This application incorporates by reference the entirety of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 9,406,913, issued Aug. 2, 2016, and titled BATTERY CASE FOR MOBILE DEVICES; U.S. Pat. No. 9,077,013, issued Jul. 7, 2015, and titled BATTERY PACK, HOLSTER, AND EXTERNDIBLE PROCESSING AND INTERFACE PLATFORM FOR MOBILE DEVICES. The embodiments disclosed herein can use various features disclosed in the documents that are incorporated by reference.
Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to wireless battery cases and/or holsters and, in some cases, to an external wireless battery case and/or holster for mobile electronic devices.
Many mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, digital assistants, mobile communication devices, handheld computing devices, personal music/video/content players and storage devices) are often powered by battery power sources. Such battery power sources are often housed within the mobile device and may be changed and/or recharged as needed. However, as more powerful mobile devices are designed, these tend to consume power more quickly, thereby shortening the time between charges. This tends to limit the usefulness of the mobile device since the user must find a power source to recharge the battery source and wait until it is recharged.
Therefore, the need exists to extend the time between charges of mobile devices and/or continue to power the mobile device even after an internal power source has been depleted.
Certain example embodiments are summarized below for illustrative purposes. The embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations recited herein. Embodiments may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to the embodiments
Some embodiment can relate to a wireless battery case for use with a mobile electronic device. The wireless battery case can include a back wall configured to extend across at least a portion of a back of a mobile electronic device, a top wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a top of the mobile electronic device, a right side wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a right side of the mobile electronic device, a left side wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a left side of the mobile electronic device, a front opening configured such that a display of the mobile electronic device is visible through the front opening, a battery housed within the back wall of the wireless battery case, a wireless receiver coupled to the battery, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the battery. The wireless receiver can be configured to receive wireless signals. The battery is charged in response to the wireless signals. The wireless transmitter can be configured to receive charging signals from the battery and to wirelessly provide wireless signals to the mobile electronic device in response to the charging signals from the battery.
An external interface can be configured to receive a wired connection for charging the battery. The case can be configured to receive the mobile electronic device so that a mobile device interface of the mobile electronic device is exposed. The mobile device interface can be configured to receive a wired connection. A bottom wall can be configured to extend along at least a portion of a bottom end of the mobile electronic device. The bottom wall can be configured such that at least a portion of a bottom of the mobile electronic device is uncovered by the bottom wall so that the mobile device interface is exposed. The wireless receiver can be coupled to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless receiver can provide charging signals directly to the wireless transmitter without first storing the charging signals in the battery when operating in a bypass mode. One or more of the back wall, the top wall, the right side wall, and the left side wall can be flexible such that the mobile electronic device can pass through the front opening and be securely disposed within the wireless case. The wireless case can be configured to house a smartphone, and the wireless case can have an external shape that generally corresponds to an external shape of the smartphone. The wireless battery case can have an upper case portion and a lower case portion, and the upper case portion can be removable from the lower case portion to facilitate insertion of the mobile electronic device into the case and/or to facilitate removal of the mobile electronic device from the case.
Various embodiments can relate to a wireless battery case for use with a mobile electronic device. The wireless battery case can include a back wall configured to extend across at least a portion of a back of a mobile electronic device, a top wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a top of the mobile electronic device, and a bottom wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a bottom end of the mobile electronic device. The bottom wall can include a recess configured to expose a mobile device interface of the mobile electronic device so that the mobile device interface is able to receive a wired connection while the mobile electronic device is in the case. The case can have a right side wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a right side of the mobile electronic device, a left side wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a left side of the mobile electronic device, a front opening configured such that a display of the mobile electronic device is visible through the front opening, a battery (e.g., housed within the back wall of the wireless battery case), a wireless receiver coupled to receive wireless charging signals, a wireless transmitter configured to transmit wireless charging signals, and an external interface configured to receive a wired connection. A first charging mode can receive wireless charging signals through the wireless receiver and can send corresponding wireless charging signals through the wireless transmitter to the mobile electronic device. A second charging mode can receive wireless charging signals through the wireless receiver for charging the battery of the case. A third charging mode receives electrical power via a wired connection to the external interface, and the electrical power is used to transmit wireless charging signals through the wireless transmitter to the mobile electronic device. A fourth charging mode receives electrical power via a wired connection to the external interface, and the electrical power is used to charge the battery of the case. Any combination of the charging modes can be used.
