Abstract:
An embodiment of the invention comprises an electronic device case including a power source and circuit board. The circuit board may be connected to the buttons allowing the electronic device case to function as a standalone device. The electronic device case includes a dedicated power source allowing the utilization of the case as a standalone device regardless of whether the electronic device is housed within the case.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/748,503, filed on Jan. 3, 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to an electronic device case including a power source configured to provide power to a circuit board capable of performing various functions. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    This section provides background information related to the present disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art. 
         [0004]    Electronic devices, such as cellular phones and tablet computers are utilized in an ever-increasing manner. For example, people often replace their landlines in favor of carrying a cellular phone. In addition, the current population&#39;s need to be constantly in communication with others, along with the demands of business requiring the same, very often necessitates that individuals constantly carry their cellular phones with them. 
         [0005]    As the cost of electronic devices has increased, the need for individuals to protect those same phones has increased as well. Consequently, individuals often protect their devices with cases. These cases protect the device by reducing impact received by the device in the event that the phone is dropped. In addition, for certain devices with bodies at least partially made of glass; a device case may prevent the glass from scratching as the device is carried in a purse or a pocket of an individual. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention is directed to a case for an electronic device. The case for the device includes a backside and a sidewall. The sidewall extends from the backside. The sidewall defines a recess, and the recess is sized and configured to receive an electronic device. The case also includes a power source and a circuit connected to the power source. The circuit is capable of performing some type of function regardless of whether the electronic device is located within the recess. 
         [0007]    In an embodiment, the case comprises a sidewall. The sidewall defines a recess sized and configured to receive an electronic device. The case also includes a backside connected to the sidewall. The backside includes a power source and a circuit modularly connected to the backside and electrically connected the power source. The circuit is configured to perform a function. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the case comprises a sidewall. The sidewall defines a recess configured to receive an electronic device. The case also includes a backside connected to the sidewall. The case also includes a power source and a circuit at least partially located within the backside and electrically connected to the power source. In addition, the circuit wirelessly connects to the electronic device. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a case representing an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an underside perspective view of the embodiment of the electronic device case depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is an underside perspective view of the embodiment of the electronic device case depicted in  FIG. 1  with the cover removed. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a device cover representing an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the device depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a first circuit module capable of being utilized in embodiments of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a second circuit module capable of being utilized in embodiments of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the device cover representing an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the device cover representing an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the invention depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of the device cover depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0024]    With initial reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , numeral  10  generally indicates an electronic device case representing an embodiment of the present invention, and accordingly, the device case  10  will be described as such. It should be noted that the electronic device case  10  need not be configured to receive just cell phones, but rather electronic device case  10  may be configured to receive any suitable electronic device such as a tablet computer in addition to the phone case. It should be noted that throughout this application, the phrase electronic device, phone and tablet are used interchangeably. 
         [0025]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1-3 , in the depicted embodiment, the electronic device case  10  is a cellular phone case. In the depicted embodiment, electronic device case  10  includes a body  11  including a front face, indicated by numeral  12 . Body  11  may be manufactured from any suitable material. In the depicted embodiment, front face  12  includes a phone receiving recess  14  and an optics opening  16 . It should be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art that the phone receiving recess  14  may be shaped to receive any type of cell phone desired. For example, in embodiments wherein electronic device case  10  will be utilized in conjunction with an iPhone cellular phone manufactured by Apple Inc., phone receiving recess  14  may be configured with a generally rectangular shape corresponding to that of an iPhone. 
         [0026]    Electronic device case  10  further includes a side wall indicated by numeral  20 . Side wall  20  may include recesses, as exemplified in the depicted embodiment by recess  22 , in order to allow access to ports located on the side of the cellular phone to be received within the phone receiving recess  14 . As should be understood with one of ordinary skill in the art, the number, location and shape of the recesses  22 , may vary to match the same number, location and shape of recesses in the cellular phone received in the phone receiving recess  14 . 
