Patent Publication Number: US-2020287582-A1

Title: Electronic device case

Description:
PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     The present non-provisional application is a continuation of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/907,249 which in turn claims priority pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.120 from U.S. provisional applications 62/593,658 filed on Dec. 1, 2017 and 62/609,293 filed on Dec. 21, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter described herein generally relates to protective electronic device cases or shells, and more specifically relates to a protective electronic case for a cellular telephone that may include an electronic vapor device and/or other novel accessory devices. The description herein below focuses on a protective case for slab type electronic device, however, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the form factor may be configured to apply to other types of electronic devices such as, I-pods, flip-phones and slide phones. Although applications to cell phones and other personal communications devices are described in detail, the disclosure herein is not intended to be so limiting since it may be applied to a wide variety of other electronic devices including medical testing devices such as a glucose meter, for example. In some embodiments, a medical testing device may communicate with an electronic communications device via the protective electronic device case or shell. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Consumers utilize electronic vapor cigarettes, pipes, and modified vapor devices to enjoy what is commonly known as “vaping.” Vaping is an increasingly popular market segment, which has been, and continues to, steadily gain market acceptance over the last several years. 
     Various types of personal vaporizers are known in the art. In general, such vaporizers are characterized by heating a solid to a smoldering point, vaporizing a liquid by heat, or nebulizing a liquid by heat and/or by expansion through a nozzle. Such devices are designed to release aromatic materials in the solid or liquid (aka, “e-liquid” or “e-juice”) while avoiding high temperatures of combustion and the associated formation of tars, carbon monoxide, or other harmful byproducts. E-liquid is a water based liquid infused with nicotine or flavor ingredients and can also include up to 95% vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol. Other e-liquids may include heath supplements such as vitamin B-12. Standards for e-liquids have been established by the American E-liquid Manufacturing Standards Association (AEMSA). 
     The main components of a personal vaporizer are a mouthpiece, a cartridge or a tank to hold the material to be vaporized, a heating element/atomizer, a microprocessor, a battery, a switch (electronic or mechanical) to close an electrical circuit to the heating element, and possibly one or more light-emitting-diodes (LED) indicating the status of the vaporizer. An atomizer comprises a small heating element, or coil, that vaporizes e-liquid, and a wicking material that draws the liquid into the coil. When the user pushes a button or otherwise activates a pressure sensor by inhaling, the heating element energizes and atomizes the e-liquid. The e-liquid reaches a temperature of roughly 100-250° C. within a chamber to create an aerosolized vapor. In some instances, a combined atomizer and cartridge called a “Cartomizer” or a “Clearomizer” may be used which heats up the material to be vaporized and creates the vapor to be inhaled. 
     Consumers often carry both an electronic communication device (e.g., a cellular phone) and an electronic vapor device, requiring the consumer to carry and manage multiple devices throughout the day. It would be desirable, therefore, to develop new technologies to integrate vapor producing devices with other electronic devices, such as smartphones, via its case. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Devices and systems are provided for vaping. Exemplary devices herein include a case for an electronic device that comprises a rigid or semi-rigid form factor having an overall length, a width and a thickness that are greater than those of the electronic device. The form factor has a top end, a bottom end, a back side with an outside and an inside, and has at least a partial front side. Each of the top end and the bottom end is an “end portion.” Each of the front side and the back side are defined by an exterior edge circumscribing both the front side and the backside. The backside of the case further has a first cavity embedded therein with a first bottom, wherein the cavity is formed to flushly accept and hold the electronic device against the first bottom. The case also includes a removeable, rechargeable battery contained in a battery storage cavity within or attached to the form factor and an electronically operated vapor producing device moveably connected along the exterior edge of the form factor and at least partially replacing the exterior edge. The cellular phone and the electronically operated vapor producing device are electrically connectable to the removeable, rechargeable battery via one or more electric conductors passing through various portions of the form factor. 
     A further exemplary device comprises a case for a vapor producing device or a medical sensing device that is configured to be manipulated between an open position and a closed position in relation to the form factor by a user using a thumb or other digit. The device includes a spool, wheel, cylinder, or a portion thereof, rotationally attached to an exterior edge portion of the vapor producing device. The spool, wheel, or cylinder may further comprise an axel penetrating longitudinally through the wheel that may be configured to convey a current from a battery to an electrical connection in the base portion of the vapor producing device. 