One or more of the back wall, the top wall, the bottom wall, the right side wall, and the left side wall can be flexible such that the mobile electronic device can pass through the front opening and be securely disposed within the wireless case. The wireless case is configured to house a smartphone, and the wireless case can have an external shape that generally corresponds to an external shape of the smartphone. The wireless battery case can have an upper case portion and a lower case portion, and the upper case portion can be removable from the lower case portion to facilitate insertion of the mobile electronic device into the case and/or to facilitate removal of the mobile electronic device from the case.
Various embodiments can relate to a wireless battery case for use with a mobile electronic device. The wireless battery case can include a back wall configured to extend across at least a portion of a back of a mobile electronic device, a top wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a top of the mobile electronic device, and a bottom wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a bottom end of the mobile electronic device. The bottom wall can be configured such that at least a portion of a bottom of the mobile electronic device is uncovered by the bottom wall. The case can have a right side wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a right side of the mobile electronic device, a left side wall configured to extend along at least a portion of a left side of the mobile electronic device, a front opening configured such that a display of the mobile electronic device is visible through the front opening, a battery (e.g., housed within the back wall of the wireless battery case), a wireless receiver coupled to the battery, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the battery. The wireless receiver can be configured to receive wireless signals, and the battery can be charged in response to the wireless signals. The wireless transmitter can be configured to receive charging signals from the battery and to wirelessly provide wireless signals to the mobile electronic device in response to the charging signals from the battery.
The wireless battery case can have an external interface configured to receive a wired connection for charging the battery. The external interface can be configured to provide electrical power to the wireless transmitter. The external interface can be a USB port. The wireless receiver can be configured to provide electrical power to another mobile electronic device. The wireless receiver can be configured to switch between a receiving mode and a transmitting mode. The wireless receiver can be coupled to the wireless transmitter, and the wireless receiver can provide charging signals directly to the wireless transmitter without first storing the charging signals in the battery when operating in a bypass mode. The charging signals can comprise electrical power. The wireless receiver can have a wireless charging receiver coil. The bottom wall can provide access for a wired connector to engage a corresponding interface of the mobile electronic device. One or more of the back wall, the top wall, the bottom wall, the right side wall, and the left side wall can be flexible such that the mobile electronic device can pass through the front opening and be securely disposed within the wireless case. The wireless case can be is configured to house a smartphone, and the wireless case can have an external shape that generally corresponds to an external shape of the smartphone. The wireless battery case can have a charge indicator configured to indicate the charge status of the battery. The charge indicator can have a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The wireless battery case can have an upper case portion and a lower case portion, and the upper case portion can be removable from the lower case portion to facilitate insertion of the mobile electronic device into the case and/or to facilitate removal of the mobile electronic device from the case. The wireless battery case can include vents for cooling an interior of the case.
Certain embodiments will be discussed in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals generally refer to similar features throughout. These figures are provided for illustrative purposes and the embodiments are not limited to the specific implementations illustrated in the figures.
In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure inventive aspects of the disclosure.
Various embodiments provide wireless battery cases shaped to conform to the external shape of a mobile device, thereby providing a permanent or long-term replacement power source without significantly affecting the size and usability of the mobile device.
According to one feature, the wireless battery case may provide recharge power to the mobile device while also providing an external signaling and/or charging interface to the mobile device. This way, the mobile device need not be removed from the wireless battery case in order to charge it or to communicate with an external device (e.g., to provide or receive data, such as for synchronization, etc.).
According to yet another feature, the wireless battery case may include one or more different types of communication interfaces to extend the communication capabilities of the mobile device. This allows the mobile device to communicate via other interfaces that may not be built into the mobile device.
According to yet another feature, the wireless battery case may include one or more processors to extend the processing capabilities of the wireless battery case. For instance, the one or more processors may increase the processing capabilities of the wireless battery case and/or provide purpose-specific processors. That is, the interface between the wireless battery case and mobile device may allow the mobile device to use the one or more processors to execute application on the wireless battery case. Now that such applications may, in some instances, continue to operate even if the mobile device is detached from the wireless battery case.
