adjacent to the recessed floor 168 or peripheral rim 164 of the socket receiver 166, as shown in FIG. A magnetically permeable member 188 embodied as a sheet or plate of steel material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or another ferromagnetic material or alloy, or other high permeability ferromagnetic material. For example, the permeable member 188 is embedded in the central panel 104 of the protective shell 102 at a complementary location for attraction by the magnet 178. Accordingly, the magnet 178 and the magnetic attractive member 188 are magnetically attractive couples operable between the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 to secure the protective cover 100 to the docking cradle 5. Form.

  The contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 provided on the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 includes a plurality of energizing electrical contacts 11 configured as spring energized pogo pins in the recessed socket receiver 166 of the horizontal tray 7. Appropriately configured for electrical coupling. For example, the plurality of electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are configured as a plurality of concentric contact rings of a conductive material, such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, or another conductive material. Contact ring 122 of contactor 120 is electrically interconnected with a plurality of electrical connectors 118 of male adapter plug 116 in pairs that are ordered either sequentially or non-sequentially as disclosed herein. Is coupled to conductor 126 for Contact ring 122 of contactor 120 is positioned to mate with different pogo pin contacts 11 at recessed socket receiver 166 of base receiver 9 of docking cradle tray 7.

  When the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 is configured as a plurality of concentric contact rings, the contact ring 122 is not docked and independent of the rotation of the positioning interface dam (FIG. 25, arrow 190) at the female socket receiver 166. Cooperating male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 are optionally removed because they fit with different pogo pin contacts 11 in either orientation of shell 102 relative to tray 7. However, cooperating male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 can optionally be present to provide a relative rotational relationship between the protective cover 100 and the docking cradle 3.

  FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the elastomeric shell 102 of the protective cover or skin 100 seated on the tray 7 of the docking cradle 3. As shown, the complementary male nesting accessory 159 of the protective cover 100 is nested with the female nesting 157 of the docking cradle 5 so that the shell 102 is held in the docking cradle tray 7. For example, the shell 102 is secured by the weight of the portable electronic device 1 in the shell 102, ie, gravity, as disclosed herein. The shell 102 cooperates with the docking cradle 5 by nesting the positioning interface dam 132 in a socket receptacle 166 recessed in the docking cradle tray 7. For example, the positioning interface dam 132 is rotated until the female rotation control feature 186, if present, mates with the matching male rotation control feature 176 of the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5, if present (FIG. 25). , Arrow 190). Thereafter, the peripheral transition wall 184 cooperates with the matching transition wall 170 to position the locator dam 132 within the socket receptacle as the shell 102 approaches the docking cradle tray 7. With the positioning interface dam 132 of the complementary male nesting feature 159 fully nested within the socket receptacle 166 of the female nesting 157, the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 surrounds the female socket receptacle 166. In contact with the support rim 164, the contactor surface 182 of the elastomeric shell 102 is juxtaposed with the recessed socket floor 168. The engagement of the projecting positioning interface dam 132 and the cooperating peripheral transition walls 184 and 170 of the recessed socket receptacle 166 causes the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 to be energized to the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle 3. Actuate to guide engagement with 11.

  According to one embodiment, the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are energized under the weight of the shell 102 in which the electronic device 1 is housed, ie, by gravity, the biasing electrical contact 11 of the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle 3. Engage with.

  Alternatively, when an optional magnet 178 is present, the magnetic force between the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 causes the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 to be in a nested engagement with the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5. Fixing and actuating the electrical contact of the contactor 120 with the biasing electrical contact 11 of the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle 5.

  When the protective cover or skin 100 is held on the tray 7 of the docking cradle 3 under gravity, the protective cover 100 is released simply by lifting the shell 102 in order to remove it from the cradle 3. Become.

  Alternatively, when an optional magnet 178 is present, the magnetic force between the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 causes the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 to be in a nested engagement with the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5. Operates to fix. However, by simply rotating the shell 102 (FIG. 25, arrow 190), the positioning interface dam 132 is moved until the female rotation control feature 186 interferes with the matching male rotation control feature 176 of the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5. Rotate. Such interference separates the shell 102 from the base receptacle 9 and attenuates the magnetic force, thereby releasing the protective cover 100 for removal from the cradle 3.

  FIGS. 27, 28 and 29 together show an alternative embodiment of the cover or skin 100 and the docking cradle 5. As disclosed herein, the relative positions of the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 are reversed. For example, the one or more magnets 178 are not on the raised rim 164 surrounding the socket receptacle 166 of the female nesting 157 of the docking cradle tray 7 but are adjacent to the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104. Located in the holding structure 180. As illustrative and non-limiting, each may be embodied as a thin sheet or plate of iron, nickel, cobalt, or another ferromagnetic material, or a steel material such as an alloy, or another high permeability ferromagnetic material, respectively. The one or more magnetically permeable members 188 that are applied are embedded in either the recessed floor 168 or the surrounding socket rim 164 of the female socket receptacle 166, as disclosed herein (shown).

  In addition, one or more permanent magnets 178 are attached to the complementary male insert accessory 159 of the protective cover 100. For example, the magnet 178 is embedded in the central panel 104 of the protective shell 102 to cooperate with a magnetically permeable member 188 for magnetically securing the protective cover 100 to the docking cradle 5.

  30, 31 and 32 show an alternative embodiment of the cooperating device cover 100 and docking cradle 5 where the contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114, the male insert accessory 159 and the docking are shown. The positioning interface feature provided between the mating female insert 157 of the cradle tray 7 and the docking connector 3 is inverted. An inverted embodiment of a positioning interface feature comprised of a female nest 157 and a complementary male nest feature 159 is by configuring the locator dam 132 as a female receptacle provided on the outer surface 152 of the central panel 104 of the shell 102. On the other hand, the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle tray 7 is configured as a cooperating male locator.

  FIG. 30 shows that a female nesting 157 is provided on the protective shell 102 by a locator dam 132 configured here with a shallow socket receiver 166 from the docking cradle tray 7. The socket receptacle 166 of the locator dam 132 is surrounded by a generally flat or planar peripheral surface 164 formed around a support rim that projects from the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 opposite the inner cavity 108 of the shell 102. It is. The socket receiver 166 of the dam 132 includes an internal peripheral transition wall 170 that provides a transition between the socket floor 168 and the peripheral support rim 164. The transition wall 170 uses a rotation control feature 176 configured to positively rotationally orient the elastomeric shell 102 of the protective cover 100 relative to the docking cradle tray 7 as disclosed herein. Formed.

  That is, as disclosed herein, the male positioning interface 132 is a combination of a contactor surface recessed in the floor 168 of the socket receiver 166 and a protruding rotation control feature 176 formed therearound. The rotation control feature 176 is coplanar with the peripheral contact rim 164 surrounding the socket floor 168, for example. The contact rim 164 engages the working surface 156 of the docking cradle tray 7 when the female nesting 157 sits on the complementary male nesting accessory 159 of the docking cradle tray 7. The protruding rotation control feature 176 of the male positioning interface 132 engages the recessed rotation control feature 186 of the docking cradle tray 7 within the male insert accessory 159 so that the shell 102 receives the base of the tray 7. Rotational orientation with respect to the vessel 9.

