PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE CASE AND MOUNTING SYSTEM

The present technology relates generally to a personal electronic device case and mounting system. A case for a personal electronic device includes a recess in the back surface of the case and is configured to receive a protrusion on a corresponding mount within the recess. Magnets arranged around the recess are configured to magnetically couple to magnets arranged around the protrusion to aid in securely coupling the case to the mount. The size and shape of the recess and protrusion and the arrangement of magnets allows the case to securely couple to the mount in a plurality of orientations. The recess is positioned over wireless charging circuitry in the device such that wirelessly charging the device is possible when the case is securely coupled to a mount that incorporates a wireless charging pad.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates generally to personal electronic device cases and mounting systems.

BACKGROUND

Smart phones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices are common pieces of technology used by many. Typically, using the portable electronic device (PED) requires that a person devote at least one of their hands to holding and manipulating the device, which may inhibit the person's ability to perform other functions while using the device. As an example, people use the modern PED while working at a desk, studying, exercising, moving from place to place, etc. The PEDs often include telephone functionality and/or navigation software designed to help users navigate to a desired destination. Many people often use the PED while operating a vehicle. Many state laws only allow hands-free use of the PED while operating a vehicle to help ensure that the operator's attention remains focused on the task of operating the vehicle. In another example, a person wishing to view the screen of their PED while using a personal computer may be unable to securely arrange the device such that the screen remains constantly visible without the person having to move their hands away from the personal computer to re-orient the device.

Many modern PEDs include inductive wireless charging circuitry positioned in the device and adjacent to the rear surface of the device. When the device is placed on a wireless charging pad, current flowing through the charging pad interacts with wireless charging circuitry to charge the device's battery. The wireless charging circuitry must be arranged in close proximity to the charging pad area near the conductive coil and the space between the PED and charging pad must be free of conductive material for proper and efficient conductive charging.

Various conventional mounting accessories have been developed to aid in the hands-free use of PEDs. Some of these mounting accessories utilize clamping mechanisms to hold onto the edges of the personal electronic device. Other mounting accessories incorporate specialized cases for the device that mate with a mounting apparatus, relying on expensive, finely machined features and surfaces to ensure that the case and mounting apparatus remain securely fastened to each other. However, these mounting accessories are often not easy to use, and they sometimes require both hands to securely attach the device to the mounting accessory. Furthermore, the mounting accessories are typically only usable for a single situation. For example, a mounting accessory used to enable the hands-free use of a device while a person operates a vehicle may not be also used to enable the hands-free use of the device while the person rides a bicycle or sits at a desk. Moreover, mounting accessories that incorporate cases for the personal electronic device are often too thick or include conductive materials which impede/block the wireless charging circuitry, preventing the device from being wirelessly charged while coupled to the mounting accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is directed to a personal electronic device (PED) case and mounting system and associated systems and methods. Several embodiments of the present technology are related to PED cases having magnets configured to couple to magnets on a mounting apparatus and having an opening configured to mate with a protrusion on the mounting apparatus. One aspect of the present technology provides a mounting assembly for a personal electronic device, comprising a case having a back wall and sidewalls connected to the backwall to define an interior area configured to receive the personal electronic device. The back wall has opposing front and rear surfaces, with the front surface facing toward the interior area and being configured to be positioned adjacent to the personal electronic device when the personal electronic device is received within the interior area. A recess is formed in the rear surface. The recess has a central portion and a plurality of registration recesses spaced radially apart from each other. A case magnet is positioned adjacent to the recess and spaced apart from the central portion. A mounting structure is releasably engageable with the case at a selected radial orientation. The mounting structure comprises a receiving surface configured to be positioned adjacent to the rear surface when the case is engaged with the mounting structure. A protrusion extends away from the receiving surface and is configured to be securely received in the recess when the case is coupled to the mounting structure. The protrusion has a central protuberance that fits closely in the central portion of the recess, and one or more radial registration protuberances is positioned to fit in selected registration recess to control a selected radial orientation of the case relative to the mounting structure. A mount magnet is positioned adjacent to the protrusion and is arranged to align with the case magnet when the case is coupled to the mounting structure in the selected radial orientation. The case is mechanically and magnetically restricted from rotating when the case is engaged with the mounting structure.

