Abstract:
A charging case or system for an electronic device case, having a protective housing capable of aesthetic alteration, includes a replaceable and customizable shell and a rechargeable battery unit. A plurality of shells may have different images thereon and can be interchanged in a continuous sidewall portion to alter the look of the case. The shell images may include various colors, pictures, designs, logos, or even text.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/660,147, titled “Electronic Device Case With Changeable Panel” filed on Oct. 25, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Design application Ser. No. 29/431,945, filed on Sep. 12, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent Design application Ser. No. 29/417,069, filed on Mar. 29, 2012. Each of the priority documents is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to charging and protection devices and/or systems for electronic devices such as, for example, a smart phone, a gaming device, a tablet or the like. Specifically, the invention relates to customizable devices for providing extra charging power and protection for an electronic device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Mobile phone cases have very quickly blossomed into a multi-billion dollar industry. With each new entry into the field, phone cases become lighter, stronger, more colorful, and even more securable. Many phone case designers and manufacturers have focused on the primary purpose of a phone case—i.e., to protect the phone within—sacrificing aesthetics in some instances. In fact, the protective phone case has become such a necessary component of the phone itself, case manufacturers are often given new phone details well-ahead of the general public so that such cases are available as soon as a new phone reaches store shelves. 
         [0004]    However, other than some minor aesthetic differences, phone case providers have been unable to point to any meaningful improvements or advantages they provide over cases made by other manufacturers. As a result, purchases of phone cases are typically made based on aesthetic appeal alone. Further, because the aesthetic quality is such an important factor, it is not uncommon for some users to have more than one phone case for much the same reason that they might have more than one pair of shoes. 
         [0005]    But purchasing two, three or even more protective cases for any portable electronic device is cost prohibitive for many. Also, even where cost may not be an issue, the bulkiness of having several unused device cases can be a problem. As fads and fashion change, or as people change, the desire for another different protective case may be created. The solution to these problems has been missed by prior case designers and manufacturers. 
         [0006]    Further, while battery life is improving on many electronic devices, use of such devices is also seemingly on the rise. Despite even the best efforts to keep a device&#39;s battery charged, many users run into the problem of a low battery. In some devices (e.g., Apple&#39;s iPhone line), carrying spare batteries is not an option, as the battery is sealed within the device. This fact raises the need for vigilance in maintaining a charged battery. However, providing security in this area has never been a focus of protective cases. 
         [0007]    Until the invention of the present application, many case manufacturers have stayed with adding new designs and new features by creating an entirely new case. The present invention solves these and other problems which went either unnoticed, ignored or unsolved by those skilled in the art. The present invention provides a case design which is capable of being changed repeatedly by a user without sacrificing portability, functionality or affordability. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    There is disclosed herein an improved protective case, that is, a customizable protective case system for an electronic device which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional aesthetic and operating advantages, such as extra battery power. 
         [0009]    Generally speaking, the protective case for an electronic device comprises a battery unit comprising a rechargeable battery electronically coupled to male and female charging ports, and a customizable case for concealing the battery unit and for protecting an enclosed electronic device. The case is preferably comprised of a primary shell, which attaches to the panel of the battery unit and a continuous sidewall for surrounding the periphery of the electronic device and the shell. A plurality of openings may be defined in the sidewall for permitting access to ports or control buttons on the electronic device. The sidewall also includes a front edge and a back edge which provide the ability to secure the shell and the electronic device. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the removable primary shell is configured to fit within an open area defined by the continuous sidewall and a retaining groove is formed in the periphery of the back edge of the continuous sidewall to engage a ridge or flange formed about the periphery of the shell. 
         [0011]    In a system embodiment of the invention, a plurality of the shells may be used to periodically alter the aesthetic look of the protective case by changing shells based on an image on each. The image on each shell may be different colors, photos, designs, logos, and even text, such as a favorite poem or quote. 
