WO2009059181A2

WO2009059181A2 - Case battery

Info

Publication number: WO2009059181A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/082053
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Woud
Original assignee: Steven Woud
Priority date: 2007-10-31
Filing date: 2008-10-31
Publication date: 2009-05-07
Also published as: WO2009059181A3

Abstract

A case battery for a personal digital assistant is provided. The case battery includes a holding portion and a charging portion. The holding portion holds the personal digital assistant detachably. The charging portion is disposed in the holding portion and configured to be electrically connected to the power input. The charging portion extends the usage time of the personal digital assistant. The charging portion includes an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion may further include a secondary battery, and the electrical power acceptor is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source. The charging portion may include a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery. The case battery may further include a memory device and a computing device.

Description

Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

CASE BATTERY

BY STEVEN WOUD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a case battery which extends the usage time of a personal electronic device. More particularly, this invention relates to a case battery with storage that provides more electrical power and protection of a personal electronic device. Furthermore, the present invention provides the case battery an ability to be engaged on the dock even when a personal electronic device is placed in it so as to be charged and communicate between a personal electronic device and components of the case battery system, an external electronic devices.

"Portable" is one of the keywords which defines the era of information technology. Computing power had been an obstacle to making the technology portable for a long time. Considering the first computer, it would be easy to understand the situation. With the advent of the transistors and integrated circuit, however, computing power can be crammed in a really small space. Locating the heart of a computer inside the computer or even on a mother board is not easy, actually challenging to a layman. Once the computing power became possible for portability, it Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

took a very short time to recognize the hard fact that the power source of a battery and the memory capacity are the serious problems. This is much harder to solve than the CPU problem.

Since the 1990' s, portable electronic devices such as cellular phones, MP3, PDAs, etc., have become indispensable to every one. The portable electronic devices need to be charged very frequently such that the usage is critically limited.

Also, because functions of portable electronic devices are limited, a variety of convenient supplementary functions are in demand to fulfil users' needs.

Accordingly, a need for a case battery for a personal electronic device or a portable personal electronic device has been present for a long time. This invention is directed to solve these problems and satisfy the long-felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.

An objective of the invention is to provide a case battery for a personal digital assistant.

Another object of the invention is to provide a case battery for a personal digital assistant, which can extend the usage time of the personal digital assistant. Λtt'y Docket:2468.08PCT

Still another object of the invention is to provide a case battery for a personal digital assistant, which guides sounds from the speakers of the personal digital assistant unhindered.

A first aspect of the invention provides a case battery for a personal digital assistant. The case battery includes a holding portion and a charging portion.

The holding portion is configured to hold the personal digital assistant detachably, and the personal digital assistant includes a battery, a power input and one or more speakers .

The charging portion is disposed in the holding portion, and the charging portion is configured to be electrically connected to the power input so as to provide electrical power to the personal digital assistant while the personal digital assistant is attached.

The charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the personal digital assistant.

The charging portion may include an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion may further comprise a secondary battery, and the electrical power acceptor is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source.

The charging portion may further include a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

The holding portion may include a front surface, a rear surface, and two or more grips. The personal digital assistant is disposed on the front surface. The rear surface is disposed behind the front surface. The two or more grips, each of which extending substantially Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

perpendicularly from an edge of the front surface, are configured to hold the personal digital assistant.

The holding portion may further include a top portion and a bottom portion, and wherein the top portion is configured to provide a space through which the personal digital assistant is attached and detached. The charging portion is provided at the bottom portion of the holding portion.

The charging portion may be provided between the front surface and the rear surface. The charging portion may include one or more connectors configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the personal digital assistant.

The holding portion may include a plurality of sound exit holes configured to guide sound from the plurality of speakers of the personal digital assistant. At least one of the plurality of sound exit holes may open toward the front side of the holding portion. At least one of the plurality of sound exit holes may open toward the rear side of the holding portion.

The holding portion may further include a mechanical fastener configured to the cast battery to a part of a user's outfit. The user's outfit may include a pair of trousers, shirts, and a belt.

The mechanical fastener may include a clip and a Velcro.

The personal digital assistant may include a cellular phone, a PDA, a MP3,a palmtop, a laptop computer, and GPS.

The case battery may be embedded in a case. The case includes a bag, a sack, a cover, and a purse. Att'y Docket:2468.08PCT

A second aspect of the invention provides a base case battery for a portable personal computer. The base case battery includes a base case, a charging portion, a storage device, and a plurality of holding portions.

The portable personal computer may include a central processing unit, a memory, a battery, and a power input.

The base case has a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of corners, and the top surface has a substantially same shape as a bottom surface of the portable personal computer.

The charging portion is disposed in the base case, and configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer through a first connector so as to provide electrical power to the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case.

The storage device is disposed in the base case, and configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer through a second connector so as to be accessed by the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case.

The plurality of holding portions are disposed on the base case, and each of the holding portions is configured to mechanically connect the base case to the portable personal computer detachably.

The charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer, and the storage device is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer.

The base case may further comprise a plurality of connectors provided on the top surface of the base case, and the plurality of connectors may be configured to be Att'y Docket:2468.08PCT

connected to the first connector of the charging portion and the second connector of the storage device.

The top surface of the base case may be substantially flat, and the portable personal computer may be installed on the top surface.

The bottom surface of the base case may be configured to be put on a surface.

The charging portion may comprise an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion may further comprise a secondary battery, and the electrical power acceptor may be configured to charge, the secondary battery using an external electrical power source. The charging portion may further comprise a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

The storage device may further comprise a hard disc and a flash memory.

The base case may have a shape of rectangle including four corners, and each of the holding portions may extend from one of the four corners substantially perpendicularly toward the portable personal computer.

Each of the plurality of holding portions may comprise: one or more vertical plates configured to enclose and engage one corner of the portable personal computer; and a horizontal plate extended from the one or more vertical plates substantially perpendicularly.

The one or more vertical plates and the horizontal plate may be flexible so as to be configured to accept, hold, and release the portable personal computer. The horizontal plate may comprise a retractable latch configured to be either in a first position or a second position. When the horizontal plate is in the first Att'y Docket:2468.08PCT

position the portable personal computer is allowed to be pushed in between the one or more vertical plates, and when the horizontal plate is in the second position the portable personal computer is locked in between the one or more vertical plates.

The charging portion may comprise one or more connectors configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer, and the one or more connectors are disposed on the top surface of the base case at a corresponding location of the power input of the portable personal computer.

The base case may further comprise a plurality of sound exit holes configured to guide sound from the plurality of speakers of the portable personal computer.

The base case may further comprise one or more ventilation holes configured to guide air from ventilation holes of the portable personal computer.

The storage device may comprise a hard disc and a flash memory.

Another aspect of the invention provide a base case battery with storage, comprising: a main base portion, disposed below the portable personal computer, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of edges, and a plurality of first connecting portions provided on the plurality of edges; a plurality of edge extension portions, each of which being extended from one of the plurality of edges of the main base portion, wherein each of the plurality of edge extension portions comprises a second connecting portion which corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first connecting portions; a plurality of holding portions extended from the plurality of edge extension portions and the main base portion, each of the Λtt'y Docket 2468 08PCT

plurality of holding portions being configured to mechanically hold the portable personal computer detachably; a charging portion disposed in the main base portion, the charging portion being configured to be electrically connected to a power input of the portable personal computer through a first connector so as to provide electrical power to the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case; and a storage device disposed in the main base potion, the storage device being configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer through a second connector so as to be accessed by the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case, wherein the charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer, and wherein the storage device is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer.

The first connecting portion may comprise a female channel provided along one of the plurality of edges of the main base portion, and the second connecting portion may comprise a male channel provided along one of the plurality of edges of the plurality of edge extension portions.

The dimension of the main base portion and the plurality of edge extension portions may be determined by the portable personal computer.

A third aspect of the invention provides a case battery with storage device for a personal electronic device having a plurality of input and output devices. Att'y Docket 2468 08PC I

The case battery comprises a first holding portion, a second holding portion, a charging portion, and one or more storage devices.

The first holding portion is configured to hold a first part of the personal electronic device and provide access at least part of the plurality of input and output devices of the personal electronic device over or through the first holding portion.

The second holding portion is configured to hold a second part of the personal electronic device and to provide access at least part of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device over or through the second holding portion.

