TWI629582B - Docking sleeve with electrical adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a protective configuration for an electronic device, which includes an elastic cover, the cover has a panel and a skirt to form an internal cavity to receive an electronic device; and a adapter, which is fixedly located at the There is a male plug in the elastic cover, which has a connector extending into the internal cavity of the elastic cover, configured to match a female socket of the device, and includes a contactor, which has a direction from the elastic cover. Outer adjacent and electrically coupled to the contacts of one or more connectors of the plug. The docking station or external adapter can accept the electronic device and the cover.

Description

Docking sleeve with electrical adapter [Cross Reference of Related Applications]

This patent application is a continuation of US Patent Application No. 15 / 195,176 filed on June 28, 2016, which is part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 936,517 filed on November 9, 2015 Continuation application, the latter is part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 829,378 filed on August 18, 2015, and the latter is part of US Patent Application No. 14 / 754,492 filed on June 29, 2015 Applications are continued, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a cover for protecting a portable electronic device, and more particularly, to an elastic cover having an electrical adapter to couple the device to a pair of sockets.

Protective covers or "skins" are generally known to protect portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or other portable electronic devices. This skin is usually elastic, allowing it to be wrapped around a portion of the covering device.

However, known protective covers or "skins" are limited to the ability to provide efficient and reliable use of such portable electronic devices.

The present invention is a cover for protecting an electronic device. Limitations of reliable use of such portable electronic devices.

One aspect of the present invention is a protective configuration for an electronic device, including an elastic cover having a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the panel and the skirt, and the skirt forms a The mouth opening is in communication with the internal cavity, and it is arranged and arranged to receive an electronic device; an adapter is fixed in the elastic cover and has a male plug, the male plug includes extending into the interior of the elastic cover A connector in the cavity configured to match a female socket of the device, and including a contactor having one or more connectors that are outwardly adjacent from the elastic cover and are electrically coupled to the plug A contact point; and a hard shell arranged and arranged to be placed around at least a part of the elastic protective cover and having an opening through which the contactor of the adapter can extend through this opening. The hard case may also include a corner opening, and the elastic cover may include a corner portion that is arranged and arranged to protrude from the corner openings of the hard case. The hard case may include at least one button opening, and the elastic cover may include at least one soft button disposed and arranged to protrude from the at least one button opening of the hard case.

Another aspect of the present invention is a protective configuration for an electronic device, including a hard case, which is arranged and arranged to be placed around at least a portion of the electronic device, and has an opening to allow an input to the electronic device / Output socket; an elastic cover having a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the panel and the skirt, and the skirt forms a mouth opening to communicate with the inner cavity, the inner cavity The cavities are arranged and arranged to receive the electronic device placed in the hard shell; and an adapter is fixed in the elastic cover and contains a male plug, the male plug has the internal recess extending into the elastic cover A connector inside the cavity configured to match the input / output socket of the device through the opening in the hard case, and including a contactor having an outward abutment from the elastic cover and electrically coupled to the plug One or more connections Device contact.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a docking system including the protection configuration described above, a pair of docking stations having a tray configured to receive the protection configuration, and the contacts having contacts positioned to contact the contactor One of the mating connectors that one or more contacts.

Hereinafter, other aspects of the present invention will be described in detail.

1‧‧‧ portable electronic device

3‧‧‧ Butt Connector

5‧‧‧ docking seat

7‧‧‧ tray

9‧‧‧ base receiver

11‧‧‧ (bias) electrical contact

13‧‧‧Wire

15‧‧‧cable

17‧‧‧Guide Pin

19‧‧‧ Clip

21‧‧‧arm

23‧‧‧ Front

25‧‧‧ Display

27‧‧‧female input / output socket

29‧‧‧Electric contacts

43‧‧‧ movable arm

45‧‧‧ forward

47‧‧‧lip

50‧‧‧ Peripherals

100‧‧‧ protective cover, elastic cover

101‧‧‧back support surface

102‧‧‧shell

102a‧‧‧side

102b‧‧‧side

103‧‧‧ Butt support surface

104‧‧‧ Central Panel

105‧‧‧circle

106‧‧‧Side skirt

107‧‧‧ shell

108‧‧‧Internal recess

109‧‧‧Connector

110‧‧‧lip

112‧‧‧ mouth opening

114‧‧‧Adapter

116‧‧‧Male Plug

118‧‧‧electrical connector

120‧‧‧ Contactor

122‧‧‧Electric contacts

124‧‧‧outer surface

126‧‧‧electrical conductor

128‧‧‧ Ontology

128a‧‧‧Plug body

128b‧‧‧ contactor body

130‧‧‧Guide Pin Receiver

132‧‧‧ bunker

134‧‧‧Internal window opening

136‧‧‧lip

138‧‧‧Internal window panel

140‧‧‧peripheral edge

141‧‧‧ pawl

142‧‧‧Waterproof joint

144‧‧‧side

146‧‧‧ Panel

148‧‧‧ second side

150‧‧‧ arrow

152‧‧‧outer surface

156‧‧‧Upper operating surface

157‧‧‧Brown

158‧‧‧ lower interface surface

159‧‧‧ Complementary Public Nest Attachment

160‧‧‧Peripheral sidewall

164‧‧‧peripheral surface

166‧‧‧Socket Receiver

168‧‧‧ floor

170‧‧‧ Internal peripheral conversion wall

172‧‧‧Clearance hole

174‧‧‧ sunken or sunken

176‧‧‧ male rotation control features

178‧‧‧Magnet

180‧‧‧Magnet fixing structure

182‧‧‧Contactor surface

184‧‧‧peripheral conversion wall

186‧‧‧female rotation control features

188‧‧‧ magnetically permeable member

190‧‧‧arrow

191‧‧‧first edge

192‧‧‧Second Edge

193‧‧‧ noodles

194‧‧‧ opening

195‧‧‧ Corner section

196‧‧‧ opening

197‧‧‧Portable information terminal

198‧‧‧ soft button

199‧‧‧label element

205‧‧‧ surface

207‧‧‧side surface

208‧‧‧Pit around

216‧‧‧peripheral plug

218‧‧‧electrical connector

500‧‧‧hard shell

504‧‧‧back

506‧‧‧skirt

514‧‧‧ opening

595‧‧‧corner opening

598‧‧‧ button opening

600‧‧‧External adapter

602‧‧‧shell

615‧‧‧cable

640‧‧‧Elevated element

642‧‧‧ convex

644‧‧‧Grip

750‧‧‧spring

814‧‧‧Adapter

816‧‧‧Male Plug

822‧‧‧Electrical Contact

828‧‧‧ Ontology

875‧‧‧sealed enclosure

878‧‧‧magnet

900‧‧‧ hood

902‧‧‧shell

904‧‧‧Central panel

905‧‧‧ surface of the device

906‧‧‧Side skirt

907‧‧‧side surface

908‧‧‧Internal recess

909‧‧‧ Peripheral cavity

910‧‧‧lip

212‧‧‧ mouth opening

914‧‧‧Adapter

916‧‧‧Male Plug

917‧‧‧Peripheral plug

922‧‧‧Electrical Contact

928‧‧‧ Ontology

929‧‧‧Bridge

931‧‧‧ carrier

975‧‧‧sealed enclosure

978‧‧‧Magnet

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description and consideration of the accompanying drawings, wherein: each of the first and second figures illustrates the same invention implemented by way of example and is not limited It is a fully integrated elastic protective cover or skin, which partially covers a target portable electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or other portable electronic device with an interface for a docking connector in the prior art ; The third, fourth, and fifth drawings are described by examples and are not limited to a docking seat that is useful for the protective cover of the present invention; the sixth and seventh drawings are different drawings, each of which is illustrated by an example and It is not limited to the protective cover of the first figure, but the portable device has been removed for clarity; the eighth figure is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover in the first figure through the electrical adapter of the present invention; The ninth figure illustrates the elastic protective cover of the first figure, which partially covers the target portable electronic device; the tenth figure illustrates when the target device is accommodated in the inner cavity of the elastic protective shell of the present invention. When the male plug of the electrical adapter of the plurality of electrical connectors, electrical and mechanical Gas is assembled with the female I / O socket of the target electronic device, as shown in the ninth figure; the eleventh figure illustrates the elastic protection of the target portable electronic device housed in the protective cover in the first figure Inside the casing, and the protected target portable electronic device is then inserted into the docking station; the twelfth figure illustrates the elastic protective shell of the protective cover in the first figure, wherein at least one elastic central panel of the protective shell is An integrated window panel formed of a substantially light-transmissive elastic film for a portable electronic device having a pressure-sensitive touch screen; the thirteenth figure illustrates that the portable electronic device is housed in the first figure and the protection Inside the elastic protective shell of the cover, wherein the touch screen of the target electronic device is in contact with the integrated transparent window panel of the central panel disclosed in FIG. 12, and the protected portable electronic device is then The docking base is inserted with the touch screen facing outward; FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the protective cover shown in FIG. 12 as illustrated in FIG. 12 for use with the portable electronic device having a touch screen Within The transparent cover is used to form the protective cover. The figure illustrates that the male plug of the electrical adapter has been interfaced with the electrical contacts of the female I / O socket of the portable electronic device; the fifteenth figure illustrates The protective cover of the first figure has been exemplified in FIG. 12 and is used to form the protective cover with the internal transparent window panel of the portable electronic device with a touch screen, wherein the internal window panel and the The touch screens of the portable electronic device are juxtaposed, and the mouth opened through the side skirt of the protective shell is adjacent to one side between the transparent window panel and an opposite panel on the protective shell; The sixteenth figure is that the electrical adapter of the protective cover in the first image has been set to penetrate the electrical adapter, and the subsequent arrangement and matching of the plurality of electrical connectors of the male plug are A block diagram of electrical coupling between the corresponding electrical contacts of the contactor; Figure 17 shows the electrical adapter of the protective cover in the first image has been set as a conversion electrical adapter, in the plural of its male plug A block diagram of the electrical coupling between the non-subsequent arrangement of two electrical connectors and the corresponding electrical contacts of their contactors; the eighteenth figure illustrates that the electrical adapter of the protective cover in the first figure has the conversion transfer The head is arranged such that the industrial plug and the contactor are divided into two separate adapter plugs and the contactor body located in different areas of the protective shell; Figures 19 and 20 are sectional views of the protective cover in the first figure Each of the nineteenth and twentieth figures exemplifies that the individual plug of the electrical adapter and the contactor body have been interconnected in the protective shell of the protective cover, for example, using an elongated cable, Electrical wires or other electrical conductors; the twenty-first figure illustrates that the conversion adapter is provided as a plurality of male plugs (two are shown in the figure), each of which is located on a different area of the protective cover in the first figure Inside the side skirt; Figure 22 The first figure shows that the male plug of the protective cover with the conversion adapter is separated and separated from the contactor of the adapter, and a clearer example is shown in the subsequent figures; the twenty-third figure illustrates the first figure The protective cover has the contactor of the conversion adapter provided on the outer surface of the elastic central panel, and the docking base is additionally arranged to place its docking connector in a position coupled with the contactor; The figure illustrates an embodiment of the docking seat, which is provided with a female nest that receives the protective cover in the first figure, and has the conversion adapter contactor provided on the outer surface of the elastic central panel, such as the twenty-fifth As shown in the figure, and wherein the docking seat includes the protective cover and Between the docking bases, a part of the magnetic attraction pairing for fixing the protective cover in the docking bases (shown as magnets in the figure); the twenty-fifth figure illustrates the use of the set as a complementary male nest appendage. Locating the cover to form the unified protective shell of the protective cover in the first figure, wherein the appendage is arranged to be seated in a female slot of the docking seat embodiment illustrated in the twenty-fourth figure, and wherein the protective cover contains Between the protective cover and the docking seat, a part of the magnetic attraction pairing for fixing the protective cover in the docking seat (shown as a magnetically permeable ferromagnetic member in the figure); The elastic shell of the protective cover in a figure is located in a cross-sectional view of the docking seat embodiment shown in FIG. 24 as shown in FIG. 25, wherein the complementary male nest attachment of the protective cover Connected with the mother nest of the docking seat, wherein the magnetic attraction pair is located at each of the protective cover and the part of the docking seat is operable to fix the shell of the protective cover in the docking seat; twentieth Seven, twenty-eight, and twenty-nine Together, the figure illustrates an alternative embodiment of the protective cover in the first figure as illustrated in Figure 25, wherein the magnetically attracted paired component is reversed between the protective cover and the docking station, that is, where the magnetic permeability is The component replaces the magnet in the docking seat, and the magnet replaces the magnetically permeable member in the protective cover, wherein the twenty-seventh figure illustrates the docking seat using the magnetic permeable member arrangement, and the twenty-eighth figure illustrates the protective cover Use the magnet to set up, and the twenty-ninth figure is an illustration of the first figure, the protective cover is illustrated in the twenty-eighth figure, and is located in the cross-sectional view of the docking seat embodiment illustrated in the twenty-seventh figure. 30th, 31st, and 32nd illustrations together illustrate the alternative implementation of the protective cover in the first illustration as shown in the 25th illustration and the docking seat in the 24th illustration For example, the positioning interface is provided with the protective cover in the first figure as illustrated in the twenty-eighth figure. The inverted male nest attachment is formed with the assembled mother nest, of which the thirtieth figure illustrates that the protective cover has been set with the mother nest positioning interface part in the twenty-fifth figure, and the thirty-first figure illustrates the second The docking seat in the fourteenth figure has been provided with the complementary male nest positioning interface part, and the thirty-second figure is an example of the protective cover in the first figure, as illustrated in the thirty figure and the thirty-first illustration. Sectional view of the trays of the embodiment of the seat assembly; Figure 33 illustrates the protective cover in the first figure as illustrated in Figures 18 to 20, wherein the complementary male nest attachment is provided as the protective shell The positioning interface cover in a side skirt is similar to that shown in the sixth figure, and is used to be accommodated in the mother nest of the docking station base receiver, similar to that shown in the eleventh figure, and compared with Below, the positioning interface cover on the outside of the protective shell is far away from the male plug of the conversion adapter, and the plug extends from a position in the other side skirt of the protective shell away from the contact and contact of the conversion adapter. Into the protective case, as exemplified here, and The complementary male nest attachment is additionally set with the magnetic attraction paired one or more magnets; Figure 34 illustrates the protection cover in the first figure as illustrated in Figure 33, where the electronics have been installed Device, wherein the magnetically permeable member is used to replace the magnets of the magnetic attraction pair; FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view exemplified in FIG. 33 through the protective cover in FIG. The male plug and the contactor of the adapter are separated in different regions of the side skirt of the protective shell, and the complementary male nest appendage is additionally provided with one or more magnets paired with the magnetic attraction; thirty-sixth The figure is a sectional view exemplified in the first figure through the protective cover as shown in Figure 34, wherein the male plug and the contactor of the electrical adapter are separated from the protective casing side skirt And the magnetically permeable member is used to replace the magnetically attracted paired magnet; the thirty-seventh figure illustrates the mother nest part of the base receiver in the docking seat, which contains one or more Ferromagnetic members, such as exposed to the flanking positions on both sides of the biasing electrical contact of the docking connector; Figure 38 is a cross-sectional view through Figure 37, illustrating the alternative base One or more magnets of the mother nest part of the socket receiver replace the ferromagnetic members in the upper flanking positions on both sides of the biased electrical contact of the docking connector, as shown in the thirty-seventh figure; The thirty-ninth figure is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the contact arrangement of a cover's adapter; the forty figure is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter used in a cover; the forty-first figure is Illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the contact arrangement of a cover adapter; the forty-second figure is a perspective view of a cover including a peripheral cavity; the forty-third figure is different from the forty-second figure A perspective view of the cover from an angle; the forty-fourth figure is the fortieth In the figure, the cover has a perspective view of a peripheral device located in the peripheral cavity; forty-fifth figure is a perspective view of the cover in FIG. 42 with a portable electronic device located in the internal cavity; forty FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing that the back of the cover has a peripheral device in the peripheral cavity and a portable electronic device in the cavity inside the cover; Forty-seventh figure is a perspective view of another docking station; forty-eighth is a perspective view of a stand-alone docking station with a portable electronic device, such as a mobile phone, in a cover and located on the seat; The figure is a perspective view of a wall-mounted docking seat with a portable electronic device, such as a tablet computer, in a cover and located on the seat; Figure 50A is the front of a protective configuration with an elastic cover and a hard shell Perspective view; Figure 50B is a rear perspective view of the protective configuration shown in Figure 50A; Figure 51A is a specific example of a portable electronic device, a cover and an external adapter A front perspective view of the embodiment; FIG. 51B is a perspective view of the portable electronic device, a cover, and an external adapter separated from the cover by the external adapter; FIG. 51C is a fifth Figures 11A and 51B are enlarged perspective views of a part of the electronic device, cover and external adapter; Figure 51D is a part of Figures 51A and 51B A magnification of the electronic device, the cover and a part of the external adapter from which the external adapter has been cut off FIG. 52A is a front perspective view of a specific embodiment of a docking station having a movable arm in an extended position; FIG. 52B is a view of the docking station in FIG. 52A Cutaway side view; Figure 52C is a front perspective view of the docking station with Figure 52A of the movable arm in the closed position; Figure 52D is Figure 52C A cut-away side view of the docking seat; FIG. 52E is a front perspective view of the docking station that has received a portable electronic device and a cover in the docking station in FIG. 52A; FIG. 52F is a 52nd E A cut-away side view of the docking station in Figure 53; Figure 53 is a perspective view of another docking station; Figure 54A is a perspective view of a pair of docking stations that can accommodate multiple electronic devices and covers; Figure 4B is a perspective view of the docking station in Figure 54A where multiple electronic devices and covers have been locked; Figure 55A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the adapter used in a cover Figure 55B is a perspective view of a specific embodiment of the adapter shown in Figure 55A contained in a cover; Figure 56A is a specific implementation of a cover containing a peripheral cavity A perspective view of the example; Figure 56B is a perspective view of the cover with a part of the cover cut in Figure 56A; Figure 57A is used in a cover, like 56th The cover in Figure A is a perspective view of an adapter with a peripheral cavity; and Figure 57B is a view of the adapter in Figure 57A from different angles. A perspective view of a head.

