Magnetic case and folio for portable personal computing device

Systems and methods are provided for attaching and positioning a personal computing device case to a folio. The folio includes magnetic connections, and the personal computing device case includes magnetic connections for attaching the case to the folio in any one of a plurality of positions. The magnetic connections of the folio include an upper magnet array and a lower magnet array for attachment of the magnetic case. The folio includes a hinge mechanism at a top edge of each of two sides of the folio. The case is attached to the folio using guided magnetic seating, and the case is repositionable by slidingly or rotationally changing the position of the case relative to the folio.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a case and folio for a portable personal computing device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, phablet, etc.), and more particularly to a separable magnetic case and folio for a portable personal computing device.

Description of the Related Art

Various types of portable personal electronic devices are currently used for communication and entertainment purposes. Such devices include, for example, smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, electronic readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), phablets, cameras, etc. These devices often include touchscreens, scroll wheels, switches, and other interactive control components. Such components are sensitive, and the devices are priced at a high cost, and thus, it is desirable to protect such devices from physical damage.

Conventional cases for protecting such devices include, for example, snap on cases and folio cases which cover the front and back of the device for protection. However, it is difficult to change orientation of the devices (e.g., smartphones) for viewing when placing the device on a surface (e.g., table, desk, counter, workout mat, etc.) as conventional devices often require complicated folding of a folio to change orientation and snap on cases which use a “kickstand” device are not sturdy and are easily knocked over with may cause damage to the personal electronic devices intended to be protected. Furthermore, such cases only are capable of two configurations (e.g., portrait and landscape), and thus, limit the placement/viewing field when they are placed on a surface for viewing.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for securing a personal computing device is provided. The apparatus includes a folio with one or more folio magnetic connections, and a personal computing device case including one or more case magnetic connections for magnetically attaching the case to the folio in any of a plurality of positions.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a magnetic personal computing device case and folio is provided. The folio includes an upper magnet array and a lower magnet array disposed on a front side of the folio, and the case includes a case magnet array disposed on a center portion of the case. The case magnet array is configured for magnetic attachment to the folio in any of a plurality of positions. The folio includes a link-hinge mechanism connecting the front side and the back side of the folio to facilitate opening and closing of the folio.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for attaching and positioning a magnetic portable computing device case on a magnetic folio is provided. The method includes attaching the case to the folio using guided magnetic seating. A position of the case on the magnetic folio can be adjusted by slidingly changing a position of the case relative to the folio by sliding the case up or down a front side of the folio into a different position than an original position. A position of the case on the magnetic folio can be adjusted by rotationally changing a position of the case relative to the folio by rotating the case around a central axis of the folio into a differently rotated position than the original position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention generally relates to a case and folio for a portable personal computing device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, phablet, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.), and more particularly to a separable magnetic case and folio for a portable personal computing device.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements, and initially toFIG. 1a high-level perspective view100showing a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, components of the magnetic personal computing device case104and folio108can be fabricated from any material suitable for a personal computing device case and/or folio, including, for example, plastics, metals, polymers, ceramics, semi-rigid/rigid materials, rubbers, silicone, Styrofoam, fabric, etc., as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Of course, in accordance with various embodiments, the magnetic personal computing device case104and folio108may also include other elements (not shown), and may be formed from any suitable materials, as readily contemplated by one of skill in the art, as well as omit certain elements.

In some embodiments, a personal computing device102(e.g., smartphone, PDA, tablet, laptop, phablet, camera, etc.) (referred to herein below as a “phone” for ease of illustration) can be inserted securely into a personal computing device case104configured to snugly fit any of a plurality of devices. The shape and configuration of the case104can be configured to fit any of a plurality of types of devices (e.g., iPhone®, Windows® phone, Samsung® phone, tablet, phablet, etc.) in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The phone102can be inserted into the case104, as shown in block106with the phone102positioned in the case104.

