WO2023183505A1

WO2023183505A1 - Protective cases for electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2023183505A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/016110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joshua Wright; June LAI
Original assignee: Catalyst Lifestyle Limited
Priority date: 2022-03-24
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2023-09-28

Abstract

A protective case for an electronic device includes a housing having at least one wall that defines a cavity that receives the electronic device. The housing further includes a plurality of coupling portions positioned on the at least one wall, and a plurality of alignment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of coupling portions. The plurality of alignment mechanisms are arranged to facilitate alignment between the protective case and a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

Description

PROTECTIVE CASES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application

No. 63/323,416, entitled “PROTECTIVE CASES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES” and filed March 24, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/328,376 entitled “PROTECTIVE CASES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES” and filed on April 7, 2022, the entire contents of both are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present specification generally relates to protective cases for electronic devices and, more specifically, to protective cases that include alignment features.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic device (e.g., smartphones, tablets, headphones, or the like) may be retained within protective cases that prevent the electronic devices from getting scratched dinged, marred, contacted with fluid (e.g., wet), or the like. In addition, protective cases may absorb an impact sustained in the event the electronic device is dropped. However, protective cases can interfere with certain functions of electronic devices, including certain alignment mechanisms utilized for aligning the electronic device with an external device.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect, a protective case for an electronic device includes a housing having at least one wall that defines a cavity that receives the electronic device. The housing further includes a plurality of coupling portions positioned on the at least one wall, and a plurality of alignment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of coupling portions. The plurality of alignment mechanisms are arranged to facilitate alignment between the protective case and a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

[0005] According to a second aspect, a protective case for an electronic device is disclosed. The protective case includes a housing having a first wall, a second wall, and a periphery extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, second wall, and periphery defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic device. The housing further includes a plurality of coupling portions positioned on at least one of the first wall or the second wall, where each of the plurality of coupling portions further include a protrusion extending from the first wall or the second wall and an alignment mechanism cavity that extends from an inner surface of the first wall or the second wall to an outer surface of the protrusion. The protective case further includes a plurality of alignment mechanisms received by the alignment mechanism cavity of each of the plurality of coupling portions, where the plurality of alignment mechanisms are arranged to align with a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

[0006] According to a third aspect, a method of forming a protective case is disclosed, the method includes forming a housing of the protective case utilizing a mold, such that the housing includes one or more cavities, forming a plurality of alignment mechanisms, the plurality of alignment mechanisms being shaped and sized to be received within the one or more cavities formed in the housing, and inserting the plurality of alignment mechanisms into the one or more cavities formed in the housing.

[0007] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0009] FIG. 1A schematically depicts a perspective view of an illustrative system for charging an electronic device, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0010] FIG. IB schematically depicts a front view of an illustrative electronic device coupled to an accessory, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0011] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an illustrative protective case for the electronic device of FIG. 1, the protective case having a plurality of magnets with a magnetic profile, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0012] FIG. 3A schematically depicts a front perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 3B schematically depicts a rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 3C schematically depicts an upper perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0015] FIG. 4A schematically depicts a front-side view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 4B schematically depicts a rear-side view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0017] FIG. 4C schematically depicts a top-side view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0018] FIG. 4D schematically depicts a bottom-side view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0019] FIG. 4E schematically depicts a right-side view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0020] FIG. 4F schematically depicts a left-side view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0021] FIG. 5A schematically depicts a detailed rear perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0022] FIG. 5B schematically depicts a detailed perspective view of one of a plurality of coupling portions of the protective case of FIG. 2, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0023] FIG. 5C schematically depicts an enlarged view through an upper opening of the protective case of FIG. 5B, showing an interior view of one of the coupling portions, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0024] FIG. 5D schematically depicts an upper perspective view through the upper opening of the protective case of FIG. 5B showing an interior view of two of the coupling portions, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0025] FIG. 6 schematically depicts a partially exploded perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0026] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a back-side perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0027] FIG. 8 schematically depicts a partially exploded perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0028] FIG. 9A schematically depicts a perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0029] FIG. 9B schematically depicts an exploded view of the illustrative protective case of FIG. 9A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0030] FIG. 10 schematically depicts a partially exploded view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0031] FIG. 11 schematically depicts a partially exploded view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0032] FIG. 12A schematically depicts a perspective view of another illustrative protective case having an alignment mechanism, according to one or more embodiment shown and described herein;

[0033] FIG. 12B schematically depicts the alignment mechanism of the protective case of FIG. 12A;

[0034] FIG. 13A schematically depicts a perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0035] FIG. 13B schematically depicts a perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; [0036] FIG. 13C schematically depicts a perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0037] FIG. 14A schematically depicts a front side perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0038] FIG. 14B schematically depicts a top side perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 14A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0039] FIG. 14C schematically depicts a back side perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 14A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0040] FIG. 15 A schematically depicts a front side perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0041] FIG. 15B schematically depicts a top side perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 15 A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0042] FIG. 15C schematically depicts a back side perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 15 A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0043] FIG. 16A schematically depicts a top side perspective view of another illustrative protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0044] FIG. 16B schematically depicts a top side view of the protective case of FIG. 16A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0045] FIG. 17 schematically depicts a partial cross-sectional view of a sleeve liner of a protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0046] FIG. 18A schematically depicts a front side perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 17, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0047] FIG. 18B schematically depicts a back side perspective view of the protective case of FIG. 18A, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

[0048] FIG. 19A depicts an illustrative flowchart for a method of forming a protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and [0049] FIG. 19B depicts an illustrative flowchart for another method of forming a protective case, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present disclosure generally relates to protective cases for electronic devices. In the embodiments described herein, the protective case includes a plurality of alignment features (e.g., magnets, magnetic material, or the like) that align the electronic device with a plurality of coupling portions within the protective case. For example, the electronic device may include a plurality of magnets configured for aligning with magnetic material in a the protective case, such that aligning the plurality of magnets of the electronic device relative to the magnetic material of the alignment mechanisms of the protective case may facilitate alignment of the electronic device with an external device, such as a charger, pager, PDA, cellphone, smart phone, tablet, laptop, phone case, or any other similar device or accessory, that allows the electronic device to be coupled to the external device.