Another aspect of the technology provides a mounting assembly for a personal electronic device. The mounting assembly has a case configured to securely receive the personal electronic device. The case comprises a recess formed in a rear surface of the case, a first plurality of case magnets arranged to form a first array positioned adjacent to the recess such that each of the first plurality of case magnets does not overlap with the recess. A second plurality of case magnets is arranged to form a second array, wherein the second array is positioned adjacent to the recess such that each of the second plurality of case magnets does not overlap with the recess. A mounting structure is releasably couplable to the case with the case in a selected orientation. The mounting structure has a protrusion extending away from a receiving surface and configured to closely fit in the recess when the case is coupled to the mounting structure. A first plurality of mount magnets arranged to form a third array is positioned adjacent to the protrusion such that each of the first plurality of mount magnets does not overlap with the protrusion. A second plurality of mount magnets is arranged to form a fourth array positioned adjacent to the protrusion such that each of the second plurality of mount magnets does not overlap with the protrusion. When the case is coupled to the mounting structure in the selected orientation, selected first case magnets are positioned over and magnetically coupled to the selected mount magnets, and selected second case magnets are positioned over and magnetically coupled to selected mount magnets.

Another aspect of the technology provides a mounting assembly for a personal electronic device. The mounting assembly has a case with an interior area configured to receive the personal electronic device. The case has a recess formed therein with a central portion and a plurality of registration recesses spaced apart from each other. A case magnet is positioned adjacent to the recess and spaced apart from the central portion. A mounting structure is releasably engageable with the case at a selected orientation. The mounting structure has a protrusion configured to be securely received in the recess when the case is engaged with the mounting structure. The protrusion has a central protuberance that fits closely in the central portion of the recess. One or more registration protuberances is adjacent to the central protuberance and is positioned to fit in selected ones of the registration recesses to control a selected orientation of the case relative to the mounting structure. A mount magnet is positioned adjacent to the protrusion and is arranged to align with the case magnet when the case is engaged with the mounting structure in the selected orientation. The case is mechanically and magnetically restricted from rotating when the case is engaged with the mounting structure.

Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described herein with reference toFIGS. 1A-12D. Although many of the embodiments are described with respect to devices, systems, and methods for mounting a personal electronic device, it should be noted that other applications and embodiments in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. Further, embodiments of the present technology can have different configurations, components, and/or procedures than those shown or described herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that embodiments of the present technology can have configurations, components, and/or procedures in addition to those shown or described herein and that these and other embodiments can be without several of the configurations, components, and/or procedures shown or described herein without deviating from the present technology.

FIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate a mounting system100in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The mounting system100has a case104that receives a personal electronic device102(also referred to as a “device”) and a mounting apparatus106(also referred to as a “mount”) configured to be securely and releasably coupled to the case104(FIG. 1A) illustrating the features on the rear surface110of the case104. The device102is received within the case104such that a front surface108of the device102remains exposed while the edges and rear surface of the device102are enclosed within the case104. The mount106may be a desk (or table) mounting apparatus having a base portion107configured to be placed against a flat surface (e.g., a desk or a table) and having a receiving surface109on which the case104is received.

To ensure that the case104remains properly oriented relative to the mount106and is restrained from moving when the case104is coupled to the mount106, the mount106and the case104include mating alignment features. For example, the mount106includes a shaped protrusion112formed on the receiving surface109(FIG. 1A), and the case104includes a similarly shaped recess114(FIG. 1B). The protrusion112extends away from the receiving surface109of the mount106, and the mating recess114is formed in the rear surface110of the case104. The recess114is configured to receive the protrusion112when the case104and the mount106are securely mated to each other. The recess114and protrusion112are sized and shaped such that the protrusion112fits snugly within the recess114, thereby limiting any translational movement of the case104relative to the mount106.

In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion112has a generally circular shape and a plurality of alignment and anti-rotation tabs118spaced around the perimeter of the protrusion112. Similarly, the recess114has a generally circular shape and a plurality of cut-outs116(FIG. 1B) spaced around the perimeter of the recess114so as to receive the tabs of the protrusion112when the protrusion112is mated in the recess114. The size, number, and position of the tabs118and cut-outs116are such that, when the case104is removably engaged with the mount106, the protrusion112is securely received within the recess114, and each of the tabs118is positioned within a given one of the cut-outs116. Arranging the tabs118within the cut-outs116limits the ability of the protrusion112to rotate within the recess114, thereby restricting the undesired rotation of the case104relative to the mount106.