  Optionally, the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 is held on the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 under weight, i.e., by gravity, as disclosed herein. Alternatively, the optional magnet 178 and magnetically permeable member 188, if present, can be provided on either the docking cradle tray 7 or the protective shell 102, as disclosed herein. As shown here by way of example and not limitation, the permanent magnet 178 is provided in a magnet holding structure 180 adjacent to either the recessed floor 168 of the socket receiver 166 or the peripheral socket rim 164 (shown).

  The contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 can be configured as a plurality of concentric contact rings 122 of conductive material, as disclosed herein. Contactor 120 is positioned on floor 168 of socket receiver 168.

  FIG. 31 shows that the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 is configured to lie substantially horizontally with a base receptacle 9 configured with an upper working surface 156 formed in a substantially flat plane. Is shown. The working surface 156 of the tray 7 is configured with a complementary male nesting accessory 159 from the protective cover 100.

  The substantially planar contactor surface 182 is offset or protrudes from the upper working surface 156 of the docking cradle tray 7 and can be any generally circular, square or rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, or other regular or irregular And is sized to fit snugly within the recessed socket receptacle 166 of the female locator dam 132 of the nesting 157 on the protective shell 102. Accordingly, the upper working surface 156 of the docking cradle tray 7 is configured such that when the protruding contactor surface 182 of the complementary male nesting accessory 159 is nested in the recessed socket receptacle 166 of the female locator dam 132 of the nesting 157, Engage with the peripheral support rim 164 of the locator dam 132 in the protective shell 102.

  That is, as disclosed herein, the complementary male nesting accessory 159 of the docking cradle tray 7 is recessed in and around the contactor surface 182 protruding from the upper working surface 156 of the base receptacle 9. Including a combination with a female rotation control feature 186, the rotation control feature 186 is coplanar with a peripheral contact rim configured, for example, as an actuation surface 156. The actuating surface 156 accepts the socket of the locator dam 132 that protrudes from the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 of the shell 102 when the female nest 157 sits on the complementary male nest attachment 159 of the docking cradle tray 7. Engage with a peripheral contact rim 164 (shown in FIG. 30) that forms a support rim surrounding the vessel 166. The protruding male rotation control feature 176 of the female positioning interface 132 engages the recessed female rotation control feature 186 of the docking cradle tray 7 within the male insert accessory 159 so that the shell 102 can be It is oriented rotationally relative to the base receptacle 9.

  As disclosed herein, the docking connector 3 includes a plurality of biasing electrical contacts 11 configured, for example, as spring-biased pogo pins that are electrically coupled to electrical leads 13 in a wire or cable 15.

  The docking cradle tray 7 is optionally perforated by fastener clearance holes 172 for attaching the docking cradle tray 7 to an external mounting surface, as described herein. The fastener clearance holes 172 are optionally countersunk as described herein to dent the head of a threaded fastener that penetrates the protruding contactor surface 182 of the complementary male nesting attachment 159. Or a matching annular recess or recess 174 that is a counterbore. Further, as disclosed herein, other mechanisms for attaching to an external mounting surface S, such as adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive tapes and films, are also contemplated and incorporate without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention. Or it can be substituted.

  A peripherally projecting transition wall 184 of the complementary protruding male nesting accessory 159 optionally serves to positively position the unitary protective shell 102 relative to the docking connector 3 in the receptacle 9 of the docking cradle tray 7. Inclined so as to nest in cooperation with the inclination of the recessed socket receptacle 166.

  When the locator dam 132 of the protective shell 102 is formed using the male rotation control feature 176, the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 fits into the male rotation control feature 176 and the protective shell 102 and the docking cradle tray are fitted. 7 can be formed with an adapted female rotation control feature 186 that cooperates to control the direction of rotation.

  Alternatively, matching male and female rotation control mechanisms 176 and 186 optionally complement the female socket receptacle 166 and docking cradle tray 7 of the locator dam 132 that forms a female nest 157 on the protective shell 102. The rotation control mechanism 186 is thus provided as a female recess or intrusion around the transition wall 170 in the rim 164 surrounding the female socket receptacle 166 of the locator dam 132. A matching rotation control mechanism 176 is provided as a complementary male perimeter protrusion of the transition wall 184.

  FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view in which a female insert 157 is provided on the protective shell 102 by the locator dam 132 and a complementary male insert accessory 159 is provided on the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 by the base receiver 9. Thus, the positioning interface between the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 is such that the female nest 157 on the protective shell 102 is received over the complementary male nest attachment 159 of the base receptacle 9. Provided by.

  As disclosed herein, when the protective cover 100 is secured by the weight of the portable electronic device 1 in the shell 102, i.e., gravity, the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 is inserted into the female nesting 157 of the protective shell 102. It is expected to be presented with a complementary male nesting attachment 159 of the base receptacle 9 oriented substantially correctly to receive the above. Instead, one or more permanent magnets 178 and a magnetically permeable member 188 for magnetic attraction between the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 are disposed at complementary positions. . For example, as shown here, when the optional magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 are present, the rotation of the docking cradle tray 7 magnetically attaches the electronic device 1 in the protective cover 100 in a detachable manner. Is possible. Depending on the magnetic attraction strength as a function of the selected magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188, the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 is protected even when the docking cradle tray 7 is turned upside down and turned upside down. The magnetic contact between the cover 100 and the docking tray 7 can be tilted or rotated with the electronic device 1 fully secured therein, and the electrical contacts 122 of the shell contactor 120 are It remains mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 sufficiently for operation.

  Illustratively and not as a limitation, each may be embodied as a thin sheet or plate of iron, nickel, cobalt, or another ferromagnetic material, or a steel material such as an alloy, or another high permeability ferromagnetic material, respectively. The one or more magnetically permeable members 188 that are applied are embedded in either the recessed floor 168 of the female socket receptacle 166 of the locator dam 132 or the surrounding socket rim 164, as disclosed herein. In addition, one or more permanent magnets 178 are attached to the complementary male attachment 159 of the protective cover 100. For example, the magnet 178 is embedded in the central panel 104 of the protective shell 102 so as to cooperate with a magnetically permeable member 188 for magnetically fixing the protective cover 100 to the docking cradle 5.

  Alternatively, the relative positions of the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 are optionally reversed as disclosed herein, in which case one or more magnets 178 are attached to the protective shell 102. One or more magnetically permeable members 188 disposed in the magnet holding structure 180 in the female nesting 157 of the locator dam 132 are in the working surface 156 of the tray 7 adjacent to the male nesting accessory 159 of the base receptacle 9. Arranged at complementary positions.

  As disclosed herein, the internal perimeter transition wall 170 of the socket receiver 166 is used to positively position the unitary protective shell 102 relative to the docking connector 3 in the receiver 9 of the docking cradle tray 7. Cooperates with the peripheral transition wall 184 of the complementary protruding male nesting accessory 159.