According to yet another feature, the wireless battery case may utilize wireless charging, and can include an inductive recharging device or a near-distance recharging device so that its power cells may be recharged without actually physically plugging it to a recharge power source.
Wireless Battery Case
As shown in
The case 100 can have an external shape that generally corresponds to the external shape of the mobile device 120. Accordingly, a case 100 designed for use with a smartphone can have an external shape that generally corresponds to the external shape of the smartphone. Accordingly, the case 100 with the smartphone therein can be used in the same manner as the smartphone without the case 100. For example, the case 100 with the smartphone therein can be placed in a user's pocket, can be held in a single hand with the thumb operating the touchscreen, can comfortably be held to the user's face when talking on the phone, etc. The case 100 can provide protection to the mobile device 120 that is disposed therein.
The wireless battery case 100 has a battery 140 (e.g., an integrated rechargeable power cell) capable of providing power to operate and/or recharge a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, handheld computer, etc.). The wireless battery case 100 can further include a wireless receiver 124 and a wireless transmitter 128. In
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
The wireless receiver 124 can be configured to receive wireless signals, such as inductive charging signals for charging the battery 140 and/or mobile electronic device 120 or data transfer (e.g., via electrical circuitry 125). For example, wireless charging signals can be received by the wireless receiver 124 via magnetic/electromagnetic fields provided by the wireless charger 130 (e.g., through magnetic resonance, inductive power transfer, or any other suitable kind of wireless signal transfer).
In some embodiments, the wireless receiver 124 is a wireless antenna, such as a coil antenna. As a non-limiting example, the base transmitter 134 can comprise a transmitter circuit and a transmitter antenna (e.g., a coil). The transmitter circuit can send alternating current to the transmitter coil. The alternating current flowing within the transmitter coil can create a magnetic field, which can extend to a receiver coil (e.g., of wireless receiver 124 when the case 100 is within a threshold distance from the wireless charger 130). The magnetic field can generate alternating current within a coil of the wireless receiver 124, which in some implementations can be converted into direct current (e.g., by an AC-DC converter in the other circuitry 125) for storage in the battery 140. The power stored in the battery 140 may be converted into alternating current and transmitted to the wireless transmitter 128 where it can be used to create a magnetic field, which can extend to the mobile receiver 131. In some embodiments, the current generated in the wireless receiver 124 may remain alternating current and travel directly to the wireless transmitter 128, bypassing the battery 140. In some embodiments, a single coil is used for both the wireless receiver 124 and the wireless transmitter 128. The single coil can be configured to toggle between a receiving mode (e.g., to charge the battery 140) and a transmitting mode (e.g., to charge the mobile device 120).
In some embodiments, the wireless receiver 124 can be configured to operate in a receiving mode or a transmitting mode. When in the receiving mode, the wireless receiver 124 can operate in a similar fashion as described above. However, when operating in the transmitting mode, the wireless receiver 124 can be configured to generate a magnetic field using current drawn from the battery 140 and/or the external interface 108 (e.g., which can be a port for receiving electricity via a wire). The generated magnetic field can then be used to induce a current in a corresponding device that is proximate the rearward side of the back wall 102 of the wireless battery case 100. In this manner, the wireless battery case 100 can provide wireless signals to two mobile devices. For example, signals can be sent from the battery 140 both to the wireless transmitter 128 (e.g., in order to charge the mobile device 120) and to the wireless receiver 124 in the transmitting mode (e.g., in order to charge a corresponding device that is proximate the rearward side of the back wall 102). In some embodiments, the case 100 can be configured to prevent simultaneous transmission of wireless signals by both the wireless transmitter 128 and the wireless receiver 124 in transmitting mode, such as to avoid overheating. In some embodiments, the wireless transmitter 128 and the wireless receiver 124 in transmitting mode can operate simultaneously, such as for charging two devices at the same time. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor can be used, and the case 100 can be configured to enable and/or disable simultaneous dual charging based at least in part on the measured temperature (e.g., of the case 100). For example, when the measured temperature is over a threshold, the case 100 can disable simultaneous dual charging, and when the measured temperature is below a threshold, the case can enable simultaneous dual charging.