The case104also includes a plurality of case magnets120a-ddisposed in the inner surface126and arranged adjacent to and radially outward of the recess114. Similarly, the mount106includes a plurality of mount magnets122a-ddisposed in the receiving surface109and arranged adjacent to and radially outward of the protrusion112. In the illustrated embodiment, four case magnets120a-dare positioned such that, when the case104is coupled to the mount106, each of the four case magnets120a-dis adjacent to one of the corresponding one of the four mount magnets122a-d. Although the illustrated embodiment has four case magnets120a-dand four corresponding mount magnets122a-d, other embodiments can have different numbers of mating magnets. In addition, the number of case magnets120can be different than the number of mount magnets122.

The illustrated case magnets120a-dare disk-shaped permanent magnets having fixed north and south poles, where all four of the case magnets120a-dare oriented such that their north poles are aligned along a common direction relative to the inner surface126. Similarly, the mount magnets122a-dare disk-shaped permanent magnets having fixed single north poles and fixed south poles, where all four of the mount magnets122a-dare oriented such that their north poles are aligned along a common direction relative to the receiving surface109. When the case104is securely positioned onto the mount106with the protrusion positioned in the recess114, the case magnets120a-dand the mount magnets122a-dare oriented such that each of the case magnets120a-dis magnetically coupled to a corresponding one of the mount magnet122a-dwith alignment of the respective north and south poles, such that the protrusion112is securely and magnetically retained in the recess114with the case104in the selected orientation relative to the mount106. Because of this arrangement, the case magnets120a-dand mount magnets122a-dact together to provide a compressive force between the case104and the mount106. Additionally, when the user brings the case104near the mount106, the magnets prevent the case104but being partially or improperly engaged in the mount106and in fact guide the components together for quick and easy attachment and retention in the correct position and orientation.

In some embodiments, all four of the case magnets120a-dare oriented such that the south poles face away from the device102while all four of the mount magnets122a-dare oriented such that their south poles face away from the receiving surface109(i.e., toward the case104when the case104is coupled to the mount106). Because each of the case magnets120a-dis arranged directly over a given one of the mount magnets122a-dand because the south poles of a case magnet120a-dare magnetically attracted to the north poles of a mount magnet122a-d, each of the case magnets120a-dmagnetically couple to a corresponding mount magnet122a-d. In other embodiments, however, all four of the case magnets120a-dcan be oriented such that their north poles are all directed away from the device102while all four of the mount magnets122a-dare oriented such that their south poles are directed away from the receiving surface109. Because the north pole of a case magnet120is magnetically attracted to the south pole of a mount magnet122a-d, each of the case magnets120magnetically couple to a corresponding mount magnet122a-d.

In the illustrated embodiment, the four cut-outs116and the four case magnets120a-dare symmetrically arranged around a central point of the recess114. Similarly, the four mount magnets122a-dand the four tabs118are symmetrically arranged around a central point of the protrusion112such that the case104can be releasably retained on the mount106in four different orientations. Furthermore, because each of the case magnets120a-dhave north poles facing a common direction and each of the mount magnets122a-dhave south poles facing an opposite direction, each of the case magnets120a-dis magnetically couplable to a respective one of the mount magnets122a-dover which it is arranged when the case104is coupled to the mount106in any of the four different mounted orientations. In other words, the magnetic orientations of the case magnets120a-dand the mount magnets122a-d, along with the positions of the magnets120a-dand122a-dand the positions of the tabs118and cut-outs116, ensure that the case106remains securely coupled to the mount106when the case104and mount106are in any of the four different mounted orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounted orientation of the case corresponds to a ±90° rotation from the next rotational position. These mounted orientations can correspond to portrait or landscape orientations of the device102relative to the mount106and/or the structure on which the mount106is supported.