The phone positioned in the case106can be magnetically attached to a folio108by a folio magnetic connection (e.g., magnet array, described in further detail herein below with reference to elements602and604ofFIG. 6) and a case magnetic connection101(e.g., magnet array). The folio magnet arrays602,604and the case magnet array101can be in any of a plurality of configurations, examples of which are described in further detail hereinbelow with reference toFIG. 12. The attachment positioning can be any of a plurality of configurations (e.g., portrait mode, landscape mode, display mode, viewing mode, charging mode, etc.), with one such configuration (e.g., portrait mode) being shown in block110with the phone102positioned in the case106magnetically attached to the folio108in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a perspective view200showing assembled components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device positioned in portrait mode201is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the phone102, case,104, and folio108can be magnetically connected to each other using, for example, a magnet array, in portrait mode201(e.g., screen positioned such that the screen while viewing is taller than it is wide). The phone102can be attached (e.g., snapped-in) to the case104, and the case104can be magnetically attached and detached from the folio108in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 3, a perspective view300showing assembled components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device positioned in landscape mode301is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the phone102, case,104, and folio108can be magnetically connected to each other using, for example, a magnet array, in landscape mode301(e.g., screen positioned such that the screen while viewing is wider than it is tall). The phone102can be attached (e.g., snapped-in) to the case104, and the case104can be magnetically attached and detached from the folio108in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The folio108can include a magnetic connection (e.g., magnet array) positioned at and/or proximate to the center of the folio108to facilitate attachment in landscape mode301such that the phone102and case104are substantially centered on the folio108when magnetically connected in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a perspective view400showing assembled components of a separable magnetic portable computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device positioned in display mode is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the phone102, case,104, and folio108can be connected to each other in accordance with aspects of the present invention in display mode401(e.g., phone102and case104positioned at or near the top of the folio108with the screen of the phone102positioned such that the screen while viewing is wider than it is tall). The phone102can be attached (e.g., snapped-in) to the case104, and the case104can be magnetically attached and detached from the folio108in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The folio108can include a magnetic connection (e.g., magnet array) (not shown) at or near the top of the folio108in display mode401such that the phone102and case104are positioned at, near, or partially above the top of the folio108when magnetically connected in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a perspective view500showing opened and closed views of assembled components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments (e.g., portrait mode) the phone in case106can be protected on the front and back sides by a folio108. In the open state, the screen of the phone in case106can be viewed by flipping the folio front cover502over the top of the phone in case106to provide access to the phone in case106for a user. In the closed state, the folio front cover502covers the screen of the phone in case106for protection from damage, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a perspective view600showing assembled components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device configured for slidingly and/or rotationally changing position of a phone in the case relative to the folio is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the folio108can include a front plate upper magnet array602and a front plate lower magnet array604for attaching the phone in case106for viewing in any of a variety of attachment configurations. Some examples of different attachment configurations are portrait mode201(e.g., attached using upper magnet array602and/or lower magnet array604), display mode401(e.g., using the front plate upper magnet array602) and landscape mode301(e.g., using the front plate lower magnet array604) in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Further examples of the different attachment modes are described in further detail herein below with reference toFIGS. 16A and 16B, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