     In other embodiments a case for an electronic device is provided that comprises a protective shell. The protective shell further comprises a rechargeable battery, and one or more manual actuators in electro-mechanical communication with the rechargeable battery. The protective shell further comprises at least one end portion configured to be removeably attached to the protective shell and to temporarily secure the electronic device within the protective shell when attached, the at least one removable end portion may further include an auxiliary appliance operably connected to the rechargeable battery. 
     Other embodiments include a case forming a first cavity to contain an electronic device. The case includes a protective shell or a case that comprises a rechargeable battery, and one or more manual actuators in electro-mechanical communication with the rechargeable battery. The protective shell is configured to receive and power the electronic device therein. The protective shell further includes at least one end portion configured to be removeably attached to the protective shell and to temporarily secure the electronic device in the protective shell when attached. The at least one removable end portion may further include an auxiliary appliance operably connected to the rechargeable battery. 
     Still further embodiments of the case for an electronic device, comprise a protective shell. The protective shell includes a removeable, rechargeable battery, a processor powered by the removeable, rechargeable battery, and one or more manual actuators in electro-mechanical communication with the processor, wherein the protective shell is configured to receive an electronic device therein. The protective shell further includes at least one end portion configured to be removeably attached to the protective shell and to temporarily secure the electronic device in the protective shell when attached. The at least one removable end portion is operably configured to include an auxiliary appliance, and an electronic memory that when the at least one end portion is attached the electronic memory is in operable communication with the processor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a sketch of the front of an embodiment of a cellphone case with the cell phone installed and the vapor producing device extended; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a form factor and four potential auxiliary devices; 
         FIG. 3 a    is a front view of an exemplary form factor; 
         FIG. 3 b    is a side view of an exemplary form factor; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary form factor; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an exemplary vape auxiliary device; 
         FIG. 6 a    is a plan view of the exemplary vape auxiliary device with the vape extended; 
         FIG. 6 b    is an internal view of the exemplary vape auxiliary device with the vape retracted; 
         FIG. 6 c    is a perspective view of  FIG. 6   b;    
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an exemplary LED/Laser auxiliary appliance; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of an exemplary cigarette lighter auxiliary appliance; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic speaker system auxiliary appliance; 
         FIG. 10  is a logic flow diagram for a method of recognizing and programming the protective case for a particular auxiliary device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, or the application, or uses of the subject matter disclosed. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Thus, any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. 
     New electronic device cases and apparatuses are discussed herein that are configured to receive and secure a portable electronic device. It should be understood that for the purposes of understanding the orientation of individual elements or components of the invention, the terms “front” and “front side” shall generally be used to indicate a surface or surface of an element or component that when assembled in a protective mobile device case apparatus, is orientated toward the primary display screen of the portable electronic device. Conversely, for the purposes of understanding the orientation of individual elements or components of the invention, the terms “back” and “back side” shall generally be used to indicate a surface or a surface of an element or component that when assembled in a protective mobile device case apparatus is orientated away from (i.e. faces away from) the primary display screen of the electronic device. 
     It should also be understood that the terms “right” and “left” are used solely to denote opposite sides of an element, component, or surface in the same manner that “top” and “bottom” are used solely to denote opposite sides of an element, component, or surface and should not unnecessarily be construed as limiting the position or orientation of said element, component, or surface. 
     In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that any illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. Some of the embodiments and implementations are described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components (or modules) and various processing steps. However, it should be appreciated that such block components (or modules) may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, analog-to-digital converters, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments described herein are merely exemplary implementations. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of digital storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an Application Specific Integrated Chip (ASIC). 
     In this document, relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Numerical ordinals such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. simply denote different singles of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. The sequence of the text in any of the claims does not imply that process steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence unless it is specifically defined by the language of the claim. The process steps may be interchanged in any order without departing from the scope of the invention as long as such an interchange does not contradict the claim language and is not logically nonsensical. 