As required, detailed illustrative specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein. but, The techniques, systems, and operating structures according to the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which are distinctly different from the specific embodiments disclosed. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, but in this regard, the best specific embodiment that can provide the purpose of disclosure is still identified, and provides the basis for the scope of patent application that defines the scope of the invention herein. A detailed description of exemplary embodiments (and some alternative specific embodiments) of the invention is presented below.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

The first and second figures illustrate a fully integrated elastic protective cover or skin 100 of the present invention, which partially covers a portable electronic device 1, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, or the prior art, which has an interface for docking. Other portable electronic devices used by the connector 3. The cover 100 of the present invention is molded from a suitable elastic or flexible elastomer, such as, but not limited to, vinyl, which is matched in size and shape and closely conforms to a smart phone, tablet computer or other portable electronic device 1, such a cover 100 The device 1 is covered like a surgical glove.

A smartphone is a mobile phone with more advanced computing and connectivity capabilities than a basic feature phone. Early smartphones often combined the functionality of a mobile phone with other popular consumer devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), Media players, digital cameras and / or GPS navigation devices. Modern smartphones include all of these features, and often include other features of touchscreen computers, including web browsing, Wi-Fi, and third-party applications and accessories. Today ’s most popular smartphones are powered by Google ’s Android and Apple ’s iOS mobile operating systems. See the free encyclopedia: Wikipedia for details.

A tablet computer (or tablet for short) is a mobile computer that integrates a display, a circuit, and a battery. The tablet is equipped with sensors, including a camera, microphone, accelerometer, and touch screen, and uses a finger or stylus instead of a computer slide Mouse and keyboard. The tablet can contain physical buttons, such as Control basic functions such as speaker volume and power, and include ports for network communication and charging. Typing usually uses a pop-up virtual keyboard on the screen. Tablets are usually larger than smartphones or personal digital assistants and measure 7 inches (18 cm) or larger diagonally. An example of a tablet is an iPad tablet from Apple. See the free encyclopedia: Wikipedia for details.

Since the mid-1990s, composite tablets with detachable keyboards have appeared on the market. Reversible touch screen notebook with integrated keyboard that can be hidden with a swivel or slide connector. The book tablet has a dual-touch screen and displays a virtual keyboard on one display to make it a laptop. See the free encyclopedia: Wikipedia for details.

Other portable electronic devices include, for example, test equipment (e.g., ohmmeters, multimeters, alignment tools, battery testers, calibrators, rangefinders, light meters, pressure gauges, radiation detectors, thermometers, or the like), Camera, media player or similar. In at least some specific embodiments, the portable electronic device includes means for detecting, for example, temperature, pressure, leveling, angle, height, light, density, X-ray, magnetic field, acceleration, speed, velocity, distance , Energy, current or energy flow, force, hardness, mass / weight, torque, resistance, capacitance, voltage, reactance or similar or any combination thereof.

As disclosed herein, an electrical adapter is part of the protective cover 100. The adapter includes a male plug with a plurality of electrical connectors to communicate with the smart phone, tablet or other portable electronic device 1 The female I / O socket assembly is configured to extend into a cavity formed by the protective cover 100 and has a contactor having a plurality of electrical contacts adjacent to the outside of the protective cover 100 and electrically coupled to One or more connectors of the plug.

Therefore, when the electronic device 1 is contained in the cavity of the elastic protective cover 100, the The plurality of connectors of the male plug are assembled with the female socket of the device 1. Thereafter, the female input / output socket can be electrically contacted by a plurality of contacts of the external contactor of the protective cover 100.

Then, the protective cover 100 in which the electronic device 1 is installed is inserted into a pair of docking seats 5, which contains a docking connector 3 having its own plurality of contacts. The docking connector uses one or more contacts of the docking connector to electrically couple the contacts of the contactor to connect with the contactor of the electrical adapter. Therefore, the input / output socket of the electronic device 1 is in electrical contact with the docking connector 5 through the electrical adapter of the protective cover 100.

The third, fourth and fifth figures are described by way of example and are not limited to a docking base 5 which is useful for the protective cover 100. For example, the docking base 5 has a tray 7 containing a base receiver 9 and its size It can accommodate a specific smart phone, tablet or other portable electronic device 1 that has been protected by the cover 100. The tray 7 includes a back support surface 101 to support the back of the cover 100 and a pair of abutting support surfaces 103 extending away from the back support surface. The back support surface 101 and the abutting support surface 103 may include an included angle ranging from 90 to 130 degrees or more.

The docking connector 3 is usually provided in the docking seat 5, usually in the middle of the base receiver 9 of the tray 7. The docking connector 3 can be designated as a specific portable electronic device 1 or a universal device 1 type. The docking connector 3 includes a plurality of biased electrical contacts 11, which are usually biased spring pins or biased reed contacts. The electrical contact 11 is coupled to a wire 13 in a wire or to a cable 15 coupled to the docking station 5. The docking connector 3 may be a female connector, as illustrated in the third to fifth figures, and a ring 105 may be defined, and the ring 105 may be recessed relative to the butt support surface 103.

The docking connector 3 also includes an optional guide pin 17 suitable for assembling with a guide pin receiver in the contactor of the electrical adapter, as disclosed herein.

The docking station 5 optionally includes a clip 19 suitable for receiving the base of the tray 7 The portable electronic device 1 is specified within the device 9. The clip 19 also has a compression component, that is, the arm 21, which is operated to compress the electrical contacts of the contactor on the outside of the protective cover 100 to contact the electrical contacts 11 of the mating connector 3.

The sixth and seventh figures illustrate the protective cover 100 of the present invention, and the portable electronic device 1 is removed for clarity. The protective cover 100 is complementary in shape to the portable electronic device 1. The protective cover 100 is shown as being formed by an elastically integrated protective shell 102 having an elastic central panel 104 surrounded by an overall elastic side skirt 106 (or skirt 106). The panel 104 and the skirt 106 are combined to form an internal cavity 108 therebetween. The size is adjusted to at least partially cover both sides of the portable electronic device 1 and one of the front and the back, and further extends around the peripheral edges of the portable electronic device 1 opposite to the front and the back. A continuous integrated lip 110 extends into the side skirt 106 and forms a mouth opening 112 communicating with the cavity 108. The size of the mouth opening 112 is adjusted to accommodate the electronic device 1 and enter the cavity 108 through the mouth.

The protective cover 100 includes an adapter 114 that is fixed in the side skirt 106. For example, the adapter 114 passes through the side skirt 106 through molding, adhesion, or fastening. The adapter 114 is formed by a male plug 116 having a plurality of electrical connectors 118 that extend into the cavity 108 of the housing 102 in a manner of being assembled with the 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 separated from the male plug 116 on the opposite end of the adapter 114, as shown in the eighth and ninth figures. The adapter 114 extends through the protective shell 102 through, for example, the central panel 104 or the side skirt 106 (as shown). In this way, when the male plug 116 extends into the cavity 108 of the housing 102, the contactors 120 and their contacts 122 are positioned adjacent to the outer surface 124 of the housing 102, so that multiple electrical contacts are exposed to connect to the docking connector 3的 electrical contact 11.

The eighth figure is a partial cross-sectional view of the protective cover 110 through the electrical adapter 114. Such as As shown, the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 is electrically coupled to the cable, wire, line or other electrical conductor 126 (only one is shown for clarity) embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114. One or more electrical connectors 118 of the plug 116. The contactor 120 of the adapter 114 is selectively formed by one or more guide pin receivers 130 that are sized and positioned to fit with the optional guide pin 17 (if present) of the mating connector 3 Together.

Optionally, the contactor 120 of the adapter 114 may be further recessed toward the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102. Using an example and not limited thereto, an optional cover 132 is formed in the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the cover 132. The electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are sunken within the cover 132 or within the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102 to avoid damage.

The ninth figure illustrates the elastic protective cover 100 of the present invention, which partially covers the portable electronic device 1. Here, the portable electronic device 1 is received in the cavity 108 of the elastic protective case 102 through the mouth opening 112 communicating with the cavity 108. The electronic device 1 has been inserted into the elastic protective case 102 through the mouth opening 112 in the continuous integration lip 110 through the side skirt 106 communicating with the cavity 108. One of the front face 23 (shown) or the back face of the electronic device 1 is exposed in the mouth opening 112. Here, for the convenience of the user, the touch screen or other display 25 of the portable electronic device 1 is exposed in the mouth opening 112.

The tenth figure illustrates that when the portable electronic device 1 is accommodated in the recess 108 of the elastic protective case 102 (as shown in the ninth figure), the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 are mechanically and electrically connected with The female input / output sockets 27 of the device 1 are assembled together. Therefore, the assembly of the male plug 116 and the female input / output socket 27 establishes that the power source, the sensor, and / or other functions of the portable electronic device 1 are obtained from the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective case 102.