  Further, when the locator dam 132 of the protective shell 102 is formed using the rotation control feature 176, the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 is fitted to the rotation control feature 176 to fit the protective shell 102 and the docking cradle tray. 7 can be formed with complementary rotation control features 186 that cooperate to control the direction of rotation.

  FIG. 33 shows the protective cover 100 and the complementary male nesting accessory 159 is protected similarly to that shown in FIG. 6 to be received by the female nesting 157 of the base receptacle 9 as shown in FIG. Configured as a positioning interface dam 132 in the side skirt 106 of the shell 102. In contrast, here, the positioning interface dam 132 that includes the contactor 120 and its contacts 122 is from the contactor 120 and its contacts 122 at locations within the different side skirts 106 of the protective shell 102 as disclosed herein. Separated from the male plug 116 which extends into the cavity of the shell 102.

  The positioning interface dam 132 of the male nesting accessory 159 is optionally formed with a magnet holding structure 180 adjacent to either side of the contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114, whereby the magnet 178 is connected to the contactor 120. Mounted adjacent to Accordingly, since the protective cover 100 is configured to cooperate with the tray 7 of the docking cradle 5 having one or more magnetically permeable members 188, magnetic attraction of the protective shell 102 relative to the tray 7 is described herein. , The male nesting accessory 159 operates to secure the protective cover 100 to the docking cradle 5 when installed in the complementary female nesting 157.

  FIG. 34 shows the protective cover 100 on which the electronic device 1 is installed. The protective cover 100 here is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, but the positioning interface dam 132 of the male nesting accessory 159 is here instead of iron, nickel, cobalt, or another strong strength. It includes a magnetically permeable member 188 embodied as one or more sheets or plates of a magnetic material, or a steel material such as an alloy, or other high permeability ferromagnetic material. For example, the magnetically permeable member 188 is located on the outer surface 124 of the protective shell 102 in a complementary position to cooperate with one or more magnets 178 positioned on the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle tray 7. It is embedded in 132. Thus, when the male insert accessory 159 is installed in the complementary female insert 157, the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 dock the protective cover 100 containing the electronic device 1 as disclosed herein. Cooperate to fix to the cradle 5.

  FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken through the protective cover 100 of FIG. 33 where the male plug 116 and contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114 are spaced apart in different areas of the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102. As shown, the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 are through electrical cables, wires, traces, or other conductors 126 (one of which is shown for clarity). One or more electrical connectors 118 of plug 116 are electrically coupled. The portable electronic device 1 is received within the cavity 108 of the elastomer shell 102 with the female input / output socket 27 engaged with the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 in the skirt 106 adjacent one side 102a of the protective shell 102. It is done.

  The positioning interface dam 132 is formed on the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102 and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the locator dam 132 to form a complementary male nesting accessory 159 for attachment to the female nesting 157. To do. Here, the locator dam 132 includes a magnet 178 disposed in the magnet holding structure 180 for magnetic attraction of the magnetically permeable member 188 in the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7.

  Instead, the magnet 178 is in the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle tray 7 and the cooperating magnetically permeable member 188 is on the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 in the locator dam 132 outside the protective shell 102. Adjacent.

  36 is a cross-sectional view taken through the protective cover 100 of FIG. 34, where the male plug 116 of the electrical adapter 114 and the contactor 120 are spaced apart in different areas of the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102. FIG. As shown, the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 are through electrical cables, wires, traces, or other conductors 126 (one of which is shown for clarity). One or more electrical connectors 118 of plug 116 are electrically coupled. The portable electronic device 1 is received within the cavity 108 of the elastomer shell 102 with the female input / output socket 27 engaged with the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 in the skirt 106 adjacent one side 102a of the protective shell 102. It is done.

  The positioning interface dam 132 is formed on the outer surface 124 of the unitary protective shell 102 and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the locator dam 132 to form a complementary male nesting accessory 159 for attachment to the female nesting 157. To do. Here, the locator dam 132 instead includes a magnetically permeable ferromagnetic member 188 as disclosed herein. For example, the ferromagnetic member 188 can be positioned within the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102 in a complementary position for attraction by the magnet 178 in the base receptacle 9 of the docking cradle tray 7 as disclosed herein. Embedded in the locator dam 132.

  FIG. 37 shows a female nesting 157 of the base receptacle 9 in the docking cradle 5 that includes one or more ferromagnetic members 188. For example, the ferromagnetic member 188 is exposed at a position adjacent to the biasing electrical contact 11 of the docking connector 3. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 33, the positioning interface dam 132 of the protective cover 100 on the side skirt 106 of the shell 102 is optionally a magnet 178 mounted adjacent to either side of the contactor 120. , The ferromagnetic member 188 is positioned to cooperate with the magnet 178 so that, as disclosed herein, when the male insert accessory 159 is attached to the complementary female insert 157 relative to the tray 7 The magnetic force of the protective shell 102 acts to fix the protective cover 100 to the docking cradle 5. The docking connector 3 can also include optional guide pins 17 as disclosed herein, which are optional mating guide pin receptacles when present in the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114. 130 is fitted.

  FIG. 38 shows a female nesting of an alternative base receptacle 9, wherein one or more magnets 178 are replaced in place of the ferromagnetic member 188 shown in FIG. For example, the magnet 178 is positioned adjacent to the biasing electrical contact 11 of the docking connector 3. Thus, for example, as shown in FIG. 34, a positioning interface dam 132 of the protective cover 100 on the side skirt 106 of the shell 102 is optionally mounted adjacent to either side of the contactor 120. With the member 188, the magnet 178 is positioned to cooperate with the ferromagnetic member 188 so that, as disclosed herein, the tray when the male insert accessory 159 is attached to the complementary female insert 157. The protective cover 100 is fixed to the docking cradle 5 by the magnetic force of the protective shell 102 against 7. The docking connector 3 can also include optional guide pins 17 as disclosed herein, which are optional mating guide pin receptacles when present in the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114. 130 is fitted.

  FIG. 39 shows another arrangement of the electrical contacts 122 with respect to the cover 100. In this arrangement, there are ten electrical contacts 122 arranged in two rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the rows are staggered, but it will be appreciated that the rows can be aligned with each other rather than the staggered arrangement. The docking cradle 5 can have the same number and the same arrangement of electrical contacts 11, but in some embodiments, the docking cradle 5 can have fewer or more contacts than the cover 100.

  In at least some embodiments, different covers 100 can be provided for different types of portable electronic devices 1, but the arrangement of electrical contacts 122 is the same, so using the appropriate cover 100, a variety of different mobile devices can be provided. Electronic devices 1 (including devices from different manufacturers) can be coupled to the same docking cradle 5. The internal arrangement of the conductors 126 (connecting the electrical contacts 122 of the adapter 114 to the electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116) of different covers 100 may vary depending on the type of portable electronic device 1 that fits the cover 100. It will be understood that it can be done. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, one or more of the electrical contacts 122 may be the adapter 114, particularly when there is no corresponding contact in the portable electrical device 1 with which the cover 100 is designed. May not be coupled to the corresponding electrical contact 118.