[0051] It should be appreciated that current protective cases may be positioned around the electronic device and interfere with the alignment between the alignment features of the electronic device and the coupling portions of the protective case. For example, a protective case may inhibit an electronic device from coupling with a charger by introducing excessive spacing between the magnets of the electronic device and the magnetic material of the charger. Accordingly, providing alignment features within the protective case facilitates alignment between the protective case and the electronic device, thereby allowing for quick and easy alignment between the electronic device with and the protective case when the plurality of alignment mechanisms of the electronic device are aligned with the plurality of coupling portions of the protective case.

[0052] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to protective cases for electronic devices and methods of forming protective cases for electronic devices, as will now be described in more detail herein with reference to the drawings and where like numbers refer to like structures.

[0053] For purposes of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include any electronic device such as a pager, PDA, cellphone, smart phone, tablet, laptop, headphones or the like. Electronic devices according to the present disclosure may include one or more buttons, switches (e.g., a sliding switch, such as a muting switch), and/or the like. As will be described herein, an electronic device may be positioned within the protective case and held by the protective case. The protective case may provide a protective and/or a waterproof housing around the electronic device. However, the present disclosure is not limited to only protective cases and/or waterproof cases. That is, a “protective case” as used herein as generally any apparatus that can be configured to surround at least a portion of the electronic device, including, for example, a bumper case, a device frame, a sleeve, or the like.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be understood that approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 1A a system for pairing with an electronic device 1 is depicted. The system includes the electronic device 1, a protective case 10, and an external device D configured to pair with the electronic device 1. For example, the external device D may form a pairing with the electronic device 1 via a mechanical and/or electrical pairing (e.g., magnetic, electrical, Bluetooth, etc.) that allows for interconnectivity between the electronic device 1 and the external device D. The protective case 10 configured to facilitate alignment of the electronic device 1 with the external device D when the electronic device 1 is positioned in the protective case 10.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, the electronic device 1 is depicted including a plurality of connection mechanisms 2, such as a plurality of magnets, that are generally used to align and connect the electronic device 1 with the external device D. In these embodiments, the electronic device D may be a charger, pager, PDA, cellphone, smart phone, tablet, laptop, phone case, phone accessory or any other similar device or accessory that may be paired with the electronic device 1. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the external device D may be an inductive charger, or any other similar charging device capable of providing an electrical charge to the electronic device 1. [0057] In these embodiments, it should be further appreciated that the electronic device 1 may be any electronic device, as has been described herein. For purposes of illustration, the electronic device 1 depicted in FIG. IB may include a case for headphones, with the case further including a battery for charging the headphones. However, in other embodiments, the electronic device 1 may be a charging case for Apple™ Airpods™, and the external device D may be an Apple™ MagSafe™ charger.

[0058] For example, in the particular embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A and IB, the connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 may include a plurality of magnets, while the external device D is similarly illustrated as including a plurality of magnets. Accordingly, the electronic device 1 may be magnetically coupled to the external device D when a magnetic force between the connection mechanisms 2 (e.g., magnets) of the electronic device 1 and the magnets positioned within the external device D force the electronic device 1 to contact the external device D.

[0059] Referring still to FIGS. 1A-1B, the connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 may be further arranged to have a device alignment profile 3 that is complementary to an external device alignment profile 4 of the external device D of the electronic device 1. In these embodiments, the device alignment profile 3 of the connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 may be sized and shaped to be positioned within the external device alignment profile 4 of the external device D such that the electronic device 1 , when coupled to the external device D, is aligned with the external device D to facilitate pairing of the electronic device 1 with the external device D. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, the device alignment profile 3 includes a magnetic profile having a circular shape, which may correspond to the circular shape of the external device alignment profile 4, which is similarly depicted as a magnetic profile of the external device D. Accordingly, alignment of the magnetic profile of the electronic device 1 and the magnetic profile of the external device D may allow for alignment of the electronic device 1 with the external device D, such that the external device D centrally positioned within the external device alignment profile 4 is aligned with the electronic device 1 when the electronic device 1 is positioned on the external device D.

[0060] Once the device alignment profile 3 of the electronic device 1 is aligned with the external device alignment profile 4 of the external device D, pairing may occur. For example, in embodiments in which the external device D is a charger for the electronic device 1, alignment of the device alignment profile 3 and the external device alignment profile 4 may cause the charger to begin charging the electronic device 1. By way of further example, the electronic device 1 may be a smartphone, while the external device D may include a pair of headphones. In these embodiments, alignment of the device alignment profile 3 (e.g., smartphone alignment profile) and the external device alignment profile 4 (e.g., headphone alignment profile) may cause the electronic device 1 and the external device D to be wirelessly paired. As should be appreciated in view of the foregoing, the electronic device 1 may be paired to any suitable external device D utilizing the alignment mechanisms discussed herein.

[0061] Although the device alignment profile is depicted as including a circular magnetic profile in FIG. IB, it should be appreciated that the device alignment profile 3 may include any operable shape and form that allows for alignment of the electronic device 1 with the external device D, such as, for example, a triangular shape, a square shape, or the like. Furthermore, it should be understood that the external device alignment profile 4 of the external device D may be similarly shaped to correspond to the device alignment profile 3 of the electronic device 1.

[0062] While the electronic device 1 and the external device D depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B are illustrated as including a plurality of magnets, it should be further appreciated that the electronic device 1 and the external device D may include other components that may be used to align the electronic device 1 and the external device D. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic device and/or the external device D may include pieces of ferromagnetic metal that are magnetically attractable, instead of using magnets. In these embodiments, the external device D may include one or more ferromagnetic strips that are magnetically attractable to the magnets of the electronic device 1. Similarly, the electronic device 1 may include strips of ferromagnetic metal that are magnetically attractable to magnets within the external device D.

[0063] Referring still to FIGS. 1 A-1B, it should be noted that the electronic device 1 may additionally include a visual indicator, such as a light, for indicating a battery level of the electronic device 1 , and an input, such as a button, for operating the visual indicator. The input may be provided on a same side of the electronic device 1 as the connection mechanisms 2, and the visual indicator may be provided on an opposite side of the electronic device 1 from the connection mechanisms 2 and the input, as will be described in additional detail herein with reference to FIGS. 3A-3C.