         [0012]    Further, it is an aspect of the various embodiments that connection of an electronic device to the charging case will result in charging of the battery within the electronic device from the battery within the battery unit of the case. Use of the female charging port with a compatible electric cord results in charging of the rechargeable battery attached to the case. 
         [0013]    These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a case made in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a front (inside) view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is another side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a case made in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a back view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a front (inside) view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are side views of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the charging case described in the present disclosure; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a front view of an embodiment of the charging case described in the present disclosure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a back view of an embodiment of the shell of the disclosed charging case showing the camera lens and flash opening; 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a back view of a charging port opening defined in the shell of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is a partial close-up view of the shell of  FIG. 18  showing the peripheral groove; 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed battery unit; 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a partial view of the battery unit of  FIG. 21  showing snap connectors used to connect to the shell; 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  is a view of the battery unit of  FIG. 21  showing a male charging plug; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 24 and 25  are partial close-up views of an embodiment of the disclosed continuous sidewall showing a peripheral retaining ridge and retaining flange; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 26  is a front view showing an embodiment of the shell interior side-by-side with an embodiment of the panel of the battery unit. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0039]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-15 , there are illustrated embodiments of a protective case, generally designated by the numerals  10  and  110 . The particular illustrated cases  10  ( FIGS. 1-7  and  15 ) and  110  ( FIGS. 8-14 ) are for an Apple® iPhone 4/4S and an iPhone 5, respectively. In fact, while all the embodiments illustrated are directed to iPhones, it should be understood that the principles of the invention can be more broadly applied to most any smart phone, as well as other types of portable electronic devices such as gaming consoles (e.g., Gameboy), tablets (e.g., iPad) and the like, as long as a protective case is useful. 
         [0041]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 1-7 , the case  10  is comprised of a continuous outer sidewall  12  and a back panel  14 . The sidewall  12  is designed to fit about the periphery of an electronic device (not shown) in a protective manner and holding in place the back panel  14 , which also protects the secured device. Numerous openings  16  may be defined within the sidewall  12  to align with any ports, speakers, microphones, switches or buttons on the device used to operate or interact with the electronic device. Alternatively, integral button areas  122  (See  FIG. 8 ) may be provided in the sidewall  12  which interact with a corresponding component on the device (e.g., a volume toggle button). The sidewall  12  defines an open area  20  into which the electronic device will be positioned. 
         [0042]    The sidewall  12  has both a front edge  24  and a back edge  26 . In an alternate embodiment, the sidewall  12  is comprised of two parts. These may be a front and back portion or a top and bottom portion. The two parts would preferably snap or friction fit together to form the entirety of the sidewall  12 . 
         [0043]    A front portion  30  including the front edge  24  and a back portion  32  including the back edge  26  would allow the electronic device to be sandwiched between the two portions when assembled. A retaining flange  34  preferably extends from each of the front and back edges,  24  and  26 , to provide securing both the device and the back panel  14  within the open area  20  of the sidewall  12 . 
         [0044]      FIGS. 8-14  illustrate a case  110  very similar to the case  10  of  FIGS. 1-7 . The case  110  is comprised of a continuous outer sidewall  112  and a back panel  114 . The sidewall  112  is designed to fit about the periphery of an electronic device (not shown) in a protective manner and holding in place the back panel  114 , which also protects the secured device. Numerous openings  116  may be defined within the sidewall  112  to align with any ports, speakers, microphones, switches or buttons on the device used to operate or interact with the electronic device. An integral button area  122  is provided in the sidewall  112  which interact with a corresponding component on the device (e.g., a volume toggle button). The sidewall  112  defines an open area  120  into which the electronic device will be positioned. 
         [0045]    The sidewall  112  has both a front edge  124  and a back edge  126 . In an alternate embodiment, the sidewall  112  is comprised of two parts. These may be a front and back portion or a top and bottom portion. The two parts would preferably snap or friction fit together to form the entirety of the sidewall  112 . 