         [0027]    With reference now specifically to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , body  11  further includes a backside indicated by numeral  30 . Backside  30  includes a back surface  32  and a cover  34 . Furthermore, as shown specifically in  FIG. 3 , backside  30  further includes a recessed area  36 . 
         [0028]    With reference again to  FIG. 2 , backside  30  is substantially smooth, with the exposed surface of back surface  32  and cover  34  being substantially located in a single plane. Cover  34  may be held in a position relative to back surface  32  by any suitable mechanism, such as via a snap fit or with a locking screw, as would be understood by one with ordinary skill in the art. In the depicted embodiment, cover  34  includes a plurality of button receiving holes, indicated by numerals  38  and  40 , respectively. As will be explained in greater detail below, holes  38 ,  40  may take any shape desired. 
         [0029]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , electronic device case  10  further includes a circuit board  50 , a power source  52 , button  54 , button  56  and optics  58  all generally positioned within the recessed area  36 . Circuit board  50  may be of any suitable type of circuit board configured to achieve the desired function of electronic device case  10 . In the depicted embodiment, electronic device case  10  is configured to also function as a computer mouse, in addition to protecting a cell phone received therein. The function of circuit board  50  in the depicted embodiment will be explained in greater detail below. 
         [0030]    Power source  52  may be any type of power source sufficient capable of powering the functions of the cellular phone cover in accordance with the present invention. For example, power source  52  may be a disposable battery of the type AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt or a button type or disc type battery typically utilized in watches and the like. In embodiments of the invention, however, power source  52  may be a rechargeable lithium ion type battery capable of being recharged while within the recessed area  36  or capable of being removed from the recessed area  36  for recharging. 
         [0031]    Buttons  54 ,  56  may be connected to circuit board  50  in a known manner. In addition, buttons  54 ,  56  may have any shape desired, however, the shape of buttons  54 ,  56  and holes  38 ,  40  should be complementary thereby allowing buttons  54 ,  56  to be located within holes  38 ,  40  respectively. 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , in the depicted embodiment optics  58  are substantially located within recessed area  36 . A portion of optics  58  is located within optics opening  16 . It is desirable in the depicted embodiment that the portion of optics  58  located within optics opening  16  be substantially flush with front face  12 . Optics  58  may be retained in a desired position via any suitable mechanism known in the art. 
         [0033]    When assembled as depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the depicted embodiment of electronic device case  10  will protect a cell phone from damage, but will also have the ability to function as a mouse for interaction with a computer. For example, the buttons  54 ,  56  will allow a user to “click” in a manner consistent with a standard mouse, and circuit board  50  will translate and communicate that clicking to a computer wirelessly connected to electronic device case  10 . It should be noted that electronic device case  10  might be wirelessly connected to a computer via any standard protocol, such as Bluetooth. In a similar manner, optics  58  may read movement of the electronic device case  10  across a flat surface, such as the top surface of the table or desk and communicate said movement to the circuit board  50 . Circuit board  50  may then communicate the read movement to a joined computer in order to move the mouse pointer shown on the screen of the computer in a manner that corresponds to the movement of the electronic device case  10  across a surface. In this manner, the electronic device case  10  may function as a mouse. It should be noted, however, that the wireless connection of the electronic device case  10  and the corresponding computer may utilize the Bluetooth connectivity of the cellular phone protected by electronic device case  10 , where available, but embodiments of electronic device case  10  may rely upon the circuit board  50  in its entirety for wireless connection with the computer. 
         [0034]    In other embodiments of the invention, the circuit board  50  may be configured to function in alternative manners. For example, the circuit board  50  may be connected to a radio frequency transmitter and receiver. This would allow the electronic device case  10  to function as a garage door opener when both buttons  54 ,  56  are depressed at the same time, thereby sending a signal to a garage door coupled to the electronic device case  10  and causing the garage door opener to open or close a garage door in a standard manner. In this manner, the electronic device case  10  may function as both a mouse and a garage door opener. In embodiments, a single button may be utilized in electronic device case  10 , and circuit board  50  may be configured to send out signals capable of being received by a garage door opener. In embodiments, the radio frequency transmitter and receiver may be allow electronic device case  10  to interact with any radio frequency devices, such as car doors, home doors or home alarms. 