  FIG. 41 shows an arrangement of twelve electrical contacts 122 arranged in two staggered rows. Cover 100 may be any number of electrical contacts including, but not limited to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more. It will be understood that 122 can be included. The electrical contacts 122 can be arranged in any regular or irregular pattern. For example, the three electrical contacts can be arranged in a straight line, equilateral triangle, isosceles triangle, right triangle, or any other suitable arrangement. As another example, electrical contacts 122 can be arranged in one row, or in two or more rows (eg, in two, three, four, or five or more rows). The rows can be aligned with each other or in a staggered arrangement and can have the same or different number of contacts in each row. As yet another example, some or all of the electrical contacts 122 can be placed at the vertices of a regular or irregular polygon. For example, five electrical contacts 122 can be placed at the vertices of a pentagon, six electrical contacts 122 can be placed at the vertices of a hexagon, and eight electrical contacts are placed at the vertices of an octagon. Can be arranged.

  39 and 41 also illustrate a dam 132 having an asymmetric shape that can facilitate accurate coupling of the cover 100 to the docking cradle 5. Dam 132 defines an asymmetric positioning interface. In this case, the dam 132 has a straight first edge 191 and a curved second edge 192 opposite the first edge. The female nesting 157 of the docking cradle 5 can be shaped similar to the dam 132 so that the dam of the cover 100 simply fits in one direction within the female nesting of the docking cradle. This asymmetric positioning interface of the cover facilitates accurate coupling with the docking cradle 5 of the cover, so that the electrical contacts 122 fit accurately and reliably with corresponding contacts on the docking cradle.

  FIG. 40 shows a portion of adapter 114 and includes male plug 116, electrical contacts 122, magnet 178 (or ferromagnetic member 188), and body 128. Adapter 114 is positioned within cover 100 with side skirt 106 and dam 132 formed around each portion of the adapter. In at least some embodiments, a portion of shell 102 or dam 132 also covers surface 193 and magnet 178 of body 128 while leaving a portion of electrical contact 122 exposed, as shown in FIGS.

  Covers for portable electronic devices can also include additional pockets for peripheral devices. 42-46 illustrate an embodiment of a cover 100 that can receive the portable electronic device 1 and the peripheral device 50. Examples of peripheral devices include printers, scanners, card readers, magnetic strip readers, RFID readers, NFC readers, speakers, batteries, cameras, lights, keyboards, human interface devices (such as mice or trackballs), Includes a medical device (eg, a thermometer, glucose sensor, sphygmomanometer, imaging device, or any other suitable medical device), or any other suitable peripheral device. Other examples of peripheral devices can provide LED lights, black lights, infrared lights, lasers, or any other lighting device, or any combination thereof, for general lighting, night vision, video or photography It can include illumination devices that can be used to provide illumination or enhancement, signal transmission, pointing, measurement, scanning, alignment, or any other function or application or any combination thereof. Such lighting devices can be designed for use with any device in the cover, such as, for example, a mobile phone or smartphone, a terminal, a computer, a test device, or a tablet, or any combination thereof. Other examples of peripheral devices include, for example, sensors (eg, temperature, pressure, leveling, angle, altitude, light, density, x-ray, magnetic field, acceleration, velocity, velocity, distance, energy, current or energy flow, force, It can be a durometer, mass / weight, torque, resistance, capacitance, voltage, reactance, etc., or any combination thereof) or a tool device such as a fingerprint reader.

  The cover 100 can be designed for a particular type of peripheral device or can contain multiple types of peripheral devices. In addition to this, the illustrated embodiment allows a single peripheral device to be included in the cover, while other embodiments include multiple (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or 5) or more peripheral devices can be included.

  Cover 100 includes a shell 102 having a central panel 104, a side skirt 106, a lip 110, an entrance opening 112, and an internal cavity 108 for receiving the portable electronic device 1. In addition, the cover 100 includes a peripheral cavity 208 that forms a peripheral pocket that receives the peripheral device 50. The perimeter cavity 208 can be formed using the central panel 104 and optionally any part of the side skirt 106 or any other part of the cover 100. A peripheral cavity 208 defines a device surface 205 and one or more side surfaces 207. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral cavity 208 and the internal cavity 108 are continuous, and the peripheral device 50 can be inserted into the peripheral cavity 208 through the inlet opening 112 and the internal cavity 108 as shown in FIG. Next, as shown in FIG. 45, the portable electronic device 1 can be inserted into the internal cavity 110 through the entrance opening. In an alternative embodiment, the cover 100 can include a peripheral opening (not shown) through which peripheral devices can be inserted into the peripheral cavity 208. In such embodiments, the peripheral cavity 208 can be continuous with the internal cavity 108, or the peripheral cavity and the internal cavity can be separated by the wall of the cover 100. .

  In addition to the male plug 116, the cover 100 includes a peripheral plug 216 as shown in FIG. A peripheral plug 216 fits within the input / output socket of the peripheral device 50. Peripheral plug 216 can be designed for a specific peripheral device or can be suitable for a plurality of different devices. For example, the peripheral plug 216 (or male plug 116 or both) can be a USB plug or a micro USB plug designed to fit into a USB port or a micro USB port in the peripheral device 50, respectively.

  The peripheral plug 216 includes one or more electrical connectors 218 that connect to contacts in the peripheral device 50. One or more electrical connectors 218 are coupled to the electrical contacts 122 of the adapter 114 of the cover 100 using conductors (not shown) that extend through the cover 100. This arrangement can be used to power the peripheral device 50 through the adapter 114 and one or more electrical connectors 218. In at least some embodiments, the adapter 114 and associated conductors can be arranged such that the peripheral device 50 provides power, data, or both through the adapter to the portable electronic device 1. For example, the adapter 114 can couple the electrical connector 218 of the peripheral plug 216 and the electrical connector 118 of the male plug 116 to the same electrical contact 122 of the adapter so that the peripheral device 50 can pass power or data through the adapter to the portable electronic The device 1 can be supplied. It will be appreciated that there are other mechanisms for sharing data between the peripheral device 50 and the portable electronic device 1, such as Bluetooth® and NFC.

  The cover 100 can include one or more openings 194 that enter the peripheral cavity 218 through the cover. These openings 194 may allow access to components of the peripheral device 50 such as, for example, a jack, scanner, printer, or sensor. Similarly, the cover 100 can include one or more openings 196 that lead into the interior cavity 118 to allow access to components of the portable electronic device. For example, the opening 196 can allow access to a camera, headphone jack, switch, speaker, microphone, or the like of the portable electronic device 1. In at least some embodiments, the placement, number, and size of the opening 196 in the cover is specifically adjusted based on the type of portable electronic device for which the cover 100 is designed. In some embodiments, the cover 100 can include a soft button 198 formed on the cover (eg, on the side skirt 106) at a location that matches a button on the portable electronic device 1. The soft button 196 can be part of the cover material, for example, with a serration around it to identify the placement of the soft button and facilitate activation of the soft button. The soft button 196 is configured and arranged so that activation of the soft button also activates the button of the underlying portable electronic device 1. Such soft buttons 196 may match the power, volume, and other buttons on the portable electronic device 1. Any of the covers described herein can include one or more openings 196, one or more soft buttons 198, or any combination thereof.