[0064] Although not depicted, in embodiments in which the electronic device 1 includes the visual indicator 5, the protective case 10 may further include an electrical control system embedded within the housing 12 that includes a separate visual indicator, such as a case visual indicator, which is independent of the visual indicator 5 on the electronic device 1. In these embodiments, the case visual indicator may be configured to indicate when the protective case 10 and electronic device 1 are aligned with the external device D to pair the electronic device 1 to the external device D. For example, the case visual indicator may be coupled to a sensor configured for detecting when the external device D is paired (e.g., mechanically, electrically, wirelessly, etc.) to the electronic device 1, and may send a corresponding signal to the case visual indicator to activate the case visual indicator. In these embodiments, the electronic control system may include a battery that is in electrical connection with the case visual indicator for powering the case visual indicator. Furthermore, the electrical control system may include an inductive receiver that is in electrical connection with the case visual indicator that generates electrical power when the protective case 10 is on the external device D and transfers electrical power to the case visual indicator to activate the visual indicator. The case visual indicator may be provided anywhere on the housing 12, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0065] Turning now to FIG. 2, the electronic device 1 is depicted as being positioned within the protective case 10 and secured by the protective case 10. The protective case 10 may provide a protective and/or a waterproof housing around the electronic device 1. However, the present disclosure is not limited to only protective cases and/or waterproof cases. That is, a “protective case” as used herein as generally any apparatus that can be configured to surround at least a portion of the electronic device 1 , including, for example, a bumper case, a device frame, a sleeve, or the like.

[0066] As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the protective case 10 may include a housing 12 and a plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 coupled to the housing 12. In some embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be magnets for magnetically coupling to the external device D. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the protective case 10 may include ferromagnetic strips of metal instead of magnets, so that the protective case 10 is magnetically attractable to the connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 and/or the external device D. Furthermore, although the alignment mechanisms 14 are depicted and described as including magnetic properties, it should be understood that the alignment mechanisms 14 may include any type of alignment mechanisms 14 capable of coupling the electronic device 1 to the protective case 10 and/or external device D without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the alignment mechanisms 14 and connection mechanisms 2 may include adhesives, fasteners, butons (snap-fit or otherwise), spring-loaded mechanisms, latches, and/or any other similar mechanisms that may be used for aligning the electronic device 1 with the protective case 10 and/or external device D.

[0067] Referring still to FIG. 2, the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may be positioned within the housing 12 or on an external surface of the housing 12, such that the alignment mechanisms 14 include a case alignment profile 16 that is complementary to the device alignment profile 3 of the electronic device 1. For example, as depicted in FIG. 2, the case alignment profile 16 and the device alignment profile 3 each include magnetic poles, such that the magnetic poles of the alignment mechanisms 14 are coaxial with the magnetic poles of the connection mechanisms 2 in the electronic device 1. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be any operable shape and size for attracting (e.g., magnetically or otherwise) the connection mechanisms 2 in the electronic device 1 and/or the magnets in the external device D. For example, the alignment mechanisms 14 may include magnets, such as semicircular magnetic strips, a single circular magnetic strip, or the like.

[0068] In further embodiments, the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may include two sets of magnets. In these embodiments, the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may include a first set of magnets which are configured to attract the connection mechanisms of the electronic device 1, and a second set of magnets positioned on or near the outside of the housing 12 that may be configured to attract the magnets of the external device D. In these embodiments, the housing 12 may include thinner material at the locations of the first set of magnets in the electronic device 1 so as to not interfere with the magnetic attraction between the electronic device 1 and the external device D when the electronic device 1 is positioned in the protective case 10. As further depicted in FIG. 2, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be positioned about the housing 12 such that the alignment mechanisms 14 are adjacent to the connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 when the electronic device 1 is positioned within the housing 12 of the protective case 10. By positioning the alignment mechanisms 14 of the protective case 10 in the manner described herein, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be magnetically attracted to the alignment mechanisms 14 of the electronic device 1.

[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-4F, the protective case 10 for the electronic device 1 is depicted in additional detail. In these embodiments, the housing 12 may include a first wall 20, a second wall 22 positioned opposite the first wall 20, a periphery 24 that extends about the housing 12 between the first wall 20 and the second wall 22, an inner surface 26, an outer surface 28, a plurality of coupling portions 30, a connector 32, a depression 36, and a ridge 38, such as a deformable ridge. In these embodiments, the housing 12 may further include a cavity 42 that may be defined by the first wall 20, the second wall 22, and the inner surface 26, and may be configured for receiving the electronic device 1, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0070] Although the housing in FIGS. 3A-4F is depicted as including the first wall 20 and the second wall 22, it should be further appreciated that, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may include a single curved wall configured to extend completely around the periphery 24 of the protective case 10. Furthermore, it should noted that, in some embodiments, each of the first wall 20, the second wall 22, the periphery 24, the plurality of coupling portions 30, the connector 32, and the ridge 38 may be formed as a single monolithic structure. However, any combination of the first wall 20, the second wall 22, the periphery 24, the coupling portions 30, the connector 32, and the ridge 38 may be formed separately and coupled together. For example, the connector 32 may be formed separately from the housing 12 and coupled to the housing 12.

[0071] Referring still to FIGS. 3A-4F, the depression 36 may be formed in the first wall 20 of the housing 12 and positioned to be aligned with the input 6 on the electronic device 1 when the electronic device 1 is positioned within the housing 12. In these embodiments, the alignment of the depression 36 (FIG. 3B) and the input 6 (FIG. 4B) may allow a user to actuate the input 6 by pressing the depression 36. While the housing 12 includes the depression 36 for aligning with the input 6 on the electronic device, it should be noted that the housing 12 may include any other structure for indicating the location of the input 6, such as, for example, a hole or aperture, a flexible piece of material, a thin piece of material, or the like.

[0072] As previously noted herein, the periphery 24 may extend around the housing 12 between the first wall 20 and the second wall 22. In these embodiments, the first wall 20 may further include an upper portion 20a while the second wall 22 may similarly include an upper portion 22a. As described herein, the upper portions 20a, 22a, of the first wall 20 and the second wall 22 may be defined as the portions of the first wall 20 and the second wall 22 that extend above (e.g., in the + y-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of FIGS. 3A-4F) the ridge 38.