         [0035]    Still, in embodiments of the invention, electronic device case  10  may have circuit board  50  configured to function as a glucose monitor or laser pointer, and electronic device case  10  may include corresponding features of such devices. In addition, in embodiments, electronic device case  10  may include a recess or pocket sized and configured to receive a USB thumb drive. The USB thumb drive may be separate from electronic device case  10  or, in embodiments, may be integral to the electronic device case  10 . 
         [0036]    In embodiments of the invention, the electronic device case  10  includes a power source  52  allowing the electronic device case  10  to function without a cellular phone being contained therein. Accordingly, the electronic device case  10  need not rely on the power of a cellular phone protected therein, thereby prolonging the usable life of the cellular phone without requiring a recharge of the battery of the cellular phone. In addition, the battery of the cellular phone protected by the electronic device case  10  need not have any charge for the electronic device case  10  to function. In addition, the device case  10  functions without the electronic device being present within the recess  14 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  depicts a device case generally indicated by numeral  100 . Device case  100  may be sized and configured to be utilized with any suitable electronic device, such as an iPhone, iPad or iPad mini, all of which are manufactured and sold by Apple Inc. In the depicted embodiment, case  100  includes a body indicated by numeral  111  comprising a front face  112  and receiving recess  114 . In the depicted embodiment, front face  112  includes an indentation  115 . Receiving recess  114  is sized and configured to receive any suitable electronic device such as those described above or any similar cellular phone device or tablet computing device. Indentation  115  may be sized and configured to allow a user to gain leverage over the device (not shown) located within receiving recess  114  in order to remove the device from the case  100 . 
         [0038]    Body  111  further includes a plurality of sidewalls each indicated by  120 . In the depicted embodiment, body  111  includes four sidewalls  120 . Each sidewall  120  may include at least one recess  122 . Each recess  122  may be sized and configured to allow connection of any cord to the device located within receiving recess  114 , such as, for example, power cords, speaker cords, USB connecting cords or any similar cord. In addition, recess  122  may be configured to allow a user to access buttons or switches located on the device located within receiving recess  114 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  depicts a rear perspective view of the device case  100  shown in  FIG. 4 . The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  includes a backside  130 . In the depicted embodiment, backside  130  includes a plurality of cavities, each type generally indicated by numerals  132 ,  134  and  136 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , cavity  132  is configured to receive a first circuit module, indicated by numeral  140  in  FIG. 6 , and cavities  134  is configured to receive a second circuit module, indicated by numeral  150  in  FIG. 7 . Cavities  136  may be configured to receive any conventional battery. For example, cavities  136  may be configured for each to receive a standard button or disc type of battery, such as CR2032 for example. In other embodiments, the number of cavities  136  and size of cavities  136  may be configured to receive any standard type of battery “AA”, “AAA”, “C”, “D” or nine volt battery, of both the rechargeable and the disposable variety. 
         [0040]    With reference now to  FIG. 6 , first circuit module  140  includes a housing  142 , a first circuit connector  144  and a second circuit connector  146 . Housing  142  is configured with a hollow area (not shown) configured to receive a circuit board (not shown) capable of performing a variety of functions. Housing  142  may be manufactured from any suitable material, and in general, any suitable insulated material such as plastic. First circuit connector  144  and second circuit connector  146  are configured to allow interaction of the circuit board housed within housing  142  and case  100  when the first circuit module  140  is inserted into cavity  132 . In the depicted embodiment, first circuit connector  144  and second circuit connector  146  are of similar shape but differ in size. In other embodiments, the connectors  144 ,  146  may be of similar size but may differ in shape. In other embodiments, the connectors  144 ,  146  may differ in both size and shape. 