The charging portion is disposed in the first base plate of the first holding portion, and configured to be electrically connected to a power input through a first connector so as to provide electrical power to the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is installed.

The one or more storage devices are disposed in one of the first base plate of the first holding portion and the second base plate of the second holding portion, and each of the one or more storage devices is configured to be electrically connected to the personal electronic device through a second connector so as to be accessed by the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is installed to the case battery.

The first and second holding portions are configured to enclose and hold at least part of the personal electronic device and provide additional electrical power and memory capacity to the personal electronic device. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The first holding portion may comprise a first base plate, a plurality of first holding walls, a first enclosing pocket, a plurality of first access holes and first access bubbles, and a first locking portion.

The first base plate may have a first end, a second end, and a plurality of side ends. The plurality of first holding walls may be extended substantially perpendicularly from some of the plurality of side ends of the first base plate. The first enclosing pocket may be provided at the first end of the first base plate. The plurality of first access holes and first access bubbles are configured to allow a user to reach some of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device. The first locking portion may be provided at the second end of the first base plate, and configured to lock the first holding portion with the second holding portion,

The first receiving space configured to accept the first part of the personal electronic device may be defined by the first base plate, the plurality of first holding walls, the first enclosing pocket.

The second holding portion may be configured to be locked with the first holding portion and to be unlocked from the first holding portion so as to provide a space for the personal electronic device to be installed to or uninstalled from the case battery.

The second holding portion may comprise a second base plate, a plurality of second holding walls, a second enclosing pocket, a plurality of second access holes and second access bubbles, and a second locking portion.

The second base plate may have a first end, a second end, and a plurality of side ends. The plurality of second holding walls may be extended substantially perpendicularly Att'y Docket 2468 08PC r

from some of the plurality of side ends of the second base plate. The second enclosing pocket may be provided at the first end of the second base plate. The plurality of second access holes and second access bubbles may be configured to allow the user to reach some of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device. The second locking portion may be provided at the second end of the second base plate, and the second locking portion is configured to lock the second holding portion with the first holding portion.

A second receiving space configured to accept the second part of the personal electronic device may be defined by the second base plate, the plurality of second holding walls, and the second enclosing pocket.

The first locking portion may be configured to be locked to and unlocked from the second locking portion. The first and second locking portions may be separated when unlocked. The first and second locking portions may be kept connected by one or more connecting portions when unlocked.

The plurality of second access holes and second access bubbles may be provided on the plurality of second holding walls and the second enclosing pocket.

The plurality of first access holes and first access bubbles may be provided on the plurality of first holding walls and the first enclosing pocket. The first access holes may comprise a plurality of sound exit holes configured to guide sound from one or more speakers of the personal electronic device.

Each of the first access bubbles may comprise a flexible and transparent membrane. The input and output devices of the personal electronic device may comprise one Att'y Docket 2468 08PC1

or more game controllers, one or more speakers, a plurality of control buttons, an optical indicator, and a plurality of plug-ins .

The charging portion may comprise an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion may further comprise a secondary battery, and configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source.

The charging portion may further comprise a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

Each of the one or more storage devices may further comprise a hard disc and a flash memory.

The first holding portion may comprise a first magnetic plate provided on an edge of the first holding portion, and the second holding portion may comprise a second magnetic plate provided on an edge of the second holding portion. The first and second magnetic plates may be configured to further lock the first and second holding portions together.

The first holding portion may comprise a first electric connector provided on an edge of the first holding portion, and the second holding portion may comprise a second electric connector provided on an edge of the second holding portion. The first and second electric connectors may be configured to connect the first and second holding portions electrically.

The personal electronic device may comprise a portable game machine, a cellular phone, a PDA, a palmtop, an MP3 player, and a GPS. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a case battery for a personal electronic device. The case battery includes a bottom holding portion, a rear plate portion, a top holding portion.

The bottom holding portion is configured to hold the lower part of the personal electronic device and provide a plurality of external interfacing devices with access to the personal electronic device.

The rear plate portion is configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion mechanically and electrically, and protect the rear portion of the personal electronic device.

The top holding portion is configured to hold the top part of the personal electronic device and provide access holes to at least part of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device.

The charging portion is disposed in the rear plate portion, and configured to be electrically connected to the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is installed in the case battery.

The circuit portion is disposed in the rear plate portion, and configured to connect the charging portion to the personal electronic device.

The bottom holding portion may include a first connector, a plurality of holes, and a plurality of resonance chambers .

The first connector may be configured to electrically connect the case battery to the personal electronic device, and include a power connector and a electrical signal connector .

The plurality of holes may be configured to pass sound from speakers of the personal electrical device and speaker Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

of the case battery, and disposed on a front side or a corner between the front and rear sides of the bottom holding portion.

The plurality of resonance chambers may be provided between the speakers and the plurality of holes, and configured to resonate the sound from the speaker.

The bottom holding portion may engage the side edges of the personal electronic device and expose a substantial part of a display screen of the personal electronic device.

The bottom holding portion may further comprise a first mechanical fastener, and the rear plate portion may comprise a second mechanical fastener corresponding to the first mechanical fastener. The bottom holding portion and the rear plate portion may be attached and locked to each other by the first and second mechanical fasteners.

The charging portion may further includes a secondary battery and be configured to be charged using an external electrical power source, or a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

The circuit portions of the case battery system may be configured to control behaviors of the case battery, the connector adaptor and the dock.

The connector adaptor may be configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion, and includes a plurality of locks configured to lock the connector adapter to the bottom holding portion, a release button configured to release the connector adaptor from the bottom holding portion, and a multi-purpose receptacle.

The first connector of the bottom holding portion may be configured to be connected to the multi-purpose receptacle of the connector adaptor which may accept a multi-purpose connector from an external electronic device. Att'y Docket;2468.08PCT

The circuit portion of the connector adaptor may be configured to communicate between other components of the battery system, a personal electronic device and a external electronic device.

The dock may be configured to accept the bottom holding portion of the case battery which encloses a personal electronic device. The dock may provide access to external electrical power to charge the charging portion. The circuit portion of the dock is configured to control the behavior of the dock and communications between other components of the case battery, a personal electronic device and an external electronic device.

The dock may include a holding cup, a plurality of spring connectors, a plurality of locks, a plurality of holes, plurality of release buttons, a multi-purpose receptacle, a FM/AM radio, antennae, a plurality of controllers, a plurality of displays, a charging indicator, a plurality of speakers, a microphone, an optical sensor, a connector off switch and an inactivation off switch.

The holding cup may be configured to accept and engage at least part of the bottom holding portion.

The spring connectors may be configured to connect the connector receptacle plates of the bottom holding portion when disposed at a bottom of the holding cup. The spring connector of the dock may be configured to be connected to the multi-purpose receptacle of the dock which further connects to an external electronic device via a USB connector or other types of connectors.

The plurality of locks may be configured to lock the bottom holding portion in place.

The release button may be configured to release the bottom holding portion from the plurality of locks. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The connector receptacle plates may be configured to electrically connect the first connector to an external device .

The multi-purpose connector receptacle may be configured to accept a multi-purpose connector from the external electronic device.

The charging indicator may be configured to monitor the charging status of the charging portion and the battery of the personal electronic device.

The rear plate portion including charging and circuit portion may be replaceable, and the rear plate portion may have a predetermined thickness according to a capacity of the charging portion and the complexity of the first circuit portion. Then the holding cup may be adjustable or replaceable according to the various thickness and size of the case battery.

The bottom holding portion may further include case battery speakers connected to the personal electronic device and an deactivation switch. The dock may further include a bump configured to press the deactivation switch when the bottom holding portion is installed on the dock so as to deactivate the case battery speakers.

The top holding portion may include a third mechanical fastener, and the rear plate portion may include a fourth mechanical fastener corresponding to the third mechanical fastener. The top holding portion and the rear plate portion may be attached and locked to each other by the third and fourth mechanical fasteners.

The case battery may further include a connector adaptor configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion, and the connector adaptor may comprise a plurality of locks configured to lock the Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

connector adapter to the bottom holding portion, a release button configured to release the connector adaptor from the bottom holding portion, and a multi-purpose receptacle. The bottom holding portion may further comprise a guide recess and a locking recess at a lower part such that the connector adapter is guided to be fitted exactly to the bottom holding portion in order to connect the connector receptacle plates and the spring connectors.

The connector adaptor may include a charging status of the charging portion and the battery of the electronic device.