[0073] As most clearly depicted in FIGS. 4C-4E, the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first wall 20 and the second wall 22 may define an opening that may extend partially along the periphery 24 of the housing 12 and through the housing 12 in a longitudinal direction (e.g., in the +/- x-direction as depicted by the coordinate axes of FIGS. 3A-4F). Accordingly, the cavity 42 may be further defined by the upper portion 20a of the first wall 20, the upper portion 22a of the second wall 22, the inner surface 26 of the housing 12, and the opening 40. In these embodiments, the opening 40 may be expanded by deforming the upper portion 20a of the first wall 20 and the upper portion 22a of the second wall 22, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0074] As noted herein, the ridge 38 may be a deformable ridge, such that the upper portion 20a of the first wall 20 and upper portion 22a of the second wall 22 may be deformed about the ridge 38. More specifically, in some embodiments, the upper portion 20a of the first wall 20 and the upper portion 22a of the second wall 22 may be folded about the ridge 38 such that the upper portions 20a, 22a, of the first and second walls 20, 22 may be moved between a sealed position and an access position. For example, FIGS. 3A-4F depict the upper portion 20a of the first wall 20 and the upper portion 22a of the second wall 22 in the sealed position. In the sealed position, the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first and second walls 20, 22 may at least partially enclose the cavity 42, such that the upper portions 20a, 22a extend at least partially over the electronic device 1 and a fluid tight seal is formed between the housing 12 and the electronic device 1. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the seal formed between the housing 12 and the electronic device 1 may ensure that the fluid (e.g., water, moisture, etc.) is incapable of penetrating the housing 12 and interacting with the electronic device 1. The seal formed between the housing 12 and the electronic device 1 will be described and depicted in additional detail herein with reference to FIGS. 5A-6B.

[0075] In these embodiments, a user may be unable to access the electronic device 1 when the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first and second walls 20, 22 are in the sealed position. Accordingly, to access the electronic device 1, the upper portions 20a, 22a may be folded about the ridge 38 to the access position, such that the electronic device 1 is exposed. In these embodiments, folding the upper portions 20a, 22a, of the first and second walls 20, 22, respectively, in opposite directions away from one another and about the ridge 38 may cause the opening 40 to expand, such that the electronic device 1 is exposed from the housing 12 of the protective case 10 and the user can access the cavity 42 in which the electronic device 1 is positioned. Accordingly, once the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first and second wall 20, 22 have been moved to the access position, a user may access and/or manipulate the electronic device 1 without the need to fully remove the electronic device 1 from the protective case 10. Furthermore, it should be understood that the electronic device 1 may be removed and/or inserted into the cavity 42 of the protective case 10 when the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first and second wall 20, 22 are moved to the access position.

[0076] Due to the deformable nature of the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first wall and second wall 20, 22, respectively, it should be understood that each of the upper portions 20a, 22a may be formed of a flexible material that may allow the upper portions 20a, 22a to be folded about the ridge 38. For example, the upper portions 20a, 22a of the walls may be formed of a flexible plastic or rubber, such as neoprene, silicone, nitrile, or any other similar material. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in some embodiments, the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first wall and second wall 20, 22 may be formed of a more resilient and/or durable material, such as polyethylene or other similar materials. In these embodiments, the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first and second wall 20, 22 may be hingedly (or otherwise releasably) coupled to the ridge 38, such that the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first and second wall 20, 22 are capable of moving from the sealed position to the access position without deforming.

[0077] Furthermore, although not depicted, it should be noted that the material of the housing 12 may further be configured to be at least semi-transparent, such that light generated by the electronic device 1 (such as via the visual indicator 5) is visible through the housing 12 when the electronic device 1 is provided in the housing 12. Furthermore, by forming the housing 12 of an at least semi-transparent material, a user may be able to view the condition of the electronic device 1 and ensure that the protective case 10 is secured around the electronic device 1 simply through visual cues.

[0078] Referring still to FIGS. 3A-4F, the protective case 10 may further include a connector 32, which may be positioned at the periphery 24 of the housing 12 between the first wall 20 and the second wall 22. In these embodiments, the connector 32 may be spaced apart (e.g., oppositely positioned) from the opening 40 in the housing 12. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 3A-4F, the opening 40 may be formed in a top surface of the housing 12, while the connector 32 may be positioned on a bottom surface of the housing (or vice versa). As most clearly depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the connector 32 may include an aperture configured to receive an attachment device 44 for attaching the protective case 10 to another item or structure. The attachment device 44 may be, for example, a carabiner, a string, a clip, or the like.

[0079] Turning now to FIGS. 5A-5D, additional features of the housing 12 are depicted. For example, and as described herein, the housing 12 may further include a seal 34 provided on the inner surface 26 of the housing 12 that may extend in parallel with the deformable ridge 38 to contact each of the first wall 20, the second wall 22, and the periphery 24. As has been described herein, the seal 34 may be configured to contact the electronic device 1 to form a seal 34 around the electronic device 1 to prevent water or particles from contacting the electronic device 1 when the upper portions 20a, 22a of the first wall 20 and second wall 22 are in the sealed position, as is depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D.

[0080] Furthermore, FIGS. 5A-5D depict the plurality of coupling portions 30 in additional detail. For example, the plurality of coupling portions 30 may each define a protrusion 50, a receiving hole 52, and an alignment mechanism cavity 54 that extends through the receiving hole 52. The plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may be positioned within the alignment mechanism cavity 54 of each of the plurality of coupling portions 30, with one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 being positioned in each of the plurality of coupling portions 30. The plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may include a number of alignment mechanisms, such as magnets, equal to the number of coupling portions 30, such that one magnet is provided in each of the coupling portions 30. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be provided in the coupling portions 30 so that the magnetic poles are coaxial with the connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 when the electronic device 1 is provided within the housing 12.

[0081] As depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D, the plurality of coupling portions 30 may be positioned on the first wall 20 of the housing 12. In these embodiments, the plurality of coupling portions 30 may be arranged to be complementary to the device alignment profile 3 of the electronic device 1, such that the plurality of coupling portions 30 are positioned along the device alignment profile 3 when the electronic device 1 is positioned in the cavity 42 of the housing 12. The plurality of coupling portions 30 may each be aligned with one of the connection mechanisms 2 in the electronic device 1, such that the device alignment profile 3 of the electronic device 1 is coaxial with the alignment mechanisms 14 of the protective case 10.

[0082] It should be further noted that, in these embodiments, a shape of the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may differ from a shape of the connection mechanisms 2 in the electronic device 1. For example, in embodiments in which the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 of the protective case 10 and the plurality of connection mechanisms 2 of the electronic device 1 are magnetically coupled, the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may include a single magnetic ring, a semicircular strip that attracts at least one magnet positioned on or within the electronic device. Similarly, it should be noted that, in some embodiments, the protective case 10 may not include magnets, and may instead include pieces of metal that are magnetically attracted to the magnets in the electronic device 1 and/or the external device D.