For example, if the user desires for the device102to operate in a portrait mode, the case104is coupled to the mount106such that the top edge of the case104is facing upward. In this configuration, the case magnet120ais aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122a, the case magnet120bis aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122b, the case magnet120cis aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122c, and the case magnet120ais aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122d. If the user desires to switch the orientation of the device so it operates in a landscape mode, the user may switch the orientation of the device by separating the case104from the mount106, rotating the case104by 90° and inserting the protrusion112into the recess114, thereby switching the rotational orientation of the device102. In this landscape arrangement, the case magnet120ais aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122b, the case magnet120bis aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122c, the case magnet120cis aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122d, and the case magnet120dis aligned with and magnetically coupled to the mount magnet122a. Alternatively, the case102can be positioned in an inverted landscape position with case magnets120a,120b,120c, and120daligned with mount magnets122d,122a,122b,122c, respectively. The case102can also be positioned in an inverted portrait position with case magnets120a,120b,120c, and120daligned with mount magnets122c,122d,122a, and122b, respectively.

As described above, the case104of the illustrated embodiment may be couplable to the mount106in four different orientations. In other embodiments, however, the case104may be couplable to the mount106in a different number of configurations. For example, in some embodiments, the case104may be couplable to the mount106in any desired number of orientations. In these other embodiments, the recess may include any desired number of cut-outs and case magnets while the protrusion may include any desired number of tabs and mount magnets to ensure that the case is couplable to the mount in the desired number of orientations. In the illustrated embodiment, the tabs118on the protrusion112extend radially outward, and the cutouts116on the recess114extend radially outward. In other embodiments, the tabs118and cut outs116may extend radially inward, although such a configuration would decrease the area within the recess114, which may impact space available to accommodate wireless charging features, as discussed in greater detail below.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1A-B, the case and mount magnets are disk-shaped magnets. In other embodiments, however, the case magnets and mount magnets may have different shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the case and mount magnets have a generally triangular shape (seeFIG. 12B). Triangle-shaped magnets can better conform to the outer edges of the protrusion112and recess114, allowing for a larger recess and protrusion relative to the mount106and case104, respectively (i.e., larger diameter or area). Increasing the size of the recess and protrusion can help ensure that the wireless charging capabilities of the device are not inhibited by the case.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1B, the recess114extends completely through the rear surface110of the case104so that the rear surface of the device102is exposed and accessible via the recess114. As a result, when the case104is mounted onto the mount106and the protrusion112is received within the recess114, the surface of the protrusion112is immediately adjacent to or in direct contact with the rear surface of the device102. In other embodiments, however, the recess114does not extend all the way through the rear surface110of the case104. In these embodiments, the portion of the rear surface of the device102adjacent to the recess114remains covered and protected by a thin layer of the case material (e.g., plastic). As a result, when the case104is coupled to the mount106and the protrusion112is received within the recess114, a thin layer of the case material remains interposed between the protrusion112and the rear surface of the device102. The thin layer, however, is configured to minimize any substantive interference with wireless charging of the device102.

To facilitate wireless charging, many modern devices102include a wireless charging receiver within and positioned adjacent to the rear surface of the device102. When the device102is placed on a wireless charging pad, current flowing through an inductive coil in the pad interacts with the wireless charging receiver in the device, causing current to flow within the receiver, thereby charging the device's battery. However, if the distance between the wireless charging receiver and the wireless charging pad is too large, or if conductive material (e.g., metal) is located between the wireless charging receiver and the wireless charging pad, wireless charging of the device may be prevented or inhibited. In addition, if the wireless charging receiver and the wireless charging pad are positioned relative to each other so that the respective coils are misaligned, the result is a less efficient power transfer to the PED's battery. The case104and mount106configuration of the illustrated embodiments helps insure proper alignment easily and quickly every time so as to reliably provide efficient power transfer to the PED.

The wireless charging receiver is typically formed from a conductive coil arranged in the center of the rear surface of the device102. To ensure that the case104does not limit the wireless charging capabilities of the device102, the recess114is configured to be positioned directly over the conductive coil. Similarly, the case magnets120a-dare configured to be positioned away from the wireless charging circuitry so as not to interfere with the conductive coil. In embodiments where the recess114extends completely through the rear surface110, the rear surface of the device102is exposed, allowing a wireless charging pad received within the recess114to be placed in direct contact with the rear surface of the device, thereby enabling wireless charging of the device102. In embodiments where the recess114does not extend completely through the rear surface110, the remaining layer of case material that covers the rear surface of the device102is sufficiently thin so a wireless charging pad received within the recess114is close enough to the conductive coil that wireless charging through the remaining layer is enabled.