The phone in case106can be moved up and down on the folio108between the magnet arrays602,604using a facilitated sliding action606to adjust from the positioning shown in element301(e.g., attached to lower magnet array604) to the positioning shown in element401(e.g., attached to upper magnet array602in display mode) and vice versa. The phone in case106can be removed from the folio108and repositioned by placing the phone in case106onto the magnet arrays602,604, and can be rotated using a facilitated rotating action608to adjust from the positioning shown in element301and/or401to the positioning shown in element201(e.g., portrait mode), in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 7, a perspective view700showing magnet arrays in a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio for a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the phone in case106can be connected to the folio108using a case magnet array702configured to magnetically connect to the front plate lower magnet array604or the front plate upper magnet array602in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The case magnet array702can be arranged in any of a plurality of configurations, including, for example, an exposed cross pattern with five (5) magnets (e.g., as depicted inFIG. 7), but it is to be appreciated that the case magnet array702can be hidden from view (e.g., positioned below a top layer of the case) and can include other configuration positions and numbers of magnets in the case magnet array702in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 8A, a perspective view800showing assembled components of a folio hinge mechanism802for a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In some embodiments the folio108can be configured to support the phone in case106, and can be opened and closed using a folio hinge mechanism802. The hinge mechanism802can include a hinge spacing mechanism804for providing space to close over the phone in case106, and can further include a hinge attachment mechanism806(e.g., pin) for securing each side of the folio108to the hinge mechanism802in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 8B, a perspective view801showing assembled components of a link-hinge mechanism803for a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In some embodiments the folio108can be configured to support the phone in case106and can be opened and closed using a link-hinge folio hinge mechanism803. The link-hinge mechanism803can include any of a plurality of different configurations of links, which are described in further detail herein below with reference toFIG. 11, and the link-hinge mechanism803is configured for securing the two sides of the folio108together. The link-hinge mechanism803can be fabricated from any material suitable for forming a link-hinge, including, for example, plastics, metals, polymers, ceramics, semi-rigid/rigid materials, rubbers, silicone, Styrofoam, fabric, etc., as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 9, an exploded perspective view900showing components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a phone102can be inserted securely into a personal computing device case104configured to snugly fit any of a plurality of devices. The shape and configuration of the case104can be configured to fit any of a plurality of types of devices (e.g., iPhone®, Windows® phone, Samsung® phone, tablet, etc.) in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, customized cases (e.g., different sizes, cutouts for button/charging access, etc.) can be configured to fit particular individual devices (e.g., iPhone10®, iPad®, Samsung Galaxy®, Motorola®, etc.). The case104can include a case magnet array702, which can be utilized to be magnetically connected to a folio front plate902using a front plate upper magnet array602and/or a front plate lower magnet array604, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the folio front plate902can be connected to a folio back plate904using a folio hinge802, and the folio front plate902and the folio back plate904can be covered (e.g., for aesthetic appeal, covering magnets from view, improved grip, etc.) using a folio cover906, with the folio cover906being made from any of a plurality of appropriate materials for holding, covering, and/or securing a phone102(e.g., plastic, fabric, polymer, rubber, etc.) in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 10, an exploded perspective view1000showing components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio including a link-hinge mechanism with a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a phone102can be inserted securely into a personal computing device case104configured to snugly fit any of a plurality of devices. The shape and configuration of the case104can be configured to fit any of a plurality of types of devices (e.g., iPhone®, Windows® phone, Samsung® phone, tablet, etc.) in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In accordance with some aspects of the present invention, customized cases (e.g., different sizes, cutouts for button/charging access, etc.) can be configured to fit individual devices (e.g., iPhone10®, iPad®, Samsung Galaxy®, Motorola®, etc.). The case104can include a case magnet array702, which can be utilized to be magnetically connected to a front plate upper magnet array602and/or a front plate lower magnet array604. The magnet arrays602,604can be positioned in cutouts of a molded interior panel1002, and can be attached to a molded exterior panel1004using any of a plurality of suitable attachment means (e.g., glue, hook and loop fastener, welding, tape, snap-fit, etc.) in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the molded exterior panel1004can include a link-hinge mechanism803connecting the two sides of the molded exterior panel1004, and the molded exterior panel can be made from any of a plurality of appropriate materials for holding, covering, and/or securing a phone102(e.g., plastic, fabric, polymer, rubber, etc.). In some embodiments, the magnet arrays602,604,702can be exposed (e.g., visible), and in other embodiments the magnet arrays602,604,702can be hidden (e.g., not visible), in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a perspective view1100showing various configurations of link-hinge mechanisms for a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio is illustratively depicted in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the link-hinge mechanism803can include any of a plurality of components and configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the link-hinge mechanism803can include a plurality of equivalently and/or differently sized separate individual links, as shown in block1102, which are configured to be attached to and to connect the two sides of the folio108. In another embodiment, the link-hinge mechanism803can include a plurality of equivalently sized connected links with sharp squared-off edges, as shown in block1104, which are configured to be attached to and to connect the two sides of the folio108. In another embodiment, the link-hinge mechanism803can include equivalently and/or differently sized separate individual links with rounded edges, as show in block1106, which are configured to be attached to and to connect the two sides of the folio108in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In another embodiment, the link-hinge mechanism803can include a substantially planar flexible material (e.g., fabric, plastic, rubber, etc.), as shown in block1108, which is configured to be attached to and to connect the two sides of the folio108. In another embodiment, the link-hinge mechanism803can include a plurality of equivalently and/or differently sized separate individual pins, as shown in block1110, which are configured to be attached to and to connect the two sides of the folio108. In another embodiment, the link-hinge mechanism803can include differently sized connected links assembled such that the smaller links are connected to two (2) larger links, as shown in block1112, which are configured to be attached to and to connect the two sides of the folio108in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 12, a perspective view1200showing various configurations of folio magnet arrays for a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio is illustratively depicted in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the folio108can include one or more magnetic connections602,604, which can be a single magnet or a magnet array, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The upper magnet array602and the lower magnet array604can include any of a plurality of components and configurations in accordance with aspects of the present invention. For example, the upper magnet array602and/or the lower magnet array604can be configured as a single disc magnet1202, a bar magnet array1204, a uniformly sized multiple disc magnet array1206, a ring magnet array1208, a cross magnet array1210, a differently sized multiple disc magnet array1212, a ring and disc magnet array1214, a differently sized and shaped multiple disc and bar magnet array1216, and a stacked magnet array1218in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