The personal electronic device may comprise a portable game machine, a cellular phone, a PDA, a palmtop, a MP3 player, a camcorder, a digital camera or a GPS.

The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the case battery can extend the usage time of the personal digital assistant; and (2) the case battery can guide the sounds from the speakers of the personal digital assistant even when the personal digital assistant is installed on the case battery; (3) the base case battery with storage can provide more memory space; (4) the base case battery with storage is adaptable to various type of portable personal computer; (5) the case battery and the personal electronic device can simultaneously be charged and connected to an external electronic device conveniently when the case battery enclosing a personal electronic devise is attacked to the connector adaptor or is disposed on the dock; (6) the circuit portions of the case battery are minimised because the circuit portions of the connector adaptor or the dock are configured to control some of the function of the circuit portion of the case battery, thus Alt'y Docket 2468 08PCT

making the case battery more light and compact; and (7) The input and output devices of the case battery with storage device may be configured to be connected to the personal electronic device and other components of the case battery so that the input and output devices may control the personal electronic device and the other components of the case battery. Also the input and output devices may control external electronic devices wirelessly.

Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a case battery with a personal digital assistant according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the case of Fig. 1 without the personal digital assistant;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a case battery according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a case battery according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 is a side view of the case battery of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is another side view of a case battery without a personal digital assistant;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a case battery with a receptacle for a primary battery. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a base case battery with storage installed on a portable personal computer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the base case battery with storage of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a front plan view of a base case battery with storage of Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view and front plan view of a base case to another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged view illustrating two positions of a horizontal plate of a holding portion according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 is a perspective front view showing a case battery with storage device installed on a personal electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 14 is a top plan view of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a side plan view of Fig. 13;

Fig. 16 is a rear plan view of Fig. 13;

Fig. 17 is a rear plan view of the case battery with storage of Fig. 13 when first and second holding portions are extended;

Fig. 18 is a perspective front view of a second holding portion of Fig. 13;

Fig. 19 is a perspective front view of a first holding portion of Fig. 13;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a case battery with storage installed on a personal electronic device according to the invention;

Fig. 21 is a front plan view of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a rear plan view of Fig. 20; Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

Fig. 23 is a top plan view of Fig. 20;

Fig. 24 shows first and second holding portions of the case battery in Fig. 20;

Fig. 25 is a front plan view of a case battery with storage installed on a personal electronic device according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 26 is a rear plan view of the case battery with storage of Fig. 25 with first and second holding portions pulled apart;

Fig. 27 is a cross-section view of a charging portion comprising a replaceable battery according to the invention;

Fig. 28 is a front plan view of an electrical power acceptor and a signal input according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 28 along the lines XVI-XVI.

Fig. 30 is a front plan view showing the case battery installed on a personal electronic device, and the connector adaptor is attached to the bottom of the holding portion, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 31 is a front plan view of an exploded case battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 32 is another front plan view of an exploded case battery according to another embodiment of the present invention showing the resonance chambers embedded inside of the bottom holding portion;

Fig. 33 is still another front plan view of an exploded case battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention showing the resonance chambers, Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

the speakers and second circuit portion embedded inside of the bottom holding portion, and also showing the charging portion and the first circuit portion embedded inside of the rear plate portion;

Fig. 34 is a rear plan view of an exploded case battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 35 is a top plan view of the case battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 36 is a bottom plan view of the case battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 37 is a side plan view of the exploded case battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 38 is another side plan view of the exploded case battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 39 is a side cross-sectional view of the case battery with a regular rear plate portion without a charging portion and first circuit portion installed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 40 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the case battery with a rear plate portion with the first charging portion installed, and the longitudinal rail of the top holding portion engaged in the longitudinal rail recess of the rear plate portion according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 41 a side cross-sectional view of the case battery with the rear plate portion with the charging portion installed according to an embodiment of the present invention; Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

Fig. 42 is a side cross-sectional view of the connector adaptor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 43 is a side cross-sectional view of the bottom holding portion engaged in the connector adaptor and the multi-purpose connector connecting the multi-purpose connector receptacle of the connector adaptor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 44 is a top plan view of the dock according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 45 is a front plan view of the dock according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 46 is a rear plan view of the dock according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 47 is a side cross-sectional view of the bottom holding portion and the dock before being installed according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 48 is a side cross-sectional view of the bottom holding portion when installed on the dock and the multipurpose connector connecting to the multi-purpose connector receptacle according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 49 is a side plan view of the dock according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

Figs. 1-3 show a case battery 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 4-5 show a case battery 100 according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 illustrates an electrical power Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

acceptor. Fig. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the invention with a receptacle for a primary battery.

An aspect of the invention provides the case battery 100 for a personal digital assistant 90. The case battery 100 includes a holding portion 10 and a charging portion 20.

The holding portion 10 is configured to hold the personal digital assistant 90 detachably, and the personal digital assistant 90 includes a battery, a power input and one or more speakers (not shown) .

The charging portion 20 is disposed in the holding portion 10, and the charging portion 20 is configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the personal digital assistant 90 so as to provide electrical power to the personal digital assistant 90 while the personal digital assistant 90 is attached.

The charging portion 20 is configured to extend the usage time of the personal digital assistant 90.

The charging portion 20 may include an electrical power acceptor 22 configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion 20 may further include a secondary battery (not shown) inside, and the electrical power acceptor 22 is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source.

The charging portion 20 may further include a primary battery (not shown) and a receptacle 24 configured to accept the primary battery as shown in Fig. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle further includes a cover.

The holding portion 10 may include a front surface 12, a rear surface 14, and two or more grips 16. The personal digital assistant 90 is disposed on the front surface 12. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The rear surface 14 is disposed behind the front surface 12. The two or more grips 16, each of which extending substantially perpendicularly from an edge of the front surface 12, are configured to hold the personal digital assistant 90.

The holding portion 10 may further include a top portion 11 and a bottom portion 13 as shown in Fig. 2, and the top portion 11 is configured to provide a space 15 through which the personal digital assistant 90 is attached and detached as shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The charging portion 20 is provided at the bottom portion 13 of the holding portion 10.

The charging portion 20 may be provided between the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14. The charging portion 20 may include one or more connectors 26 configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the personal digital assistant 90 as shown in Fig. 6. The position and shape of the one or more connectors 26 may change according to the personal digital assistant 90.

The holding portion 10 may include a plurality of sound exit holes 17 configured to guide sound from the plurality of speakers of the personal digital assistant 90. At least one of the plurality of sound exit holes 17 may open toward the front side 12 of the holding portion 10. At least one of the plurality of sound exit holes 17 may open toward the rear side 14 of the holding portion 10.

The holding portion 10 may further include a mechanical fastener 18 configured to the case battery 100 to a part of a user's outfit (not shown) as shown in Fig. 6. The user's outfit may include a pair of trousers, shirts, and a belt. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The mechanical fastener 18 may include a clip and a Velcro.

The personal digital assistant 90 may include a cellular phone, a PDA, a palmtop, and GPS.

The personal digital assistant or a cellular phone 90 can be used with the power provided by its own battery for a while. When the battery runs out, then the case battery 100 can be used as a second power. Since the charging portion 20 of the case battery 100 does not have a strict limitation of space in design as the battery in the personal digital assistant 90, the capacity of the case battery 100 can be made to extend the usage time of the personal digital assistant 90 seriously.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the case battery 100 may be embedded in a case. The case includes a bag, a sack, a cover, and a purse. The case can be small enough to carry the personal digital assistant 90 and large enough to accommodate the holding portion 10 and the charging portion 20. Also, the case may be configured to use the personal digital assistant 90 conveniently while installed in the case.

Second Embodiment

Figs. 8-12 show a base case battery with storage 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The base case battery 100 includes a base case 10, a charging portion 20, a storage device 30, and a plurality of holding portions 40.

The portable personal computer 90 may include a central processing unit, a memory, a battery, and a power input (not shown) . Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The base case 10 has a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of corners (not shown) , and the top surface has a substantially same shape as a bottom surface of the portable personal computer 90.

The charging portion 20 is disposed in the base case 10, and configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer 90 through a first connector 22 so as to provide electrical power to the portable personal computer 90 while the portable personal computer 90 is attached to the base case 10.

The storage device 30 is disposed in the base case 10, and configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer 90 through a second connector 32 so as to be accessed by the portable personal computer 90 while the portable personal computer 90 is attached to the base case 10.