In some embodiments, the wireless receiver/transmitter 124 and/or the wireless receiver/transmitter 128 can be configured to transfer data to and/or from an external computing device and the mobile electronic device 120 while the mobile electronic device 120 is in the case 100. Accordingly, the mobile electronic device 120 can use the wireless receiver/transmitter 124 and/or the wireless transmitter/receiver 128 of the case 100 to wirelessly sync with, or otherwise communicate with, an external computing device while in the case 100. Thus, in some embodiments, the wireless receiver/transmitter 124 of the case 100 can be used for receiving and/or transmitting wireless data signals (e.g., for data communication with an external computing device) in addition to, or instead of, receiving wireless charging signals. For example, the external computing device can have features similar to those discussed in connection with the wireless charger 130, wherein a transmitter/receiver (e.g., an antenna) is configured to wirelessly send and/or receive data to and/or from the wireless receiver/transmitter 124 of the case 100. The external computing device can have a hardware processor and computer readable memory for sending and/or receiving data to and/or from the transmitter/receiver 134 for communicating with the mobile device 120 through the case 100. In some embodiments, the base or charger 130 can connect with the external computing device (e.g., via a wired or wireless data connection). The base or charger 130 can then wirelessly provide the data communication with the wireless receiver/transmitter 124, such as by using the base transmitter/receiver 134. Data can be transferred between the wireless receiver/transmitter 124 and the wireless transmitter/receiver 128 via electrical circuitry 125 such that the data can be transferred to and/or from the mobile electronic device 120 via the wireless transmitter/receiver 128. Data from the mobile electronic device 120 can be transferred wirelessly to the transmitter/receiver 128, then the data can be transferred to the receiver/transmitter 124 (e.g., via circuitry 125), then the data can be transmitted wirelessly by the wireless receiver/transmitter 124 to an external computing device, such as the wireless charger 130, a computer (not shown), etc. The data communication can be to two-way data communication, or the case 100 can be configured to provide only one-way data communication, either from the mobile electronic device, through the case, to an external device, or from an external device, through the case, to the mobile electronic device that is in the case. In some embodiments, the data can be communicated (wirelessly or by a wired connection) from and/or to the mobile electronic device directly to and/or from the external computing device. The wireless transmitters and receivers discussed herein can be used for both receiving and transmitting data and/or charging signals.
In some embodiments, the case 100 can include an external interface 108, which can be a port configured to receive a wired connection, such as for receiving electricity for charging the battery 140 and/or powering the mobile electronic device 120. In some cases, the external interface 108 can be used for data communication to and/or from the mobile electronic device 120. For example, the mobile electronic device 120 can wirelessly send and/or receive data via the wireless transmitter/receiver 128, and that data can be transferred between the wireless transmitter/receiver 128 and the external interface 108 (e.g., via the circuitry 125), so that an external computing device can send and/or receive the data via a wired connection to the external interface 108. Accordingly, data can be transferred through the case using both wireless and wired communication types, in some embodiments.
As shown in
With reference to
The upper case portion 101 can be removed from the lower case portion 103 to facilitate inserting of the mobile device into the case 100 and/or removal of the mobile device from the case 100. The side walls of the case 100 can be sufficiently rigid so that the mobile device would not be easy to insert through the front opening of the case. The upper portion 101 can be removed, and the mobile device can be slide into the lower portion 103. The mobile device can be inserted between the right side wall 110 and the left side wall 112, and slide downwards toward the lower wall 107. Once the mobile device is seated in the case 100, the upper case portion 101 can be attached to the lower case portion 103 to encase the mobile device in the case 100. For removal, the upper case portion 101 can be detached, and the mobile device can be slid upward until the mobile device clears the right side wall 110 and the left side wall 112.
With reference to
With reference to
Wireless Battery Attachment
In some embodiments, the case 510 can be configured to couple with the wireless battery attachment 500. The case 510 can include a coupler 520, such as one or more magnets and/or magnetic materials (e.g., iron or other magnetic metal) to facilitate alignment with the wireless battery attachment 500. For example, the case 510 may also include one or more magnets, such that when the case 510 is placed within magnetic range of the wireless battery attachment 500, the one or more magnets in the case 510 are pulled towards and/or aligned with one or more magnets in the wireless battery attachment 500. The wireless battery attachment 500 may be configured to be attached to one or more external sides of the case 510, such as the back side thereof. The case 510 and/or the wireless battery attachment 500 can use a magnetic material (e.g., iron or another magnetic metal) instead of the magnets, for coupling.