The eleventh figure illustrates that the portable electronic device 1 is accommodated in the elastic protective case 102 of the protective cover 100, and the protective cover 100 of the portable electronic device 1 is inserted into the docking seat 5. When one or more of the plurality of biased electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 are electrically coupled with the electrical contacts 122 of the adapter contactor 120, the docking connector 3 and the electrical adapter 114 of the docking seat 5 are electrically coupled. Contactor 120 is connected. Therefore, there is no need for a protective cover like the prior art, and the docking station 5 can be obtained without first removing the protective cover or the “skin” 100 from the portable electronic device 1. When the clip 19 is present, its compression helps maintain the electrical coupling between the electrical contact 122 of the adapter contactor 120 and the bias electrical contact 11 of the mating connector 3.

The twelfth figure illustrates that the protective cover 100 upside down on the electronic device 1 has a central panel 104 adjacent to the face of the device 1 having the display 25. The protective shell 102 is formed by a mouth opening 112 that generally communicates with a recess 108 opposite the central panel 104. The continuous integration lip 110 extends into the side skirt 106 and forms a mouth opening 112.

Here, an inner window opening 134 is formed in the elastic central panel 104 of the elastic protective case 102 opposite to the mouth opening 112 and above the touch display 25 of the portable electronic device 1 to operate the electronic device. 1.

The central panel 104 of the protective case 102 is formed by an internal window opening 134 communicating with the cavity 108. The internal window opening 134 is positioned and adjusted to expose the pressure-sensitive touch screen 25 of the portable electronic device 1 in the cavity 108. A continuous integrated lip 136 extends into the side skirt 106 around the periphery of the central panel 104 and forms an inner window opening 134.

An integrated inner window panel 138 is located on the flexible central panel 104 in the window opening 134 and is maintained in the protective shell 102 by a continuous integrated lip 136 surrounding the opening 134. For example, as illustrated more clearly in FIG. 14, the peripheral edge 140 of the inner window panel 138 is welded, pasted, The conforming lip 136 fits or joins the window opening 134. Optionally, a subsequent waterproof joint 142 may be formed between the inner window panel 138 of the window opening 134 and the integrated lip 136. According to one embodiment, the inner window panel 138 is overmolded into the integrated lip 136 of the window opening 134 for joining to the integrated lip 136 and forming a waterproof joint 142 therebetween.

The integrated internal window panel 138 is generally formed of a light-transmitting film for a portable electronic device 1 having a pressure-sensitive touch screen 25. Thus, the middle window panel 138 can be used to operate the electronic device 1 via the touch screen 25.

Alternatively, the inner window panel 138 may be formed of a hard, inelastic, and incompressible material, for example, the plastic sheet forming the inner window panel 138 is optionally an incompressible sheet of a relatively hard and substantially transparent material, including but not Limited to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another generally suitable transparent material. According to one embodiment, the plastic sheet forming the inner window panel 138 is selectively an incompressible sheet of a relatively rigid and substantially transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. As disclosed herein, the internal window panel 138 formed of PET, PVC, or other rigid, incompressible, and similar inelastic plastic sheet allows touch of the touch screen display 25 of the portable electronic device 1.

In addition, the entire protective case 102 or only the inner window panel 138 may be formed of a transparent soft elastic film, which may be transparent or colored, such as pink or blue that looks beautiful. In other embodiments, the protective shell 102 is opaque or translucent, and can be of any color or pattern. In this embodiment, the portable electronic device 1 is located inside the protective cover 100 and its display can be seen through the mouth opening 112.

Alternatively, the transparent elastomer of the protective shell 102 or only the inner window panel 138 may be a dielectric material with antistatic properties, such as a material with an effective dielectric constant of about 4.5. For example, the elastomer contains powder metal, mixed metal oxide, polymer or coated with antistatic coating. Optionally, the transparent elastomer of the protective case 102 or only the inner window panel 138 is polarized to reduce glare. Therefore, the protective cover 100 is selectively used for the portable electronic device 1 having a pressure-sensitive touch screen, and the user presses lightly to input data and operate the device, as is generally known.

The portable electronic device 1 is exemplified as the cavity 108 of the elastic protective case 102 has been inserted through the second mouth opening 112, and the touch screen 25 thereof is positioned in contact with the inner window panel 138 of the center panel 104, thereby flexing the elastic material. It allows the touch screen 25 to be pressed to input data and operate the electronic device 1. As disclosed, the inner window panel 138 of the center panel 104 is constructed as a thin elastic film in a position corresponding to the touch screen 25 of the device 1. Using an example and not limited to this, the expected thickness of the window area of the flexible central panel 104 is approximately 0.05 to 0.06 inches, or other thickness suitable for the touch screen 25 to respond to user input data or operate the electronic device 1 to apply pressure. The integrated internal window panel 138 of the central panel 104 covers the pressure-sensitive touch screen 25 of the electronic device 1 to protect it from scratches, dents, and other external abrasions. A portion of the side skirt 106 and the protective shell 102 of the inner window panel 138 surrounding the central panel 104 can be thicker to provide protection from collisions and scratches.

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

The thirteenth figure illustrates that the portable electronic device 1 is accommodated in the elastic protective case 102 of the protective cover 100, and the touch screen 25 is positioned in contact with the internal window panel 138. Next, the protective cover 100 with the portable electronic device 1 inside is inserted into the docking station 5 with the touch screen 25 facing outward. When one or more of the plurality of biased electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 are electrically coupled with the electrical contacts 122 of the adapter contactor 120, the docking connector 3 and the electrical adapter 114 of the docking seat 5 are electrically coupled. 120 contactors Pick up. Therefore, there is no need for a protective cover like the prior art, and the docking station 5 can be obtained without first removing the protective cover or the “skin” 100 from the portable electronic device 1. When the clip 19 is present, its compression helps maintain the electrical coupling between the electrical contact 122 of the adapter contactor 120 and the bias electrical contact 11 of the mating connector 3.

The fourteenth figure is an enlarged sectional view of the protective cover 100 shown in the twelfth figure, wherein the protective shell 102 is formed by an inner window panel 138. The fourteenth figure illustrates that the male plug 116 of the electrical adapter 114 has been interfaced with a plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female input / output socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1.

The fifteenth figure illustrates that the protective cover 100 has been formed at a position juxtaposed with the touch screen 25 of the portable electronic device 1 with an internal transparent window panel 138. However, the mouth opening 112 of the penetrating side skirt 106 is positioned adjacent to one side 144 of the protective shell 102 integrally between the inner window panel 138 of the central panel 104 and the facing panel 146 of the protective shell 102. Here, the mouth opening 112 is formed by a continuous integrated lip 110 extending inwardly toward the upper skirt 106 of the side 144 of the protective shell 102.

When the mouth opening 112 is formed through the side skirt 106 adjacent to one side 144 of the protective case 102, the electrical adapter 114 is located in the side skirt 106 on the second side 148 opposite to the side 144. When the mouth opening 112 and the electrical adapter 114 are located on the opposite sides 144 and 148 of the protective shell 102, respectively, when the portable electronic device 1 is received into the cavity 108 through the side mouth opening 112, the electrical adapter 114 The male plug 116 extends into the cavity 108 of the housing 102 so that when the portable electronic device 1 is accommodated in the cavity 108 through the mouth opening 112, it is mechanically and electrically accommodated with the female input / output of the device 1. The sockets 27 fit together in one position. Therefore, in practice, the portable electronic device 1 has been inserted into the protective case 102 (arrow 150) through the side mouth opening 112 and entered the internal cavity 108 until the female input / output socket 27 has been mechanically connected to the electrical adapter 114 male plugs 116 are assembled together, The female input / output socket 27 is electrically assembled with the electrical adapter 114 at the same time. The portable electronic device 1 has been removed from the protective case 102 in this reverse direction (arrow 150) in the reverse order.

The sixteenth figure is an example in which the adapter 114 is further provided as a through adapter, which has an electrical coupling between the subsequent arrangement of a plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 and the corresponding electrical contacts 122 of its contactor 120 Block diagram. Here, the electric wires or other electrical conductors 126 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 have a direct sequential communication relationship 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 arranged to penetrate the adapter, and the portable electronic device 1 (shown in phantom) is accommodated in the protective cover 100, then two are received in the docking seat 5 (shown in phantom as shown). The input / output signals on the plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1 are presented in the same order on the electrical contacts 29 of the female output / input socket 27 of the portable electronic device 1 To the electrical contact 11 of the mating connector 3. Therefore, the order of the electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 must correspond to the electrical contacts 29 of the input / output socket 27 of the electronic device 1. The electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the electronic device 1 must be reordered in the docking connector 3 of the docking base 5 or downstream of the docking connector 3.

The seventeenth figure is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment, in which the adapter 114 is further provided as a conversion adapter, which is arranged in a subsequent arrangement with the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 and the corresponding electrical of the contactor 120 thereof. There is an electrical coupling between the contacts 122. Here, the electric wires, lines, or other electrical conductors 126 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 communicate with each other in an orderly relationship between the electrical connector 118 of the male plug 116 and the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120. When the adapter 114 is configured as a conversion adapter, and the portable electronic device 1 (shown in phantom) is accommodated in the protective cover 100, then two are accommodated in the docking station 5 (shown in phantom as shown). Portable electronics The input / output signals on the plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 that is set to 1 can only be used in the portable electronic device 1 in the through configuration of the adapter 114 shown in the fourteenth figure. The order shown on the plurality of electrical contacts 29 of the female output / input socket 27 is shown in any desired order to the electrical contacts 11 of the mating connector 3. Thus, the order of the electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 corresponds to a predetermined input / output sequence on the wires 13 in the cable 15 of the docking base 5. Therefore, the input / output signals on the electrical contacts 29 of the female socket 27 of the electronic device 1 are rearranged in any desired order to match the mating connector 3, so that the electrical of the female socket 27 of the electronic device 1 in the mating connector 3 The downstream rearrangement of the input / output signals at the contacts 29 does not need to match the particular electronic device 1 contained in the docking station 5. Instead, the docking connector 3 serves as a universal docking connector, and can cooperate with any device 1 inserted into the docking station 5 when the conversion adapter 114 has been assembled with the portable electronic device 1. Therefore, the docking base 5 can be provided as a single common or universal docking connector 3, and as long as the wires, lines or other electrical conductors 126 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 are arranged, the male plug 116 inside the electrical adapter 114 is coordinated The order of the coupling relationship between the electrical connector 118 and the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 can still be applied to many different portable electronic devices 1.

The eighteenth figure illustrates that the conversion adapter 114 is provided with a male plug 116 and a contactor 120 divided into two separate adapter plug bodies 128a and contactor bodies 128b, which are located in different regions of the protective case 102. The plug body 128 a of the male plug 116 of the individual adapter and the contactor body 128 b of the contactor 120 are fixed in the side skirt 106 of the protective case 102. In the example, individual adapter plugs and contactor bodies 128a, 128b are selectively embedded and overmolded in the protective case 102. By way of example and not limitation, the male plug 116 is selectively embedded in a side skirt 106 adjacent to one side 102a of the protective case 102, while the contactor 120 is selectively embedded in a side spaced from the male plug 116 Inside the skirt 106. For example: the contactor 120 is selectively embedded in the side skirt 106 separated from the male plug 116 Inside, and adjacent to one side 102b of the protective case 102.

Alternatively, the contactor body 128 b of the adapter contactor 120 may be recessed toward the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102. Using an example but not limited to this, an optional cover 132 is formed in the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the cover 132. The electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are sunken within the cover 132 or within the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102 to avoid damage.

The nineteenth and twentieth illustrations illustrate the individual adapter body 128a of the male plug 116 and the contactor body 128b of the contactor 120 within the protective case 102 with interconnected wires, lines, or other electrical conductors 126, such as: The plurality of electrical conductors 126 are formed as elongated cables, wires, or other electrical conductors (three are shown), which are extended to connect the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male plug 116 and the corresponding plurality of electrical contacts of the adapter contactor 120 The contacts 122 are electrically interconnected. The electrical conductor 126 is fixedly positioned in the protective casing 102. For example, the electrical conductor 126 is selectively embedded and overmolded in the side skirt 106 of the protective casing 102. In addition, the electrical conductor 126 is selectively adhered to the surface of the protective case 102, and the internal or external surface may be used.

The side edges 102 a and / or the side edges 102 b of the protective shell 102 are selectively adapted to receive a plurality of electrical conductors 126 within the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102. For example, part of the side 102a and / or the side 102b of the protective shell 102 is selectively thicker than the accumulated volume of the plurality of electrical conductors 126 within the side skirt 106.

The twenty-first figure illustrates that the conversion adapter 114 is composed of a plurality of male plugs 116 (two are shown in the figure) in a plurality of individual adapter plug bodies 128a, each of which is located in a different area from the elastic shell 102 The different side edges 102a are adjacent to the side skirt 106. Each of the plurality of male plugs 116 is connected to the side skirt 106 of the protective case 102, and the single-conductor contactor 128b is an internal contactor. The electrics of 120 are electrically coupled at point 122. The plug body 128 a of the male plug 116 and the contactor body 128 b of the contactor 120 of each individual adapter are fixed in the side skirt 106 of the protective case 102. Using an example and not limited thereto, all male plugs 116 are selectively embedded in the side skirts 106 adjacent to one or more side edges 102 a of the protective shell 102. For example, each individual adapter plug body 128a is selectively wrapped into the peritoneum and formed into the protective shell 102. The contactor 120 is selectively embedded, such as a peritoneum, in a side skirt 106 spaced from one or more male plugs 116. For example, the contactor 120 is selectively embedded in the side skirt 106 separated from the male plug 116 and is adjacent to one side 102 b of the protective case 102.

As illustrated, the contactor body 128 b of the adapter contactor 120 is recessed toward the outer surface 124 of the side skirt 106 of the integrated protective shell 102. Using an example and not limited thereto, an optional cover 132 is formed in the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed in the cover 132. The electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are sunken within the cover 132 or within the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102 to avoid damage.