The plurality of holding portions 40 are disposed on the base case 10, and each of the holding portions 40 is configured to mechanically connect the base case 10 to the portable personal computer 90 detachably.

The charging portion 20 is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer 90, and the storage device 30 is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer 90.

The base case 10 may further comprise a plurality of connectors provided on the top surface of the base case 10, and the plurality of connectors may comprise the first connector 22 of the charging portion 20 and the second connector 32 of the storage device 30. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The top surface of the base case 10 may be substantially flat, and the portable personal computer 90 may be installed on the top surface of the base case 10.

The bottom surface of the base case 10 may be configured to be put on a surface. The surface may include a table top, a desk top, and a floor.

The charging portion 20 may comprise an electrical power acceptor 18 configured to accept electrical power from outside. The charging portion 20 may further comprise a secondary battery, and the electrical power acceptor may be configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source. The charging portion 20 may further comprise a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

The storage device 30 may further comprise a hard disc and a flash memory.

The base case 10 may have a shape of rectangle including four corners, and each of the holding portions may extend from one of the four corners substantially perpendicularly toward the portable personal computer 90.

Each of the plurality of holding portions 40 may comprise: one or more vertical plates 42 configured to enclose and engage one corner of the portable personal computer 90; and a horizontal plate 44 extended from the one or more vertical plates 42 substantially perpendicularly as shown in Fig. 8.

The one or more vertical plates 42 and the horizontal plate 44 may be flexible so as to be configured to accept, hold, and release the portable personal computer 90. The horizontal plate 44 may comprise a hinge 46, about which the horizontal plate 44 is configured to be either in a first position (bottom) or a second position (top) as shown Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

in Fig. 12. When the horizontal plate 44 is in the first position the portable personal computer 90 is allowed to be pushed in between the one or more vertical plates 42, and when the horizontal plate 44 is in the second position the portable personal computer 90 is locked in between the one or more vertical plates 42. In certain embodiments, a retractable latch device (not shown) may be used instead of the hinge 46.

The charging portion 20 may comprise one or more connectors 22 configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer 90, and the one or more connectors 22 are disposed on the top surface of the base case 10 at a corresponding location of the power input of the portable personal computer 90.

The base case 10 may further comprise a plurality of sound exit holes 17 configured to guide sound from the plurality of speakers of the portable personal computer 90. The locations of the sound exit holes 17 may be determined by the location of speakers of the portable personal computer 90.

The base case 10 may further comprise one or more ventilation holes 19 configured to guide air from ventilation holes of the portable personal computer 90. The locations of the ventilation holes 19 may be determined by the location of ventilation holes of the portable personal computer 90.

The storage device 30 may comprise a hard disc and a flash memory.

As shown in Fig. 11, another aspect of the invention provide a base case battery with storage 100, comprising: a main base portion 12, disposed below the portable personal computer 90, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

plurality of edges, and a plurality of first connecting portions 13 provided on the plurality of edges; a plurality of edge extension portions 14, each of which being extended from one of the plurality of edges of the main base portion 12, and each of the plurality of edge extension portions 14 comprises a second connecting portion 15 which corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first connecting portions 13; a plurality of holding portions 40 extended from the plurality of edge extension portions 14 and the main base portion 12, each of the plurality of holding portions 40 being configured to mechanically hold the portable personal computer 90 detachably; a charging portion 20 disposed in the main base portion 12, the charging portion 20 being configured to be electrically connected to a power input of the portable personal computer 90 through a first connector 22 so as to provide electrical power to the portable personal computer 90 while the portable personal computer 90 is attached to the base case 10; and a storage device 30 disposed in the main base potion 12, the storage device 30 being configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer 90 through a second connector 32 so as to be accessed by the portable personal computer 90 while the portable personal computer 90 is attached to the base case 10, wherein the charging portion 20 is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer 90, and wherein the storage device 30 is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer 90.

The first connecting portion 13 may comprise a female channel provided along one of the plurality of edges of the main base portion 12, and the second connecting portion 15 Atty Docket 2468 08PC I

may comprise a male channel provided along one of the plurality of edges of the plurality of edge extension portions 14.

The dimension of the mam base portion 12 and the plurality of edge extension portions 14 may be determined by the portable personal computer 90. In certain embodiments, the main base portion 12 is fixed with a dimension, and the dimension of the edge extension portions 14 may be determined according to the portable personal computer 90. Since the edge extension portion 14 does not contain the charging portion 20 or the storage device 30, it can be provided for different portable personal computers 90 for a single mam base portion 12.

In still another embodiments, the charging portion 20 or the storage device 30 may be included in the edge extension portions 14.

Third Embodiment

Figs. 13-19 illustrate a case battery with storage device 100 installed on a personal electronic device 90 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

An aspect of the invention provides a case battery with storage device 100 for a personal electronic device 90 having a plurality of input and output devices 92.

The case battery 100 comprises a first holding portion 10, a second holding portion 20, a charging portion 30, and one or more storage devices 40.

The first holding portion 10 is configured to hold a first part of the personal electronic device 90 and provide access at least part of the plurality of input and output Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 over or through the first holding portion 10.

The second holding portion 20 is configured to hold a second part of the personal electronic device 90 and to provide access at least part of the input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 over or through the second holding portion 20.

The charging portion 30 is disposed in the first base plate 12 of the first holding portion 10, and configured to be electrically connected to a power input through a first connector 32 so as to provide electrical power to the personal electronic device 90 while the personal electronic device 90 is installed.

The one or more storage devices 40 are disposed in one or both of the first base plates 12 of the first holding portion 10 and the second base plate 22 of the second holding portion 20, and each of the one or more storage devices 40 is configured to be electrically connected to the personal electronic device 90 through a second connector 42 so as to be accessed by the personal electronic device 90 while the personal electronic device 90 is installed to the case battery 100 as shown in Figs. 18 and 19.

The first and second holding portions 10, 20 are configured to enclose and hold at least part of the personal electronic device 90 and provide additional electrical power and memory capacity to the personal electronic device 90. In the illustrated embodiments, a part, for example a display, of the personal electronic device 90 is exposed between the first and second holding portions 10, 20. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

In addition to the first base plate 12, the first holding portion 10 may comprise a plurality of first holding walls 14, a first enclosing pocket 16, a plurality of first access holes 11 and first access bubbles 13, and a first locking portion 18. The plurality of first access holes 11 are for the input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 can be reached through. And the first access bubbles 13 are for the input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 can be reached over. The input and output devices 92 includes controls, buttons, speakers, holes for connectors, etc.

The first base plate 12 may have a first end, a second end, and a plurality of side ends. The plurality of first holding walls 14 may be extended substantially perpendicularly from some of the plurality of side ends of the first base plate 12. The first enclosing pocket 16 may be provided at the first end of the first base plate 12. The plurality of first access holes 11 and first access bubbles 13 are configured to allow a user to reach some of the input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 through. The first locking portion 18 may be provided at the second end of the first base plate 12, and configured to lock the first holding portion 10 with the second holding portion 20. The first locking portion 18 may include one or more mechanical fastener or magnets.

The first receiving space 16 configured to accept the first part of the personal electronic device 90 may be defined by the first base plate 12, the plurality of first holding walls 14, and the first enclosing pocket 16.

The second holding portion 20 may be configured to be locked with the first holding portion 10 and to be unlocked from the first holding portion 10 so as to provide a space Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

for the personal electronic device 90 to be installed to or uninstalled from the case battery 100.

The second holding portion 20 may comprise a second base plate 22, a plurality of second holding walls 24, a second enclosing pocket 26, a plurality of second access holes 21 and second access bubbles 23, and a second locking portion 28.

The second base plate 22 may have a first end, a second end, and a plurality of side ends. The plurality of second holding walls 24 may be extended substantially perpendicularly from some of the plurality of side ends of the second base plate 22. The second enclosing pocket 26 may be provided at the first end of the second base plate 22. The plurality of second access holes 21 and second access bubbles 23 may be configured to allow the user to reach some of the input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90. The second locking portion 28 may be provided at the second end of the second base plate 22, and the second locking portion 20 is configured to lock the second holding portion 20 with the first holding portion 10. The plurality of second access holes 21 can be used as a hole for a digital camera of the personal electronic device 90.