  Any of the covers 100 described herein can include a tag element 199 disposed in or on the cover, as shown in FIG. The tag element 199 can be, for example, an RFID tag or an NFC tag that can be used to identify a cover or a device disposed within the cover. The tag element 199 can be molded into the cover 100 or placed on the inner or outer surface of the cover. In at least some embodiments, the tag element 199 can be associated with a fob 197 or other tag query device that can be carried by a user, and used to make the cover 100 a fob or other tag query device. The tag element 199 can be queried wirelessly to determine if it is in the range. The fob 197 is activated by the user and can assist in finding a cover or associated portable electronic device. Alternatively or additionally, the fob 197 incorporates an audible alarm, a vibration alarm, or both that can be automatically activated when the fob exceeds a threshold distance from the cover 100, and is associated with the cover 100. The user can be warned that the portable electronic device has been misplaced (eg, left on the docking cradle). In some embodiments, the user can select whether fob 197 provides an audible alarm, a vibration alarm, or both. In some embodiments, the user can program a threshold distance.

  47-49 show an additional embodiment of the docking cradle 5. These docking cradles 5 include a tray 7 (not shown in FIG. 49) and a base receptacle 9 on which the portable electronic device 1 in the cover 100 is placed. 47 includes a clamp 19 and an arm 21. The docking cradle 5 of FIG. 48 is a stand-alone cradle that can be placed on any stable surface such as a desk, shelf, sideboard, or table. The docking cradle 5 of FIG. 49 can be mounted on a wall or other surface. FIG. 48 shows a mobile phone or other relatively small device as the portable electronic device 1. FIG. 49 shows a tablet or other relatively large device as the portable electronic device 1. Many docking cradles can accommodate both large and small portable electronic devices, while other docking cradles are specifically designed for portable electronic devices of a specific size or range of sizes There is a case.

  FIG. 48 shows the cable 15 exiting the docking cradle 5. It will be appreciated that other illustrated docking cradles may include cables. The cable may be detachable from the docking cradle or may be permanently attached to the docking cradle. In some embodiments incorporating a detachable cable, the docking cradle includes a port, such as a USB port or a micro USB port, that can accept the end of the cable.

  In some embodiments, the docking cradle can include electronic components for providing power, data, or other signals from the cradle to the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, the docking cradle is a “pass-through” device, where the docking cradle is simply another device, such as a portable electronic device and a charger, a computer, or other portable electronic device. Is a relay. In these embodiments, the cable exiting the docking cradle can be coupled to this other device, and in at least some cases, the docking cradle is simply between the electrical contacts of the docking cradle and the cable. It only conveys the signal.

  In some embodiments, a rigid (or rigid) shell can be utilized with a flexible cover or skin to provide additional protection for electronic devices disposed within the skin. 50A and 50B are front and back views of a flexible cover or skin 100 (shaded for illustration) and a rigid (or rigid) shell 500. FIG. The electronic device will be placed within the flexible cover or skin 100 as described above. Any of the flexible covers described above can be used for a flexible cover or skin 100 having a hard shell 500 modified to fit that particular cover.

  The hard shell 500 can be made of a hard or rigid plastic material, such as, for example, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, metal, leather, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, the hard shell 500 includes a back panel 504 (FIG. 50B) and a skirt 506 (FIG. 50A) that together with the cover 100 form an inlet opening 112 that communicates with the cavity 108. The inlet opening 112 is sized to receive the electronic device within the cavity 108. In some embodiments, the back panel 504 may not cover the entire back portion of the cover 100. In some embodiments, the skirt 506 may not completely surround the inlet opening 112 and may be a portion of the inlet opening (eg, no more than 90%, 75%, 50%, 40%, or Less than that).

  In the illustrated embodiment, the hard shell 500 includes an opening through which each portion of the flexible cover or skin 100 is accessible or protrudes. For example, the hard shell 500 is an opening through which a portion of the adapter 114 of the cover 100 (such as a nesting feature 159 or contactor 120) protrudes or is accessible for coupling to a docking cradle or other device. Part 514. In at least some embodiments, the hard shell 500 includes a soft button 198 (or electronic device button) on the cover 100 to allow access to the soft button 198 (or electronic device button) on the cover 100. It includes one or more button openings 598 that can protrude therefrom. In at least some embodiments, the hard shell 500 uses one or more corners that allow the cover 100 to protrude into the corner portion 195 to enhance corner protection using the flexibility of the cover 100. An opening 595 can be included. Both the hard shell 500 and the cover 100 can include an opening 196 that allows access to a camera, headphone jack, switch, speaker, microphone, or the like of the portable electronic device.

  The combination of the hard shell 500 and the flexible cover 100 can align and support the electronic device. Further, the protruding portion of the flexible cover 100, such as the protruding corner portion 195, can function as a soft shock absorber to protect the electronic device.

  In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device can be inserted into the hard shell, and then the electronic device and hard shell can be inserted into any one of the protective covers 100 described above. In yet other embodiments, the hard shell can be provided as a detachable (or permanent) liner for any of the protective covers 100 described above. The hard shell of these embodiments will include an opening through which the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 projects and allows the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 to connect to the input / output socket of the electronic device.

  Instead of a docking cradle, the portable electronic device and cover can be coupled to an external adapter. 51A-51D illustrate a portable electronic device 1 disposed on a cover 100 (which can be any of the covers described herein) and an external adapter 600 having a wire or cable 615 extending from the external adapter. ing. In FIG. 51A, the external adapter 600 is coupled to the adapter 114 of the cover 100. 51B-51D, the external adapter 600 is disconnected from the adapter 114 of the cover 100. In at least some embodiments, the external adapter 600 only couples to the adapter 114 of the cover 100 and may simply contact the cover 100 at each portion of the cover adjacent to the adapter 114 and optionally the adapter 114. it can. The external adapter 600 may not have a tray.

  The external adapter 600 has a housing 602 having a plurality of electrical contacts 611 (FIGS. 51C and 51D) for mating with the contacts 122 of the contactor 120 of the adapter 114 of the cover 100. Electrical contact 611 is electrically coupled to a wire or cable 615. In some embodiments, the wire or cable 615 can be disconnected from the external adapter 600. In some embodiments, cable 615 is any cable that can be used with a portable electronic device and includes a plug that fits into a corresponding receptacle on external adapter 600.

  In at least some embodiments, the adapter 114 and the external adapter 600 include the components of the magnetic attraction couple described above with respect to the docking cradle 5. Alternatively or in addition, the external adapter 600 and the adapter 114 can include other coupling elements to securely attach the external adapter 600 to the cover 100. It will be appreciated that the docking cradle described above can also include any of these coupling elements.

  In at least some embodiments, the external adapter 600 includes at least one raised element 640 that is engageable with the detent 141 of the adapter 114 as a coupling element. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 51A-51D, the external adapter 600 includes two raised elements 640 that face each other, and the adapter 114 has two detents 141 (one of which is shown) on its opposite face. Not included). In at least some embodiments, the raised elements 640 are spaced narrower than the corresponding width of the adapter 114 prior to engagement with the adapter 114 so that when engaged with the detent 141, the two raised elements ( And external adapter 600) form a compression fit with adapter 114 that resists separation of raised element 640 from detent element 141.