The wireless battery attachment 500 and/or the case 510 can have features similar to the wireless battery case 100, and the features described in connection with the wireless battery case 100 can apply to the wireless battery attachment 500 and/or the case 510. For example, when the wireless battery attachment 500 and the case 510 are coupled, they can operate in the same manner and have the same features discussed in connection with the wireless battery case 100. However, in some embodiments the wireless battery case 100 can be a single piece unit, whereas the wireless battery attachment 500 can be removed from the case 510. For example, if a user wants the protection of the case but does not need additional battery capacity, the user can use the case 510 only, without the wireless battery attachment 500. This can result in a smaller (e.g., thinner) assembly, as compared to the case 100. If at a different time that user wants both the protection and added battery capacity, the user can couple the wireless battery attachment 500 to the case 510. Accordingly, the user can transition the system between a simple case that does not have the added bulk and weight of the supplemental battery 140, and a case that includes the supplemental battery 140 for additional battery capacity, without removing the electronic device from the case 510.
The wireless battery attachment 500 can include a battery 140, wireless receiver 124, and wireless transmitter 128, similar to the wireless battery case 100 discussed herein. These components can operate in a similar fashion as described above with reference to the wireless battery case 100. In some embodiments, the wireless battery attachment 500 may comprise a coupling element 529, such as one or more magnets, which can operate in connection with the coupler 520 of the case 510. The wireless battery attachment 500 can also include a coupler 129 (e.g., one or more magnets) for coupling with coupler 136 of the wireless charger 130 in substantially the same manner that the wireless battery case 100 is coupled to the wireless charger, as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the same coupler can operate as the coupler 129 and also the coupler 529 on the battery attachment 500, such as one or more magnets that produce a sufficient magnetic field on the front side and the back side of the battery attachment 500. In some embodiments, the magnets on the battery attachment 500 are configured to operate with corresponding magnets in the case 510 in order to facilitate proper positioning and/or alignment of the wireless transmitter 128 and the mobile receiver 131, such as to provide, improve, or optimize wireless charging capabilities. Such positioning and/or alignment may facilitate proper coupling of the wireless battery attachment 500 with the case 510 and thereby with the mobile device 120 (e.g., to enable, improve, or optimize communication between the wireless transmitter 128 and the mobile receiver 131). Respective wireless charging input and/or output interfaces in the mobile device 120 and the wireless battery attachment 500 (e.g., the wireless transmitter 128 and the wireless receiver 131) may be positioned such that when the one or more magnets of the case 510 align with the one or more magnets of the wireless battery attachment 500, the wireless input/output interfaces may also be aligned and/or otherwise in sufficiently close proximity to enable, improve, or optimize wireless transfer of electrical power (e.g., from the wireless battery attachment 100 to the mobile device 120).