A second receiving space configured to accept the second part of the personal electronic device 90 may be defined by the second base plate 22, the plurality of second holding walls 24, and the second enclosing pocket 26.

The first locking portion 10 may be configured to be locked to and unlocked from the second locking portion 20. The first and second locking portions 18, 28 may be separated when unlocked. In certain embodiments, the first Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

and second locking portions 18, 28 may be kept connected by- one or more connecting portions 29 when unlocked as shown in Fig. 17. The first locking portions 18 may include a rail to guide the second locking portions 28.

The plurality of second access holes 21 and second access bubbles 23 may be provided on the plurality of second holding walls 24 and the second enclosing pocket 26.

The plurality of first access holes 11 and first access bubbles 13 may be provided on the plurality of first holding walls 14 and the first enclosing pocket 16. The first access holes 11 may comprise a plurality of sound exit holes 52 configured to guide sound from one or more speakers (not shown) of the personal electronic device 90 as shown later in Figs. 20 and 21.

Each of the first access bubbles 13 may comprise a flexible and transparent membrane. The input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 may comprise one or more game controllers, one or more speakers, a plurality of control buttons, an optical indicator, and a plurality of plug-ins. Thereby, the input and output devices 92 of the personal electronic device 90 can be seen through and controlled without bothering about the presence of the case battery 100.

The charging portion 30 may comprise an electrical power acceptor 74 configured to accept electrical power from outside as shown in Figs. 28 and 29. The charging portion 30 may further comprise a secondary battery, and configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source, for example, through the electrical power acceptor 74 as shown in Fig. 22. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

In certain embodiments of the invention, the electrical power acceptor 74 may be used to other electronic signal input and output such as for USB signal.

The charging portion 30 may further comprise a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery, for example, in the same location of the secondary battery.

Each of the one or more storage devices 40 may further comprise a hard disc and a flash memory and may be disposed at a corner of the second holding portion 20.

The personal electronic device 90 may comprise a portable game machine, a cellular phone, a PDA, a palmtop, and a GPS.

Figs. 20,21,23 and 25 illustrate a case battery with storage device 100 installed on a personal electronic device 90 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The input and output devices 92 of the case battery with storage device 100 may be configured to be connected to the personal electronic device 90 and other components of the case battery 100 so that the input and output devices 92 may control the personal electronic device 90 and the other components of the case battery 100. Also the input and output devices 92 may control external electronic devices (not shown) wirelessly.

As shown in Figs. 20,21,23 and 25, the input and output devices 92 may include a game controller 101, game control buttons 103, an LED 104, speakers 105, a battery life indicator 106. A phone sound exit hole 102 may let the sound from a personal electronic device 90 exit to external atmosphere. Λtt'y Docket:2468.08PCT

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 22, a memory device 240 may include a flash memory and a memory card. Also, the case battery 100 may include a receptacle 49 for a take-out type of memory device 240 and a fixed type of memory device 140. As illustrated, the case battery 100 may include one or more antennae 97, which can be used by the personal electronic device 90.

In certain embodiment, the fixed type of memory 140 may work as an internal memory for the case battery 100. The case battery 100 may further comprise a central processing unit and a memory such as RAM such that the case battery 100 installed on the personal electronic device 90 work as a computer using the personal electronic device 90 as a platform. The antennae 97 can be used by this computer for wireless connection with an outer network such as Internet.

In certain embodiments shown in Fig. 22, the case battery 100 may further comprise a signal converter 95, which is configured to convert a signal of a first type to a signal of a second type - for example from GSM to CDMA or vice versa. Fig. 23 shows a top plan view.

For a portable game machine 90, a game title may be provided in the form of a flash memory, which can be plucked into the receptacle 49 as shown in Figs. 22 and 23.

In certain embodiments as shown in Fig. 24, the first and second holding portions 10, 20 may be connected with additional magnetic plates 118, 228 provided on edges of the first and second holding portions 10, 20 as well as the first and second locking portions 18, 28. Also, the first and second holding portions 10, 20 can be connected Att'y Docket 2468 08PC r

electrically through a first or male connector 62 and a second or female connector 64.

Figs. 25 and 26 are front and rear plan view of a case battery with storage installed on a personal electronic device according to another embodiment of the invention. The first holding portion 10 is longer than that of Fig. 21, where the first and second holding portions 10, 20 are of substantially equal length. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging portion 30 and the memory 40 can have larger capacities using more space to fit as in Fig. 19.

In certain embodiments shown in Fig. 22, the charging portion 30 may comprise a replaceable battery. The replaceable battery can be taken out from the case battery 100 and charged separately. The place for charging portion 30 may be filled with a plate without any battery or memory so as to work as a regular case. There may be some situations in which the replaceable battery is taken out of the case battery 100 and charged externally.

In certain embodiments shown in Fig. 28 and 29 the case battery 100 may further comprise another male connector 72 configured to connect the case battery 100 to the personal electronic device 90 and a female connector 74 configured to accept an external male connector 34.

In certain embodiments shown in Figs. 20-24, the fixed type of memory device 140 may be coexist or replaced with other devices including a microphone, a barcode reader, a smell detector, a camcorder, and a wireless transceiver.

The camcorder 140 may include a lens 210 disposed on a rear side of the second holding portions 20 as shown in Fig. 22. Λtt'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The wireless transceiver 140 may be configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from an external machine (not shown) including an exercise machines, medical equipments, automobiles, ships, airplanes, home automation systems, banking machines, credit card machines, construction equipments, military equipments, factory equipments, satellites (GPS and others), earphones, microphones, agricultural equipments, and school and college equipments.

Fourth Embodiment

Figs. 30-49 illustrate a case battery 100 installed on a personal electronic device 90, a connector adaptor 60, and the dock 80 according to embodiments of the present invention .

An aspect of the invention provides a case battery system for a personal electronic device 90. The case battery system includes a case battery 100, the connector adaptor 60 and the dock 80.

The case battery 100 includes a bottom holding portion 10, a rear plate portion 20, a top holding portion 30.

In certain embodiments, all or some part of the case battery 100 may be transparent so the personal electronic device is seen through the of the case battery.

The bottom holding portion 10 is configured to hold a lower part of the personal electronic device 90 and provide a plurality of external interfacing devices with access to the personal electronic device 90.

The rear plate portion 20 is configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion 10 Atl'y Docket 2468 08PC T

mechanically and electrically and protect the rear portion of the personal electronic device 90, and the rear plate portion 20 is also configured to be attached to or detached from the top holding portion 30 mechanically. The top holding portion 30 also configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion 10.

As shown in Figs. 31-35 and 38, The top holding portion 30 is configured to hold and protect the top and partial lateral side of the personal electronic device 90 and provide access holes to at least part of input and output devices of the personal electronic device 90. The top holding portion 30 may comprise a plurality of holes 32 to access the personal electronic device 90.

As shown in Fig. 34, the top holding portion 30 may include a third mechanical fastener 31, and the rear plate portion 20 may include a fourth mechanical fastener 23 corresponding to the third mechanical fastener 31. The top holding portion 30 and the rear plate portion 20 may be attached and locked to each other by the third and fourth mechanical fasteners 31 and 23.

In certain embodiments, the rear plate 20 and sides of the top or bottom holding portion 30, 10 can be connected by one or more longitudinal rails 26 and longitudinal rail recesses 27 as shown in Fig. 39.

As shown in Fig. 33, the charging portion 40 and the first circuit portion 50 are disposed in the rear plate portion 20, and configured to be electrically connected to the personal electronic device 90 while the personal electronic device 90 is installed in the case battery 100.

The circuit portion 50 is disposed in the rear plate portion 20, and configured to connect the charging portion 40 to the personal electronic device 90. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

As shown in Fig. 33, in certain embodiments of the invention, a part of or the entire first circuit portion 50 of the rear plate portion 20 may be disposed in the second circuit portion 52 of the bottom holding portion 10, and the disposition may be reversed. Also, the disposition of the charging portion 40 and the circuit portion 50 may be switched within the rear plate portion 20. The rear plate portion 20 may be thinner or smaller by moving a part of circuit portion 50 to the bottom holding portion 10, the connector adaptor 60 or the dock.

The bottom holding portion 10 may include a first connector 12, a plurality of holes 14, and a plurality of resonance chambers 16.

The first connector 12 may be configured to electrically connect the case battery 100 to the personal electronic device 90 including electrical power and communication signals.