     Furthermore, depending on the context, words such as “connect” or “coupled to” used in describing a relationship between different elements do not imply that a direct physical connection must be made between these elements. For example, two elements may be connected to each other physically, electronically, logically, or in any other manner, through one or more additional elements. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary rigid, open-faced electronic device case  100 . The electronic device case  100  may have any desired shape including but not limited to a square, a rectangle, a circle, and a sphere. However, in the interest of brevity and clarity, only a rectangular shaped electronic device case will be discussed further herein. 
     The exemplary electronic device case  100  comprises a form factor  101  having a length, a width and a thickness that are greater than those of the electronic device  10  (See  FIG. 2 )). The form factor  101  has a top end  102 , a bottom end  103 , front side  107 , and a back side  104  (See  FIG. 2 ) with an inside  106  and an outside  105 . Each of the top end  102  and a bottom end  103 , may be referred to herein as an “end portion.” 
     The front side  107  may be a full or partial, peripheral front side sufficient to partially envelope and secure the electronic device inside the case  100 . Each of the front side  107  and the backside  104  are defined by an exterior edge portion  110  circumscribing the front side  107  and the backside  104 . The exterior edge  110  may have a convex interior surface the outer edges of which may define a perimeter smaller than the perimeter of the electronic device in order to secure the electronic device in the form factor  100  and to conform to the shape of the perimeter sides of the electronic device. The outer surface of the exterior edge portion  110  may include one of a concave or a convex gripping surface  111  (See  FIGS. 4 and 5   b ), or both, on portions of the exterior edge portion  110 . The gripping surface  111  may be comprised of a pliable elastomeric material to improve the gripability of the electronic device case  100 . The exterior edge  101  may also house a storage location, or contain a space  120  (See  FIG. 3 a   ) for a stylus  121  or other instrument that a user may use to manipulate the electronic device. 
     In preferred embodiments, the form factor  101  may comprise or be constructed from a soft polymer, elastomeric, rubber, or other resilient material to increase protection of the electronic device case  100  against drops and shocks. The protective form factor  101  may be integrally formed as a single unit (i.e. through a molding manufacturing process) or it may be assembled from rigid or semi-rigid components and sub-components as shown in the exemplary drawings in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , for example. In some embodiments, all or some of the form factor  101  may comprise ARTiLAGE foams, Poron foams, silicone foams, rubber foams, plastic foams, neoprene foam, latex foam rubber, polyurenthane foam rubber, or elastomer materials such as elastic plastics, elastic silicone, elastic rubbers, silicone rubbers, or any other suitable elastomer or resilient material. 
     In other preferred embodiments, the form factor  101  may comprise a substantially rigid material such as nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), other substantially rigid plastics, hard rubbers, resins, ceramics, wood, carbon fiber, glass, metals and metal alloys, or any other suitable substantially rigid material including combinations of materials. In still other preferred embodiments the form factor  101  may have some portions comprising the rigid material and some comprising the elastomeric material, such as gripping surface  111 . 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the exemplary form factor  101  showing a removable and interchangeable top end  102 , a removable bottom end  103 , the back side  104  having an outside  105  and an inside  106 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates the partial front side  107  defining the first cavity  108  and a second cavity  113  or a “storage depression” that may be used to store personal articles  114  such as money or credit cards, wherein the rear surface of the electronic device secures the personal articles in place. The second cavity  113  may have “card keeper” devices  115  (See  FIG. 3 a   ) that may physically secure the personal articles  114  when the electronic device  10  is removed.  FIG. 2  also illustrates a rechargeable battery  125 , the battery compartment  124  located within the backside  104 , the exterior edge  110  and the stylus  121 . In some embodiments the rechargeable battery may be configured to power the electronic device and/or the removeable top  102  or bottom end  103 . 
     The electronic device  10  and the auxiliary appliance in the top end  102  are physically removable and are electrically connectable to the rechargeable battery  125  via one or more electric conductors  126  (See  FIG. 3 a   ) passing through the form factor  101 . It is contemplated herein that the auxiliary appliance may be contained in its own form factor and configured to be removeably attached to, or to replace, the top end  102  of the form factor  101  both physically and electrically as an accessory device. Other auxiliary appliances may also be removeably attached to the top end  102 , or replace the top end. Other auxiliary appliances may include but are not limited to a laser pointer, an electronic speaker, a flashlight, medical parameter measurement devices or other electrical or non-electrical device. A non-limiting list of exemplary auxiliary appliances include but are not limited to a: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Pulsemeter 
                 Oxygen Sensor 
                 Thermometer 
               