[0083] Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5D, in the embodiments described herein, the protrusions 50 of each of the plurality of coupling portions may extend from the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 from the first wall 20, as is most clearly depicted in FIG. 5 A. Each protrusion 50 may further include an outer surface 51 and a periphery 53 that surrounds the outer surface 51. In these embodiments, the outer surfaces 51 of the protrusions 50 may be coplanar. Furthermore, the protrusions 50 may extend from the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 (e.g., in the + z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of FIGS. 5A-5D), such that the protrusions 50 are non-coplanar (e.g., not within the same linear plane), with the outer surface 28. In embodiments where the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 is curved and is not positioned on a single plane, the protrusions 50 may be non-coplanar with a portion of the outer surface 28 that surrounds and is adjacent to the protrusions 50. However, as described in further detail herein, the protrusions 50 may be contoured to at least be partially flush, or coplanar, with the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 at a portion of the periphery 53 of the protrusion 50.

[0084] Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5D, the periphery 53 of each of the protrusions 50 may include an edge 56 that is non-coplanar with the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 adjacent the periphery 53. The edge 56 may be shaped similarly to the shape of the alignment mechanisms 14. In the embodiment described herein, each of the protrusions 50 may further include a rib 58 extending from the inner surface 26 of the housing 12 to the outer surface 51 of the protrusion 50, which further defines the receiving hole 52.

[0085] As most clearly depicted in FIG. 5B, the receiving holes 52 may each be configured to receive one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14, such that the alignment mechanism 14 may be inserted into the alignment mechanism cavity 54 in the coupling portion 30 through the receiving hole 52. As depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D and described herein, the alignment mechanism 14 may be a magnet, or any other similar mechanism suitable for aligning the electronic device 1 in the protective case 10.

[0086] In these embodiments, the rib 58 may contact the alignment mechanism 14 within the cavity 42 in order to seal the alignment mechanism 14 within the coupling portion 30. By sealing the alignment mechanism 14 within the coupling portion 30, it may be possible to prevent water, dirt, or other particles from entering the cavity 42 via the coupling portion 30. More particularly, the rib 58 may contact and deform against the alignment mechanism 14 to form the seal.

[0087] Referring still to FIGS. 5A-5D, in some embodiments, the rib 58 may further extend into the cavity 42 of the housing 12 to contact the electronic device 1, thereby sealing the receiving holes 52 to prevent water, dirt, or other particles from entering the cavity 42 via the receiving holes 52. However, it should be noted that, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may not include a receiving hole 52 or any other opening for insertion of and removal of the alignment mechanism 14 from the alignment mechanism cavity 54. In such embodiments, the housing 12 may be formed around the alignment mechanisms 14 through, for example, blow molding, so that the alignment mechanisms 14 are embedded within the housing 12.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 6-12B, it should be further noted that the plurality of coupling portions 30 described herein may take a variety of different forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, as depicted in FIG. 6, the coupling portions 30 may include a slot 80 formed in the outer surface 28 of at least one of the first wall 20 or the second wall 22. In these embodiments, the coupling portions 30 may also include a cap 82 that is shaped and sized to correspond to the slot 80, such that the cap 82 may be inserted within the slot 80. Furthermore, the slot 80 may extend through the outer surface 28 of at least one of the first wall 20 and the second wall 22 (e.g., in the - z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axis of FIG. 6) such that the slot 80 extends to the alignment mechanism cavity 54, and provides an opening in the protective case 10 to the alignment mechanism cavity 54. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 (e.g., magnets, etc.) may be shaped and sized to be received within the slot 80 and the alignment mechanism cavity 54. Once the alignment mechanisms 14 have been inserted into the slot 80, the cap 82 may also be inserted into the slot 80 to secure the alignment mechanisms 14 within the alignment mechanism cavity 54. In the embodiments described herein, the cap 82 may be press fit, or any other similar fitting, that may allow for the cap 82 to be coupled to the slot 80 and secure the alignment mechanism 14 within the alignment mechanism cavity 54. In some embodiments, to aid in coupling the cap 82 to the slot 80, an outer surface 84 of the cap 82 may be contoured to correspond to the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 surrounding the slot 80, such that the outer surface 84 of the cap 82 is flush with the outer surface 28 surrounding the slot 80. In some embodiments, the cap 82 may be permanently or semi-permanently received within the slot 80, or may be removably insertable within the slot 80. [0089] In other embodiments, the coupling portions 30 may further define a secondary slot 85 that may extend perpendicularly from the slot 80 and include a secondary width that is smaller than a width of the slot 80, as is depicted in FIG. 7. In these embodiments, the width of the secondary slot 85 may be smaller than a width of the alignment mechanisms 14, such that, after the alignment mechanisms 14 have been inserted into the slot 80 (e.g., in the - y-direction as depicted in the coordinate axis of FIG. 7), the alignment mechanisms 14 may be secured within the slot 80 and the secondary slot 85, such that the alignment mechanisms 14 may not move in a transverse direction (e.g., in the - z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axis of FIG. 7) through the secondary slot 85. As further depicted in FIG. 7, the secondary slot 85 may extend from the slot 80 along the outer surface 28 to the alignment mechanism cavity 54, such that the alignment mechanisms 14 are visible through the secondary slot 85 when positioned in the alignment mechanism cavity 54.

[0090] Referring now to FIGS. 8, another embodiment of the coupling portions 30 which include a cap 92 are depicted. In these embodiments, the coupling portions 30 may include an opening 90 configured to receive the alignment mechanism 14, and a cap 92 (similar to the cap 82 provided in FIG. 6), that is press fit into the opening 90 over the alignment mechanism 14 to enclose and couple the alignment mechanism 14 to the housing 12. The cap 92 may be formed of a material such as silicone, or a material similar to the housing 12. It should be further noted that, in some embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be embedded in a plastic housing that may then be press fit into the opening 90. Further still, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be embedded in a plastic housing to be inserted into the opening 90, at which point the cap 92 may be inserted over the plastic housing of the alignment mechanism 14 to couple the alignment mechanism 14 to the coupling portion 30.