As shown in Fig. 31, the plurality of holes 14 may be configured to pass sound from a speaker of the personal electrical device 90, and may be disposed on the front side, the bottom side or a corner between the front and rear sides of the bottom holding portion 10.

As shown in Figs. 32 and 33, the plurality of resonance chambers 16 may be disposed between the speakers of the personal electronic device 90 and the plurality of holes 14, and configured to make the sound from the case battery speaker 13 or the personal electronic device 90 resonate. That is, the resonance chambers 16 are located to make the sound from the personal electronic device 90 enter therein and resonate, and also the case battery speaker 13 is disposed so as to issue the sound into the Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

resonance chambers 16 to be resonated. The sound can be amplified acoustically by the resonance chambers 16.

The bottom holding portion 10 may engage the side edges of a personal electronic device 90 and exposes the display screen of the personal electronic device 90.

As shown in Fig. 34, the bottom holding portion 10 may further comprise a first mechanical fastener 11, and the rear plate portion 20 may comprise a second mechanical fastener 21 corresponding to the first mechanical fastener 11. The bottom holding portion 10 and the rear plate portion 20 may be attached and locked to each other by the first and second mechanical fasteners 11, 21. The rear plate portion 20 and the bottom holding portion 10 may be electrically connected Lo each other through a plurality of electrical connectors 24, 25.

As shown in Figs. 31, 34 and 36, the bottom holding portion 10 may further comprise a guide recess 15 and a locking recess 19 at a lower part such that the connector adapter 60 is guided to be connected to the bottom holding portion 10.

The charging portion 40 may further include a secondary battery and configured to be charged using an external electrical power source, or a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

As shown in Figs. 33, 42, 43, 47 or 48, the first, second, third or fourth circuit portion 50, 52, 64 or 182 may be configured to control behaviors of the charging portion 40 and a personal electronic device 90. The behaviors may comprise activating, deactivating, charging, and discharging. The first, second, third and fourth circuit portion 50, 52, 64 and 182 also may be configured to control behaviors of the case battery speakers 13, the Att'y Docket 2468 08PC I

communication between a personal electronic device 90, the case battery 100, and the connector adaptor 60 or the dock 80.

As shown in Fig. 42, the connector adaptor 60 may be configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion 10, and include a plurality of locks 61 configured to lock the connector adapter 60 to the bottom holding portion 10, a release button 63 configured to release the connector adaptor 60 from the bottom holding portion 10, and a multi-purpose receptacle 66.

Figs. 1, 13 and 14 illustrate that the multi-purpose connector 70 from an external electronic devise may be configured to be connected to the multi-purpose receptacle 66 of the connector adaptor 60.

As shown in Figs. 44 to 48, the dock 80 may be configured to accept the bottom holding portion 10 even when the case battery 100 is enclosing the personal electronic device 90 and provide access to external electrical power to charge the charging portion 40 and access to information to communicate between the dock 80, the personal electronic device 90 and an external device (not shown) .

In certain embodiments as shown in Figs. 44-49, the dock 80 may include a holding cup 82, a spring connector 84, a plurality of locks 81, a release button 83, a multipurpose connector receptacle 86, and a charging indicator 88.

The spring connector 84 may be configured to connect the connector receptacle 18 of the bottom holding portion 10 when the bottom holding portion 10 is disposed at the bottom of the holding cup 82. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

The spring connector 84 of the dock 80 may be connected to the multi-purpose connector receptacle 86 of the dock 80, which further connects to an external electronic devices via a muti-purpose connector.

As shown in Figs. 47 and 48, the plurality of locks 81 may be configured to lock the bottom holding portion 10 in place .

The release button 83 may be configured to release the bottom holding portion 10 from the plurality of locks 81.

The dock 80 may connect directly to an external device through an electric cable without the multi-purpose connector receptacle 86, and the other end of the cable is the multi-purpose connector, which can be connected to an external electronic device.

As shown in Fig. 45 and 47, the charging indicator 88 may be configured to monitor a charging status of the charging portion 40 and the battery of the personal electronic device 90.

As indicated in Figs. 44 to 48, the rear plate portion 20 containing the charging portion 40 and the circuit portion 50 may be replaceable, and have a predetermined thickness according to a capacity of the charging portion 40. Then the holding cup 82 may be adjustable according to the various thickness and size of the case battery 100. The holding cup 82 can be seen distinctly from the rest of the dock 80 that is hatched in Fig. 47 and 48.

The bottom holding portion 10 may further include case speakers 13 connected to the personal electronic device 90 and a deactivation switch 17 as shown in Figs. 33, 36, and 15. The dock 80 may further include a bump 87 configured to press the deactivation switch 17 when the bottom holding portion 10 is installed on the dock 80 so as to deactivate Att'y Dockct:2468.08PCT

the case speaker 13. In certain embodiments, the bump 87 can be retracted even when the bottom holding portion 10 is installed on the dock 80.

In certain embodiments of the invention as shown in Figs. 44 to 49, this can be performed by pressing a deactivation off switch 85 provided in the dock 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the dock may further comprise a speaker 89, a plurality of controllers 184 configured to control the behaviors of the dock 80. In such embodiments, the dock 80 may further comprise a display panel 185 configured to display information from the case battery 100 or the dock 80, a microphone 186, an optical sensor 187 for a remote (not shown) , a volume control 188, and a line out connector receptacle, 91 which may be configured to connect to other electronic devices. The dock 80 may still further comprise AM/FM radio, antenna, and various sound controlling devices such as equalizer, frequency control, and bass booster (not shown) , the behaviors of which can be controlled by a plurality of controllers 184. Also, the dock 80 may comprise fourth circuit portion 182 controlling the behavior of the dock 80 and communication between other components of the case battery system, a personal electronic device 90 and an external electronic device.

As shown in Figs. 42 and 43, the connector adaptor 60 may comprise a plurality of locks 61 configured to lock the connector adapter 60 to the bottom holding portion 10, a release button 63 configured to release the connector adaptor 60 from the bottom holding portion 10, and a multipurpose receptacle 66.

As shown in Figs. 30 and 33, the connector adaptor 60 may include a charging status indicator 62 of the charging portion 40 and the battery of the electronic device 90. The Att'y Docket 2468 08PC1

connector adaptor 60 also includes the third circuit portion 64 controlling the behavior of the conector adaptor 60 and communications between the other component of the case battery, a personal electronic device 90 and an external electronic device.

The connector adaptor 60 may connect directly to the external device through an electric cable without the multi-purpose connector receptacle 66, and the other end of the cable is the multi-purpose connector, which can be connected to an external electronic device.

As shown schematically in Figs. 42 and 43, the connector adaptor 60 is configured to be connected to the bottom holding portion 10 by holding the lower part of the bottom holding portion 10 from below as if biting into it using the plurality of locks 61 as teeth in a sense. The connector adaptor 60 can be seen distinctly from the bottom holding portion 10 and the rear plate portion 20 that is hatched in Fig. 43.

In certain embodiments as shown in Figs. 45 and 49, the dock 80 may further comprise a plurality of holes 183 for sound from the dock speaker 89, the case speaker 13, or the speakers of the personal electronic device 90.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the rear plat portion 20 and the bottom holding portion 10 can be integrated into one body. They may be made monolitically by injection molding.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be Atl'y Docket 2468 08PCT

appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail, compositions and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

Att'y Docket 2468 08PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A case battery for a personal digital assistant, the case battery comprising: a holding portion configured to hold the personal digital assistant detachably, wherein the personal digital assistant comprises a battery, a power input and one or more speakers, and a charging portion disposed in the holding portion, the charging portion being configured to be electrically connected to the power input through a connector so as to provide electrical power to the personal digital assistant while the personal digital assistant is attached, wherein the charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the personal digital assistant.

2. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the charging portion comprises an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside.

3. The case battery of Claim 2, wherein the charging portion further comprises a secondary battery, and wherein the electrical power acceptor is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source .

4. The case battery of Claim 2, wherein the charging portion further comprises a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

5. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the holding portion comprises: Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

a front surface on which the personal digital assistant is disposed; a rear surface disposed behind the front surface; and two or more grips, each of which extending substantially perpendicularly from an edge of the front surface, configured to hold the personal digital assistant.

6. The case battery of Claim 5, wherein the holding portion further comprises a top portion and a bottom portion, and wherein the top portion is configured to provide a space through which the personal digital assistant is attached and detached.