As disclosed herein, the cover 132 is a positioner formed in the outer surface 124 and cooperates with the docking seat 5 as a positioning interface for positioning the integrated protective shell 102 relative to the docking connector 3 to improve assembly between them.

As disclosed in each of the eleventh and thirteenth drawings, the positioning interface cover 132 operates as a positioner on the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective casing 102, and cooperates with a socket receiver of the docking station 5 to position the contactor 120 and The docking connector 3 is used for mechanical and electrical coupling. For example, the cover 132 protrudes or extends from the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102, and its adapter contactor 120 and electrical contact 122 are both housed in the recess of the positioner cover 132, as illustrated in the eighth figure. As illustrated in each of the third, fourth and fifth figures, the docking connector 3 is recessed in a socket receiver And the receiver is recessed within the inner surface of the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7. In this way, the socket receiver cooperates with the locator cover 132 to locate the integrated protective housing 102 relative to the docking connector 3 in the receiver 9 of the docking tray 7 to improve the assembly therebetween, as exemplified herein.

The twenty-second figure illustrates that the protective case 102 has a male plug 116 of the conversion adapter 114, which is separated from and separated from the adapter contactor 120 provided on the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 opposite the inner cavity 108 This is illustrated more clearly in subsequent figures.

The twenty-third figure illustrates that the protective case 102 has a contactor 120 of a conversion adapter 114 provided on the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 facing the inner cavity 108. The docking seat 5 is further configured to position its docking connector 3 in a position for connecting with the contactor 120 on the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 instead of being embedded in the side skirt 106.

The twenty-fourth figure illustrates an embodiment of the docking station 5 in which the tray 7 is disposed substantially horizontally with the base receiver 9, wherein the receiver is provided with an upper operation surface 156 separated by a peripheral side wall 160 and一下 interface surface 158. As exemplified herein, the tray 7 of the docking base 5 can be constructed to have a generally circular shape, but any generally square or rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, or other regular or irregular shape is suitable and produces the same structure.

The operating surface 156 of the docking tray 7 is formed by a mother nest 157 formed by a generally flat or flat peripheral surface forming a support ring surrounding a shallow socket receiver 166 therein. The socket receiver 166 is, for example, a generally circular shape (as shown in the figure), similar to the outline shape of the docking tray 7, but may be a generally square or rectangular, oval, kidney-shaped, or other regular or irregular shape that selectively matches the outline shape of the tray 7. Regular shape. The recessed socket receiver 166 is formed by a base plate 168 that forms an electrical interface surface that is recessed with respect to and substantially parallel to the support ring 164. An inner peripheral conversion wall 170 provides a socket base plate 168 and a support ring 164. Transition between support surfaces. According to one embodiment of the invention, the perimeter conversion wall 170 is substantially perpendicular to the socket floor 168 and the offset surface surrounding the socket ring 164. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the perimeter conversion wall 170 selectively inclines outwardly between the socket base plate 168 and the surrounding socket ring 164, thereby providing an inclined transition between the socket base plate 168 and the surrounding socket ring 164. For example, an outwardly inclined peripheral conversion wall 170 forms an angle of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees with the plane of the socket bottom plate 168. However, the angle is selectively clamped with the plane of the socket bottom plate 168 by a large range of about 15 degrees or less to 75 degrees or more.

The docking tray 7 optionally includes a mechanism for fixing to an external mounting surface S. Therefore, using an example and not limited to this, the docking tray 7 is perforated by one or more fastener clearance holes 172, and the size of each hole is adjusted to allow a mechanical fastener to pass, which is suitable for fixing the docking tray 7 To an external mounting surface, such as an intermediate mounting device, as discussed herein. The fastener clearance hole 172 optionally includes a uniform ring-shaped depression or depression 174, which is drilled, buried or bored, so that the head of the threaded fastener is recessed below both the upper operating surface 156 and the recessed socket base plate 168.

In addition, one or more fasteners are optionally integrated with the tray 7 of the docking seat 5, for example: the heads of the two pairs of threaded posts protrude beyond the lower interface surface 158 with their screw shafts, and are embedded in the docking tray 7 Into the molded structure, insert the mounting hole penetrating through the external mounting surface and lock it with a nut. In this example, the fastener clearance hole 172 fills the threaded shaft of the fastener. Furthermore, the recessed socket bottom plate 168 and the peripheral conversion wall 170 surrounding the socket ring 164 and the space therebetween are selectively left completely crack-free, so that the docking tray 7 presents a substantially solid and crack-free surface. Other mechanisms for fixing to the external mounting surface S may also consider, for example, adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and films, and may be included or replaced without departing from the scope and intent of the present invention.

Alternatively, the female nest 157 of the docking tray 7 can be controlled by one or more male rotations A member 176 is formed, and the member is provided to maintain a rotational orientation between the integrated protective case 102 of the protective cover 100 and the docking tray 7. By way of example and not limitation, the male rotation control member 176 is configured to use the straight or curved (shown) portion of the peripheral switching wall 170 between the recessed socket base plate 168 and the socket ring 164 to slightly enter the recessed socket receiver. Within 166. In addition, the peripheral conversion wall 170 of the socket receiver 166 is provided in any generally square or rectangular, oval, kidney, rectangular, or other regular or irregular shape, whereby the rotation control member 176 provides a socket provided for such a non-circular shape. Inherent in the receiver 166.

According to one embodiment, the housing 102 of the protective cover 100 is maintained under the weight of the portable electronic device 1 in the housing 102, that is, it is maintained in the tray 7 of the docking base 5 by using gravity. The positioning interface cover 132 of the shell 102 cooperates with the docking seat 5 by using a nest shape to enter the socket receiver 166 recessed in the docking tray 7.

In addition, one or more permanent magnets 178 are provided between the housing 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking base 5 for fixing the protective cover 100 in the docking base 5. By way of example and not limitation, one or more permanent magnets 178 are located within the magnet fixing structure 180, which is adjacent to the recessed bottom plate 168 of the socket receiver 166 or surrounding the socket ring 164 (shown in the figure). When present, each of the permanent magnets 178 is thin circular or dish-shaped, and is not limited as an example. Although the dish shape is more convenient, other magnet shapes are the same and can be replaced. The magnet 178 is optionally a known rare earth magnet. Rare earth magnets are very powerful in terms of size ratio and are therefore quite useful in the practice of the present invention. However, other known and currently unknown magnets powerful enough to implement the present invention have the same effect and can be used instead.

By way of example and not limitation, the magnet fixing structure 180 is embodied as a plurality of recesses, and each magnet 178 is individually positioned near the recessed bottom plate 168 or the mother nest of the socket receiver 166 157 surrounds the socket ring 164. According to an embodiment of the present invention, each cavity of the magnet fixing structure 180 minimizes the distance between the magnet 178 and the recessed bottom plate 168 of the socket or around the socket ring 164. The attenuation of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 178 is thus minimized, and the generated magnetic field is still sufficiently strong. By using the magnetic attraction effect in cooperation with the docking station 5, most handheld electronic devices and other small devices are indeed fixed.

According to one embodiment, the size of the cavity of the magnet fixing structure 180 is adjusted to match the magnet 178, such as sliding assembly or compression assembly, so that each magnet 178 is inserted under at least light pressure and at most press-fitting.

The magnet fixing structure 180 may be provided on the interface surface 158 below the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 opposite to the operation surface 156. The magnet 178 in the fixing recess 180 is fixed near the socket ring 164 of the recessed bottom plate 168 or the female nest 157 near the socket receiver 166. When the docking tray 7 is formed of a substantially rigid plastic or other elastic material with elastic response to slightly deformed characteristics, and the size of the magnet fixing cavity 180 is selectively adjusted to press-fit the magnet 178, the cavity having a slightly smaller size is thereby used. The cavity 180 fixes the magnet 178 by radial compression that is elastically deformed when the magnet 178 is inserted. Therefore, other fixing elements can be avoided, such as the double-sided tape taught in US Patent No. 5,992,807 filed by Tarulli and US Patent No. 6,149,116 filed by Won, or No. 5,895,018 filed by Rielo on April 20, 1999 The mounting hole bayonet taught in the US patent entitled "MAGNETIC SUPPORT ATTACHMENT" is incorporated herein by reference.

As disclosed herein, the docking connector 3 includes a plurality of biased electrical contacts 11 arranged to be electrically coupled to a spring-compressed spring pin, for example, with a wire or cable 15. Generally speaking, the docking connector 3 includes a minimum number of at least two biased electrical contacts 11, but is not limited to having a larger number of contacts 11.

The twenty-fifth figure illustrates that the one-body protective shell 102 of the protective cover 100 formed by the locator cover 132 of the shell 102 serves as a complementary male nest appendage 159 and is arranged to seat in the female nest 157. For example, the locator cover 132 of the complementary male nest attachment 159 is provided for assembling with the recessed socket receiver 166 of the horizontal base receiver 9 in the tray 7 of the docking base 5, as shown in the twenty-fourth figure . The complementary locator cover 132 is opposite to the inner cavity 108 where the portable electronic device 1 is located, and the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 protrudes or extends. When the recessed receptacle receiver 166 is thus provided, the complementary locator cover 132 is generally provided in a circular shape. In addition, when the recessed socket receiver 166 of the mother nest 157 in the operation surface 156 of the docking tray 7 is so provided, the positioner cover is set with any generally square or rectangular, oval, kidney, rectangular, or other regular or irregular shapes. 132. In this way, the complementary locator cover 132 is a shallow protrusion. The substantially flat contactor surface 182 is offset from the outer surface 152 of the elastic center panel 104 to a distance about the depth of the recessed bottom plate 168 in the socket receiver 166 of the docking tray 7. . In this way, the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 of the protective shell 102 forms a lower ring of the male nest attachment 159. When the complementary locator cover 132 is seated on the recessed socket receiver 166, the peripheral support ring 164 of the docking tray 7 is combined .

When the peripheral conversion wall 170 of the female socket receiver 166 is inclined between the socket bottom plate 168 and the surrounding socket ring 164, the complementary male locator cover 132 is selectively included between the contactor surface 182 and the outer surface 152 of the elastic center panel 104 An outer perimeter conversion wall 184 that extends and substantially matches an inclined formation. In addition, the inclined complementary male locator cover 132 is inclinedly seated in the recessed socket receiver 166 of the mother nest 157.

When the socket receiver 166 of the female nest 157 is provided with one or more male rotation control components 176, the complementary male positioner cover 132 is provided with one or more matching rotation control components 186, for example, when the female socket receiver 166 is The rotation control member 176 is provided as a male of the conversion wall 170. The peripheral protrusion enters the inside of the socket 166 between the recessed socket bottom plate 168 and the socket ring 164, and the rotation control member 186 is arranged to retract or invade the female into the position and size adjustment and the male rotation control member in the socket conversion wall 170. 176 matches the periphery of the complementary locator cover 132.

In addition, the matching male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 are selectively reversed between the female socket receiver 166 and the complementary locator cover 132, so that the female rotation control features 176 are present in the complementary locator cover 132 of the housing 102, As a male peripheral protrusion of the conversion wall 184, and the matching female rotation control feature 186 appears as a complementary female retracted or intruded into the periphery of the conversion wall 170, entering the ring 164 surrounding the female socket receiver 166.

As such, as disclosed herein, the male positioning interface 132 includes a combination of an offset protruding contactor surface 182 and a recessed female rotation control 186 formed in its periphery, and it is, for example, shared with the peripheral ring formed by the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel. The plane, in which the ring is seated in the female nest 157 of the docking tray 7, is in contact with the ring 164 surrounding the socket receiver 166. The recessed female rotation control feature 186 of the male positioning interface 132 incorporates the male rotation control member 176 of the docking tray 7 in the mother nest 157, whereby the shell 102 rotates and positions relative to the base receiver 9 of the tray 7. Therefore, the complementary locator cover 132 on the outer surface 152 of the protective case 102 is nested with the female socket receiver 166 in the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7 and is equipped with male and female rotation control features 176, 186, The rotation of the protective case 102 relative to the base receiver 9 of the tray 7 is controlled.

When the tray 7 of the docking station 5 includes a recessed bottom plate 168 adjacent to the socket receiver 166 or an optional magnet 178 adjacent to the ring 164, as shown in FIG. 24, the central panel 104 of the protective case 102 provides a magnetic The permeable member 188 is embodied as a sheet or a plate containing iron, or other highly magnetically permeable ferroelectric material, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or another ferroelectric material or alloy. For example, the magnetically permeable member 188 may be embedded in the central panel 104 of the protective case 102 by a magnet 178 A complementary position attracted. In this way, the magnet 178 and the magnetic attraction member 188 form a magnetic attraction pair, which can be operated between the housing 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking base 5 for fixing the protective cover 100 in the docking base 5.

The contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 provided on the outer surface 152 of the flexible central panel 104 is suitable for being electrically coupled to a plurality of biased electrical contacts 11 and is provided as a spring in the recessed socket receiver 166 of the horizontal tray 7 Compressed spring pins. For example, the plurality of electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are arranged as a conductive material, such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, or a plurality of concentric contact rings of another conductive material. The contact ring 122 of the contactor 120 is coupled to the electrical conductor 126 and is electrically interconnected with the plurality of electrical connectors 118 of the male connector plug 116 in a sequential or non-sequential pairing, as disclosed herein. The contact ring 122 of the contactor 120 is positioned to match the different spring pin 11 in the recessed socket receiver 166 of the base receiver 9 in the docking tray 7.

When the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 are provided as a plurality of concentric contact rings, the male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 are selectively excluded from cooperation because contact is made in any orientation relative to the housing 102 of the docking tray 7 The ring 122 normally matches the different spring pin contacts 11 regardless of the rotation of the positioning interface cover 132 in the female socket receiver 166 (25th figure, arrow 190). However, if desired, the male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 cooperate to present a relative rotational relationship between the protective cover 100 and the docking station 5.