  In at least some embodiments, the external adapter 600 has one tab 642 (or two tabs, each tab extending from a different one of the raised elements) extending from one of the raised elements 640 in a cantilever or other arrangement. In addition, the user can press the tab to release the raised element from the detent 14 and thus disconnect the external adapter 600 from the adapter 114 of the cover 100. Other disengagement methods or mechanisms can also be used. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the cover can include at least one raised element (and optional tab) and the external adapter can include at least one detent.

  In at least some embodiments, the external adapter 600 can include one or more gripping members 644 as a coupling element, the gripping member 644 extending away from the rest of the external adapter 600 and the external adapter 600. Are arranged to form a compression or friction grip on the adapter 114 when engaged with the adapter 114. This compression or frictional grip resists separation of the external adapter from the adapter 114, but can be overcome by the use of a detachment force as the user pulls the external adapter 600 and adapter 114 apart. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 51A-51D includes two opposing gripping members 644, but in other embodiments, more than two gripping members disposed around the external adapter 600, or the entire periphery of the external adapter 600. It will be appreciated that a single gripping member formed on (or part of) can be utilized. In at least some embodiments, the gripping member 644 can be shaped to conform to the shape of the corresponding portion of the adapter 114. For example, the adapter of FIG. 41 has a straight first edge 191 and a curved second edge 192 opposite the first edge, so that the gripping member 644 has a first straight one. Can be molded to have a shape that conforms to the edge 191 of the second and the other edge 192 that is curved. It will be appreciated that the external adapter (or docking cradle) can include one or both of the raised element 640 and the gripping member 644.

  52A-F illustrate one embodiment of a docking cradle 5 having a movable arm 43 for receiving the portable electronic device 1 in the cover 100 (FIGS. 52E and 52F). In addition to the movable arm 43, the docking cradle 5 includes a docking connector 3, a tray 7, a base receptacle 9, and a wire or cable 15 with electrical contacts as described in any of the above embodiments. In at least some embodiments, the movable arm 43 includes a forward extension 45 that fits over an edge (eg, upper edge) of the portable electronic device 1 (FIGS. 52E and 52F) and contacts the front surface of the portable electronic device 1. And a lip 47 that helps maintain engagement with the docking cradle.

  The movable arm 43 moves from the extended position (FIGS. 52A and 52B) to the proximal position (FIGS. 52C and 52D), and the movable arm 43 engages with the portable electronic device 1 and the cover 100 to dock these components. Can be moved to any intermediate position, such as an engagement position (FIGS. 52E and 52F) that maintains engagement with.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 52A-F, the movable arm 43 is coupled to a spring 750 (FIGS. 52B, 52D, 52F) biased toward the proximal position of FIGS. 52C and 52D. It will be appreciated that other mechanical arrangements such as a ratchet arrangement may be used in place of the spring 750. The spring 750 resists inadvertent disengagement of the portable electronic device 1 and the cover 100 from the docking cradle 5 (as shown in FIGS. 52E and 52F). The user can extend the movable arm 43 away from the tray 7 to place the portable electronic device on the tray, and then release the movable arm and engage the movable arm with the portable electronic device to detach the device. Hold on docking cradle. The user can release the portable electronic device 1 and the cover 100 from the docking cradle 5 by extending the movable arm away from the portable electronic device, the cover, and the tray 7 to release the portable electronic device and the cover 100. .

  FIG. 53 shows another example of a docking cradle 5 similar to the docking cradle of FIGS. The docking cradle 5 includes a tray 7 and a base receptacle 9 on which the portable electronic device 1 in the cover 100 is placed. The tray 7 includes a back support surface 101 that supports the back surface of the cover 100 and a docking support surface 103 that extends from the back support surface (eg, also shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 37, and 47). In at least some embodiments, the back support surface 101 and the docking support surface 103 are at an angle in the range of 90 to 130 degrees, in the range of 90 to 120 degrees, in the range of 90 to 100 degrees, or equal to 90 degrees. Form.

  The docking cradle 5 includes a docking connector 3 that is a female connector in the illustrated example. The docking connector 3 includes a contact 11, which can be a biasing contact, such as a biasing pin or a biasing leaf spring, or any other suitable type of contact. The docking connector 3 also includes a rim 105 that can be recessed with respect to the docking support surface, as shown in FIG. In at least some embodiments, the rim 105 and the docking connector 3 are asymmetrical, such as an elongated D-shape having a straight side and a curved side opposite the straight side, as shown in FIG. It can be. Such an arrangement can facilitate proper alignment when the cover is fitted to the docking cradle.

  The docking cradle 5 of FIG. 53 is a stand-alone cradle that can be placed on any stable surface such as a desk, shelf, sideboard, or table. 54A-54B show another docking cradle 3 having a plurality of back support surfaces 101 and a plurality of docking connectors 3 having one or more docking support surfaces 103 formed in the housing 107. FIG. Thereby, a plurality of electronic devices 1 in the cover 100 can be docked to the docking cradle 3. One or more cables (not shown) or connectors 109 can be extended from the docking cradle for attachment to another device, in which case the docking cradle is simply a portable electronic device and An intermediary with another device, such as a charger, computer, or other portable electronic device. In these embodiments, the cable or connector exiting the docking cradle can be coupled to this other device. It will be appreciated that any docking connector of the docking cradle disclosed herein can utilize the magnetic coupling arrangement described above and can include one or more guide pins as described above. Let's go.

  FIG. 55A shows a portion of adapter 814 and includes male plug 816, electrical contacts 822, magnet 878 (or ferromagnetic member), and body 828. The adapter 814 can be used for any of the covers described herein as an alternative to any of the adapters 114. The adapter 814 is positioned within the cover 100 with a side skirt and a dam 132 formed around each portion of the adapter 114 as shown in FIG. 55B. In at least some embodiments, a portion of the shell 102 or dam 132 also covers the surface 893 of the body 828 and the magnet 878, leaving a portion of the electrical contact 822 exposed, as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. .

  As described above, the electrical contact 822 is electrically coupled to the electrical connector of the plug 816 by a conductor (see conductor 126 above). The available arrangement of plugs and conductors has been found to be generally unsuitable for the high pressure injection molding process used to form with the shell 102 of the cover 100. In such a process, the adapter 814 is an insert placed in a mold and the shell 102 of the cover 100 is molded around the adapter. The plastic forming the shell 102 may enter the opening in the adapter 814, which may break or damage the conductors due to the high pressure of the molding process, and if present, fills the internal area of the connector and The electronic device may be prevented from fitting with a corresponding female connector.

  Thus, adapter 814 includes a sealed housing 875 disposed about conductor 126 from which plug 816 extends. The sealed housing 875 can be formed by low pressure injection molding around the portion of the adapter that encloses the conductor, forming a relatively tight seal with the body 828 and plug 816 and forming the shell 102 during the high pressure injection molding process. Reduce or prevent the flow of material between these components.