         [0046]    The back panel  14  (or  114 ) is basically a flat, rectangular shaped panel which may include various degrees of cushioning and/or rigid material (preferably layered) to protect an enclosed device. Openings  118 , such as for a phone camera, may be provided within the back panel  14 / 114 . Further, each panel  14 / 114  may include an aesthetic image, such as color(s), picture, design, logo, or even text. The image may be customizable for the particular user, if desired. To change the look of the case  10 / 110 , the user need only remove the electronic device, change-out the existing panel with a newer panel and replace the device.  FIG. 15  illustrates the removed panel  14 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16-26 , an embodiment of a charging case is illustrated. The charging case  210  has all the interchangeability, customization and replaceability features of the above disclosed embodiments. Some of these features and benefits may not be repeated in the following description of case  210 , but are nonetheless applicable. 
         [0048]    As can be seen, the case  210  is comprised of a shell  214 , a battery unit  230  and a continuous sidewall  212 . The battery unit  230  snaps into the shell  214  and the shell and battery unit assembly is then snapped into the continuous sidewall  212  to form the desired protective/charging case  210 . 
         [0049]    The shell  214  is preferably formed of a thermoform plastic, particularly a strong impact resistant plastic, but may be made from numerous other materials, if desired. The shell  210  has an outer back surface  240 , an inner front surface  242 , and a peripheral edge including a groove  244 . The outermost edge of the shell  214  may extend outward to further facilitate engagement with the continuous sidewall  212 , as will be explained below. The inner front surface  242  includes a plurality of snap-fit components  250  for detachable attachment to the battery unit  230 . The shell  214  may also include openings  252 , for example, a charging port opening  252   a  and a camera lens/flash opening  252   b,  to facilitate operation of an encased electronic device. The camera lens/flash opening  252   b  is defined in the shell  214  by an oval sidewall  254  which slopes outwardly, especially along the thicker bottom area of the opening  252   b,  so as not inhibit the camera lens or create a “bounce-back” reflection from the camera flash. 
         [0050]    The battery unit  230  is comprised of a support panel  232  having corresponding snap-fit components on an inner surface to facilitate connection to the shell  214 . On the inner surface of the support panel  232  is also attached a rechargeable battery  234 . The battery  234  is electrically coupled to both an input charging port  255  and an output charging plug  256 . An intermediate PC board  258 , know in the art, manages inputting and outputting power from the rechargeable battery  234 . 
         [0051]    The continuous sidewall  212  is substantially as described above. It may be comprised of one or two sections and is configured to attach about the periphery of the shell  214 , including any electronic device seated thereon. A retaining ridge  260  is formed about the periphery of a front edge of the sidewall  212  to secure an electronic device. Likewise, a flange  262  is formed about the periphery of the back edge of the sidewall  212  to engage the groove  244  of the shell  212 . Openings in the sidewall  216  may be provided to correspond with buttons (e.g., volume, power, etc.) on a specific electronic device. 
         [0052]    In use, an electronic device (not shown) is first positioned to engage the male charging plug  256  of the battery unit  230 . The shell  214  may then be snapped onto the battery unit  230  to conceal the battery  234 . Then, the continuous sidewall  212  is mounted about the periphery of the electronic device and shell  214 , being sure to properly engage the flange  262  and groove  244  and making sure the retaining flange  260  is abutted to the electronic device and all buttons and corresponding opening align. With the two piece continuous sidewall, the rear portion of the sidewall would be attached from the shell side of the assembly, while the front portion of the sidewall would be attached from the electronic device side of the assembly. The two portions would then snap-fit (or otherwise connect) to secure the device and shell in place. 
         [0053]    As the shell  214  is capable of being customized by adding colors, pictures, etc., the entire look of the case  210  may be altered by merely changing the shell  214 . Accordingly, the disclosed charging case  210  may be packaged as a system including a plurality of differently colored/decorated shells. A user may simple store unused shells until needed. This provides a significant cost savings to consumers who wish to have multiple phone cases, as the shell  214  is relatively inexpensive to mold compared to other components of the case  210 . 
         [0054]    The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.