               
                 Pulsoximeter Combo Device 
                 Hearing Aid Tester 
                 Doppler 
               
               
                 Portable Diagnostic Ultrasound 
                 Blood Pressure Sensor 
                 Patient Monitoring System 
               
               
                 Breathalyzer 
                 Vein Finder 
                 Spectrometer 
               
               
                 Viewfinder/Distance Gauge 
                 Voltmeter 
                 Batter Tester 
               
               
                 IR Emitter 
                 IR Scanner 
                 Thermal Printer 
               
               
                 Recording Equipment 
                 Sound Level Monitor 
                 Point of Sale Terminal 
               
               
                 External Memory Card 
                 Flash Attachment 
                 LED Rotating Display 
               
               
                 Tire Pressure Monitor 
                 Swiss Army Knife 
                 Color Measurement Tool 
               
               
                 Barometer/Temperature/Humidity 
                 Refractometer 
                 Anemometer 
               
               
                 Water Quality Monitor 
                 CO Monitor 
                 Particle Counter 
               
               
                 Vibration Meter 
                 Air Quality Monitor 
                 CO2 Meter 
               
               
                 Spectro Radiometer 
                 Combustion Analyzer 
                 Light Meter 
               
               
                 Sound Level Meter 
                 Dissolved O2 Meter 
                 Electronic Scale 
               
               
                 Volatile Organic Compound Meter 
                 Frequency Meter 
                 pH Tester 
               
               
                 Borescope Inspection Camera 
                 Thickness Gage 
                 Thermal Imagery camera 
               
               
                 Laser Tachometer 
                 Soil Moisture Meter 
                 HVAC Psychrometer 
               
               
                 Lighting Detector 
                 Hygrometer 
                 Manometer 
               
               
                 Chlorine Checker 
                 Dermatoscope 
                 ron Checker Photometer 
               
