Abstract:
An apparatus comprising a connector, at least one cover member, and at least one wireless charging antenna is provided. The connector is configured to interface with at least a charging connector of a mobile device, and the at least one cover member is configured to extend away from the mobile device in an opened configuration. The at least one wireless charging antenna is physically coupled to the cover member and electrically coupled to the connector. The charging antenna is configured to receive a wireless transmission of electricity and to deliver the electricity via the connector to charge or power the mobile device.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present specification relates to mobile device covers, and more specifically, to removable covers that facilitate wireless charging of a mobile device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Wireless charging of mobile devices is convenient. Mobile devices, such as cellular phones and tablets, are increasingly being designed for wireless charging. The wireless charge receiving capability is typically integrated into the back of the device housing, e.g., the battery cover. Wireless charging involves close contact of the back side, e.g., within a few millimeters of a wireless charger. Typically, the mobile device is placed, backside down, directly on the charger. 
         [0003]    However, users frequently protect these mobile devices with removable covers that inhibit wireless charging due to the thickness of the covers or the angles at which the devices are being used. For example, foldable covers support a device at a fixed angle position to facilitate use such as watching videos or typing. These fixed angle positions hold the back sides of the devices away from a wireless charger placed on a table or other flat surface. The distance from the charge receiver to the charge transmitter is further increased by the thickness of most device covers. If the cover involves materials, such as metals, between the wireless transmitter and receiver, charging will be blocked regardless of the cover&#39;s thickness. Thus, protecting a mobile device with a cover inhibits wirelessly charging a device with such integrated capabilities. 
         [0004]    In addition, devices that do not have integrated wireless charging capabilities would benefit from this additional option. The growing infrastructure supporting wireless charging (e.g., increased availability of wireless chargers, public wireless hotspots) could also support legacy devices lacking integrated wireless charging capabilities. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present specification discloses a method, system, and apparatus for wirelessly charging a mobile device. 
         [0006]    In an example embodiment, an apparatus comprises a connector configured to interface with at least a charging connector of a mobile device and at least one cover member configured to extend away from the mobile device in an opened configuration. The apparatus further comprises at least one wireless charging antenna physically coupled to the cover member and electrically coupled to the connector. The charging antenna is configured to receive a wireless transmission of electricity and to deliver the electricity via the connector to charge or power the mobile device. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a connector configured to interface with at least a charging connector of a mobile device and at least one cover member. The apparatus further comprises at least one wireless charging antenna physically coupled to the cover member and electrically coupled to the connector. The charging antenna is configured to receive a wireless transmission of electricity and to deliver the electricity via the connector to charge or power the mobile device. 
         [0008]    Another example embodiment is directed to a method that comprises attaching a cover to a mobile device to electrically couple at least one wireless charging antenna of the cover to a charging connector of the mobile device. The cover is deployed to an opened configuration, and at least one member of the cover is placed proximate a charger that wirelessly provides electricity to the wireless charging antenna. In response thereto, the electricity is delivered to the mobile device to power or charge the mobile device. 
         [0009]    The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation. For a better understanding of variations and advantages, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, which illustrate and describe representative embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    In the following diagrams, the same reference numbers may be used to identify similar/same components in multiple figures. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 1-2  are perspective views of a mobile device and cover according to example embodiments; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 3-5  are perspective views of a folded cover wirelessly charging a mobile device in accordance with example embodiments; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6-7A  are perspective views of a cover wirelessly charging a mobile device in accordance with example embodiments; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of a cover wirelessly charging more than one mobile device in accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a two-paneled cover in a reclined position in accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a two-paneled cover in an upright position in accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a two-paneled cover in an upright position in accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of two-paneled cover in a reclined position in accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a single-paneled cover in an upright position accordance with an example embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart of a method in accordance with an example embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In the following description of various example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various example embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0023]    Wireless charging involves transmitting electricity from a charger to a receiving device. A wireless power system includes a transmitter (e.g., a charging pad or primary energy source) and a receiver. Coils in both the charging device and the receiver are magnetically coupled when the two devices make contact. Power transfers from the transmitter to the receiver via coupled indicators (e.g., an air core transformer). The amount of power transferred is controlled by sending feedback communication (e.g., error signals) to the charger to increase or decrease power. The transmitter coil is powered off most of the time, occasionally waking to see if a receiver is present. When a receiver authenticates itself, the transmitter powers, and remains, on. 