         [0041]    With reference now to  FIG. 7 , second circuit module  150  includes a housing  152 , a first circuit connector  154  and a second circuit connector  156 . Housing  152  is configured with a hollow area (not shown) configured to receive a circuit board (not shown) capable of performing a variety of functions. Housing  152  may be manufactured from any suitable material, and in general, any suitable insulated material such as plastic. First circuit connector  154  and second circuit connector  156  are configured to allow interaction of the circuit board housed within housing  152  and case  100  when the second circuit module  150  is inserted into cavity  134 . In the depicted embodiment, first circuit connector  154  and second circuit connector  156  are of similar shape but differ in size. In other embodiments, the connectors  154 ,  156  may be of similar size but may differ in shape. In other embodiments, the connectors  154 ,  156  may differ in both size and shape. 
         [0042]    Referring again to  FIG. 5 , in the depicted embodiment of case  100 , the cavities  132  and  134  have similar configurations differing only in size. For example, cavity  132  includes a circuit module receiving area, generally indicated by numeral  162  and module connector receiving apertures  164 ,  166 . In the depicted embodiment, apertures  164  and  166  are sized and configured to receive connectors  144 ,  146 . Apertures  164 ,  166  differ in size and shape in order to match the size and shape of the connectors  144 ,  146 . Similarly, cavity  134  includes a circuit module receiving area, generally indicated by numeral  172  and module connector receiving apertures  174 ,  176 . In the depicted embodiment, apertures  174 ,  176  are sized and configured to receive connectors  154 ,  156 . Apertures  174 ,  176  differ in size and shape in order to match the size and shape of the connectors  154 ,  156 . 
         [0043]    In the depicted embodiment, the case  100  may include a variety of circuit boards (not shown) configured to interact with first circuit module  140  and second circuit module  150 . The interaction of the circuit boards and circuit modules  140 ,  150  allow the device case to perform a variety of functions, such as, for example, a computer mouse, USB reader, USB Drive, pedometer, breathalyzer, accelerometer, a transmitter and receiver, a remote control, AM/FM radio, garage door opener, laser pointer, laser leveler, laser distance measurer, house lighting remote, LCD display, voice memo recorder, car key fab, car remote starter, flashlight, flexible key board, any type of blue tooth device, a hobby board (such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or any similar type board), Blood Chemistry (such as a glucometer), speaker (both as a single mono speaker or a pair of speakers for stereo) and connection ports (such as USB, HDMI, component video, or similar connection). Moreover, due to the inclusion of the batteries within cavities  136 , the case  100  may utilize the functions of the circuit modules  140 ,  150  without the presence of an electronic device in the receiving recess  114 . For example, a user may desire to utilize the case  100  as a garage door opener. Accordingly, a circuit module  140  may be inserted into cavity  132 . In addition, circuit module  140  may include an actuation button (not shown) and signal transmitting technology (not shown) allowing the circuit module  140  to utilize power from the batteries within cavities  137  upon actuation of the button in order to transmit a signal to a user&#39;s garage door opener instructing said opener to open the user&#39;s garage. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , another embodiment of a case representing the present invention is generally indicated by numeral  200 . The front side of the case  200  is similar to the fronts of the previously described embodiments. The case  200  includes a backside  230  and a cavity  236  including a plurality of batteries  238 . In the depicted embodiment, batteries  238  are “AAA” batteries, but may be any known type of battery. In the depicted embodiment, case  200  includes a first circuit module  240  and a second circuit module  250 . In a manner similar to that described above, the circuit modules  240 ,  250  include circuit boards (not shown) and any known mechanism for actuating the circuit board, such as a button or switch  242 . In the depicted embodiment, module  240  includes a connector  244  and module  250  includes a connector  254 . The connectors  244  and  254  connect the modules  240 ,  250  with the case  200 . For example, when module  250  is inserted into case  200 , connector  254  is located within case opening  274 . The connection between connector  254  and opening  274  allows the module  250  to access circuits (not shown) and batteries  238  of the case  200 . In the depicted embodiment, module  240  includes a digital display or readout indicated by numeral  281 . Display  281  is able to display information to the user as necessary and corresponding to the function of module  240  plugged into the case  200 . 