7. The case battery of Claim 6, wherein the charging portion is provided at the bottom portion of the holding portion .

8. The case battery of Claim 4, wherein the charging portion is provided between the front surface and the rear surface .

9. The case battery of Claim 8, wherein the charging portion comprises one or more connectors configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the personal digital assistant.

10. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the holding portion comprises a plurality of sound exit holes configured to guide sound from the plurality of speakers of the personal digital assistant. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

11. The case battery of Claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of sound exit holes opens toward the front side of the holding portion.

12. The case battery of Claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of sound exit holes opens toward the rear side of the holding portion.

13. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the holding portion further comprises a mechanical fastener configured to the cast battery to a part of a user's outfit.

14. The case battery of Claim 13, wherein the user's outfit comprises a pair of trousers, shirts, and a belt.

15. The case battery of Claim 13, wherein the mechanical fastener comprises a clip and a Velcro.

16. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the personal digital assistant comprises a cellular phone, a PDA, a palmtop, and GPS.

17. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the case battery is embedded in a case.

18. The case battery of Claim 1, wherein the case comprises a bag, a sack, a cover, and a purse.

19. A base case battery with storage for a portable personal computer with a central processing unit, a memory, a battery, and a power input, the base case battery with storage comprising: Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

a base case having a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of side surfaces, and a plurality of corners, wherein the top surface has a substantially same shape as a bottom surface of the portable personal computer; a charging portion disposed in the base case, the charging portion being configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer through a first connector so as to provide electrical power to the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case; a storage device disposed in the base case, the storage device being configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer through a second connector so as to be accessed by the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case; and a plurality of holding portions disposed on the base case, each of the plurality of holding portions being configured to mechanically connect the base case to the portable personal computer detachably, wherein the charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer, and wherein the storage device is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer .

20. The base case battery of Claim 19, wherein the base case further comprises a plurality of connectors provided on the top surface of the base case, wherein the plurality of connectors are configured to be connected to the first Att'y Docket:2468.08PCT

connector of the charging portion and the second connector of the storage device.

21. The base case battery of Claim 19, wherein the top surface of the base case is substantially flat, and wherein the portable personal computer is installed on the top surface, wherein the bottom surface of the base case is configured to be put on a surface, wherein the charging portion comprises an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside.

22. The base case battery of Claim 19, wherein the storage device further comprises a hard disc and a flash memory.

23. The base case battery of Claim 19, wherein the base case has a shape of rectangle including four corners, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions extends from one of the four corners substantially perpendicularly toward the portable personal computer.

24. The base case battery of Claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of holding portions comprises: one or more vertical plates configured to enclose and engage one corner of the portable personal computer; and a horizontal plate extended from the one or more vertical plates substantially perpendicularly.

25. The base case battery of Claim 24, wherein the one or more vertical plates and the horizontal plate are flexible so as to be configured to accept, hold, and release the portable personal computer, wherein the horizontal plate comprises a retractable latch configured to be either in a Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

first position or a second position, wherein when the horizontal plate is in the first position the portable personal computer is allowed to be pushed in between the one or more vertical plates, and wherein when the horizontal plate is in the second position the portable personal computer is locked in between the one or more vertical plates.

26. The base case battery of Claim 19, wherein the charging portion comprises one or more connectors configured to be electrically connected to the power input of the portable personal computer, wherein the one or more connectors are disposed on the top surface of the base case at a corresponding location of the power input of the portable personal computer.

27. The base case battery of Claim 19, wherein the base case further comprises a plurality of sound exit holes configured to guide sound from the plurality of speakers of the portable personal computer, wherein the base case further comprises one or more ventilation holes configured to guide air from ventilation holes of the portable personal computer.

28. A base case battery with storage for a portable personal computer, the base case battery with storage comprising: a main base portion, disposed below the portable personal computer, comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of edges, and a plurality of first connecting portions provided on the plurality of edges; Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

a plurality of edge extension portions, each of which being extended from one of the plurality of edges of the main base portion, wherein each of the plurality of edge extension portions comprises a second connecting portion which corresponds to at least one of the plurality of first connecting portions; a plurality of holding portions extended from the plurality of edge extension portions and the main base portion, each of the plurality of holding portions being configured to mechanically hold the portable personal computer detachably; a charging portion disposed in the main base portion, the charging portion being configured to be electrically connected to a power input of the portable personal computer through a first connector so as to provide electrical power to the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case; and a storage device disposed in the main base potion, the storage device being configured to be electrically connected to the portable personal computer through a second connector so as to be accessed by the portable personal computer while the portable personal computer is attached to the base case, wherein the charging portion is configured to extend the usage time of the portable personal computer, and wherein the storage device is configured to extend the storage capacity of the memory of the portable personal computer .

29. The base case battery of Claim 28, wherein the first connecting portion comprises a female channel provided Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

along one of the plurality of edges of the main base portion, and wherein the second connecting portion comprises a male channel provided along one of the plurality of edges of the plurality of edge extension portions .

30. The base case battery of Claim 28, wherein dimension of the main base portion and the plurality of edge extension portions is determined by the portable personal computer .

31. A case battery with storage device for a personal electronic device having a plurality of input and output devices, the case battery comprising: a first holding portion, comprising a first base plate, configured to hold a first part of the personal electronic device and provide access to at least part of the plurality of input and output devices of the personal electronic device over or through the first holding portion; a second holding portion, comprising a second base plate, configured to hold a second part of the personal electronic device and to provide access to at least part of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device over or through the second holding portion; a charging portion disposed in the first base plate of the first holding portion, the charging portion being configured to be electrically connected to a power input through a first connector so as to provide electrical power to the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is installed; and Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

one or more storage devices disposed in one of the first base plate of the first holding portion and the second base plate of the second holding portion, each of the one or more storage devices being configured to be electrically connected to the personal electronic device through a second connector so as to be accessed by the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is installed to the case battery, wherein the first and second holding portions are configured to enclose and hold at least part of the personal electronic device and provide additional electrical power and memory capacity to the personal electronic device.

32. The case battery of Claim 31, wherein the first holding portion comprises: the first base plate having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of side ends; a plurality of first holding walls extended substantially perpendicularly from some of the plurality of side ends of the first base plate; a first enclosing pocket provided at the first end of the first base plate; a plurality of first controllers configured to be connected to the personal electronic device; a plurality of first speakers configured to be connected to the personal electronic device; and a first locking portion provided at the second end of the first base plate, wherein the first locking portion is configured to lock the first holding portion with the second holding portion, Atty Docket 2468 08PC r

wherein a first receiving space configured to accept the first part of the personal electronic device is defined by the first base plate, the plurality of first holding walls, the first enclosing pocket, wherein the second holding portion is configured to be locked with the first holding portion and to be unlocked from the first holding portion so as to provide a space for the personal electronic device to be installed to or uninstalled from the case battery, wherein the second holding portion comprises: the second base plate having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of side ends; a plurality of second holding walls extended substantially perpendicularly from some of the plurality of side ends of the second base plate; a second enclosing pocket provided at the first end of the second base plate; a plurality of first controllers configured to be connected to the personal electronic device; a plurality of first speakers configured to be connected to the personal electronic device; and a second locking portion provided at the second end of the second base plate, wherein the second locking portion is configured to lock the second holding portion with the first holding portion, wherein a second receiving space configured to accept the second part of the personal electronic device is defined by the second base plate, the plurality of second holding walls, and the second enclosing pocket.

33. The case battery of Claim 32, further comprising: Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

a plurality of first access holes and first access bubbles configured to allow a user to reach some of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device; and a plurality of second access holes and second access bubbles configured to allow the user to reach some of the input and output devices of the personal electronic device, wherein the plurality of access holes and bubbles are provided on the plurality of holding walls and the enclosing pockets, wherein the first access holes comprise a plurality of sound exit holes configured to guide sound from one or more speakers of the personal electronic device, wherein each of the first access bubbles comprises a flexible and transparent membrane.

34. The case battery of Claim 33, wherein the input and output devices of the personal electronic device comprise one or more game controllers, one or more speakers, a plurality of control buttons, an optical indicator, a plurality of plug-ins, and a digital camera.