[0091] In some embodiments, the coupling portions 30 of the housing 12 may further include a plurality of flexible tabs 88, such as silicone tabs, as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9B. In these embodiments, the flexible tabs 88 may be formed by molding the flexible tabs 88 over the alignment mechanisms 14. The flexible tabs 88 may be coupled to the coupling portions 30 in any traditional manner, such as a fastener, an adhesive, epoxy, or the like. In these embodiments, when the flexible tabs 88 are coupled to the coupling portions 30, the flexible tabs may act to secure the alignment mechanisms 14 within the coupling portions 30. As depicted in FIG. 9B, the coupling portions 30 may include an opening and the flexible tabs 88 may include a prong that may be insertable into the opening to press fit the flexible tabs 88 to the coupling portions 30. [0092] Turning now to FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the protective case 10 may further include a plurality of feet 94 that may be secured to the coupling portions 30 of the housing 12. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be embedded in the feet 94, at which point the feet 94 may be coupled to the coupling portions 30 of the housing. For example, the feet 94 may be coupled to the coupling portions 30 by any traditional method, such as adhesive, fasteners, epoxy, or the like. In these embodiments, the feet 94 may provide protection for the alignment mechanisms 14, and may extend beyond the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 to protect the housing 12 from damage caused by impacts or dropping of the protective case 10.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of a protective case 10 is depicted. In these embodiments, the coupling portions 30 may include a trough 130 that extends around the periphery 53 of the first wall 20. The trough 130 may receive the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14, such that the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 are secured within the trough 130. The trough 130 may include a plurality of dividers 132 that separate the alignment mechanisms 14 arranged around the trough 130. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be equally spaced within the trough 130 around the periphery 53 of the first wall, as depicted in FIG. 11. However, it should be understood that the alignment mechanisms 14 may further include variable spacing within the trough 130 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] Referring still to FIG. 11, the coupling portions 30 may additionally include a pair of metal plates 134 that are shaped to correspond to the shape of the trough 130, thereby allowing the metal plates 134 to couple with the alignment mechanisms 14. In these embodiments, the metal plates 134 may be formed of a ferromagnetic material so that a magnetic coupling between the metal plates 134 and the alignment mechanisms 14 is achieved, which may magnetize the metal plates 134. As further illustrated in FIG. 11, the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14 may be arranged within the trough 130 and may be curvilinear in shape, such that, when the alignment mechanisms 14 are arranged in the trough 130, the alignment mechanisms 14 form a circular shape. However, it should be understood that, the alignment mechanisms 14 may form any shape operable for coupling the protective case 10 to the external device D.

[0095] In some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the metal plates 134 depicted in FIG. 11 may act as the alignment mechanisms 14 that are received within the trough 130. In these embodiments, the magnetic plates 134 may be formed of a magnetic material, or alternatively the magnetic plates may include a plastic housing that is filled with a magnetic powder. Furthermore, although the protective case 10 is depicted as having two metal plates 134, it should be understood that the protective case 10 may include any number of metal plates 134 needed to fill the trough 130 and/or secure the alignment mechanisms 14 within the trough without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, it should be further noted that the alignment mechanisms 14 may take any shape that allows the alignment mechanisms 14 to be coupled to and/or secured within the coupling portions 30 of the protective case. For example, although FIGS. 6-10 generally depict the alignment mechanisms as being circularly shaped, the alignment mechanisms 14 may also be shaped as pins or rods, and press fit into openings 136 defined by the housing 12. As depicted in FIG. 12B, the pin or rod-shaped alignment mechanisms 14 may be elongated, cylindrical bodies formed of magnetic material.

[0097] Although FIGS. 6-12B depict the alignment mechanisms 14 as being inserted into the coupling portions 30 of the housing 12, it should be further appreciated that, in some embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be embedded directly in the first wall 20 and/or second wall 22 of the housing 12. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 13A-13C, the first wall 20 may include a perimeter 86 that extends around the plurality of alignment mechanisms 14. In these embodiments, the perimeter 86 may include any operable shape to extend around the alignment mechanisms 14, such as a rectangle with rounded edges (as shown in FIG. 13 A), an X-shape that extends around each alignment mechanism 14 (as shown in FIG. 13B and 13C), or the like. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, in these embodiments, the shape and/or contour of the coupling portions 30 may determine the shape of the perimeter 86, as will be described in additional detail herein.

[0098] Although not depicted, it should be further appreciated that the housing 12 may include a plurality of coupling portions 30 on the second wall 22 opposite the first wall 20 similar to the plurality of coupling portions 30 on the first wall 20, such that that the housing 12 is symmetrical about the periphery 24 of the housing. Similarly, the plurality of coupling portions 30 may be positioned only on the second wall 22 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] Turning now to FIGS. 14A-16B, it should be appreciated that the protective case 10 may take a variety of different shapes and styles without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In these embodiments, the contour of the protrusions 50 of the plurality of coupling portions 30 may alter the size and/or shape of the protective case 10. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 14A-14C, the protrusions 50 of the plurality of coupling portions 30 may be contoured to be coplanar with the outer surface 28 of the first wall 20 of the housing 12 along a portion of the periphery 53 of the protrusion 50 such that the edge 56 is semicircular in shape. As has been previously noted herein, the protective case 10 may include the plurality of coupling portions 30 on both the first wall 20 and the second wall 22 of the housing 12, such that the housing 12 is symmetrical about the periphery 24 of the housing 12.