To allow the device102to be wirelessly charged while the case is coupled to the mount, the mount may incorporate a wireless charging pad.FIG. 2Ais an isometric view of a mount206that includes a wireless charging pad228coupled to the receiving surface209of the mount206andFIG. 2Bis a top cut-away view of the wireless charging pad228. The wireless charging pad228includes a coil229configured to receive a current from a power source coupled to the wireless charging pad228. The coil229is positioned within the protrusion212such that it is closely adjacent to the surface of the protrusion212. In this way, the current from the coil229can pass through the protrusion212, thereby enabling the wireless charging of a device coupled to the mount206due to the proximity of the wireless charging receiver in the device and the coil229when the protrusion212is received within the recess of the case. The mount206also includes a plurality of mount magnets222positioned around the protrusion212and the coil229such that the mount magnets222are configured to magnetically couple to case magnets (e.g., case magnets120a-dFIG. 1B) when the case is coupled to the mount206without significantly interfering with the wireless charging ability of the wireless charging pad228. Tabs218formed as part of the protrusion212act as alignment and anti-rotation features when received within cut-outs in the device case (e.g., cut-outs116ofFIG. 1B).

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A and 2A, the mounts106and206are desk mounting apparatuses configured to be used on a flat and stationary surface. In other embodiments, however, the mount may be a car mount configured to securely hold and align a device for a user when the user is operating a vehicle.FIG. 3shows an isometric view of a mount306having a wireless charging pad328coupled to an adjustable support arm334. The mount306includes an attachment apparatus, such as suction cup332, that securely couples the mount306to a surface of the car (e.g., the inside of the windshield, the dashboard, etc.), ensuring that the mount306does not move during operation of the car. The support arm334may be an adjustable support arm having a latch338that enables a user to adjust the length of the support arm334and a knob340may be used to adjust the angle of the wireless charging pad328to improve the visibility of the received device. The support arm334is coupled to the suction cup332with an adjustable hinge342and a knob343coupled to the adjustable hinge342is used to secure the support arm334and hinge at a desired angle. The wireless charging pad328can be coupled to a power source (e.g., the cigarette lighter receptacle in the vehicle) to enable wireless charging between the mount306and a coupled device. The mount306may also include a plurality of mount magnets adjacent to the protrusion312and configured to be magnetically coupled to the case magnets (e.g., case magnets120a-d) in the case104(FIG. 1B).

In other embodiments, the mount may be an arm-strap mounting apparatus configured to be removably coupled to a user's arm.FIGS. 4A-4Cshow a mount406having an arm strap portion444and a receiving plate portion446. The receiving plate portion446includes a protrusion412configured to be received in a recess on a PED case (e.g., case104ofFIGS. 1A and 1B), and tabs418on the protrusion412are configured to be received within cut-outs116in the recess114(FIG. 1B). The mount406also includes a plurality of mount magnets422disposed within holes448in the mounting plate446and configured to be magnetically coupled to case magnets in the case when the mount406receives the case. The arm mounting apparatus enables a user to have quick access to a device coupled to the mount406without having to use a hand to hold the device while ensuring that the device remains securely coupled to the mount406. While this embodiment is described with a strap that can be worn on an arm of the user, the strap can be configured to be worn on other portions of the user's body or for use with other support structures to which the strap can be attached.

In other embodiments, the mount may be a handlebar mounting apparatus configured to attach to the handlebars of, as an example, a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, etc.FIGS. 5A-5Cshow a mount506formed from a receiving plate546and a bracket that includes an upper bracket portion550coupled to the receiving plate546and a lower bracket portion552releasably coupled to the upper bracket portion550and the receiving plate546. The upper and lower bracket portions550and552define a handlebar opening553configured to receive the handlebars of a bicycle or similar bar-type support structure. To ensure that the mount506remains securely attached to the handlebars, the receiving plate546and the upper bracket portion550are securely coupled to the lower bracket portion552with a hinge shaft554coupled between the upper and lower bracket portions550and552. A screw556or other fastener passes through an opening in the receiving plate546and is removably received within a fastener hole in the lower bracket portion552. The receiving plate546also includes a protrusion512having tabs518and a plurality of mount magnets522, all of which act as alignment and/or anti-rotation features configured to securely couple the mount506to a device case104(FIG. 1B).

