Abstract:
A MemEx Cell Phone Case for providing a combination of accessory functions in conjunction with a protective mobile device case, including a storable touchscreen stylus, a foldable, magnetically retained kickstand, an external memory expansion adapter, and openings for charging ports. The memory adapter permits consumers to increase the memory of their smart phone or other device which may be otherwise incapable or receiving a memory upgrade. The adapter includes a receptacle for commercially available memory storage devices such as a micro-SD card, and features a dust cover. The entire assembly is secured by a detachable phone retainer to ensure a positive connection between the phone and case functions. The MemEx case is designed to accommodate all the controls and functions of various mobile devices in a durable, utilitarian case while providing these additional accessories.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of mobile device cases and more specifically relates to a mobile device with auxiliary functions. 
     RELATED ART 
     A mobile device is a small, lightweight computing device, typically small enough to be handheld, having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. A handheld computing device has an operating system (OS), and can run various types of application software, known as apps. Most handheld devices can also be equipped with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS capabilities that can allow connections to the Internet and other devices, such as an automobile or a microphone headset, or can be used to provide Location-based services. A camera or media player feature for video or music files can also be typically found on these devices along with a stable battery power source such as a lithium battery. Increasingly, mobile devices also contain sensors like accelerometers, compasses, magnetometers, or gyroscopes, allowing detection of orientation and motion. Mobile devices may provide biometric user authentication, such as using a built-in camera for face recognition or using a fingerprint sensor for fingerprint recognition. 
     Because modern mobile devices contain expensive hardware that provides a wide variety of functions, it has become increasingly popular to equip them with protective casings. Mobile device cases may help make a device more resistant to potential damage encountered in everyday use. Cases may also add an aspect of fashion or individuality to a user&#39;s device. 
     Most modern mobile devices, unlike personal computers, do not offer convenient solutions for increasing computer memory. This is difficult due to the compact and inaccessible nature of mobile device hardware. A lack of storage can be inconvenient for the consumer, who may need additional memory for application programs, music files, photographs and videos, or other memory-consuming needs. Unfortunately, most mobile devices are too small to incorporate aftermarket memory banks, and commercially available accessory cases do not offer storage options. A suitable solution is desired. 
     Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2013/0106353 to David A. Foster, U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2014/0187289 to John Cataldo et al, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2012/0327580 to David P. Gengler. These references are representative of mobile device cases. However, none of the above references, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known mobile device case art, the present invention provides a novel cell phone case with external memory storage. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a MemEx Cell Phone Case. 
     A MemEx Cell Phone Case system is disclosed in a preferred embodiment comprising a MemEx Cell Phone Case assembly. The MemEx Cell Phone Case system comprises a case shell (including a backside cover panel having an inside face and an outside face, a case skirt having an inside surface and an outside surface, a detachable phone retainer, a kickstand receiving slot, at least two hinge pins, at least two flexible button covers, and a plurality of apertures), a stylus (including a cylindrical body, a proximal end having a pointed tip, and a distal end), a kickstand (including a surface support, a stylus well, an upper supporting member, a lower supporting member, an upper hinge knuckle, and a lower hinge knuckle), and a memory expansion adapter (including a mobile device accepting terminal and an external memory accepting terminal). 
     The case shell, stylus, kickstand, and memory expansion adapter are in functional combination. The kickstand is hingedly attached and extendable from the case shell, being retained by a magnet, and the memory expansion adapter is permanently contained within the case shell, which is designed to enclose a mobile device. The MemEx Cell Phone Case system is designed to interchangeably accept and retain an external memory device within the memory expansion adapter. The memory expansion adapter is structured to communicate with internal memory of a mobile device. 
     The inside face of the backside cover panel of the case shell, the inner face of the case skirt of the case shell, and the retention lip of the case shell in functional combination form an inner volume shaped to hold a mobile device. The openings in the case shell are designed to allow access to various controls and functions of the mobile device, and flexible button covers are incorporated to allow protective access to various controls of the mobile device. The stylus is attached to the stylus well of the kickstand for storage. The kickstand contains the upper hinge knuckle and the lower hinge knuckle, which are hingedly attached to the two hinge pins of the case shell within the kickstand receiving slot. The kickstand is storable within the kickstand receiving slot of the case shell. 
     The openings in the case shell are adapted to receive an external memory device, which connects with the external memory expansion adapter. The mobile device accepting terminal of the external memory expansion adapter and the external memory accepting terminal of the external memory expansion adapter are molded into the backside cover panel of the case shell. The external memory expansion adapter is usable by the mobile device through the communication of electronic circuitry for storing electronic data when an external memory device is attached. The case shell is constructed of plastic and rubber, and is constructed to allow normal signal transmission of said mobile device. 
     The kickstand is hinged on the backside cover panel of the case shell in alignment with the kickstand receiving slot of the case shell so that the kickstand lies flush with the backside cover panel of the case shell when not in use, secured by magnetic inserts. 