         [0024]    The wireless charger can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the charger can be a small, rigid, flat transmitter (e.g., Nokia DT-900), a flexible pad, or incorporated into another accessory device such as a speaker. Another transmitting “device” can be hotspot incorporated into a table or other planar surface such as in public at a café or airport lounge. While the mobility of devices enables use in a variety of environments, this also increases exposure to damage. 
         [0025]    Mobile device covers are used to protect both a user interface surface (e.g., a touchscreen) from scratching or other damage, as well as the housing and internal components from impacts or environmental factors. While mobile devices may be manufactured with attached, integrated covers, removable covers may also be attached after manufacture or purchase of a device. Typically, a cover includes a hinge to allow the cover to fold over a user interface surface in a closed position and extend away from the user interface surface in an open position. A cover can comprise one or more panels, and the panels may be of equal or differing sizes and shapes. Removable covers can attach directly to a mobile device with a variety of fasteners, including magnets. References throughout this specification to “attached” covers can include integrated or removable covers, unless otherwise specified. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a mobile device  100  with an attached cover  102  to protect a user interface portion, e.g., a touchscreen. Cover  102  includes a flexible sleeve that may optionally include a plurality of cover members or panels. The flexible sleeve acts as a hinge so that cover  102  may be folded, e.g., cover  102  may fold between the optional panels. A folded cover  102  can attain a variety of shapes to support mobile device  100  in a variety of positions. Cover  102  could be of a variety of sizes involving any number of panels depending on the size of the device with which the cover is designed to be used. 
         [0027]    Embedded within the flexible sleeve is one or more connected receiving device. A first antenna  106  is integrated and connected with a second integrated antenna  108 . Antennas  106  and  108  could be individual, multiplexed, or multi-looped. Also, additional antennas can be embedded opposite antennas  106  and  108  to enable charging from both sides of cover  102 . Antennas  106  and  108  may be a variety of receiving devices that may also be used to transmit inductive energy from cover  102  to another device. Therefore antennas  106  and  108 , as well as further receiving coils referred to throughout this specification, may be generally considered as an inductive energy coil. Integrated antennas  106  and  108  are connected to electronic circuitry for controlling wireless power transfer, not shown, but also embedded in the flexible sleeve of cover  102 . 
         [0028]    A connection between antennas  106  and  108  is illustrated in dashed lines. Antennas  106  and  108  can be interconnected within cover  102 , individually connected directly to corresponding wireless charging circuitry within cover  102 , or a combination thereof. The embedded circuitry and antennas  106  and  108  connect with mobile device  100  through connector  104 . Connector  104  can be a standard connector (e.g., uUSB), a special connector, magnetic connector, pads, pins, etc. Connector  104  may also include a data connection such that a circuit embedded in cover  102  transmits status information for cover  102  to mobile device  100 . The data connection may also be a separate connection that enables cover  102  to provide a user with status information or alerts regarding the charging status of cover  102 . While not shown, cover  102  may include additional integrated receiving devices connected with antennas  106  and  108 . 
         [0029]    In addition, cover  102  may also include one or more integrated batteries. The batteries can be integrated into one or more optional panels. The integrated antennas  106  and  108  can be connected to one or more batteries integrated in cover  102 . Antennas  106  and  108  can receive electricity to not only charge mobile device  100  through connector  104  but also charge the batteries. Thus, mobile device  100  can also be wirelessly charged via one or more embedded batteries. The above-discussed data connection can also provide status information on the one or more batteries. 