The upper magnet array602and the lower magnet array604can be made from any suitable magnetic material, and may be hidden from view or exposed in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The case magnet array702(described above with reference toFIG. 7) can include any of a plurality of the above-discussed components and/or configurations1202,1204,1206,1208,1210,1212,1214,1216, and/or1218, can be made from any suitable magnetic material, and can be hidden from view or exposed, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 13, a perspective view1300showing a closed view of assembled components of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio including a magnetic closure mechanism with a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a phone in case106can be magnetically attached to a folio108including one or more magnet arrays (e.g.,602,604ofFIG. 6), and the folio108can include a magnetic closure mechanism1302. The magnetic closure mechanism1302can include a magnetic connection on a bottom side of a lower edge of one or both sides of the folio108, and is configured to magnetically secure the sides of the folio108in a closed position to prevent the folio108from opening without user interaction, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 14A, a perspective view1400showing a device and method for magnetic guided seating of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device in a disconnected state is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a phone in case106can be secured and positioned to the upper magnet array602and/or the lower magnet array604of a folio108using automatic guided magnetic seating1402. The guided magnetic seating1402can be utilized to position the phone in case106in an appropriate position relative to the folio108such that, for example, the folio108can be closed over the phone in case106to equally cover and protect both sides of the phone in case106in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 14B, a perspective view1401showing a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio in a connected state secured using magnetic guided seating is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a phone in case106can be secured and positioned to the upper magnet array602and/or the lower magnet array604of a folio108, such that the phone in case106is positioned as shown in element1404. The connected position using magnetic guided seating1404is achieved using the automatic guided magnetic seating1402, as described with reference toFIG. 14A, and the connected position using magnetic guided seating1404enables the folio108to be closed over the phone in case106such that, for example, the folio108can be closed over the phone in case106to equally cover and protect both sides of the phone in case106in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 14C, a perspective view1403showing a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio in a connected state in call mode position secured using magnetic guided seating is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a phone in case106can be secured and positioned to the upper magnet array602and/or the lower magnet array604of a folio108, such that the phone in case106is positioned in call mode position1406exposing a front side of the phone in case106. In some embodiments, the folio108can be opened by moving (e.g., flipping) a front side of the folio108away from a front side of the phone in case106such that the two sides of the folio108can be magnetically secured using a magnetic folio panel connection1408. The magnetic folio panel connection1408can include a magnetic connection including one or more magnets and/or magnet arrays positioned on a lower edge of one or both sides of the folio108, and is configured to magnetically secure the sides of the folio108in an opened position to prevent the folio108from closing without user interaction in call mode position1406, in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 15, a perspective view1500of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio with a portable personal computing device in charging mode position is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a phone in case106can be secured and positioned to the upper magnet array602(described above with reference toFIG. 6), and/or the lower magnet array604(described above with reference toFIG. 6), of a folio108using the case magnet array702(described above with reference toFIG. 7), such that the phone in case106is positioned in charging mode position1510. The charging mode position1510secures the phone in case106to the folio108such that a height-adjustable charging cable clearance space1502is formed to provide sufficient clearance space for a charging cable1504to be plugged into a charging port on the phone in case106in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 16A, a front perspective view1600showing exemplary attachment and usage configurations for a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio for a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the phone in case106can be magnetically attached to a folio108in any of a plurality of configurations/positions. These positions can include, but are not limited to a closed folio position1602, a portrait mode position201(described above with reference toFIG. 2), a call mode position1406(described above with reference toFIG. 14), a display mode position401(described above with reference toFIG. 4), and a charging mode position1510(described above with reference toFIG. 15), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 16B, an angled perspective view1601showing exemplary attachment and usage configurations for a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio for a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the phone in case106can be magnetically attached to a folio108in any of a plurality of configurations/positions. These positions can include, but are not limited to a closed folio position1602, a portrait mode position201(described above with reference toFIG. 2), a call mode position1406(described above with reference toFIG. 14), a display mode position401(described above with reference toFIG. 4), and a charging mode position1510(described above with reference toFIG. 15), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

In accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the phone in case106can be utilized in any of a plurality of environments, activities, configurations, and/or positions. Exemplary uses include, but are not limited to, utilizing the folio108in any viewing position (e.g., portrait, landscape, display) as a stand for any of a plurality of activities (e.g., charging, viewing the screen, etc.). Such uses include, for example, utilizing the phone in the case106while attached to the folio as a remote display of a computer screen (e.g., by placing on a desk, table, etc.) while using a connected computer; as a training aide to analyze, for example, a golf, tennis, baseball, etc. swing, yoga positions, a user's stance, etc. (e.g., by placing on a table, bench, ground next to a user, etc.) such that the sensors (e.g., camera, microphone, etc.) of a phone102capture the users movement, stance, and/or position; as a stand for watching a video in any viewing position (e.g., by placing on a desk, table, etc.); as a stand for use while cooking (e.g., by placing on kitchen counter to view recipes while cooking); and as a stand for video capturing (e.g., by placing on desk, table, etc.) for hands-free video calls, video filming, etc. in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 17, a perspective view1700showing a separable magnetic personal computing device case and folio including an integrated battery and charger for a portable personal computing device is illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the folio108can be configured to be magnetically attached to a phone in case106using magnetic connections (e.g.,602,604ofFIG. 6, and 702ofFIG. 7). In another embodiment of the present invention, the phone in case106can be similarly magnetically attached to a battery-charging folio1702configured to charge the phone in case106using a wired and/or wireless charging connection to the battery1704. The battery-charging folio1702can include a battery life indicator1706and a charging port1708configured for charging the battery1704and for providing charge from the charging port1708for charging the battery1704, and the charging port1708can be utilized to charge any of a plurality of devices using a charging cable (not shown) plugged into the charging port to provide power to any of a plurality of devices in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In some embodiments, the battery1704can be charged wirelessly by placing the phone in case1702on a wireless charging pad or other appropriate wireless charging device.

Referring now toFIG. 18, high-level perspective views1800showing multiple configurations of a separable magnetic personal computing device case and magnetic device holder with a kickstand are illustratively depicted in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, the magnetic device holders front support plates1807,1816,1817,1818,1819can include a front plate upper magnet array602and a front plate lower magnet array604for attaching the phone in case106for viewing in any of a variety of attachment configurations, as described in further detail with regard to the magnetic arrays ofFIGS. 9, 10, and 12. It is to be appreciated that the magnetic device holders front support plates1807,1816,1817,1818,1819function similarly with the folio108and can be used with the magnetic phone case104in any of the embodiments described with regard to the folio108in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In one embodiment, the kickstand1804can be secured to the magnetic device holder front support plate1807using a magnetic closure mechanism1805.

In some embodiments, the magnetic device holders1802,1808,1810,1812,1814can include a kickstand support structure1804,1809,1811,1813,1815, respectively, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In one embodiment, the kickstand1804can include a battery backup1803, which can be charged wirelessly or by a wired charging connection, and which further charges the phone in case106wirelessly while the phone in case106is connected to the magnetic device holder front support plate1807. Although the kickstand support structures1804,1809,1811,1813,1815are shown as particular shapes and sizes for illustrative purposes, it is to be appreciated that any suitable kickstand structure can be utilized with the magnetic device holders front support plates1807,1816,1817,1818,1819in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

It is to be appreciated that while the above non-limiting uses of the present invention are presented as examples for clarity, the present invention can be utilized for any of a plurality of other environments, activities, and/or positions in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.