     The surface support of the kickstand and the outside surface of the case skirt of the case shell form a resting face upon which the mobile device is supported when the kickstand is deployed. In an alternative embodiment, the kickstand may comprise a trapezoidal shape which allows better placement in both a “landscape” or “portrait” orientation. 
     The stylus is designed to interface with the touch screens of mobile devices. The mobile device is chargeable through the case shell, particularly via USB-type charging terminals. 
     The outside surface of the case skirt of the case shell, the outside face of the backside cover panel of the case shell, and the detachable phone retainer of the case shell form a rectangular protective outer membrane enclosing the mobile device in order to prevent damage to it. 
     The MemEx Cell Phone Case system may be adapted as a kit, including the case shell, the stylus, the kickstand, the external memory adapter, and a set of user instructions. 
     A preferred method of using the MemEx Cell Phone Case system includes pressing the mobile device into the retention lip of the case shell against the backside cover panel of the case shell, uncoupling the stylus from the stylus well of the kickstand, deploying the kickstand from the kickstand receiving slot of the case shell, resting the mobile device on the surface support of the kickstand; and using the stylus to interface with the mobile device. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a cell phone case with external memory storage. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present disclosure, which may be constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a MemEx Cell Phone Case system during an ‘in-use’ condition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the MemEx Cell Phone Case system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the back side of the MemEx Cell Phone Case with the kickstand deployed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the front side of the MemEx Cell Phone Case, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mobile device case and more particularly to a MemEx Cell Phone Case system as used to improve the cell accessory. Preferably, a mobile device case should provide options for external memory storage as well as other physical accessory functions and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable MemEx Cell Phone Case system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     Generally speaking, MemEx Cell Phone Case systems may comprise a case for mobile devices, especially a smart phone, with a combination of desirable features. The preferred embodiment of the disclosure includes a protective case which includes a kickstand for resting the device on a surface, a stylus for operating a touch screen, a storage slot for retaining the stylus, and a receptacle for inserting a memory card, preferably of the micro-SD type, to interface and add supplementary data storage to the mobile device, and a dust cover for the micro-SD slot. The case also incorporates desirable aspects for protecting the device. The case is constructed of layered plastic and rubber, providing both a rigid, durable component and a shockproof, waterproof component to the case. The case incorporates appropriate openings and button covers allowing the case to provide ample protection for the device while providing full access to all the device&#39;s controls and facilities. These may include power buttons, volume rocker switches, speakers, microphones, cameras, antennas, charging ports, and other components. 
     The combination of the kickstand, stylus, stylus slot, and memory expansion adapter, incorporated into a durable protective case offers particular benefits. The combination of these features provide a case accessory that provides maximum utility. The memory expansion adapter meets a demand for adding aftermarket storage to commercial smartphones, which generally do not permit for expansion or replacement of internal memory. 
     The case comprises an enclosure surrounding the backside and edges of the mobile device. A removable phone retainer comprising a section of the case skirt permits the device to be removably inserted into the case without tools, and secures the device to the inner face of the case in union with the male receiving end of the electronic memory adapter. Installation of the mobile device involves removing the retainer, sliding the device into the case, pressing the device into the memory connector, and replacing the retainer. The backside of the case includes a U-shaped slot which contains the folding kickstand. The terminal ends of the slot contain pins upon which the hinged portions of the kickstand rotate. When folded against the case, the kickstand lies flush with the back of the case. The kickstand is retained in the slot by detents or clasps. 
     When deployed, the kickstand makes an angle to the case and supports the device against a surface. In this orientation the device is positioned in a “landscape” orientation, with the longest length of the device parallel to the supporting surface of the kickstand. This position is ideal for using the stylus to interface with a touch screen device. An alternative method may allow placement of the device in a “portrait” orientation. The stylus is optimized for this purpose and comprises a cylindrical body with a pointed tip for engaging the touch screen. The stylus is storable in the stylus slot, which comprises a slotted trench in the supporting member of the kickstand. The stylus is preferably retained by a magnet and is accessible when the kickstand is deployed from the case. The stylus is removed from the slot by sliding the stylus from either end of the kickstand base. 
     The memory expansion adapter comprises a pair of terminals contained in the body of the case. A slot in the case provides a receptacle to retain a micro-SD card or similar storage device. The slot is equipped with a removable dust cover. The first terminal is placed on the outward-facing side of the slot, and engages with the electrical contacts of the storage unit. The second terminal is located on the inside face of the case coincident with a port on the mobile device. The internal hardware of the memory expansion adapter is configured to adapt the external storage device with the hardware of the mobile device. 
     The MemEx case may be offered in various configurations to accommodate the differing commercial phones and devices on the market. The case may also be sold in a variety of colors and aesthetic designs. In some embodiments, the case may include adapters for charging accessories. 
     Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , an accessory for mobile devices according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile device accessory (MemEx Cell Phone Case system  100 ) may comprise MemEx Cell Phone Case assembly  110 , which may comprise case shell  112  including and defined by backside cover panel  114  having inside face  115  and outside face  116 , case skirt  118  having inside surface  119  and outside surface  120 , detachable phone retainer  122 , kickstand receiving slot  126 , at least two hinge pins  128 , at least two flexible button covers  130 , and plurality of apertures  131 ; stylus  132  including and defined by an elongated cylindrical body  133 , proximal end  134  having pointed tip  135 , and distal end  136  axially distal to the proximal end  134 ; kickstand  170  including and defined by surface support  172 , stylus well  124  integrated with the surface support  172 , said stylus well  124  configured to receive and retain the stylus  132 , upper supporting member  174 , lower supporting member  176 , upper hinge knuckle  178 , and lower hinge knuckle  180 ; memory expansion adapter  181  including and defined by mobile device accepting terminal  182 , and external memory accepting terminal  184  that is structured and arranged to interchangeably accept and retain an external memory device, said external memory accepting terminal  184  further structured and arranged to communicate with an internal memory of the mobile device  160 . 
     Case shell  112 , stylus  132 , kickstand  170 , and memory expansion adapter  181  are in functional combination. Stylus  132  is removably retained within case shell  112 , and kickstand  170  is hingedly attached to an extendable from case shell  112 . Memory expansion adapter  181  is permanently contained within case shell  112 . MemEx Cell Phone Case system  100  is structured and arranged to enclose mobile device  160 , and to interchangeably accept and retain external memory device  162  within memory expansion adapter  181 . Memory expansion adapter  181  is structured and arranged to communicate with internal memory of mobile device  160 . 
     Inside face  115  of backside cover panel  114  of case shell  112 , inside surface  119  of case skirt  118  of case shell  112 , and detachable phone retainer  122  of case shell  112  in functional combination form inner volume structured and arranged to hold mobile device  160 . Plurality of apertures  131  of case shell  112  are structured and arranged to allow access to various controls and functions of mobile device  160 . At least two flexible button covers  130  are structured and arranged to allow protective access to various controls of mobile device  160 , and stylus  132  is removably attachable to said stylus well  124  of said kickstand  170  for storage. Upper hinge knuckle  178  of kickstand  170  and lower hinge knuckle  180  of kickstand  170  are hingedly attached to at least two hinge pins  128  of case shell  112  within kickstand receiving slot  126  of case shell  112 , kickstand  170  being storable within kickstand receiving slot  126  of case shell  112 . 
     Plurality of apertures  131  of case shell  112  is structured and arranged to receive external memory device  162  in communication with memory expansion adapter  181  and mobile device accepting terminal  182  of memory expansion adapter  181  and external memory accepting terminal  184  of memory expansion adapter  181  are integral to backside cover panel  114  of case shell  112 . Memory expansion adapter  181  is usable by mobile device  160  through communication of electronic circuitry for storing electronic data when external memory device  162  is attached. 
     Case shell  112  is constructed of plastic and rubber, and is structured to allow normal signal transmission of said mobile device  160 . Kickstand  170  is pivotably attached to backside cover panel  114  of case shell in alignment with kickstand receiving slot  126  of case shell  112  so that kickstand  170  lies flush with backside cover panel  114  of case shell  112 ; when deployed, surface support  172  of kickstand  170  and outside surface  120  of case skirt  118  of case shell  112  form resting face upon which mobile device  160  is supported. 
     Stylus  132  is structured and arranged to interface with mobile device  160  by means of touchscreen technologies. Mobile device  160  is chargeable through case shell  112 , particularly via USB-type charging terminals. 
     Outside surface  120  of case skirt  118  of case shell  112 , outside face  116  of backside cover panel  114  of case shell  112 , and detachable phone retainer  122  of case shell  112  form protective outer membrane enclosing mobile device  160  for preventing damage to mobile device  160 . 
     It should be noted that MemEx Cell Phone Case system  100  may be adapted as a kit  105  comprising the following parts: at least one case shell  112 , at least one kickstand  170 , at least one stylus  132 , at least one memory expansion adapter  181 , and at least one set of user instructions  145 . The kit  105  has instructions  145  such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the disclosure (such that the disclosure can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). MemEx Cell Phone Case  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. 
     A method of using the mobile device accessory  100  described above may include the steps of: providing the mobile device accessory including a case shell, a stylus, a kickstand, and an external memory adapter, pressing a mobile device into said retention lip of said case shell against a backside cover panel of said case shell, uncoupling said stylus from a stylus well of said kickstand, deploying said kickstand from a kickstand receiving slot in said case shell; resting said mobile device on a surface support of said kickstand, and using said stylus to interface with said mobile device. Similarly, a preferred method of using the MemEx Cell Phone Case system  100  includes pressing the mobile device into the retention lip of the case shell against the backside cover panel of the case shell, uncoupling the stylus from the stylus well of the kickstand, deploying the kickstand from the kickstand receiving slot of the case shell, resting the mobile device on the surface support of the kickstand; and using the stylus to interface with the mobile device. 
     Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other case structure arrangements such as, for example, cases accommodating the unique layouts and features of commercially available mobile devices, etc., may be sufficient. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f). Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the disclosure described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.