         [0030]    Cover  102  can also include one or more contact points for contacting a wireless transmitter that may also have corresponding contact points. The contact points can be arranged in a pattern or design to facilitate the cover&#39;s use with a variety of different sized/shaped devices. The contact points may be used with a rigid or foldable cover to provide a “universal” device cover. 
         [0031]    The folding of cover  102  is further illustrated in  FIG. 2 . While  FIG. 1  illustrates an initial folding of cover  102  by extending cover  102  away from mobile device  100 ,  FIG. 2  provides an example of how the cover may fold on to itself. Due to the hinging, cover  102  can fold over the attached portion of the cover  102  to form an overlapped portion with twice the thickness of flat cover  102 . This overlapping provides further support for the mobile device  100  and may be held in place with magnetic materials in cover  102 , e.g., in the flexible sleeve. As illustrated, cover  102 , when folded in this manner, creates a triangular support for mobile device  100 . As the cover  102  is extended away from the surface of mobile device  100 , antenna  109  (opposing antenna  108 ) is exposed. Exposed antenna  109 , or others, wirelessly receives electricity to charge mobile device  100 . 
         [0032]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate example configurations for wirelessly charging a device with a cover in a folded position.  FIG. 3  shows mobile device  100  wirelessly charging using wireless charging pad  300 . Wireless charging pad  300  includes a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting electricity to one or more receiving devices in cover  102 . Similar to that shown in  FIG. 2 , cover  102  is folded such that section  110  overlaps section  113  to form a triangular support with section  111  as a base. With section  111  supporting mobile device  100  as a base section, mobile device  100  is positioned at a slight incline with the edge connected to cover  102  raised above a work surface and the opposing edge resting on the work surface. The height of the raised edge includes both the height of the folded cover  102  and the height of wireless charging pad  300 . The slight incline facilitates use of the mobile device  100  such as for typing while mobile device  100  is charging. Section  111 , with integrated antenna  108 , is placed on, or in direct contact with, wireless charging pad  300 . The integration of antenna  108  into folded cover  102 , provides a wide, sturdy base for charging mobile device  100  such that small sized or thick chargers may be used. Cover  102  provides a balanced charge receiving surface. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative embodiment where folded cover  102  and mobile device  100  are in the same position as in  FIG. 3 . However, in  FIG. 4  mobile device  100  is wirelessly charged using hotspot  400 . Hotspot  400  is a wireless charging hotspot embedded in a planar work surface such as in a public locale. With the elimination of a separate device housing the charge transmitter, mobile device  100  is positioned with less of an incline where the raised edge is at the highest point of folded cover  102 . When wirelessly charging using a hotpot, mobile device  100  can be moved around on hotspot  400  without interrupting the charging. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows mobile device  100  wirelessly charging at hotspot  400  in an upright position. Instead of section  111  providing a base of support, the combined sections  110  and  113  are placed on the work surface/hotspot  400  and mobile device  100  is folded up and back to rest against panel  112 . The upright, supported position facilitates various uses such as viewing video or sharing content with others while also charging mobile device  100 . 
         [0035]    In alternative embodiments to the above-discussed folded cover,  FIGS. 6-7B  show a cover, with integrated one or more charge receiving devices, wirelessly charging one or more mobile devices.  FIG. 6  illustrates a mobile device  600  with attached cover  602 . Cover  602  can be rigid or flexible. While cover  602  is illustrated as a single panel, cover  602  could include any number of panels and could also be capable of folding as discussed above. Cover  602  includes hinge  604  and can attain an open or a closed position with respect to mobile device  600 . In a closed position, cover  602  covers part or all of a user interface surface  601  of mobile device  600 . For example, surface  601  may be a touchscreen. In an open position, the single panel of cover  602  folds away from surface  601  around hinge  604 . As shown, cover  602  can fold completely back from hinge  604  such that cover  602  is parallel to the back of device  600 . 
         [0036]    Similar to the covers discussed above, the receiving devices integrated in cover  602  can be configured on both sides of cover  602  such that cover  602  can wirelessly charge in either the open or the closed position. In the open position, mobile device  600  is placed with cover  602  side down on hotspot  606  and the user interface surface  601  up. Thus, the open position for cover  602  enables use of mobile device  600  while the device is wirelessly charging. 