The twenty-sixth figure is a cross-sectional view illustrating that the protective cover or the elastic shell 102 of the skin 100 is seated in the tray 7 of the docking seat 5. As shown, the complementary male nest appendage 159 of the protective cover 100 is nested with the mother nest 157 of the docking seat 5, thereby maintaining the shell 102 in the docking tray 7. For example, the shell 102 is portable in the shell 102 The weight of the electronic device 1 is fixed, that is, gravity is used, as exemplified herein. The housing 102 uses a nested connection positioning interface cover 132 to enter the socket recessed in the docking tray 7 The base receiver 166 cooperates with the docking base 5, for example: the positioning interface cover 132 rotates (25th figure, arrow 190) until the optional female rotation control feature 186 (if present), and the tray 7 of the docking base 5 The matching male rotation control parts 176 (if any) match. Thereafter, the peripheral conversion wall 184 cooperates with the matching conversion wall 170, and when the case 102 approaches the docking tray 7, the positioner cover 132 is positioned in the socket receiver 166. When the positioning interface cover 132 of the complementary male nest component 159 is completely nested in the socket receiver 166 of the female nest 157, the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 contacts the peripheral support ring 164 of the female socket receiver 166, and the The contactor surface 182 is juxtaposed with the recessed socket base plate 168. Operate the engaging peripheral conversion walls 184 and 170 of the protruding positioning interface cover 132 and the recessed socket receiver 166 to guide the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 into the bias of the base receiver 9 of the docking seat 5 The electrical contact 11 is engaged.

According to a specific implementation, the electrical contact 122 of the contactor 120 is under the weight of the portable electronic device 1 in the housing 102, that is, the electrical contact 11 of the base receiver 9 of the docking seat 5 is engaged with gravity.

In addition, when the optional magnet 178 is present, the magnetic attraction operation between the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 engages in a nest shape, fixes the housing 102 of the protective cover 100 to the tray 7 of the docking seat 5, and attaches the contactor. The electrical contact 122 of 120 is engaged with the bias electrical contact 11 of the base receiver 9 of the docking base 5.

When the protective cover or skin 100 is maintained in the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 under gravity, simply lift the shell 102 to remove the release protective cover 100 from the seat 5.

In addition, when an optional magnet 178 is present, the magnetic attraction operation between the magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 engages in a nest shape to fix the case 102 of the protective cover 100 to the tray 7 of the docking seat 5. However, simply rotating the shell 102 (figure 25, arrow 190) results in a positioning interface bunker 132 rotates until the female rotation control feature 186 interferes with the matching male rotation control part 176 of the tray 7 of the docking seat 5. This interference causes the housing 102 to be separated from the base receiver 9 and attenuates the magnetic attractive force, thereby releasing the protective cover 100 to be removed from the base 5.

The twenty-seventh, twenty-eighth, and twenty-ninth figures together illustrate alternative embodiments of the cover or skin 100 and the docking station 5. As disclosed herein, the relative positions of the magnets 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 are reversed. For example, one or more magnets 178 are placed in one of the magnet fixing structures 180 adjacent to the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 instead of surrounding the butt. The riser ring 164 of the socket receiver 166 of the female nest 157 of the seat tray 7. By way of example and not limitation, each of the one or more magnetically permeable members 188 is embodied as a sheet or an iron-containing plate, or other highly magnetically permeable ferroelectric material, such as iron, nickel, cobalt Or another ferroelectric material or alloy, as disclosed herein, embedded in the recessed bottom plate 168 of the female socket receiver 166 or surrounding the socket ring 164 (shown in the figure).

In addition, one or more permanent magnets 178 are fixed in the complementary male nest appendage 159 of the protective cover 100, for example, the magnet 178 is embedded in the central panel 104 of the protective case 102, and cooperates with the magnetically permeable member 188 to magnetically bind the The protective cover 100 is fixed in the docking seat 5.

The thirty, thirty-first, and thirty-second illustrations illustrate alternative embodiments in which the device cover 100 cooperates with the docking station 5, which is formed by the male nest appendage 159 of the docking station tray 7 and the matching mother nest 157. The positioning interface part provided between the contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 and the mating connector 3 has been reversed. The positioner cover 132 is used as the female receiver, which is provided on the outer surface 152 of the central panel 104 of the shell 102, and the base receiver 9 docking with the seat tray 7 is provided as the cooperative male positioner to form a mother nest. An inverted embodiment of the positioning interface member 157 and the complementary male nest member 159.

Figure 30 illustrates the use of shallow sockets from the docking tray 7 in this document. The positioner cover 132 provided in the receiver 166 provides the mother nest 157 on the protective shell 102. The receptacle receiver 166 of the locator cover 132 is surrounded by a generally flat or planar peripheral surface 164 forming a support ring that protrudes from the outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 opposite the inner recess 108 of the housing 102. The receptacle receiver 166 of the bunker 132 includes an internal peripheral transition wall 170 that provides transition between the receptacle floor 168 and the surrounding ring support surface 164. The rotation control member 176 is arranged to rotate the elastic housing 102 of the protective cover 100 in a positive direction relative to the docking tray 7 to form the conversion wall 170, as disclosed herein.

As such, as disclosed herein, the male positioning interface 132 includes a combination of a contactor surface recessed in the bottom plate 168 of the receptacle receiver 166 and a protruding rotation control member 176 formed in its periphery, and it is, for example, formed around the receptacle bottom plate 168 Coplanar around the peripheral contact ring 164. When the mother nest 157 is seated on the complementary male nest attachment 159 of the docking tray 7, the contact ring 164 holds the operation surface 156 of the docking tray 7. The protruding female rotation control feature 186 of the female positioning interface 132 receives the recessed rotation control member 186 of the docking tray 7 in the male nest appendage 159, whereby the housing 102 rotates and positions relative to the base receiver 9 of the tray 7.

Optionally, the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 is fixed within the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 under weight (ie, using gravity), as exemplified herein. In addition, an optional magnet 178 and a magnetically permeable member 188 may be provided in the docking tray 7 or the protective shell 102, when present, as disclosed herein. As exemplified herein and not limited to this, a magnet 178 is provided within the magnet fixing structure 180, adjacent to the recessed bottom plate 168 of the socket receiver 166 or surrounding the socket ring 164 (shown in the figure).

The contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114 may be provided as a plurality of concentric contact rings 122 of a conductive material, as disclosed herein. The contactor 120 is positioned on the bottom plate 168 of the receptacle receiver 166.

The thirty-first figure illustrates that the tray 7 of the docking base 5 is disposed substantially parallel to the base receiver 9 which is provided with an upper operation surface 156 formed thereon formed by a generally flat plane. The operating surface of the tray 7 is provided with a complementary male nest attachment 159 from the protective cover 100.

The substantially flat contactor surface 182 is offset and protrudes from the upper operation surface 156 of the docking tray 7 and is set in any general square or rectangular, oval, kidney, rectangular or other regular or irregular shape, and resized The recessed socket receiver 166 of the female locator cover 132 of the nest 157 on the protective case 102 is closely attached. In this way, when the protruding contactor surface 182 of the complementary male nest appendage 159 is recessed in the socket receiver 166 in the female locator cover 132 of the nest 157, the upper operating surface 156 of the docking tray 7 lives in the protective case 102. The peripheral support ring 164 of the positioner cover 132.

As such, as disclosed herein, the complementary male nest attachment 159 of the docking tray 7 includes a contactor surface 182 protruding from the upper operating surface 156 of the base receiver 9 and a female rotation control feature 186 recessed in its periphery. Combination, and it is, for example, coplanar with the surrounding perimeter contact ring formed as the operation surface 156. When the mother nest 157 is seated on the complementary male nest attachment 159 of the docking tray 7, the operation surface 156 combines with the contact ring 164 on the peripheral surface to form a support ring surrounding the socket receiver 166 of the locator cover 132. The outer surface 152 of the elastic central panel 104 of the case 102 protrudes (as shown in the thirty figure). The protruding male rotation control component 176 of the female positioning interface 132 incorporates the female rotation control feature 186 of the docking tray 7 in the male nest attachment 159, whereby the housing 102 rotates and positions relative to the base receiver 9 of the tray 7.

As disclosed herein, the docking connector 3 includes a plurality of biased electrical contacts 11 provided as spring pins that are electrically coupled to the electrical lead 13 with, for example, a wire or cable 15.

The docking station tray 7 is selectively perforated by the fastener clearance holes 172 for fixing the docking station tray 7 to an external fixing surface, as discussed herein. The fastener clearance hole 172 optionally contains a uniform annular depression or depression 174, drilled, buried or boring, as discussed herein, to recess the head of the threaded fastener below the protruding contact of the complementary male nest attachment 159器 表面 182. As further disclosed herein, other mechanisms for fixing to the external mounting surface S , such as adhesives or pressure sensitive tapes and films are also contemplated and may be included or replaced without departing from the scope and intent of the invention.

The external peripheral conversion wall 184 of the complementary protruding male nest appendage 159 is selectively inclined, cooperates with the nest shape in the inclination of the recessed socket receiver 166, and is used for the docking connector 3 in the receiver 9 of the docking tray 7 ， Positive positioning of the integrated protective shell 102.

When the locator cover 132 of the protective case 102 is provided with a male rotation control member 176, the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 can be formed by assembling a female rotation control feature 186, which matches and cooperates with the male rotation control member 176 to control the protective case. The rotation orientation between 102 and the docking tray 7.

In addition, the matching male and female rotation control features 176 and 186 are selected from the female socket receiver 166 of the positioner cover 132 to form a female nest 157 on the protective shell 102 and a complementary male nest attachment 159 of the docking tray 7 Inverted, the rotation control member 186 appears as a female retracted or intruded into the periphery of the conversion wall 170, enters the ring 164 of the female socket receiver 166 surrounding the positioner cover 132, and the matching rotation control member 176 appears as a conversion wall. 184 complementary male peripheral protrusion.

The thirty-second figure is a cross-sectional view, in which the positioner cover 132 is used to provide the mother nest 157 on the protective shell 102, and the complementary male nest attachment 159 is provided on the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 using the base receiver 9. Therefore, the positioning between the shell 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 is provided through the mother nest 157 on the protective shell 102 accommodated on the complementary male nest attachment 159 of the base receiver 9. interface.

When the protective cover 100 is fixed by the weight of the portable electronic device 1 inside the case 102, gravity is used. As disclosed herein, it is expected that the complementary male nest attachment of the base receiver 9 will be presented on the tray 7 of the docking station 5. The object 159 is generally oriented upward to accommodate the female nest 157 of the protective shell 102. In addition, the one or more permanent magnets 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 are located in complementary positions for magnetic attraction between the housing 102 of the protective cover 100 and the tray 7 of the docking seat 5. For example, when an optional magnet 178 and a magnetically permeable member 188 are both present, as exemplified herein, for the electronic device 1 in the protective cover 100 with a releasable magnetic force, the docking tray 7 can rotate. According to the strength of the magnetic attraction associated with the selected magnet 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188, the tray 7 of the docking base 5 can be tilted or rotated more intensely, and even the tray 7 of the docking base can be turned upside down. The magnetic attraction between the docking trays 7 is sufficient to allow the electrical contacts 122 of the shell contactor 120 to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrical contacts 11 of the docking connector 3 when the electronic device 1 is in operation to fix the electronic device 1 .

By way of example and not limitation, each of the one or more magnetically permeable members 188 is embodied as a sheet or an iron-containing plate, or other highly magnetically permeable ferroelectric material, such as iron, nickel, cobalt Or another ferroelectric material or alloy, as disclosed herein, embedded in the recessed bottom plate 168 of the female socket receiver 166 or the locator cover 132 on the protective shell 102 around the socket ring 164 (shown in the figure). In addition, one or more permanent magnets 178 are fixed in the complementary male nest appendage 159 of the protective cover 100, for example, the magnet 178 is embedded in the central panel 104 of the protective case 102, and cooperates with the magnetically permeable member 188 to magnetically attach The protective cover 100 is fixed in the docking seat 5.

In addition, the relative positions of the magnets 178 and the magnetically permeable member 188 are selectively reversed. As disclosed herein, one or more of the magnets 178 are disposed on the positioner cover of the protective case 102. The mother nest 157 of 132 is within a magnet fixing structure 180, and one or more magnetically permeable members 188 are disposed in the operation surface 156 of the tray 7 adjacent to one of the male nest appendages 159 of the base receiver 9 Location.

As disclosed herein, the internal conversion wall 170 of the receptacle receiver 166 cooperates with the external peripheral conversion wall 184 of the complementary protruding male nest appendage 159 for positively matching the docking connector 3 in the receiver 9 of the docking tray 7向 directional integrated protective shell 102.

Furthermore, when the positioner cover 132 of the protective case 102 is formed by the male rotation control member 176, the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 can be formed by a complementary rotation control member 186 equipped with the rotation control member 176, which cooperates with it for control The rotation orientation between the protective case 102 and the docking tray 7.

The thirty-third figure illustrates the protective cover 100, in which the complementary male nest appendage 159 is provided as a positioning interface cover 132 in the side skirt 106 of the protective shell 102, similar to that shown in the sixth figure, to accommodate the base receiver. The female nest 157 of 9 is similar to that shown in the eleventh figure. In contrast, the positioning interface cover 132 here includes the contactor 120 and its contacts 122, and is separated from the male plug 116. The plug is far from the contactor 120 and its contacts from the different side skirts 106 of the protective shell 102. The location of the point 122 extends into the recess 108 of the shell 102, as disclosed herein.