  FIGS. 57A and 57B show another embodiment 900 of a cover that can accept portable electronic device 1 (FIG. 45) and peripheral device 50 (FIG. 44) as an alternative to the embodiment of cover 100 shown in FIGS. 42-46. Show. Unless otherwise indicated, the cover 900 may include any or all of the features described with respect to the cover 100 shown in FIGS. 42-46 or any other cover 100 described herein.

  Cover 900 includes a shell 902 having a central panel 904, a side skirt 906, a lip 910, an entrance opening 912, and an internal cavity 908 for receiving a portable electronic device. In addition, the cover 900 includes a peripheral cavity 909 that forms a peripheral pocket for receiving the peripheral device 50. The perimeter cavity 909 can be formed using the central panel 904 and optionally a portion of the side skirt 906 or other portion of the cover 900. A peripheral cavity 909 defines a device surface 905 and one or more side surfaces 907. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral cavity 909 and the internal cavity 908 are continuous, and the peripheral device 50 can be inserted into the peripheral cavity 909 through the inlet opening 912 and the internal cavity 908. As described above, in other embodiments, peripheral devices can be inserted through different openings (ie, peripheral openings). The perimeter opening can be positioned within the central panel 904 or along any one or more of the four sides of the side skirt 906. Also as described above, in some embodiments, the cover can accept more than one peripheral device.

  In addition to the male plug 916, the cover 900 includes a peripheral plug 917. A peripheral plug 917 fits within the input / output socket of the peripheral device. Peripheral plug 917 can be designed for a particular peripheral device or may be suitable for multiple different devices.

  57A and 57B illustrate one embodiment of a portion of adapter 914 that includes both male plug 916 and peripheral plug 917, as well as body 928, electrical contacts 922, and magnet 978 (or a ferromagnetic member), and body 928. Yes. Electrical contact 922 and magnet 978 are attached to the body, and male plug 916 is coupled to the body using a conductor that passes through the body and couples male plug 916 to electrical contact 922.

  The adapter 914 also includes a bridge 929 attached to the body 928. The bridge 929 contains a carrier 931 on which there are conductors (eg, wires or conductive traces) that couple the electrical connector of the peripheral plug 917 to the electrical contacts 922. In some embodiments, the conductor of bridge 929 is attached directly to each portion of electrical contact 922 exposed through body 928, or the conductor is coupled to electrical contact 922 through a conductive via, wire, or trace. Can do. In at least some embodiments, the carrier 931 is at least 0.4 mm thick to withstand high pressure injection molding of the shell 902 of the cover 900. Thinner carriers may become shattered during the injection molding process. The peripheral plug 917 includes one or more electrical connectors that connect to contacts in the peripheral device. This arrangement can be used to supply power to peripheral devices through adapter 914. In at least some embodiments, the adapter 914 and associated conductors can be arranged such that the peripheral device provides power, data, or both through the adapter 914 to the portable electronic device. In at least some embodiments, both the male plug 916 and the peripheral plug 917 prevent or reduce the inflow of plastic material relative to the high pressure injection molding process for forming the shell 902 of the cover 901 as described above. Can include the above-described sealed housings 975, 977.

  While the preferred embodiment and additional alternative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the inventor makes the following claims.

100 Cover 112 Entrance opening 114 Adapter 159 Male insert accessory 595 Corner opening

Claims (32)