         [0037]    Mobile device  600  can also be wirelessly charged with cover  602  in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 7A . Again, mobile device  600  is placed with cover  602  side down on hotspot  606 ; however, here the cover  602  protects user interface surface  601  and the back side  702  of mobile device  600  is facing up. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7B  illustrates the mobile device  600  in the same position as illustrated in  FIG. 6  (user interface surface  601  side up), but with cover  602  open and contacting hotspot  606 , not folded under mobile device  600 . As discussed above, a charge receiving antenna integrated in a first side of cover  602  is placed over hotspot  606  and receives power from transmitting hotspot  606  to charge mobile device  600 . However, the embedded antennas and corresponding electronic circuitry can support both wireless charging receiving and transmitting functionalities. 
         [0039]    A second mobile device  716  can be placed on antenna  712  on a second side of cover  602  to wirelessly charge second mobile device  716 . The antenna integrated in the first side of cover  602  receives power and supplies the power to mobile device  600  and/or batteries integrated in cover  602 . Antenna  712  can receive power from one or both of mobile device  600  and batteries integrated in cover  602 . Thus, the power received by antenna  712  is transmitted to charge second mobile device  716 . Cover  602  may charge multiple devices at the same time. While  FIGS. 6-7B  are shown charging using a hotspot, the hotspot could be replaced with a wireless charging device as discussed above. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 8-9  illustrate a wirelessly charging two-paneled cover with one or more charge receiving devices integrated into one panel.  FIG. 8  illustrates the two-paneled cover in an open, reclined position with panel  807  including the integrated charge receiving device. Cover  802  is attached to mobile device  800  at end  806 . In the reclined position, panel  809  is bent at sections  805  and  804 . When cover  802  is closed, panel  807  folds around section  804  to protect the user interface surface of device  800 . To wirelessly charge device  800  in the open, reclined position, panel  807  is placed on hotspot  808 . 
         [0041]    In an open, upright position, cover  802  maintains panel  807  on the hotspot  808 . Here, panel  809  unfolds to varying degrees at sections  804  and  805 . The degree to which panel  809  unfolds depends upon which support  900 , of a plurality of supports  900 , device  800  is propped against. Supports  900  are attached or integrated into panel  807  on the side opposing the side adjacent hotspot  808 . Supports  900  are configured in a plurality of designs or patterns to provide a variety of upright positions and angles for device  800 . While  FIGS. 8-9  are shown charging using a hotspot, the hotspot could be replaced with a wireless charge transmitting device as discussed above. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 10-11  illustrate a wirelessly charging two-paneled cover with one or more charge receiving devices integrated into each panel.  FIG. 10  illustrates the two-paneled cover  1010  in an open, upright position with panel  1006  including an integrated charge receiving device and positioned to contact a wireless charging transmitter. Panel  1004  extends upward, away from the transmitter to supports the back surface  1002  of mobile device  1000 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 11  illustrates cover  1010  in a reclined position. Here, panel  1004  is positioned adjacent a wireless charging device and charge receiving antenna  1008  receives the transmitted electricity. In a closed position, one or both panels  1006  and  1004  fold over to protect the user interface surface of mobile device  1000 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 12  shows a single-panel cover  1202  for wirelessly charging mobile device  1200 . The single panel includes antenna  1206  connected to mobile device  1200  shown in dashed lines. Cover  1202  also includes an incorporated keypad  1204 . To place mobile device  1200  in a hands-free upright position, a support piece on the back surface of mobile device  1200  is activated. The open position of cover  1202  enables use of keypad  1204  for typing while wirelessly charging mobile device  1200 . 