By using the magnet fixing structure 180 adjacent to both sides of the contactor 120 of the conversion adapter 114, the positioning interface cover 132 of the male nest appendage 159 is selectively formed, whereby the magnet 178 is fixed near the contactor 120. Therefore, the protective cover 100 is arranged to cooperate with the tray 7 of the docking seat 5 having one or more magnetically permeable members 188, so that when the male nest appendage 159 is seated in the complementary mother nest 157, the magnetic properties of the protective shell 102 on the tray 7 The attractive force is used to secure the protective cover 100 within the docking station 5, as disclosed herein.

The thirty-fourth figure illustrates a protective cover 100 having an electronic device 1 mounted therein. The positioning interface cover 132 in addition to the male nest appendage 159 instead contains a magnetically permeable member 188, embodied as one or more sheets or iron-containing plates or other highly magnetically permeable ferroelectric materials, such as iron, nickel, cobalt or other The ferroelectric material or alloy, the protective cover 100 here is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 33. For example: the magnetically permeable member 188 is embedded in the complementary position of the locator cover 132 on the outer surface 124 of the protective shell 102 for cooperation with one or more magnets 178 located in the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7 . As such, when the male nest appendage 159 is seated in the complementary mother nest 157, the magnet 178 cooperates with the magnetically permeable member 188 to fix the protective cover 100 containing the electronic device 1 in the docking seat 5, as disclosed herein.

The thirty-fifth figure is a cross-sectional view through the protective cover 100 in the thirty-third figure, in which the male plug 116 and the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114 are separated in different regions of the side skirt 106 in the protective shell 102. As illustrated, the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 are electrically coupled through cables, wires, lines or other electrical conductors 126 (only one is shown for clarity). One or more electrical connectors 118 to the plug 116. The portable electronic device 1 engages the female input / output socket 27 with the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 in the side skirt 106 adjacent to the side 102 a of the protective case 102, and is received in the recess 108 of the elastic case 102. Inside.

The positioning interface cover 132 is formed in the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed inside the positioner cover 132 to form a complementary male nest attachment 159 located in the mother nest 157. Here, the positioner cover 132 includes a magnet 178 of a magnetically permeable member 188 inside the base receiver 9 of the magnetic docking tray 7 within the magnet fixing structure 180.

In addition, the magnet 178 is located in the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7 and is closed. The magnetically permeable member 188 is an electrical contact 122 on both sides of the contactor 120 in the positioner cover 132 outside the protective shell 102.

The thirty-sixth figure is a cross-sectional view through the protective cover 100 in the thirty-fourth figure, in which the male plug 116 and the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114 are separated in different regions of the side skirt 106 in the protective shell 102. As illustrated, the electrical contacts 122 of the contactor 120 embedded in the body 128 of the adapter 114 are electrically coupled through cables, wires, lines or other electrical conductors 126 (only one is shown for clarity). One or more electrical connectors 118 to the plug 116. The portable electronic device 1 engages the female input / output socket 27 with the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 in the side skirt 106 adjacent to the side 102 a of the protective case 102, and is received in the recess 108 of the elastic case 102. Inside.

The positioning interface cover 132 is formed in the outer surface 124 of the integrated protective shell 102, and the adapter contactor 120 is further recessed inside the positioner cover 132 to form a complementary male nest attachment 159 located in the mother nest 157. Herein, the locator shelter 132 additionally contains a magnetically permeable ferroelectric member 188, as disclosed herein. For example, the ferromagnetic member 188 is embedded in the complementary position of the locator cover 132 in the side skirt 106 of the protective case 102, and is used to attract the inner magnet 178 of the base receiver 9 of the docking tray 7, as disclosed herein.

The thirty-seventh figure illustrates the mother nest 157 of the base receiver 9 in the docking station 5, which includes one or more ferroelectric components 188. For example, the ferroelectric component 188 is exposed in a position where the electrical contacts 11 are biased on both sides of the docking connector 3. Therefore, when a magnet 178 adjacent to either side of the contactor 120 is selectively provided to the positioning interface cover 132 of the protective cover 100 in the side skirt 106 of the case 102, as illustrated in FIG. 33, the iron The electrical component 188 is positioned to cooperate with the magnet 178 so that when the male nest appendage 159 is seated on the complementary female nest 157, as disclosed herein, the attractive operation of the protective shell 102 on the tray 7 operates to secure the protective cover 100 to the docking seat 5 Inside. The docking connector 3 may also include an optional guide pin 17, such as this It is disclosed that if it exists in the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114, it is suitable for being assembled with the optional assembly guide pin receiver 130.

The thirty-eighth figure illustrates a female nest 157 that replaces the base receiver 9. One or more magnets 178 replace the ferroelectric components 188 shown in the thirty-seventh figure. For example, the magnets 178 are positioned to dock two connectors 3 Side bias electrical contact 11. Therefore, when ferroelectric members 188 adjacent to both sides of the contactor 120 are selectively provided to the positioning interface cover 132 of the protective cover 100 in the side skirt 106 of the case 102, as illustrated in FIG. 34, the magnet 178 is positioned to cooperate with the ferroelectric component 188, so when the male nest appendage 159 is located in the complementary mother nest 157, as disclosed herein, the magnetic attraction of the protective shell 102 to the tray 7 operates to secure the protective cover 100 to the docking seat 5 Inside. The docking connector 3 may also include an optional guide pin 17, as disclosed herein, if it is present in the contactor 120 of the electrical adapter 114, it is suitable for assembling with an optional assembly guide pin receiver 130 .

The thirty-ninth figure illustrates another arrangement of the electrical contacts 122 of the cover 100. In this configuration, a total of ten electrical contacts 122 are arranged in two rows. In the illustrated embodiment, the columns are staggered, but it can be inferred that the columns can be aligned with each other instead of being staggered. The docking bases 5 may have the same number and configuration of electrical contacts 11, but in some embodiments, the docking bases may have fewer or more contacts than the cover 100.

In at least some embodiments, different covers 100 may be provided for different kinds of portable electronic devices 1, but the electrical contacts 122 are configured the same, so that many different portable electronic devices 1 (including from different manufacturers) Device) can be coupled to the same docking station 5 using a suitable cover 100. It can be understood that according to the type of the portable electronic device 1 installed in the cover 100, the internal configuration of the electrical conductor 126 of the different cover 100 (the electrical connection 122 connecting the electrical connector 122 of the adapter 114 to the electrical connection of the male plug 116) (118) may be different. Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, one or more electrical connections The point 122 will not be coupled to the corresponding electrical contact 118 of the adapter 114, especially if there is no corresponding contact designed for the cover 100 in the portable electronic device 1.

The forty-first figure illustrates the configuration of twelve electrical contacts 122 in two staggered columns. It is understood that the cover 100 may include any number of electrical contacts 122, including but not limited to two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen , Twenty or more electrical contacts. The electrical contacts 122 may be arranged in any regular or irregular pattern. For example, the three electrical contacts may be arranged in a straight line, an equilateral triangle, an isosceles triangle, a right triangle, or any other suitable configuration. For another example, the electrical contacts 122 may be arranged in a straight line or in two or three columns (e.g., two, three, four or more columns), may be aligned or staggered relative to each other, and each column may have the same or different number of contact. For still another example, some or all of the electrical contacts 122 can be arranged on the vertices of a regular or irregular polygon, for example: five electrical contacts 122 can be arranged on the vertices of a pentagon, and six electrical contacts 122 can be arranged On the vertices of the hexagon, or eight electrical contacts can be arranged on the vertices of the octagon.

The thirty-ninth figure and the forty-first figure also illustrate the cover 132 having an asymmetric shape, which helps to correctly couple the cover 100 to the docking seat 5. The cover 132 defines an asymmetric positioning interface. In this case, the shelter 132 has a straight first edge 191 and a second edge 192 opposite and curved from the first edge. The shape of the mother nest 157 of the docking seat 5 can be similar to that of the shelter 132, so that the shelter of the cover 100 can only be easily inserted into the mother nest of the docking seat from one direction. The asymmetric positioning interface of the cover helps to correctly couple the cover with the docking base 5, so that the electrical contacts 122 are correctly and reliably assembled with corresponding contacts on the docking base.

The fortieth figure illustrates a part of the adapter 114 and includes a male plug 116, an electrical contact 122, a magnet 178 (or a ferroelectric member 188), and a body 128. Adapter 114 with side skirt 116 Formed with the cover 132 around a portion of the adapter and positioned within the cover 100. In at least some embodiments, a portion of the housing 102 or cover 132 also covers one side 193 of the body 128, and a portion of the electrical contact 122 is exposed by the magnet 178, as shown in Figures 39 and 41. .

The cover of the portable electronic device may also include additional pockets for peripheral devices. The forty-second to forty-sixth drawings illustrate embodiments of the cover 100 that can accommodate a portable electronic device 1 and a peripheral device 50. Examples of peripheral devices include, but are not limited to, printers, scanners, card readers, tape drives, RFID readers, NFC readers, speakers, batteries, cameras, lights, keyboards, and human-machine interface devices (such as a mouse , Trackball, etc.), medical devices (such as a thermometer, blood glucose meter, blood pressure meter, imager, or any other suitable medical device) or any other suitable peripheral device. Other examples of peripheral devices may include lighting devices capable of providing LED light, black light, infrared, laser or any other light emitting device, or any combination of these, and may be used to provide general lighting, night vision, video or photographic lighting, or enhanced lighting , Messaging, pointing, measuring, scanning, calibrating, or any other function or use or any combination of these. The lighting device can be designed to be used with any device in the cover, such as a mobile phone or a smart phone, a terminal, a computer, a test device, a tablet, etc. or any combination of these. Other examples of peripheral devices may be tool devices, such as sensors (e.g., for detecting, such as temperature, pressure, leveling, angle, height, light, density, X-ray, magnetic field, acceleration, speed, velocity, Distance, energy, current or energy flow, force, hardness, mass / weight, torque, resistance, capacitance, voltage, reactance or similar or any combination thereof) or fingerprint reader.

The cover 100 may be designed for a specific type of peripheral device, or may accommodate a plurality of types of peripheral devices. In addition, although the illustrated embodiment allows a single peripheral device to be included in the cover, it is understood that other embodiments allow multiple (e.g., Two, three, four or more) peripherals.

The cover 100 includes a shell 102, which has a central panel 104, a side skirt 106, a lip 110, a mouth opening 112, and an inner cavity 108 for receiving the portable electronic device 1. In addition, the cover 100 includes a peripheral pocket 208 forming a peripheral pocket to receive the peripheral device 50. The peripheral recess 208 may be formed using the central panel 104 and selected portions of the side skirt 106 or other portions of the cover 100. The peripheral pocket 208 defines a device surface 205 and one or more side surfaces 207. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral pocket 208 and the internal pocket 108 are adjacent, and the peripheral device 50 can be inserted into the peripheral pocket 208 through the mouth opening 112 and the internal pocket 108, as illustrated in the forty-fourth figure. Then, the portable electronic device 1 can be inserted into the inner cavity 110 through the mouth opening, as illustrated in FIG. 45. In other embodiments, the cover 100 may include a peripheral opening (not shown), and the periphery may be inserted into the peripheral cavity 208 through the opening. In such an embodiment, the peripheral pocket 208 may be adjacent to the internal pocket 108, or the peripheral pocket and the internal pocket may be separated by a wall of the cover 100.

In addition to the male plug 116, the cover 100 includes a peripheral plug 216, as illustrated in FIG. 43. The peripheral plug 216 fits into an input / output socket of the peripheral device 50. The peripheral plug 216 may be designed for a specific peripheral device, or may be used for many different devices. For example, the peripheral plug 216 (or the male plug 116 or both) may be a USB or Micro USB plug, and is designed to be respectively inserted into a USB or Micro USB port of the peripheral device 50.

The peripheral plug 216 includes one or more electrical contacts 218 connected to internal contacts of the peripheral device 50. One or more of the electrical connectors 218 are coupled to the electrical contacts 122 of the cover 114 adapter 114 using a conductor (not shown) extending through the cover. This configuration can be used to provide power to 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 aligned so that the peripheral device 50 provides power through the adapter. Force, data, or both 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 connector of the adapter The contact 122 allows the peripheral device 50 to provide power or data to the portable electronic device 1 through the adapter. It can be understood that other organizations may share data between the peripheral device 50 and the portable electronic device 1, such as Bluetooth, NFC, and so on.

The cover 100 may include one or more openings 194 through which it enters the peripheral pocket 218. These openings 194 allow access to components of the peripheral device 50, such as, for example, plugs, scanners, printers, sensors, and the like. Similarly, the cover 100 may include one or more openings 196 into the internal cavity 118 to allow access to components of the portable electronic device, for example: the opening 196 allows access to the camera, headphone plug, Switches, speakers, microphones, and more. In at least some embodiments, the arrangement, number, and size of the openings of the cover can be specially arranged according to the type of the portable electronic device used in the design of the cover 100. In some embodiments, the cover 100 may include a soft button 198 formed inside the cover (eg, in the side skirt 106), and its position may be consistent with the position of the button on the portable electronic device 1. The soft button 196 may be, for example, part of the cover material, with a surrounding indentation, identifying the location of the soft button and helping to actuate the soft button. The soft buttons 196 are arranged and arranged, so that the actuation of the soft buttons 196 will also activate the buttons of the portable electronic device 1 below. This soft button 196 can be consistent with the power, volume, and other buttons on the portable electronic device 1. Any cover described herein may include one or more openings 196, one or more soft buttons 198, or any combination of these.