35. The case battery of Claim 32, further comprising: a microphone, a barcode reader, a smell detector, a camcorder, or a wireless transceiver in the first or second holding portions, and a plurality of input and output devices configured for controlling the microphone, the barcode reader, the smell detector, the camcorder, or the wireless transceiver in the first or second holding portions. Λtt'y Dockel:2468.08PCT

36. The case battery of Claim 35, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to transmit signal to and receive signal from an external machine, and wherein the external machine comprises an exercise machines, medical equipments, automobiles, ships, airplanes, home automation systems, banking machines, credit card machines, construction equipments, military equipments, factory equipments, satellites (GPS and others), earphones, microphones, agricultural equipments, and school and college equipments.

37. The case battery of Claim 35, wherein the input and output devices of the case battery are configured to control functions of the case battery, wherein the case battery is configured to be connected to the personal electronic device that is controlled directly through the input and output devices .

38. The case battery of Claim 31, wherein the first and second locking portions are separated when unlocked.

39. The case battery of Claim 31, further comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate information with the personal electronic device or other external electronic devices; and one or more antennae configured to transmit or receive signals from the personal electronic device or other external electronic devices.

40. The case battery of Claim 31, wherein the charging portion comprises an electrical power acceptor configured to accept electrical power from outside, wherein the charging portion further comprises: Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

a secondary battery, and wherein the electrical power acceptor is configured to charge the secondary battery using an external electrical power source; and a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

41. The case battery of Claim 31, wherein each of the one or more storage devices further comprises a hard disc and a flash memory, and wherein the personal electronic device comprises a portable game machine, a cellular phone, a PDA, a palmtop, an MP3 player, and a GPS.

42. The case battery of Claim 31, wherein the first holding portion comprises a first magnetic plate provided on an edge of the first holding portion, wherein the second holding portion comprises a second magnetic plate provided on an edge of the second holding portion, and wherein the first and second magnetic plates are configured to further lock the first and second holding portions together, wherein the first holding portion comprises a first electric connector provided on an edge of the first holding portion, wherein the second holding portion comprises a second electric connector provided on an edge of the second holding portion, and wherein the first and second electric connectors are configured to connect the first and second holding portions electrically.

43. The case battery of Claim 31, further comprising: an electrical power acceptor configured to charge the charging portion and the battery of the personal electronic device using an external electrical power source; Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

an electronic signal input and output configured to communicate information with the personal electronic device and other external electronic devices; and a control circuitry configured to control charging and discharging of the charging portion and the battery of the personal electronic device, wherein the electric power acceptor is integrated with the electric signal input and output, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to use the charging portion first and then the battery.

44. The case battery of Claim 31, further comprising: a central processing unit; and a memory, wherein the central processing unit and the memory are connected electrically to the personal electronic device so as to work as a computing device.

45. The case battery of Claim 31, further comprising a signal converter configured to convert a signal of a first type to a signal of a second type, wherein each of the first type and the second type comprises GSM and CDMA.

46. A case battery system for a personal electronic device, comprising: a case battery configured to enclose the personal electronic device, wherein the case battery comprising: a bottom holding portion configured to hold a lower part of the personal electronic device and provide a plurality of external interfacing devices with access to the personal electronic device; Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

a rear plate portion configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion mechanically and electrically and protects a rear portion of the personal electronic device; a top holding portion configured to hold a top part and partial lateral parts of the personal electronic device and provide access holes to at least part of input and output devices of the personal electronic device; a charging portion disposed in the rear plate portion, the charging portion being configured to be electrically connected to the personal electronic device while the personal electronic device is installed in the case battery; and a plurality of circuit portions disposed in the rear plate portion, wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit portions is configured to connect the charging portion to the personal electronic device ; a connector adaptor configured to attach to the bottom holding portion of the case battery; and a dock configured to accept the bottom portion of the case battery.

47. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the connector adaptor is configured to charge the personal electronic device from an external electrical power and to communicate with the personal electronic device, the case battery system, and an external electronic device.

48. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the dock is configured to charge the personal electronic device Alt'y Docket:2468.08PCT

from an external electrical power and communicate with the personal electronic device, the case battery- system, and an external electronic device.

49. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the bottom holding portion of the case battery comprises: a first connector configured to electrically connect the case battery to the personal electronic device, wherein the first connector comprises a power connector and a electrical signal connector; a plurality of holes configured to pass sound from the speakers of the personal electrical device, wherein the holes are disposed on a front side, a bottom side or a corner between the front and rear sides of the bottom holding portion; and a plurality of resonance chambers provided between the speaker and the plurality of holes, wherein the resonance chambers are configured for the sound from the speaker to resonate so as to be amplified acoustically.

50. The case battery system of Claim 49, wherein the bottom holding portion of the case battery engages with side edges of the personal electronic device and exposes the display screen of the personal electronic device, wherein the top holding portion, the rear plate portion and the bottom holding portion of the case battery may be connected together or separated from each other by longitudinal rails of the top holding portion and the bottom holding portion engaging or disengaging longitudinal rail recesses of the rear plate portion. Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

51. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the charging portion of the case battery further comprises: a secondary battery configured to be charged using an external electrical power source; and a primary battery and a receptacle configured to accept the primary battery.

52. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the plurality of circuit portions of the case battery are configured to control behaviors of the charging portion, speakers and communication between other components of the case battery system, a personal electronic device and a external electronic device.

53. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the connector adaptor is configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding portion, wherein the connector adaptor comprises a plurality of locks configured to lock the connector adapter to the bottom holding portion, a plurality of release buttons configured to release the connector adaptor and a multi-purpose receptacle from the bottom holding portion, wherein the multi-purpose receptacle of the connector adaptor is configured to accept a multipurpose connector from an external device, and wherein at least one of the plurality of circuit portions is configured to control the behavior of the connector adaptor and communications between a personal electronic device, the case battery system, and an external electronic device. Atl'y Docket:2468.08PCT

54. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the dock comprises : a holding cup configured to accept and engage at least part of the bottom holding portion; spring connectors configured to connect the connector receptacle plates of the bottom holding portion when the bottom holding portion is disposed at a bottom of the holding cup; a plurality of locks configured to lock the bottom holding portion in place; a release button configured to release the bottom holding portion from the plurality of locks; spring connectors and a multi-purpose connectors configured to electrically connect the first connector to an external device; a connector receptacle configured to accept the external device; a charging status indicator configured to monitor the charging status of the charging portion and the battery of the personal electronic device; and a circuit portion configured to control the behavior of the connector adaptor and communication between other components of the case battery system, the personal electronic device and an external electronic device.

55. The case battery system of Claim 55, wherein the rear plate portion of the case battery is replaceable, wherein the rear plate portion has a predetermined thickness according to the capacity of the charging portion, wherein the holding cup is adjustable according to the thickness of the rear plate portion, Att'y Docket 2468 08PC T

and wherein the rear plate portion is replaceable by a regular plate without the charging portion and the first circuit portion.

56. The case battery system of Claim 55, wherein the bottom holding portion of the case battery further comprises case battery speakers connected to a personal electronic device and an deactivation switch, wherein the dock further comprises a bump configured to press the deactivation switch when the bottom holding portion is installed on the dock so as to deactivate the case battery speakers.

57. The case battery system of Claim 46, wherein the top holding portion comprises a third mechanical fastener, wherein the rear plate portion comprises a fourth mechanical fastener corresponding to the third mechanical fastener, and wherein the top holding portion and the rear plate portion are attached and locked to each other by the third and fourth mechanical fasteners, Wherein the bottom holding portion of the case battery further comprises a first mechanical fastener, wherein the rear plate portion comprises a second mechanical fastener corresponding to the first mechanical fastener, and wherein the bottom holding portion and the rear plate portion are attached and locked to each other by the first and second mechanical fastener .

58. The case battery system of Claim 46, further comprising a connector adaptor configured to be attached to or detached from the bottom holding Att'y Docket 2468 08PCT

portion, wherein the connector adaptor comprises a plurality of locks configured to lock the connector adapter to the bottom holding portion, a release button configured to release the connector adaptor from the bottom holding portion, and a multi-purpose receptacle, and wherein the bottom holding portion further comprises a guide recess at a lower part such that the connector adapter is guided to be connected to the bottom holding portion.

59. The case battery system of Claim 58, wherein the connector adaptor comprises a charging status indicator and circuit portion, wherein the charging status indicator is configured to monitor the charging status of the charging portion and the battery of the personal electronic device, and wherein the circuit portion is configured to control the behavior of the connector adaptor and communication between other components of the case battery system, the personal electronic device and an external electronic device.