         [0045]    In reference now to  FIG. 13 , a block diagram illustrates an apparatus that includes a removable cover according to an example embodiment. The user apparatus  1300  of  FIG. 13  is a representative example of a mobile device, although it will be understood that similar features may be implemented in a variety of mobile and non-mobile devices. The apparatus  1300  may include, for example, a mobile apparatus, mobile phone, mobile communication device, mobile computer, laptop computer, desktop computer, server, phone device, video phone, conference phone, television apparatus, digital video recorder (DVR), set-top box (STB), radio apparatus, audio/video player, game device, positioning device, digital camera/camcorder, and/or the like, or any combination thereof. 
         [0046]    The processing unit  1302  controls the basic functions of the apparatus  1300 . Those functions may be configured as instructions (e.g., software, firmware) stored in a program storage/memory  1304 . The instructions may be provided via computer program product, computer-readable medium, and/or be transmitted to the mobile apparatus  1300  via data signals (e.g., downloaded electronically via one or more networks, such as the Internet and intermediate wireless networks). In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer 
         [0047]    The mobile apparatus  1300  may include hardware and software components coupled to the processing/control unit  1302 . The mobile apparatus  1300  includes one or more network interfaces  1306  for maintaining any combination of wired or wireless data connections. These network interfaces  1306  enable the apparatus  1300  to directly communicate with other devices, and/or join in one or more communication networks. 
         [0048]    The processor  1302  is also coupled to user-interface hardware  1318  associated with the apparatus. The user-interface  1318  may include a display  1320 , such as a light-emitting diode (LED) and/or liquid crystal display (LCD) device. The user-interface hardware  1318  also may include an input device capable of receiving user inputs. This may be integrated with the display  1320  (e.g., touchscreen) and/or include dedicated hardware switches. These and other user-interface components are coupled to the processor  1302  as is known in the art. 
         [0049]    The mobile apparatus  1300  also includes sensors  1310  coupled to the processing/control unit  1302 . These sensors  1310  may include a capacitive proximity sensor  1311 , an orientation/location sensor  1312 , and a temperature sensor  1313 . The sensors  1310  are used to determine/establish context for the mobile apparatus  1300 . These and other sensing devices are coupled to the processor  1302  as is known in the art. 
         [0050]    The program storage/memory  1304  includes operating systems  1323  for carrying out functions and applications associated with functions on the mobile apparatus  1300 . The program storage  1304  may include one or more of read-only memory (ROM), flash ROM, programmable and/or erasable ROM, random access memory (RAM), subscriber interface module (SIM), wireless interface module (WIM), smart card, hard drive, computer program product, and removable memory device. The storage/memory  1304  may also include interface modules such as operating system drivers, middleware, hardware abstraction layers, protocol stacks, and other software that facilitates accessing hardware such as user interface  1318 , sensors  1310 , and network hardware  1306 . 
         [0051]    The processing/control unit further includes a power/data interface  1330 . Power/data interface  1330  can couple mobile apparatus  1300  to a cover  1340 . The cover includes a corresponding power/data interface  1342  that connects mobile apparatus  1300  with components of the cover  1340 . Example components of cover  1340  include one or more receiving coils/antennas  1344 , wireless power receiving/transmitting circuitry  1345 , one or more batteries  1346 , and a keypad/buttons  1348 . The cover  1340 , via at least receiving coils/antennas  1344  and circuitry  1345 , wirelessly charges mobile apparatus  1300 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 14  illustrates a method for wirelessly charging a mobile device using an accessory cover. First, an accessory cover is coupled to a mobile device  1410 . The cover may be coupled to the device with a variety of attaching members such as one or more magnetic, adhesive, or mechanical attaching members. The cover can also be coupled to the device using an electrical connection between the cover and the device. The cover is deployed to an open configuration  1420 . The deployment can include extending the cover away from the mobile device and/or folding one or more sections of cover  102 . The cover is placed proximate a charger  1430 , and electricity is delivered to the mobile device  1440 . The cover can be placed on a charging device or hotspot or within a predetermined distance such that receiving devices integrated into the cover wirelessly receive electricity from the charger. The electricity is then delivered to the mobile device from the cover. 
         [0053]    The foregoing description of the example embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope be limited not with this detailed description, but rather determined by the claims appended hereto.