Any of the covers 100 described herein may also include a label element 199 that is located in or on the cover, as illustrated in Figure 43. The tag element 199 may be, for example, an RFID tag or an NFC tag, and may be used to identify the cover or a device inside the cover. The label element 199 may be fabricated with the cover 100 or may be placed on the inside or outside surface of the cover. In at least some embodiments, the label The element 199 may be associated with the portable information terminal 197 or other tag inquiry device that can be carried by the user. It can inquire the tag element 199 wirelessly to determine whether the cover 100 is within the range of the portable message terminal or other tag inquiry device. . The portable information terminal 197 can be activated by a user to help find the cover or an associated portable electronic device. In addition or in addition, the portable information terminal 197 may include an audible alert, a vibration alert, or both. When the distance between the portable information terminal and the cover 100 exceeds a threshold, it is automatically activated to warn the user and inform the cover 100 and the related The associated portable electronic device has been left (eg, on the docking station). In some embodiments, the user can select whether the portable information terminal 197 provides a sound alert, a vibration alert, or both. In some embodiments, the user can programmatically edit the critical distance.

Forty-seventh to forty-ninth drawings illustrate additional embodiments of docking bases 5, which include a tray 7 (not shown in the forty-ninth figure) and a base receiver 9 on which A portable electronic device 1 located within a cover 100. The docking station 5 in the forty-seventh figure includes a clip 19 and an arm 21. The docking base 5 of the forty-eighth figure is a single base, which can be placed on any stable surface, such as a desk, shelf, bookcase, table, etc. The docking station 5 in the forty-ninth figure can be mounted on a wall or other surface. The forty-eighth figure illustrates a mobile phone or other relatively small device as a portable electronic device 5. The forty-ninth figure illustrates a tablet or other relatively large device as a portable electronic device 1. Many docking stations can accommodate large and small portable electronic devices, but other docking stations are specifically designed for portable electronic devices of a specific size or size range.

The forty-eighth figure illustrates a cable 15 leaving the docking station 5. It can be understood that other exemplary docking stations may include a cable. The cable can be detached from the docking station or can be permanently fixed to the docking station. In some embodiments incorporating a detachable cable, the docking station includes a port, such as a USB or Micro USB port, which can accept one end of the cable.

In some embodiments, the docking station may include electronic components for providing power, data, or other signals from the station to the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, the docking station is a "through" device, where the docking station is the middle between the portable electronic device and other devices (such as chargers, computers, other portable electronic devices, etc.) Thing. In these embodiments, the cable leaving the docking station can be coupled to this other device, and at least in some instances, the docking station transmits signals only between the electrical contacts of the docking station and the cable.

In certain embodiments, a hard (or rigid) case with an elastic cover or skin can be used to provide additional protection to electronic devices within the skin. Figures 50A and 50B are front and rear views of an elastic cover or skin 100 (colored for illustration) and a hard (or rigid) case 500. The electronic device will be placed inside the elastic cover or skin 100, as described above. Any of the elastic covers described above can be used for the elastic cover or skin 100, with the hard shell 500 having been modified to conform to that particular cover.

The hard case 500 may be made of any hard or rigid plastic material, such as, for example, polycarbonate or the like, carbon fiber, metal, leather, or the like or any combination of these. In at least some specific embodiments, the hard shell 500 includes a back plate 504 (fiftieth B) and a skirt 506 (fiftieth A), and is then matched with the cover 100 to form a communication with a cavity 108. Mouth opening 112. The mouth opening 112 is sized to accept the electronic device into the cavity 108. In some embodiments, the back plate 504 may not cover the entire back of the cover 100. In certain embodiments, the skirt 506 may not completely surround the mouth opening 112 but only extend around a portion of the mouth opening (eg, no more than 90%, 75%, 50%, 40% or less).

In the illustrated embodiment, the hard shell 500 includes openings through which the elastic cover or skin 100 can enter or exit. For example, the hard shell 500 includes an opening 514, and a part of the adapter 114 (such as the nest member 159 or the contactor 120) of the cover 100 can protrude or enter through this opening. Out for connection to a docking station or other device. In at least some embodiments, the hard case 500 includes one or more button openings 598 that allow the soft buttons 198 (or buttons of the electronic device) of the cover 100 to come in and out, or the soft buttons 198 (or buttons of the electronic device) of the cover 100 ) Can stand out from here. In at least some specific embodiments, the hard shell 500 may include one or more corner openings 595 that allow the corner portion 195 of the cover 100 to protrude, using the elasticity of the cover 100 to improve corner protection. The hard case 500 and the cover 100 may also include an opening 196, allowing access to a camera, a headphone plug, a switch, a speaker, a microphone, or the like of an electronic device.

The combination of the hard case 500 and the elastic cover 100 can calibrate and support the electronic device. In addition, the protruding portion of the elastic cover 100, such as the protruding corner portion 195, can serve as a cushion to protect the electronic device.

In alternative embodiments, the electronic device can be inserted into a hard case, and then the device and the hard case can be inserted into any of the protective covers 100 described above. In still other embodiments, a hard shell is provided as a removable (or permanent) pad for any of the protective covers 100 described above. The hard case of these embodiments will include an opening through which the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 can protrude, allowing the male plug 116 of the adapter 114 to connect to the input / output socket of the electronic device.

Instead of the docking station, the portable electronic device and the cover can be coupled to an external adapter. Figures 51A to 51D illustrate a portable electronic device 1 placed in a cover 100 (which can be any of the above covers), and an external adapter 600 has a wire or cable 615 Extend from this external adapter. In the fifty-first figure A, the external adapter 600 is coupled to the adapter 114 of the cover 100. In FIGS. 51B to 51D, the external adapter 600 is detached from the adapter 114 of the cover 100. In at least some specific embodiments, the external adapter 600 is only coupled to the adapter 114 of the cover 100, and only contacts the cover 100 on the adapter 114, and the selective contact is adjacent to the adapter Part of the hood. The external adapter 600 may not have a tray.

The external adapter 600 has a housing 602 (figures 51C and 51), which contains a plurality of electronic contacts 611, and is used for connecting with the contactor 120 in the adapter 114 of the cover 100. Point 122 matches. The electronic contact 611 is electrically coupled to the wire or cable 615. In some embodiments, the wire or cable 615 can be detached from the external adapter 600. In some embodiments, the cable 615 can be any cable used by the portable electronic device, and includes a plug that can be inserted into a corresponding socket on the external adapter 600.

In at least some specific embodiments, the adapter 114 and the external adapter 600 both include the magnetic attraction component described above with respect to the docking station 5. Additionally or additionally, the external adapter 600 and the adapter 114 may include other coupling elements to secure the external adapter 600 to the cover 100 in a reliable manner. I will understand that the docking stations described above may also include any of these coupling elements.

In at least some embodiments, the external adapter 600 includes at least one raised element 640 as a coupling element, which can be coupled to the pawl 114 in the adapter 114. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 51A to 51D, the external adapter 600 includes two raised elements 640 opposite to each other, and the adapter 114 is included on the opposite surface of the adapter 114 Two pawls 141 (one is not shown). In at least some specific embodiments, the bulging elements 640 are spaced apart from the corresponding width of the adapter 114 before the adapter 114 is combined, so when the pawl 141 is combined, the two bulging elements (and the external adapter 600) Forming a press fit with the adapter 114 will restrict the bulging element 640 from disengaging from the pawl 141.

In at least some embodiments, the external adapter 600 further includes a tab 642 (or two tabs) extending from one of the raised elements 640 in a cantilever or other configuration, each tab being The difference between the raised elements extends) so that the user can push the tab, resulting in The raised element is separated from the pawl 141 so that the external adapter 600 can be separated from the adapter 114 of the cover 100. Other separation methods or mechanisms can also be used. I will appreciate that in other embodiments, the cover may include at least one raised element (and optional tab), and the external adapter may include at least one pawl.

In at least some specific embodiments, the external adapter 600 may include one or more gripping members 644 as a coupling element that extends away from the remainder of the external adapter 600 and is configured such that when the external adapter 600 When the adapter 114 is combined, a compression or friction grip is formed on the adapter 114. This compressive or frictional grip resists separation of the external adapter 600 from the adapter 114, but when a user pulls the external adapter 600 away from the adapter 114, the applied separation force overcomes this gripping force. The specific embodiments illustrated in Figures 51A to 51D include two opposing gripping members 644, but I understand that other specific embodiments may use more than two gripping members and be configured in Around the outer adapter 600, or a single gripping member, which forms around the entire (or part) of the outer adapter 600. In at least some embodiments, the grasping member 644 can be shaped to match the corresponding portion of the adapter 114. For example, the adaptor of the forty-first figure has a straight first edge 191 and a second edge 192 opposite to the first edge and curved, so that one grip member 644 can be shaped to have a straight first edge The shape of 191, the other has a shape with a curved second edge 192. I will understand that the external adapter (or docking station) may include one or both of the raised element 640 and the gripping member 644.

Figures 52A through 52F illustrate that the docking station 5 contains a movable arm 43 to receive a portable electronic device 1 into a cover 100 (Figures 52E and 52) Figure F) a specific embodiment. In addition to the movable arm 43, the docking base 5 includes a docking connector 3, which has an electrical contact 11, a tray 7, a base receiver 9, and a wire or cable 15, as any of the above As described in the specific embodiment. In at least some specific embodiments, the movable arm 43 includes a forward extension 45 that is assembled on an edge of the portable electronic device 1 (figures 52E and 52F) (for example, Top edge), and may include a lip 47 that is in contact with the front surface of the portable electronic device 1 to help maintain the portable electronic device in combination with the docking station.

The movable arm 43 can be moved from an extended position (fifty-second A and fifty-second B) to a closed position (fifty-second C and fifty-two D) and any intermediate position, such as It is a combined position (fifty-second E and fifty-second F), where the movable arm 43 combines the portable electronic device 1 and the cover 100, and maintains these components combined with the docking station 5.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 52A through 52F, the movable arm 43 is coupled to a spring 750 (Figure 52B, 52D, 52nd). Figure F), thus biasing the closed position of Figures 52C and 52D. I will understand that other mechanical configurations, such as a ratchet wheel configuration, can be used instead of the spring 750. The spring 750 resists accidental separation of the portable electronic device 1 and the cover 100 from the docking station 5 (as exemplified in Figures 52E and 52F). The user can extend the movable arm 43 from the tray 7 to allow a portable electronic device to be placed on the tray, and then release the movable arm to allow the movable arm to combine with the portable electronic device to attach the device. It is fixed on the docking seat. The user releases the portable electronic device and the cover by extending the movable arm away from the portable electronic device, the cover and the tray 7, so that the portable electronic device 1 and the cover 100 are separated from the docking station 5. .

The fifty-third figure illustrates another example of the docking base 5, similar to the docking base in the forty-eighth and forty-ninth figures. The docking station 5 includes a tray 7 and a base receiver 9 on which a portable electronic device 1 is placed within a cover 100. The tray 7 includes a back support surface 101 to support the back of the cover 100, and a butt support extending from the back support surface. Surface 103 (also shown in Figures 3, 4, 37, and 47). In at least some specific embodiments, the back support surface 101 and the abutting support surface 103 form an included angle, ranging from 90 to 130 degrees, from 90 to 120 degrees, or from 90 to 100 degrees, or equal to 90 degrees.

The docking station 5 includes a docking connector 3, which is a female connector in the illustrated example. The docking connector 3 includes a contact 11 which may be, for example, a biased contact, such as a biased pin or a biased leaf spring, or any other suitable type of contact. The docking connector 3 also includes a ring 105 that can be recessed relative to the docking support surface, as shown in the fifty-third figure. In at least some specific embodiments, the ring 105 and the docking connector 3 may be asymmetric, such as an elongated D-shape, as shown in the fifty-third figure, having a straight edge and a curved edge opposite the straight edge. This configuration helps correct alignment when the cover is paired with the docking station.

The docking base 5 of the fifty-third figure is a single base, which can be placed on any suitable surface, such as a desk, a shelf, a bookcase, a table, or the like. Figures 54A and 54B illustrate another docking seat 5 including a plurality of back support surfaces 101, and a docking connector 3 including one or more docking support surfaces 103 formed in a housing 107. This may allow multiple electronic devices 1 in the cover 100 to be docked in the docking station 5. One or more cables (not shown) or a connector 109 may extend from the docking station for attachment to another device, wherein the docking station is the portable electronic device and other devices, such as a charger, a computer , Other portable electronic devices, etc. In these embodiments, the cable or connector leaving the docking station can be coupled to this other device. I will understand that the docking connector of any such docking seat disclosed in this article may use the magnetic coupling configuration described above and may also include one or more guide pins, as described above.

Fifty-fifth A illustrates a part of the adapter 814, and includes a male plug 816, an electrical contact 822, a magnet 878 (or a ferroelectric member), and a body 828. Adapter 814 is available for Inside any such hood or any adapter 114 described herein. The adapter 814 forms a part around the adapter with the side skirt 116 and the cover 132, and is positioned inside the cover 100, as shown in FIG. 55B. In at least some specific embodiments, a part of the shell 102 or the cover 132 also covers one side 893 of the body 828, and a part of the electrical contact 822 is exposed by the magnet 878, similar to those in the 39th and 41st figures The specific embodiment shown.

As described above, the electrical contacts 822 utilize conductors (see electrical conductors 126 described above) to electrically couple these electrical connectors to the plug 816. I have found that the configurations of available plugs and conductors are generally not suitable for the high-pressure injection molding process used to form the housing 102 of the cover 100. In this process, the adapter 814 is an insert provided in a mold, and the shell 102 of the cover 100 is cast around the adapter. I have found that the plastic forming the shell 102 can enter the opening of the adapter 814, and the conductor may be broken or damaged due to the high pressure of the forming process, and may also fill the inner area of a connector, if present, Prevents mating with a corresponding female connector of the portable electronic device.