In some embodiments, the wireless battery attachment 500 can include a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the mobile device 120 and/or the case 510. For instance, the wireless battery attachment 500 can include a camera opening 518 positioned (e.g., through a back wall 502) to align with a camera and/or camera flash on the mobile electronic device 120 so that the camera of the mobile electronic device 120 can operate while the wireless battery attachment 500 is attached to the case 510. The camera opening 518 can be configured to align with a camera opening on the case 510 when the battery attachment 500 is coupled to the case 510. The front of the battery attachment 500 can have a contour that matches the contour of the back side of the case 510. In some cases, the battery attachment 500 can have a footprint area (when viewed from the back) that is smaller than the footprint area of the case 510 (e.g., see
In some cases, the battery attachment 500 can be configured to be used with the mobile device 120 without the case 510, as well as with the mobile device 120 when in the case 510. For example, the battery attachment 500 can be coupled directly to the mobile electronic device 120 (e.g., onto the back side thereof). The case 510 can be omitted, and the battery attachment 500 can be used directly with electronic devices for wireless charging. In some cases, the mobile device 120 can have a coupler (e.g., one or more magnet, pieces of magnetic material (e.g., containing iron)) which can couple to the coupler 529 on the battery attachment 500 to position and/or orient the wireless transmitter 128 of the battery attachment 500 relative to the wireless receiver 131 of the mobile device for transfer of wireless signals (e.g., for charging). In some embodiments, the coupler 520 on the case 510 can be omitted, and a coupler on the mobile device 120 (e.g., similar to the coupler 520) can operate to couple the battery attachment 500 to the mobile device 120 and case 510. The coupler on the mobile device 120 can be configured to function while the case 510 is on the mobile device 120. For example, the back wall of the case 510 can be sufficiently thin and of appropriate material to permit the magnetism of the couplers to operate through the back wall of the case 510. Also, the back wall of the case 510 can be configured (e.g., sufficiently thin and of an appropriate material) so that the wireless signals can be transmitted through the back wall of the case 510 (e.g., for charging or data transfer). The coupler 520 can be configured similarly to the coupler (not shown) on the mobile device 120, so that the battery attachment 500 can be selectively coupled to either the case 510 or the mobile device directly. In some embodiments, the back of the case 510 can have a contour similar to the back of the mobile device 120, such as so that the front contour of the battery attachment 500 can sit flush against either the case 510 or the mobile device 120 directly. In some embodiments, the wireless battery attachment 500 is configured to couple directly to the mobile device 120. For instance, the couplers 529 of the wireless battery attachment 500 can be configured to couple directly to the mobile device 120. In some cases, the case 510 can be omitted.
Many alternatives for coupling wireless battery attachment 500 to the case 510 and/or to the mobile device 120 are possible. In some embodiments, the couplers 529, 520 may be a latching or clipping mechanisms configured to secure the case 510 to the wireless battery attachment 500 in a proper orientation. In some embodiments, the shape or design of the wireless battery attachment 500 and/or the case 510 may encourage a user to join the case 510 and the wireless battery attachment 500 in a proper orientation for coupling and also for transfer of wireless signals.
With reference to
In some embodiments, the battery attachment 500 can have one or more suction elements for coupling the battery attachment 500 to the case 510 and/or directly to the mobile device 120. The battery attachment 500 can have one or more suction cups on the front surface thereof, which can suction against a back side of the case 510 or mobile device 120. The battery attachment 500 can have microsuction elements 531, such as microsuction tape, on a front surface thereof, which can suction against a back side of the case 510 or mobile device 120. The microsuction elements can have many craters (e.g., surface bubbles) formed in a deformable base material, so that pressing the material against a surface pushes air out of the craters. The craters can act as miniature suction cups.
In some cases, the wireless battery attachment 500 can include a recess 514 in a bottom wall configured such that a bottom of the mobile device 120 is not covered when the wireless battery attachment is coupled to the case 510. The recess 514 can allow for access to the bottom of the mobile device 120. In some cases, the battery attachment 500 does not have a recess 514. For example, the battery attachment 500, in some cases, does not have a bottom wall that would impede access to the bottom of the mobile device 120.
In some embodiments, the battery 140 of the wireless battery attachment 500 can be charged by a wired connection (e.g., via an electrical port of interface 108) or wireless connection (e.g., using a wireless charger 130). The battery attachment 500 can have another coupler 129 on the back side, which can be used to couple the battery attachment 500 to the charger 130, similar to the discussion herein. The battery attachment 500 can be charged while separated from the mobile device 120 and/or the case 510. Accordingly, the user can decouple the battery attachment 500 from the mobile device 120 and/or the case 510 and can continue to use the mobile device 120 and/or the case 510 while the battery attachment 500 is charging. Multiple battery attachments 500 can be used to further extend the use of the mobile electronic device 120 without needing to immobilize the mobile electronic device 120. For example, a user can use a first battery attachment 500 coupled to the mobile electronic device 120 while a second battery attachment 500 is charging (e.g., plugged into a power outlet or sitting on a base charger). When the charge of the first battery attachment is low or depleted, the user can merely decouple the first battery attachment 500 replace it with the second battery attachment 500. Then the first battery attachment 500 can optionally be charged while the second battery attachment 500 is being used with the mobile electronic device 120.