[0100] As further depicted in FIGS. 15A-15C, the protrusions 50 of each of the plurality of coupling portions 30 may be contoured to be coplanar with the outer surface 28 of the first wall 20 of the housing 12. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the protrusions 50 may be concealed within the first wall 20. For example, the first wall 20 may be extended outwardly (e.g., in the + z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of FIGS. 15A-15C) from the periphery 24 to define an edge 72 extending around the first wall 20 and each of the protrusions 50 to conceal the protrusions 50. As further depicted in FIGS. 16A-16B, the second wall 22 may be similarly extended outwardly from the periphery 24 (e.g., in the - z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of FIGS. 16A-16B) such that the alternative protective case 70 is symmetrical about the periphery 24. Although the coupling portions 30 that extend from the first wall 20 and the coupling portions that extend from the second wall 22 are depicted as extending equally from the outer surface 28 of the protective case 10, it should be appreciated that each of the coupling portions 30 may extend any distance from the outer surface 28 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] Turning now to FIGS. 17-18B, in some embodiments, the protective case 10 may further include a sleeve liner 96 and a shell 98, where the shell 98 extends fully around the sleeve liner 96 in a circumferential direction. In these embodiments, the shell 98 may be formed of a material having a hardness greater than a hardness of the housing 12, such as a rigid plastic or any other similarly hard material, such that the shell provides additional impact protection for the electronic device. As most clearly depicted in FIG. 18B, the coupling portions 30 of the housing 12 may protrude from the outer surface 28 of the housing 12 such that the coupling portions 30 extend (e.g., in the + z-direction as depicted in the coordinate axes of FIGS. 18A-18B) through cutouts formed in the shell 98. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 may be set in the coupling portions 30 and retained within the coupling portions 30 between the housing 12 and the shell 98. [0102] Referring now to FIG 19A, an illustrative flowchart for a method 1900A of forming the protective case 10 is depicted. The method 1900A may include, at block 1902A, forming the housing 12 of the protective case 10, such that the housing 12 includes a plurality of coupling portions 30, with each of the plurality of coupling portions including a receiving hole 52 and an alignment mechanism cavity 54. As discussed above, the housing 12 may be formed by molding, such as blow molding, or by other similar manufacturing processes. Furthermore, it should be noted that, in some embodiments, the housing 12 may be formed without the receiving holes or alignment mechanism cavity for receiving the alignment mechanism. In these embodiments, the method 1900A may instead include the additional step of forming the holes and cavities in the coupling portions 30 of the housing 12 by, for example, cutting a slit into housing 12.

[0103] Referring still to FIG. 19A, at block 1904A, the method 1900A may include inserting the alignment mechanisms 14 into the alignment mechanism cavities 54 through the receiving holes 52, as depicted at block 1904A. In these embodiments, the method may further include the step of sealing the alignment mechanism cavities to ensure the alignment mechanism 14 is retained therein.

[0104] Turning now to FIG. 19B, an illustrative flowchart for another method 1900B of forming the protective case 10 is depicted. The method 1900B may include, at block 1902B, positioning the alignment mechanisms 14 in a mold for forming the housing 12. In these embodiments, the alignment mechanisms 14 are positioned within the mold such that the alignment mechanisms 14 will be embedded in the housing 12 and arranged to have the case alignment profile 16 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1A-2.

[0105] As further depicted at block 1904B, the method 1900B may include forming the housing 12 around the alignment mechanisms 14 within the mold. When the housing 12 is formed around the alignment mechanisms 14, the alignment mechanisms 14 are embedded within the material of the housing 12.

[0106] Embodiments may be further described with references to the following numbered clauses:

[0107] Clause 1. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising: a housing comprising: at least one wall that defines a cavity, the cavity configured to receive the electronic device; and a plurality of coupling portions positioned on the at least one wall; and a plurality of alignment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of alignment mechanisms arranged to facilitate alignment between the protective case and a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

[0108] Clause 2. The protective case of clause 1, wherein the plurality of coupling portions are positioned on the at least one wall of the housing.

[0109] Clause 3. The protective case of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wall further includes a visual indicator.

[0110] Clause d. The protective case of any of clauses 1-3, wherein each of the plurality of coupling portions comprises: a protrusion extending from the at least one wall; and an alignment mechanism cavity that extends from an inner surface of the at least one wall to an outer surface of the protrusion, the alignment mechanism cavity configured to house one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

[oni] Clause 5. The protective case of any of clauses 1-4, wherein each of the plurality of coupling portions further comprises a rib extending from the inner surface of the at least one wall into the cavity of the housing, such that the rib contacts the electronic device to seal the alignment mechanism cavity against the electronic device.

[0112] Clause 6. The protective case of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the outer surface of each protrusion is coplanar with the outer surface of the at least one wall.

[0113] Clause 7. The protective case of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the outer surface of each protrusion of the plurality of coupling portions is non-coplanar with the outer surface of the at least one wall.

[0114] Clause 8. The protective case of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising a plurality of caps for securing the plurality of alignment mechanisms within the plurality of coupling portions.

[0115] Clause 9. The protective case of any of clauses 1 -8, wherein the plurality of alignment mechanisms include magnets or magnetic material.

[0116] Clause 10. The protective case of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a connector for coupling the protective case to an attachment device. [0117] Clause 11. The protective case of any of clauses 1-10, further comprising a ridge that extends around a periphery of the housing.

[0118] Clause 12. The protective case of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the at least one wall includes an upper portion, the upper portion of the at least one wall being deformable about the ridge between a sealed position and an access position.

[0119] Clause 13. The protective case of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the plurality of coupling portions each define a slot extending through an outer surface of the at least one wall.

[0120] Clause 14. The protective case of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the plurality of coupling portions each include a flexible tab for receiving the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

[0121] Clause 15. The protective case of any of clauses 1-14, further comprising a shell disposed about the at least one wall of the housing in a circumferential direction.

[0122] Clause 16. The protective case of any of clauses 1-15, further comprising a depression formed in the at least one wall, wherein the depression aligns with an input of the electronic device when the protective case and the electronic device are aligned.

[0123] Clause 17. The protective case of any of clauses 1-16, further comprising a secondary slot extending perpendicularly from the slot.

[0124] Clause 18. The protective case of any of clauses 1-17, wherein the secondary slot has a secondary slot width that is smaller than an alignment mechanism width of the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

[0125] Clause 19. The protective case of any of clauses 1-18, further comprising a plurality of feet secured to the plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of feet extending beyond an outer surface of the at least one wall and being configured to receive the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

[0126] Clause 20. The protective case of any of clauses 1-19, wherein the plurality of coupling portions further comprise: a trough extending around a periphery of the at least one wall; and at least one plate for securing the plurality of alignment mechanisms within the trough. [0127] Clause 21. The protective case of any of clauses 1-20, wherein the trough further includes a plurality of dividers configured for receiving at least one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms between each of the plurality of dividers.

[0128] Clause 22. The protective case of any of clauses 1-21, wherein at least one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms is embedded within the at least one wall.

[0129] Clause 23. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising: a housing comprising: a first wall, a second wall, and a periphery extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, the second wall, and the periphery defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic device; and a plurality of coupling portions positioned on at least one of the first wall or the second wall, each of the plurality of coupling portions further comprising: a protrusion extending from the first wall or the second wall; and an alignment mechanism cavity that extends from an inner surface of the first wall or the second wall to an outer surface of the protrusion; and a plurality of alignment mechanisms received by the alignment mechanism cavity of each of the plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of alignment mechanisms arranged to align with a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

[0130] Clause 24. The protective case of clause 23, wherein the plurality of alignment mechanisms include magnets or magnetic material.