         [0045]    Referring still to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , case  200  and includes dove tail connections generally indicated by numeral  280 . In the depicted embodiment, each dovetail connection  280  allows the backside  230  to be connected to modules  240 ,  250 . Each dovetail connection  280  includes a first portion  282  and a second portion  284 . In the depicted embodiment, first portion  282  is a male portion and second portion  284  is a complementary female portion. The inclusion of dovetail connections  280  allows each of the modules  240 ,  250  to be slidably connected to backside  230 . 
         [0046]    It should be noted that in the depicted embodiment, the modules  240 ,  250  form a portion of sidewall  220 . Accordingly, modules  240 ,  250  may include functional portions that extend beyond the sidewall  220 . For example, module  250  may include a slot  252  that allows the module  250  to read a credit card (not shown). Upon reading a credit card, the module  250  may transmit the information obtained in reading the credit card to the device housed within the case  200  via Bluetooth, near field communication, WiFi or any similar communication protocol. The phone may then utilize a software application residing on the phone to verify such information and process said payment information in a standard manner. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , another case representing another embodiment of the invention generally indicated by numeral  300 . In the depicted embodiment, case  300  is able to function as a computer mouse and includes an upper portion  302  and lower portion  304 . Upper portion  302  includes an upper surface  306  and a side wall  308 . Side wall  308  defines a device receiving area  310 . In the depicted embodiment, area  310  is configured to receive an iPhone, but in embodiments, area  310  may be configured to receive any suitable device such as a cellular phone from any manufacturer of any suitable tablet device. Referring still to  FIG. 10 , side wall  308  includes a plurality of openings each indicated by numeral  312 . The openings  312  may be sized and arranged to allow a user to access buttons and switches resident upon the phone located within the area  310 . It should be noted that the openings  312  may be positioned as needed to allow access to the phone&#39;s buttons and switches after the phone has been inserted into area  310 . In the depicted embodiment, area  310  also includes an opening  314  positioned and located to correspond to the position of the camera location of the phone located within the area  310 . Upper portion  302  also includes an aperture  316 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , lower portion  304  includes a back face indicated by  330 . Back face  330  includes a first button  332  and a second button  334 . The buttons  332 ,  334  are configured to be depressed by the finger of a user when the user holds the case  300  in a manner as a user would typically hold a mouse. In addition, the buttons  332 ,  334  are configured so that the buttons  332 ,  334  spring back to a neutral position once the button  332 ,  334  has been depressed and released by the user. 
         [0049]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 12 , lower portion  304  includes a surface  340 . Surface  340  includes a cavity (not shown). The cavity is sized and configured to receive a circuit board  344 . Circuit board  344  includes an optical movement sensor  346  similar to that found in a standard mouse. The optical movement sensor  346  is configured to measure relative movement of the case relative to a table top (not shown) case  300  moves across the table. 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10-12 , the upper portion  302  and lower portion  304  may be connected and joined in any suitable manner. For example, portion  302  may be connected to portion  304  by way of some known adhesive. In the depicted embodiment of case  300 , optical movement sensor  346  is configured to extend through opening  316  of upper portion  302 . Thus, when assembled, the case  300  may be used as a computer mouse, with the movement of the mouse being determined by laser projection portion  346  through opening  316 . The “clicking” of the mouse can be achieved by the user depressing the buttons  332 ,  334 . Due to the inclusion of a power source  350 , the case  300  may be utilized as a mouse without the inclusion of a device in area  310 . Furthermore, circuit board  344  may allow the case  300  to communicate with a computer wirelessly via any standard communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, WiFi or near field communication, for example. 
         [0051]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment; but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.