A protective arrangement for an electronic device,
A flexible cover having a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an internal cavity therebetween, the skirt forming an inlet opening in communication with the internal cavity; The flexible cover is configured and arranged to receive an electronic device; and
An adapter fixedly positioned on the flexible cover, the male plug including a plurality of connectors extending into the internal cavity of the flexible cover in an arrangement for mating with a female socket of the device; A contactor including a plurality of contacts electrically connected to one or more of the connectors of the plug, adjacent outwardly from the flexible cover;
A hard shell constructed and arranged to be disposed about at least a portion of the flexible protective cover, the hard shell including an opening through which the contactor of the adapter is extendable When,
Protective arrangement characterized by containing.   The hard shell further includes a plurality of corner openings, and the flexible cover includes a plurality of corner portions configured and arranged to protrude from the corner openings of the hard shell. The arrangement of claim 1.   The hard shell further includes at least one button opening, and the flexible cover includes at least one soft button configured and arranged to protrude from the at least one button opening of the hard shell. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is characterized in that   4. The skirt of claim 1, wherein the hard shell includes a skirt constructed and arranged to extend around at least a portion of the inlet opening or around the entire opening. The arrangement according to item 1. A protective arrangement for an electronic device,
A hard shell constructed and arranged to be disposed about at least a portion of the electronic device, the hard shell including an opening that allows access to an input / output socket of the electronic device;
A flexible cover including a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an internal cavity therebetween, the skirt forming an inlet opening in communication with the internal cavity; The flexible cover configured and arranged to receive an electronic device disposed in the hardshell;
An adapter fixedly positioned on the flexible cover, the interior of the flexible cover in an arrangement for mating with the input / output socket of the device through the opening in the hard shell. A contactor including a male plug including a plurality of connectors extending into the cavity and a plurality of contacts electrically connected to one or more of the connectors of the plug adjacent and outwardly from the flexible cover. The adapter comprising:
Protective arrangement characterized by containing. The flexible cover further includes a positioning interface that defines a rim around the contactor of the adapter to guide proper fitting of the contactor of the adapter to an external connector;
The positioning interface optionally includes a magnetic coupling element present in the flexible cover adjacent to the contactor;
The magnetic coupling element comprises one of a magnetic material or a magnetic attraction material;
The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The protective arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A docking cradle including a tray configured to receive the protective arrangement and a docking connector including a plurality of contacts positioned to connect to one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor;
A docking system comprising: A flexible protective shell comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an internal cavity therebetween, the skirt forming an inlet opening in communication with the internal cavity; The flexible protective shell configured and arranged to receive an electronic device, and an adapter fixedly positioned in the shell, the inner cavity being arranged for mating with a female socket of the device A male plug including a plurality of connectors extending into the internal cavity of the shell and a plurality of contacts electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug adjacent to the exterior of the shell. Said adapter comprising a contactor comprising,
Including a protective cover,
A tray configured to receive the cover, a movable arm coupled to the tray, and disposed opposite the movable arm and connected to one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor A docking cradle including a plurality of contacts positioned to move, wherein the movable arm has an extended position where the arm extends away from the tray and the arm is proximate to the tray The docking cradle configured and arranged for movement between proximity positions;
A docking system comprising: The movable arm includes a forward extension configured and arranged to fit over an edge of a portable electronic device received on the tray of the docking cradle;
The front extension optionally includes a lip configured and arranged to contact a front surface of a portable electronic device received on the tray of the docking cradle.
The docking system according to claim 8.   10. The docking system according to claim 8, wherein the docking cradle includes a spring coupled to the movable arm and biased toward the proximity position. 11. The cover further includes a positioning interface disposed on the shell and defining a rim around the contactor of the adapter, wherein the docking cradle is configured to mate with the positioning interface of the cover Further including a base receptacle;
Optionally, the positioning interface defines an asymmetric rim, and the base receiver is configured to be positioned adjacent to the rim of the positioning interface when the base receiver is mated to the positioning interface and Define the asymmetric rim placed,
The docking system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The cover further includes a positioning interface disposed on the shell and defining a rim around the contactor of the adapter, wherein the docking cradle is configured to mate with the positioning interface of the cover Further including a base receptacle;
One of the positioning interface and the base receptacle includes a female portion, and a different one of the positioning interface and the base receptacle includes a male portion that is complementary to the female portion;
The docking system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein A flexible protective shell comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an internal cavity therebetween, the skirt forming an inlet opening in communication with the internal cavity; The flexible protective shell configured and arranged to receive an electronic device, and an adapter fixedly positioned in the shell, the inner cavity being arranged for mating with a female socket of the device A male plug including a plurality of connectors extending into the internal cavity of the shell and a plurality of contacts electrically coupled to one or more of the connectors of the plug adjacent to the exterior of the shell. Said adapter comprising a contactor comprising,
Including a protective cover,
An external adapter configured and arranged to be attached to the adapter of the cover, wherein the external adapter is arranged on the housing and connected to one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor. The external adapter including a plurality of positioned contacts;
A docking system comprising: The external adapter further includes at least one raised element, and the adapter of the cover allows the at least one of the external adapter to be coupled to and maintain the coupling of the external adapter to the protective cover. Including at least one detent configured and arranged to receive the raised element;
A docking system optionally extends from one of the at least one raised element and when pushed, removes the one of the at least one raised element from the detent of the adapter of the cover. Further including a tab configured and arranged to release,
The docking system according to claim 13. The external adapter extends at a distance from the rest of the external adapter and is configured and arranged to grip the adapter of the cover when the external adapter engages the adapter of the cover A gripping member;
Optionally, the at least one gripping member includes two gripping members disposed opposite each other,
The docking system according to any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the docking system is configured as described above. The adapter of the cover defines a rim around the contactor of the adapter to guide proper fit of the contactor of the adapter to an external connector, the rim including a straight edge and the Defining an asymmetric shape with a curved edge opposite the straight edge;
Optionally, one of the two gripping members has a shape that fits the straight edge of the rim, and another of the two gripping members is the curved of the rim. Having a shape that fits the edge,
The docking system according to claim 15. A docking cradle,
A base receptacle configured to receive a plurality of electronic devices with each electronic device disposed on a removable cover having a male connector, the plurality of backs supporting the removable cover and the back of the electronic device The base receptacle including a support surface and a plurality of docking support surfaces each extending away from a corresponding back support surface of the back support surfaces;
A plurality of female connectors each disposed within a corresponding one of the docking support surfaces of the base receptacle, the plurality of female connectors being one of the plurality of contacts of the electronic device; Or a plurality of contacts positioned to connect to more than one, each of the female connectors guiding the proper mating of the male connector of the removable cover to the female connector of a docking cradle A plurality of female connectors defining a rim of
A docking cradle characterized by including:   The docking system of claim 17, wherein the docking support surface and the back support surface form an angle in the range of 90 to 135 degrees. The rim of the female connector has an asymmetric shape;
Optionally, the asymmetric shape includes a straight side and a curved side opposite to the straight side.
The docking cradle according to any one of claims 17 and 18, wherein the docking cradle is provided. Each of the female connectors further comprises a magnetic coupling element present in the connector;
The magnetic coupling element comprises one of a magnetic material or a magnetic attraction material;
The docking cradle according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized by the above.   21. The docking cradle according to claim 17, wherein the contact of the female connector is a biasing contact that moves when the removable cover and the electronic device are received. . A protective cover for an electronic device,
A flexible protective shell comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an interior cavity and a peripheral cavity therebetween, the skirt having an inlet opening in communication with the interior cavity The flexible protective shell formed and configured such that the internal cavity is configured and arranged to receive an electronic device, and the peripheral cavity is configured and arranged to receive a peripheral device;
An adapter fixedly positioned in the shell,
Body,
A contactor comprising a plurality of contacts disposed on or extending from the body adjacent to the exterior of the shell;
A male plug fixedly attached to the shell, the male plug including a plurality of connectors extending into the internal cavity of the shell in an arrangement for mating with a female socket of the electronic device;
A plurality of first conductors extending through the shell and electrically coupling the contacts of the contactor to one or more of the connectors of the male plug;
A peripheral plug fixedly attached to the shell, the peripheral plug including at least one connector extending into the peripheral cavity of the shell in an arrangement for mating with a female socket of the peripheral device; and A carrier coupled to the body and a plurality of second conductors extending along the carrier to electrically couple the contacts of the contactor to one or more of the connectors of the peripheral plug. bridge,
Including the adapter,
A protective cover characterized by containing.   The adapter further includes a sealed housing disposed about the plurality of first conductors and adjacent the body of the contactor with the male plug extending from the sealed housing. Item 23. The protective cover according to Item 22.   24. The adapter of claim 22 or 23, further comprising a sealing housing disposed about a portion of the bridge and a second conductor with the peripheral plug extending from the sealing housing. The protective cover according to item 1.   25. The peripheral cavity is adjacent to the internal cavity of the shell so that the peripheral device can be inserted into the peripheral cavity through the inlet and the internal cavity. The protective cover according to any one of the above.   25. A perimeter opening in the panel or skirt configured and arranged for insertion of the peripheral device into the perimeter cavity is defined in any one of claims 22-24. Protective cover.   27. The protective cover according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the carrier has a thickness of at least 0.4 mm. A protective cover for an electronic device,
A flexible protective shell comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, the panel and the skirt forming an interior cavity and a peripheral cavity therebetween, the skirt having an inlet opening in communication with the interior cavity The flexible protective shell formed and configured such that the internal cavity is configured and arranged to receive an electronic device, and the peripheral cavity is configured and arranged to receive a peripheral device;
An adapter fixedly positioned in the shell,
Body,
A contactor including a plurality of contacts disposed on the body adjacent to the exterior of the shell;
A male plug fixedly attached to the shell, the male plug including a plurality of connectors extending into the internal cavity of the shell in an arrangement for mating with a female socket of the electronic device; and A sealed housing disposed about the first conductor and adjacent to the body of the contactor with the male plug extending from the sealed housing;
Including the adapter,
A protective cover characterized by containing. A positioning interface disposed on the shell and defining a rim around the contactor of the adapter to guide proper fitting of the contactor of the adapter to an external connector;
The rim optionally defines an asymmetric shape;
The protective cover according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein: The positioning interface includes a magnetic coupling element residing in the shell adjacent to the connector;
The magnetic coupling element comprises one of a magnetic material or a magnetic attraction material;
30. The protective cover according to claim 29. The protective cover according to any one of claims 22 to 30,
A docking cradle including a tray configured to receive the protective cover and a docking connector including a plurality of contacts positioned to connect to one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor;
A docking system comprising:   The cover further includes a positioning interface disposed on the shell and defining a rim around the contactor of the adapter, wherein the docking cradle is configured to fit into the positioning interface of the cover 32. The docking system of claim 31, further comprising:

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