In an alternative embodiment, the mount may be a clip apparatus configured to be fastened, for example, to a user's belt or other analogous support structure.FIGS. 6A and 6Bshow a mount606having a clip portion660rotatably coupled to a receiving plate646with a hinge659. A spring658, which is coupled between the clip portion660and a rear surface of the receiving plate646and positioned adjacent to the hinge659, applies a restoring force on the clip portion660to rotate the clip portion660about the hinge659towards the rear surface of the receiving plate646. The force applied by the spring658on the clip portion660securely fastens the mount606to a support structure, such as a user's belt, waistband, pocket, purse, bag, or other similar type of mounting structure when the support structure is positioned between the clip portion660and the back surface of the receiving plate646. The mount606also includes a protrusion612having tabs618formed at an opposite end of the mount606from the clip portion660, where the protrusion612and tabs618act as alignment and/or anti-rotation features configured to securely couple the mount606to a device case104(FIG. 1B). In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion of the protrusion612is hollow, which results in a lighter weight unit requiring less material during manufacture.

In still other embodiments, the mount may be a hand strap apparatus configured to be removably coupled to a user's hand.FIGS. 7A and 7Bshow a mount706having a receiving plate746coupled to a hand strap portion762. The hand strap portion762is formed from a flexible material and is configured to securely receive a user's hand. The mount706also includes a protrusion712having tabs718, where the protrusion712and tabs718act as alignment and/or anti-rotation features configured to securely couple the mount706to a device case104(FIG. 1B). In the illustrated embodiment, the central portion of the protrusion712can also be hollow. In other embodiments, however, the mount706includes a wireless charging pad position in and/or adjacent to the protrusion712. Accordingly, when the device102and the case104(FIG. 1A) are releasably attached to the mount, wireless charging of the device102is enabled, while still allowing the device102, the case104, and the mount706with its integral charging pad, to be carried and used, such as by attaching the hand strap portion762to the user's hand, while the device102continues to charge. The mount706may be coupled to a power source via a power cable or other electrical line, or a portable power source (e.g., a battery) may be included in the mount706and used to provide power to a coupled device via the wireless charging pad in the mount706while maintaining the mobility of the charging device.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 6A-7B, the mounts606,706can be manufactured of a ferrous-based material, such that mount magnets may not be needed around the protrusions612,712(e.g., case magnets120ofFIG. 1B). In other embodiments, however, the mounts606,706do include mount magnets spaced around the protrusions612,712and configured to magnetically couple to case magnets in a device case when the mounts606,706are coupled to the device case104(FIG. 1B).

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the case104and the mount106include disk-shaped permanent magnets having a single north pole and a single south pole. In other embodiments, however, the case and mount include multiple arrays of magnets.FIG. 8Ashows a front elevation view of a case804having four arrays864a-dof case magnets866andFIG. 8Bshows an enlarged isometric view of one of the arrays864d. The arrays864a-dare disposed in an inner surface826of the case804and are symmetrically arranged around a central point in a recess814, which extends through the case804.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the four case magnets866in a given array864is a wedge-shaped permanent magnet having a single north pole and single south pole, where two of the case magnets866in a given array have north poles facing a first direction while the other two case magnets866have north poles facing an opposite direction. The four case magnets866within a given array864are arranged into a circular arrangement such that the array864is disk-shaped. In the array864dshown inFIG. 8B, the north poles of the first and fourth case magnets866aand866dface the device received within the case804(e.g., device102shown inFIG. 1A) while the north poles of the second and third case magnets866band866cface away from the device.

The case804is configured to be securely coupled to a mount having a protrusion and mount magnets, where the recess814is configured to receive the protrusion and the case magnets866are configured to magnetically couple to the mount magnets. In order to maximize the strength of magnetic coupling between the mount magnets and the case magnets866, the mount magnets may be wedge-shaped permanent magnets arranged in a circular arrangement to form disk-shaped arrays. The arrays of mount magnets are symmetrically positioned around a central point on the protrusion such that, when the case804is coupled to the mount, each of the case magnets866is positioned directly over one of the mount magnets. The mount magnets may be oriented such that each of the case magnets866is magnetically attracted to the mount magnet over which the case magnet866is arranged. For example, when the case804is coupled to the mount, the wedge-shaped mount magnets positioned directly below the first and fourth case magnets866aand866dhave south poles facing the mount (and north poles facing away from the mount) while the mount magnets positioned directly below the first and fourth case magnets866aand866dhave north poles facing the case804(and south poles facing away from the case804). Similarly, the second and third case magnets866band866chave north poles facing the mount (and south poles facing away from the mount) while the mount magnets positioned directly below the second and third case magnets866band866chave south poles facing the case804(and north poles facing away from the case804). In this way, each of the case magnets866are magnetically attracted to the corresponding mount magnets positioned below the case magnets866.