[0131] Clause 25. A method of forming a protective case for an electronic device, the method comprising: forming a housing of the protective case utilizing a mold, such that the housing includes one or more cavities; forming a plurality of alignment mechanisms, the plurality of alignment mechanisms being shaped and sized to be received within the one or more cavities formed in the housing; and inserting the plurality of alignment mechanisms into the one or more cavities formed in the housing.

[0132] Clause 26. The method of clause 25, further comprising inserting a cap into the one or more cavities once the plurality of alignment mechanisms are inserted into the one or more cavities to secure the plurality of alignment mechanisms within the one or more cavities.

[0133] Clause 27. The method of clauses 25 or 26, wherein the method step of forming the plurality of alignment mechanisms further includes forming one or more feet around each of the plurality of alignment mechanisms. [0134] Clause 28. The method of any of clauses 25-27, wherein the plurality of alignment mechanisms include a plurality of magnets or magnetic material. As should be understood in view of the foregoing, a protective case is described herein. The protective case includes a plurality of alignment mechanisms (e.g., magnets, magnetic material, or the like) that align a plurality of connection mechanisms of the electronic device with the alignment mechanisms within the protective case. For example, the electronic device may include a plurality of magnets configured for aligning with magnetic material in the alignment mechanisms of the protective case. In these embodiments, aligning the plurality of connection mechanisms of the electronic device relative to the magnetic material alignment mechanisms of the protective may allow an external device to pair with the electronic device and protective case when the protective case and the external device are aligned.

[0135] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The term “or a combination thereof’ means a combination including at least one of the foregoing elements.

[0136] It is noted that the terms "substantially" and "about" may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0137] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising: a housing comprising: at least one wall that defines a cavity, the cavity configured to receive the electronic device; and a plurality of coupling portions positioned on the at least one wall; and a plurality of alignment mechanisms coupled to the plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of alignment mechanisms arranged to facilitate alignment between the protective case and a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of coupling portions are positioned on the at least one wall of the housing.

3. The protective case of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one wall further includes a visual indicator.

4. The protective case of any of claims 1 -3, wherein each of the plurality of coupling portions comprises: a protrusion extending from the at least one wall; and an alignment mechanism cavity that extends from an inner surface of the at least one wall to an outer surface of the protrusion, the alignment mechanism cavity configured to house one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

5. The protective case of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of coupling portions further comprises a rib extending from the inner surface of the at least one wall into the cavity of the housing, such that the rib contacts the electronic device to seal the alignment mechanism cavity against the electronic device.

6. The protective case of claims 3 or 4, wherein the outer surface of each protrusion is coplanar with the outer surface of the at least one wall.

7. The protective case of claim 3 or 4, wherein the outer surface of each protrusion of the plurality of coupling portions is non-coplanar with the outer surface of the at least one wall.

8. The protective case of any of claims 1 -7, further comprising a plurality of caps for securing the plurality of alignment mechanisms within the plurality of coupling portions.

9. The protective case of any of claims 1-8, wherein the plurality of alignment mechanisms include magnets or magnetic material.

10. The protective case of any of claims 1-9, further comprising a connector for coupling the protective case to an attachment device.

11. The protective case of any of claims 1-10, further comprising a ridge that extends around a periphery of the housing.

12. The protective case of claim 11, wherein the at least one wall includes an upper portion, the upper portion of the at least one wall being deformable about the ridge between a sealed position and an access position.

13. The protective case of any of claims 1-12, wherein the plurality of coupling portions each define a slot extending through an outer surface of the at least one wall.

14. The protective case of any of claims 1-13, wherein the plurality of coupling portions each include a flexible tab for receiving the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

15. The protective case of any of claims 1-14, further comprising a shell disposed about the at least one wall of the housing in a circumferential direction.

16. The protective case of any of claims 1-15, further comprising a depression formed in the at least one wall, wherein the depression aligns with an input of the electronic device when the protective case and the electronic device are aligned.

17. The protective case of claim 13, further comprising a secondary slot extending perpendicularly from the slot.

18. The protective case of claim 17, wherein the secondary slot has a secondary slot width that is smaller than an alignment mechanism width of the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

19. The protective case of any of claims 1-18, further comprising a plurality of feet secured to the plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of feet extending beyond an outer surface of the at least one wall and being configured to receive the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

20. The protective case of any of claims 1-19, wherein the plurality of coupling portions further comprise: a trough extending around a periphery of the at least one wall; and at least one plate for securing the plurality of alignment mechanisms within the trough.

21. The protective case of claim 20, wherein the trough further includes a plurality of dividers configured for receiving at least one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms between each of the plurality of dividers.

22. The protective case of any of claims 1-21, wherein at least one of the plurality of alignment mechanisms is embedded within the at least one wall.

23. A protective case for an electronic device, the protective case comprising: a housing comprising: a first wall, a second wall, and a periphery extending between the first wall and the second wall, the first wall, the second wall, and the periphery defining a cavity configured to receive the electronic device; and a plurality of coupling portions positioned on at least one of the first wall or the second wall, each of the plurality of coupling portions further comprising: a protrusion extending from the first wall or the second wall; and an alignment mechanism cavity that extends from an inner surface of the first wall or the second wall to an outer surface of the protrusion; and a plurality of alignment mechanisms received by the alignment mechanism cavity of each of the plurality of coupling portions, the plurality of alignment mechanisms arranged to align with a plurality of connection mechanisms positioned on the electronic device.

24. The protective case of claim 23, wherein the plurality of alignment mechanisms include magnets or magnetic material.

25. A method of forming a protective case for an electronic device, the method comprising: forming a housing of the protective case utilizing a mold, such that the housing includes one or more cavities; forming a plurality of alignment mechanisms, the plurality of alignment mechanisms being shaped and sized to be received within the one or more cavities formed in the housing; and inserting the plurality of alignment mechanisms into the one or more cavities formed in the housing.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising inserting a cap into the one or more cavities once the plurality of alignment mechanisms are inserted into the one or more cavities to secure the plurality of alignment mechanisms within the one or more cavities.

27. The method of claims 25 or 26, wherein the method step of forming the plurality of alignment mechanisms further includes forming one or more feet around each of the plurality of alignment mechanisms.

28. The method of any of claims 25-27, wherein the plurality of alignment mechanisms include a plurality of magnets or magnetic material.