Data communication can be relayed through the battery attachment 500 similar to the disclosure herein relating to data communication through the battery case 100. The wireless receiver 124 and the wireless transmitter 128 can both be wireless transmitters/receivers, which can both send and receive wireless signals (e.g., for transferring data or electrical power). In some cases, the battery attachment 500 can output charging signals to two devices (e.g., at the same time), such as by using both the wireless transmitter 124 and the wireless transmitter 128 to output charging signals.
Various embodiments disclosed herein can enable the mobile device 120 and the supplemental battery 140 to be charged at the same time (e.g., via different charging sources). For example, the phone can be charged via a wired connection to the mobile device interface 121 while the supplemental battery 140 is charged via a wired connection to the external interface 108 and/or via wireless charging signals, which can be received by the wireless receiver 124. The phone can be charged wirelessly using signals received by the wireless receiver 124, relayed to the wireless transmitter 128, and delivered to the mobile device 120 (e.g., bypassing the supplemental battery 140), and the supplemental battery 140 can be charged via a wired connection at the external interface 108. In some cases, charging signals can be received via a wired connection at the interface 108, then transmitted to the mobile device 120 using the wireless transmitter 128, for charging the mobile device 120 (e.g., bypassing the supplemental battery 140), and the supplemental battery 140 can be charged using wireless charging signals received via the wireless receiver 124. Charging the mobile device 120 and the supplemental battery 140 using different charging channels or different power sources can enable the mobile device 120 and/or the supplemental battery 140 to be charged more quickly than if a single power source or channel were split between charging both the mobile device 120 (e.g., battery 123) and the supplemental battery 140.
Various embodiments disclosed herein can enable data communication while charging. For example, data can be transferred to or from the mobile device via the mobile device interface 121, and the mobile device 120 can be charged or powered wirelessly via the wireless transmitter 128, and/or the supplemental battery 140 can be charged via the external interface 108. Accordingly, music videos or other media can be streamed from the mobile device 120 (e.g., via a wired connection), while it is being charged or powered wirelessly. Also, the mobile device interface 121 can be used for headphones, speakers, etc. while the mobile device 120 is being charged or powered wirelessly.
The wireless receiver/transmitter 124 and the wireless transmitter/receiver 128 can be positioned at various different suitable locations. For example, they can be offset as shown in
The couplers disclosed herein can include one or more magnets and/or one or more magnetic materials (e.g., a metal such as including iron). In some cases, the couplers can include magnets of alternating polarity, which can facilitate proper orientation of the antennas. In some cases, the coupler can include a charge-positioning ring, as can be seen in certain figures disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a visible ring or other shape can be seen on the outside of the case or charger (e.g., as can be seen in
In some embodiments, the supplemental battery 140, circuitry 125, wireless transmitter 128, and wireless receiver 124 can be positioned behind the mobile device 120, such as contained within the footprint area of the mobile electronic device 120. The mobile electronic device 120 (or the opening 118 or 540) can fill about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 92%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% of the footprint of the case 100 or 510. Some battery cases have an internal interface that engages the mobile device interface 121, so that at least some circuitry is disposed under the bottom side of the mobile electronic device. The battery cases can include a “chin” area at the bottom. That area can also include channels for delivering sound to or from the one or more speakers or microphones. The embodiments that omit the “chin” area can enable the cases to be smaller with a larger percentage of the front area occupied by the mobile device 120 (e.g., by the display).
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” “include,” “including,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” The words “coupled” or connected,” as generally used herein, refer to two or more elements that can be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number can also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The words “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, is intended to cover all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. All numerical values provided herein are intended to include similar values within a range of measurement error.
Although this disclosure contains certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus, it is intended that the scope should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.
Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. Any headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope.
Further, while the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, this disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an implementation or embodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication.
The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 3.5 mm” includes “3.5 mm.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, “substantially constant” includes “constant.” Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions including ambient temperature and pressure.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/754,469, filed Nov. 1, 2018, and titled BATTERY CASE FOR WIRELESS CHARGING OF MOBILE DEVICES and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/789,413, filed Jan. 7, 2019, and titled BATTERY CASE FOR WIRELESS CHARGING OF MOBILE DEVICES, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62754469 | Nov 2018 | US | |
62789413 | Jan 2019 | US |