The arrays864of case magnets866are rotationally symmetric about a center point in the recess814. For example, each of the case magnets866within a given one of the arrays864has a given position and orientation when the case804is in a first orientation (e.g., a portrait orientation). Rotating the case804by 90° about a center point in the recess814causes the case804to transition from the first orientation to a second orientation (e.g., a landscape orientation). In the second orientation, each of the case magnets866within the given one of the arrays864is in the same position and has the same orientation as a case magnet866in a different one of the arrays864when the case804was in the first orientation. This arrangement enables the case804to be couplable to the mount in four different configurations.

For example, if the user desires for the device to operate in portrait mode, the user may couple the case804to the mount such that a top edge of the case804faces upwards. In this orientation, each of the case magnets866having south poles facing the mount (e.g., case magnets866aand866d) are arranged over a mount magnet having a south pole facing the case804and each of the case magnets866having north poles facing the mount (e.g., case magnets866band866d) are arranged over a mount magnet having a south pole facing the case804. However, if the user desires for the device to operate in landscape mode, the user may couple the case804to the mount such that the top edge of the case804is facing to the right. In this configuration, each of the case magnets866having south poles facing the mount will still be positioned over a mount magnet having a north pole facing the case804and each of the case magnets866having north poles facing the mount will be still be positioned over a mount magnet having a south pole facing the case804. In this way, each of the case magnets866is magnetically attracted to the corresponding mount magnet over which the case magnet866is positioned regardless of the orientation in which the case804is coupled to the mount.

In other embodiments, the device case includes case magnets arranged in triangle-shaped arrays.FIGS. 9A and 9Bshow views of an alternative embodiment of a personal electronic device case having multiple arrays of magnets.FIG. 9Ashows a front elevation view of a case904having four arrays964a-dof case magnets966andFIG. 9Bshows an enlarged isometric view of one of the arrays964d. The arrays964a-dare disposed in an inner surface926of the case904and are symmetrically arranged around a central point in a recess914, which extends through the case904. In this embodiment, each of the four case magnets966is a triangle-shaped permanent magnet having a single north pole and a single south pole. In each array964, the two case magnets966have north poles facing a first direction while the other two case magnets966have north poles facing an opposite direction. The four case magnets966within a given array964are arranged into a triangular arrangement such that the array964is also triangle-shaped. In the array964dshown inFIG. 9B, the north poles of the first and fourth case magnets966aand the966dface the device received within the case904(e.g., device102shown inFIG. 1A) while the north poles of the second and third case magnets966band966dface away from the device.

As in the embodiments described above in connection withFIGS. 8A and 8B, the case904is configured to be securely coupled to a mount having mount magnets, where the recess914is configured to receive the protrusion and the case magnets966are configured to magnetically couple to the mount magnets. The mount magnets may be triangle-shaped permanent magnets arranged into a triangular arrangement to form triangle-shaped arrays and symmetrically positioned around a central point on the protrusion such that, when the case904is coupled to the mount, each of the case magnets966is positioned directly over one of the mount magnets. The mount magnets may be oriented such that each of the case magnets966is magnetically attracted to the corresponding mount magnet over which the case magnets966is arranged. In this way, the arrays964of case magnets966are rotationally symmetric about a center point in the recess914such that the case904is couplable to the mount in four different orientations, where each of the case magnets966is magnetically attracted to the corresponding mount magnet over which the case magnet966is positioned regardless of the orientation in which the case904is coupled to the mount.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 8A-9B, the arrays of case magnets (and the corresponding arrays of mount magnets) include magnets having north poles facing either a first direction or an opposing second direction opposite the first direction. In other embodiments, however, the arrays of magnets also include magnets having north poles facing a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions and a fourth direction opposite the third direction such that the magnets form a shape similar to a Halbach array. When an array of magnets is arranged in a Halbach array, the strength of a magnetic field from the array is greater in a first direction than in an opposing direction. As a result, the strength of the magnetic field for the arrays864,964of case magnets866,966may be stronger in the direction facing away from a received device than in the direction facing the received device. Similarly, the strength of the magnetic field for the arrays of mount magnets may be stronger in the direction facing the cases804,904than in the direction facing away from the cases804,904. This arrangement can increase the effective strength of the magnetic coupling between the case and the mount while limiting any potential magnetic interference between the case magnets866,966and the received device.