Therefore, the adapter 814 includes a sealed housing 875 around the conductor 126, and the plug 816 extends therefrom. The low-pressure injection is used to form a portion of the adapter that contains these conductors, forming a tight seal with the body 828 and the plug 816 to form a sealed housing 875 to reduce or avoid the material during the subsequent high-pressure injection molding process that forms the housing 102 Flow between these components.

Figures 57A and 57B illustrate another specific embodiment of the cover 900, which can receive a portable electronic device 1 (forty-fifth figure) and a peripheral device 50 (forty-fourth) (Figure) is an alternative specific embodiment of the cover 100 shown in Figures 42 to 46. Unless indicated, the cover 900 may include any or all of the functions described with respect to the cover 100 shown in Figures 42 to 46 or any other cover 100 described herein.

The cover 900 includes a shell 902 having a center panel 904, a side skirt 906, a lip 910, Mouth opening 912 and an internal pocket 908 that receives a portable electronic device. In addition, the cover 900 includes a peripheral pocket 909 that forms a peripheral pocket to receive the peripheral device 50. The peripheral recess 909 may be formed using the central panel 904 and selected portions of the side skirt 906 or other portions of the cover 900. The peripheral pocket 909 defines a device surface 905 and one or more side surfaces 907. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral pocket 909 and the internal pocket 908 are adjacent, and the peripheral device 50 can be inserted into the peripheral pocket 909 through the mouth opening 912 and the internal pocket 908. As described above, in other embodiments, the peripheral device can be inserted through different openings (ie, a peripheral opening). The perimeter opening may be located within the central panel 904, or within any one or more of the four sides of the side skirt 906. In addition, as described above, in some embodiments, the cover can receive more than one perimeter.

In addition to the male plug 916, the cover 900 includes a peripheral plug 917. The peripheral plug 917 fits into an input / output socket of the peripheral device. The peripheral plug 917 may be designed for a specific peripheral device, or may be used for many different devices.

Figures 57A and 57B illustrate a specific embodiment of a part of the adapter 914. The adapter includes a male plug 916 and a peripheral plug 917, and a body 928, an electrical contact 922, and a magnet 978. (Or ferroelectric component) and a body 928. Both the electrical contact 922 and the magnet 978 are attached to the body, and the male plug 916 is coupled to the body using the conductors, and the male plug 916 is coupled to the electrical contact 922 through the body.

The adapter 914 also includes a bridge 929 that is attached to the body 928. The bridge 929 includes a carrier 931 on which the conductors (eg, wires, conductive traces, etc.) couple the electrical connectors of the peripheral plug 917 to the electrical contacts 922. In certain embodiments, the conductors of the bridge 929 are directly attached to the portion of the electrical contact 922 exposed through the body 928, or the conductors may be coupled to the conductive vias, wires, or traces through the body 928 Electrical contact 922. in In at least some embodiments, the thickness of the carrier 931 is at least 0.4 mm in order to withstand the high pressure injection of the shell 902 of the forming cover 900. Thinner carriers can crack during the injection molding process. The peripheral plug 917 includes one or more electrical connectors connected to internal contacts of the peripheral device. This configuration can be used to power the peripheral device through the adapter 114. In at least some embodiments, the adapter 914 and associated conductors can be arranged so that the peripheral device provides power, data, or both to the portable electronic device through the adapter 914. In at least some embodiments, the male plug 916 and the peripheral plug 917 may include a sealed housing 975, 977, as described above, to avoid or reduce the inflow of plastic material during the high-pressure injection molding process of the housing 902 forming the cover 900, as described above .

Although the preferred and additional alternative embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, I will appreciate that many modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and field of the present invention. Therefore, I will understand that many modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and field of the invention. Therefore, the inventor proposes the following patent application scope.

Claims (27)

A protective configuration for an electronic device includes: an elastic cover including a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the panel and the skirt, and the skirt forms a mouth opening and The internal cavity is communicated, wherein the internal cavity is arranged and arranged to receive an electronic device; an adapter is fixed in the elastic cover, the adapter includes a male plug, and the male plug includes an extension into the A plurality of connectors in the internal cavity of the elastic cover and configured to match a female socket of the device, and including a contactor having an outer side adjacent to the elastic cover and electrically coupled to the plug A plurality of contacts of one or more connectors; and a hard shell arranged and arranged to be placed around at least a part of the elastic cover and including an opening through which the contactor of the adapter can extend through Opening. For example, in the configuration of claim 1, the hard case further includes a plurality of corner openings, and the elastic cover may include a plurality of corner portions that are arranged and arranged to protrude from the corner openings of the hard case. According to the configuration of any one of claims 1 or 2, the hard case further includes at least one button opening, and the elastic cover includes at least one soft button, which is arranged and arranged to open from the at least one button of the hard case. protruding. The configuration according to any one of the scope of claims 1 or 2, wherein the hard shell comprises a skirt arranged and arranged to extend around at least a part of the mouth opening or around the entire opening. A protection configuration for an electronic device, the configuration comprising: a hard shell arranged and arranged to be placed around at least a part of the electronic device, and including an opening to allow access to an input / output socket of the electronic device An elastic cover comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the panel and the skirt, and the skirt forms a mouth opening to communicate with the inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity passes Arranged and arranged to receive the electronic device placed in the hard shell; and an adapter, which is fixedly located in the elastic cover, the adapter includes a male plug, and the male plug includes a male extension extending into the elastic cover A plurality of connectors inside the internal cavity and configured to match the input / output sockets of the device through the opening in the hard case, and including a contactor having an outer edge adjacent to the elastic cover, and electrically A plurality of contacts of one or more connectors coupled to the plug. For example, the configuration of claim 1, 2, or 5, wherein the elastic cover further includes a positioning interface cover, and the positioning interface cover defines a ring of the contactor surrounding the adapter to guide the adapter. The contactor is correctly paired with an external connector. The positioning interface cover optionally includes a magnetic coupling element. The magnetic coupling element is located in the elastic cover adjacent to the contactor. The magnetic coupling element includes One of a magnetic material or a magnetically attractive material. A docking system includes: a protection configuration such as any of claims 1, 2 or 5 in the scope of patent application; and a docking station including a tray configured to receive the protection configuration, and a docking connector including a plurality of The contacts are connected to one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor. A docking system includes: a protective cover including an elastic protective shell including a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the panel and the skirt, and the skirt forms a mouth opening and the interior The cavity is communicated, wherein the internal cavity is arranged and arranged to receive an electronic device, and an adapter is fixed in the shell. The adapter includes a male plug, and the male plug contains the extension extending into the housing. A plurality of connectors in an internal cavity configured to match a female socket of the device, and including a contactor including one or more connections adjacent to the exterior of the housing and electrically coupled to the plug A plurality of contacts of the device; and a pair of docking seats, including a tray, the tray is configured to receive the cover, a movable arm is coupled to the tray, and a pair of connectors, the docking connector is opposite to the movable arm Placed and containing a plurality of contacts, positioned to connect with one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor, wherein the movable arm is set and arranged, and the arm extends away from the tray Movable between a closed position and an extended position of the arm adjacent to the tray, wherein the docking station comprises a spring coupled to the movable arm and biased to the closed position. For example, the docking system of item 8 of the patent application, wherein the movable arm includes a forward extension, and the forward extension is arranged and arranged to receive an edge of a portable electronic device assembled on a tray assembled on the docking base. Above, the forward extension optionally includes a lip, which is arranged and arranged to contact the front surface of a portable electronic device received on a tray of the docking seat. For example, the docking system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the cover further includes a positioning interface cover, the positioning interface cover is on the shell and defines a ring of the contactor surrounding the adapter, and the The docking station further includes a pedestal receiver configured to mate with the positioning interface cover of the cover. For example, the docking system of item 10 of the patent application, wherein the positioning interface cover defines an asymmetric ring, and the base receiver defines an asymmetric ring, which is arranged and arranged when the base receiver is paired with the positioning interface cover. Is adjacent to the ring of the positioning interface cover. For example, the docking system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the cover further includes a positioning interface cover, the positioning interface cover is located on the shell and defines a ring of the contactor surrounding the adapter, and the docking The base further includes a pedestal receiver configured to pair with the positioning interface cover of the cover, wherein one of the positioning interface cover and the pedestal receiver includes a female part, and the positioning interface cover The other one with the base receiver includes a male part complementary to the female part. A docking system includes: a protective cover including an elastic protective shell including a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity is formed between the panel and the skirt, and the skirt forms a mouth opening and the interior The cavity is communicated, wherein the internal cavity is arranged and arranged to receive an electronic device, and an adapter is fixed in the shell. The adapter includes a male plug, and the male plug contains the extension extending into the housing. A plurality of connectors in an internal cavity configured to match a female socket of the device, and including a contactor including one or more connections adjacent to the exterior of the housing and electrically coupled to the plug A plurality of contacts of the device; and an external adapter, which is arranged and arranged to be attached to the cover of the cover, and includes a housing and a plurality of contacts, the contacts are arranged in the housing and positioned Into one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor, wherein the external adapter further includes at least one gripping member that extends from a remaining portion of the external adapter, And when provided and are arranged outside the housing of the adapter in conjunction with the adapter, the gripping of the cover to the adapter. For example, the docking system of claim 13 in which the external adapter further includes at least one raised element, and the adapter of the cover includes at least one pawl, which is arranged and arranged to receive the external adapter. The at least one raised element, so that the external adapter can be coupled to the protective cover and maintain the coupling, wherein the docking system optionally further includes a tab extending from one of the at least one raised element. It comes out and is arranged and arranged to separate one of the at least one raised element from the pawl of the adapter of the cover when pressed. The docking system according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the at least one gripping member includes two gripping members opposite to each other. For example, the docking system of claim 15 in which the adapter of the cover is defined around a ring of the contactor in the adapter to guide the contactor of the adapter to properly pair to an external connector. And the ring defines an asymmetric shape having a straight edge and a curved edge opposite the straight edge, wherein one of the two gripping members selectively has a shape that matches the straight edge of the ring And the other of the two gripping members has a shape matching the curved edge of the ring. A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprises: an elastic protective shell, comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity and a peripheral cavity are formed between the panel and the skirt, and The skirt forms a mouth opening to communicate with the internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity is arranged and arranged to receive an electronic device, and the peripheral cavity is arranged and arranged to receive a peripheral device; and a adapter, fixed Inside the shell, the adapter includes: a body; a contactor including a plurality of contacts adjacent to the outside of the shell, and disposed on or extending from the body; a male plug fixed to the body The shell also includes a plurality of connectors that extend into the internal cavity in a configuration that matches a female socket of the electronic device; a plurality of first conductors extend through the shell and are directly electrically coupled to the One or more of the contacts of the contactor and the connectors of the male plug; a peripheral plug fixed to the shell and containing at least one connector, the connector being connected to a female plug of the peripheral device The matching arrangement extends into the peripheral cavity; and a bridge includes a carrier, the carrier is coupled to the body and a plurality of second conductors, the second conductors extend along the carrier and are directly electrically coupled One or more of the contacts connected to the contactor and at least one connector of the peripheral plug. For example, the protective cover of item 17 of the patent application, wherein the adapter further includes a sealed housing surrounding the plurality of first conductors and adjacent to the body of the contactor, wherein the contactor has a seal from the sealed housing The male plug extends, wherein the shell is shaped to surround the sealed shell. The protective cover according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the adapter further comprises a sealed housing, surrounding a part of the bridge, and including a plurality of second conductors, and having the periphery extending from the sealed housing. A plug, wherein the shell is shaped around the sealed housing. For example, the protective cover of any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein 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 mouth opening and the internal cavity. . For example, the protective cover of any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the cover defines a peripheral opening in the panel or the skirt, and the peripheral opening is arranged and arranged to allow the peripheral device to be inserted into the peripheral cavity. For example, the protective cover according to any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the carrier has a thickness of at least 0.4 mm. A protective cover for an electronic device, the protective cover comprises: an elastic protective shell, comprising a panel and a skirt surrounding the panel, wherein an inner cavity and a peripheral cavity are formed between the panel and the skirt, and The skirt forms a mouth opening and communicates with the internal cavity, wherein the internal cavity is arranged and arranged to receive an electronic device, and the peripheral cavity is arranged and arranged to receive a peripheral device; and an adapter, fixed Within the shell, the adapter includes: a body; a contactor, embedded in the protective shell and including a plurality of contacts adjacent to the outside of the shell, and disposed on the body; a male plug, fixed To the case and including a plurality of connectors, the connectors extending into the internal cavity of the case in a configuration matching a female socket of the electronic device; and a sealed case surrounding the plurality of first A conductor is adjacent to the body of the contactor, wherein the contactor has the male plug extending from the sealed housing, and wherein the housing is shaped to surround the sealed housing. For example, the protective cover of any of claims 17, 18, or 23 of the scope of patent application, further includes a positioning interface located on the shell and defining a ring of the contactor surrounding the adapter to guide the connection of the adapter. The connector is properly assembled to an external connector, wherein the ring selectively defines an asymmetric shape. For example, the protective cover of item 24 of the patent application, wherein the positioning interface includes a magnetic connection element located in the shell adjacent to the contactor, and the magnetic connection element includes one of a magnetic material or a magnetic attraction material. A docking system includes: a protective cover such as any of claims 17, 18, or 23 of the scope of patent application; and a docking seat including a tray configured to receive the protective cover, and a docking connector including a plurality of The contacts are connected to one or more of the plurality of contacts of the contactor. For example, the docking system of claim 26, wherein the protective cover further comprises a positioning interface, which is located on the shell and defines a ring of the contactor surrounding the adapter, and the docking base further includes a base The receiver is arranged to match the positioning interface of the protective cover.