In some embodiments, the mount may also include a clamping mechanism that functions as an additional alignment and anti-rotation feature.FIG. 10Ais an isometric view of a mount1006having a clamping mechanism andFIG. 10Bis an isometric view of a case1004received within the mount1006. The mount1006includes a protrusion1012configured to be received within a recess in the case1004and mount magnets1022configured to magnetically couple to case magnets1020on the case1004. The mount1006also includes clamps1068having ends1070configured to be received in openings1074formed along the edges of the case1004and grips1072operatively coupled to the clamps1068and configured to be used to adjust the position of the ends1070of the clamps1068. When coupling the case1004to the mount1006, a user may use the grips1072to adjust the position of the clamps1068to ensure that the ends1070are securely positioned within the openings1074. In this way, the clamps1070act as an additional alignment and anti-rotation feature that prevents the case1004from pulling away from the mount1006. The clamp also resists rotation of the case1004relative to the mount1006.

In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1A-B,8A-B, and9A-B, the alignment and anti-rotation features (e.g., the recess114, cut-outs116, and case magnets120) are formed as part of a case configured to receive a PED. In other embodiments, however, the alignment and anti-rotation features may be formed as part of an interface plate configured to be attached to the rear surface of a personal electronic device or to the rear surface of a case in which the personal electronic device is already received.FIG. 11is an isometric view of an interface plate1176having a recess1114that includes cut-outs1116and configured to receive a protrusion having tabs formed as part of a mount (e.g., protrusion112having tabs118on mount106ofFIG. 1A) when the interface plate1176is coupled to the mount.

The recess1114is sized and shaped such that, when the interface plate1176is properly coupled to the device (or case), the recess1114is positioned directly over wireless charging circuitry within the device and does not inhibit the wireless charging capabilities of the device when the device is coupled to a mount having a wireless charging capabilities (e.g., mount206ofFIG. 2Aor mount306ofFIG. 3). An adhesive or other attachment mechanism can be applied to a rear surface1178of the interface plate1176is configured to adhere the interface plate1176to the rear surface of the device or device case. Attaching the interface plate1176to a device (or a case) enables a user to securely couple the device to a mount (e.g., mount106ofFIG. 1A) without having to utilize a case specifically configured to be coupled to the mount.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the interface plate1176includes a generally circular recess1114having tabs and embedded case magnets (e.g., case magnets120). In other embodiments, however, the interface plate may include a recess having a different shape and may include case magnets configured to magnetically couple to mount magnets on a mount. For example,FIG. 12Ashows an interface plate1276ahaving a generally circular recess1214aand circular case magnets1220adistributed around the recess1214a. On the other hand,FIG. 12Bshows an interface plate1276bhaving a generally circular recess1214band generally triangular case magnets1220bdistributed around the recess1214b. The triangular case magnets1220bhave a curved edge that conforms to the curvature of the recess1214b. As discussed above in connection withFIGS. 1A and 1B, using generally triangular case magnets allows for a larger recess1214bwhile the size of the case magnets is unchanged or increased. This further ensures that the wireless charging capabilities of the device are not inhibited.

FIG. 12Cshows an interface plate1276chaving a recess1214cformed from a 24-sided polygon in the shape of a star having 12 points. The interface plate1276cmay also include four case magnets1220cdistributed around the recess1214c. The shape of the recess1214cenables the interface plate1276cto be coupled a mount having a similarly-shaped protrusion in 12 different orientations with some magnetic retention due to the proximity of the magnets in each position. The strongest magnetic coupling between the case magnets1220cand mount magnets on the mount, however, will occur when the interface plate1276cis oriented in four of the orientations with direct magnetic alignment.

FIG. 12Dshows an interface plate1276dhaving a recess1214dand case magnets1220d. The recess1214dis generally circular shaped but has notches adjacent to each of the case magnets1220dto accommodate the case magnets1220d. This increases the size of the recess1214d, thereby ensuring that the wireless charging capabilities of the device are not inhibited by the interface plate1276d.