               
                 Flowmeter 
                 Led Microscope 
                 Periscope 
               
               
                 Distance Meter 
                 Solar Meter 
                 UV Meter 
               
               
                 Dynamometer 
                 SunTan Monitor 
                 Sonar System 
               
               
                 Fishfinder 
                 Label printer 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 3 a -3 b    illustrate a cut away plan view and an exemplary side view, respectively, of the form factor  101  without the removeable top end  102  attached. The exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 a    shows the second cavity  113  or storage cavity in the front side of the back side of the form factor  101 . The second cavity  113  may include one or more “card keepers”  115  which are stationary or twisting posts that extend orthogonally from the bottom of the second cavity and are located at the extreme edges of the second cavity  113 . A card keeper may have a slight overhang at their top that serves to retain any card-like articles in the second cavity  113  when the electronic device is not encased. 
     The form factor  101  includes one or more locking posts  118  or connecting pins that extend longitudinally from the open top end of the form factor  101 . Each of the locking posts  118  may include a semi-spherical end portion that penetrates and removeably secures itself into a corresponding female pin receptacle  119 , (See, e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). 
     The case  100  includes an electronic circuit board  129 . The electronic circuit board may include an electronic memory device, a processor and a switch. The switch may be any type of switch or transistor known in the art or that may be developed in the future. For an example, a switch may be a simple set of terminals  130  that when connected together by a shunt or a wire (not shown) closes a circuit and allows a current to flow. The case  100  may also include a battery contact pin  131  that in some embodiments may connect power to the rechargeable battery  125  to the interchangeable top end  102 , to manual actuators  134 , and to a charging port  135  (See  FIG. 4 ). Non-limiting examples of a charging port may include any or all of a USB port, a micro USB port, a bidirectional USB port, or a mini USB charging port. 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary form factor  101  of  FIG. 3 a    having a molded front module with front side  107  and molded rear module  112  containing the rechargeable battery (not shown) and the back side (not shown). Both the front side module  107  and the rear module  112  have perimeters with portions that when assembled together comprise the exterior edge  110 . In some embodiments, the entire form factor  101  may be manufactured in one piece with a removable bottom end portion  103  as well as a removable top portion  102 . A removeable bottom end  103  may also comprise an auxiliary appliance instead of, or in addition to, the removeable top end  102 . 
     The form factor  101  of the protective case may include a plurality of ports for accessing items and functionalities of an electronic device (e.g., a camera, power switch, etc.), or a removable accessory (e.g., a vaping device), that is to be installed in, or on, the form factor  101 . For instance, the form factor  101  may include a device port to allow access to a connector port  135  of a cellphone housed in the form factor  101 . The form factor  101  may include a headphone jack port to allow headphones to be plugged into the handheld electronic device  10  via the form factor or through the form factor  101 . The form factor  101  may include one or more button ports to allow access to physical buttons (not shown) of the handheld electronic device. The form factor  101  may include a camera port to allow light to reach a camera of the electronic device in the form factor  101 . The form factor  101  may also include acoustical speaker ports  138  which may be arranged such that the protective case does not obstruct sound leaving a speaker of a handheld electronic device  10  housed in the form factor  101 , concentrates the sound. A “port” as defined herein is an opening in the form factor  101  or an opening in the form factor that is covered or replaced by a pliable elastomeric material that allows the passage of sound or light or that allows a user to manipulate a manual actuator on the electronic device  10 . 
     Additional ports may be included that allow access to a manual power-on actuator for the vapor producing device and a manual actuator controlling the temperature within the vapor producing device. The buttons  134  and actuators may be multi-function actuators in order to reduce the number of necessary actuators. It is noted that several of these same ports (described above) are also shown in other figures, and therefore for the sake of brevity, these same ports are not individually described again with regard to each embodiment disclosed in this document. 
     The bottom end  103  of the form factor  101  that may include speaker ports may be hollow, removable, and physically constitute an acoustic amplifier  138 . The internal surfaces of the bottom end of the form factor  101  may be shaped to maximize the volume of the sound produced by the speakers of the electronic device  10  as perceived by a user. The bottom end  103  of the form factor  101  may be internally shaped further to form a second storage volume (not shown) that is configured to contain and securely hold a spare tank  56  or cartridge of e-liquid. 
     The electronic device case  100  includes a rechargeable battery  125  contained in the battery storage cavity  124  attached to, or incorporated in, the backside  104  of the form factor  101  between an outside  105  of the backside and the inside of the back side. The battery  125  may produce an electric current that may be any amount of current that preferably ranges between 250 mAh and 1500 mAh and more preferably between zero and 3000 mAh. 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a top end  102  that is configured to house an auxiliary appliance such as the vaping producing device  50 . The exterior edge  110  of a removable top end  102  of the form factor  101  may be sized to include a space for enclosing a vapor producing device  50  that has a first end  51  and a second end  52 . The vapor producing device  50  is moveably connected along the exterior edge  107  at its second end  52  via a body vape stem  53  that is longitudinally attached to an electrical socket  60 . The body vape stem  53  at least partially replaces or is embedded within the exterior edge  107  while in a closed or stored position (See,  FIGS. 6 b -6 c   ). 
     The vapor producing device  50  may be any suitable type of vaping device that currently exists or that may be developed in the future. Vapor producing devices and medical devices of varying construction and length may be connected to and stored in various places within the form factor  101  and in different functional configurations to accommodate a specific construction. Such an exemplary vapor producing device  50  may be an oil vaporizer, a concentrate vaporizer, or a solid vaporizer using a wax or other solid. The vaping device may be, or include, an atomizer  56 . Alternatively, a Cartomizer, or a Clearomizer may be used instead as such devices are known in the art or shall be developed in the future. A non-limiting, exemplary electronic vapor producing device  50  that may be used herein is a mini-tank vaporizer produced by Rokin, LLC. 
     The first end  51  of the exemplary vapor producing device  50  constitutes a mouthpiece  54 , which is configured to move away from the exterior edge  107  to an open position extending radially from the exterior edge as shown in  FIG. 1 . The direction of the pivot movement may be either in the plane represented by the electronic device as shown in  FIG. 1  or orthogonal to that plane. The electronic device  10  (See  FIG. 2 ) may be slideably removeable from the form factor. The electronically operated vapor producing device  50  may be removable from the top end  102  in some embodiments. Both the electronic device and the vapor producing device are electrically connectable to a rechargeable battery  125  via one or more electric conductors  126  passing variously through the form factor  101 . In other embodiments the vapor producing device  50  may be permanently ensconced within its replaceable top end  102  as a replaceable or interchangeable top end  102  module. 
     In some equivalent alternative embodiments, the vapor producing device  50  may move away from the exterior edge  107  of form factor  101  linearly by extending along the direction of the exterior edge  107  or it may be pivotably rotated out of its storage space within the exterior edge  107 . The vapor producing device  50  may be releasably locked by a conventional locking mechanism (not shown) in its closed position until manually released and may be spring loaded in the direction of release by a spring  55 . In other embodiments the vapor producing device  50  may be held in position by friction or by a flexible portion of exterior edge  110  (not shown). 
     The second end of the vapor producing device  52  may be radially affixed to a wheel or wheel portion  58  (See,  FIGS. 6 a -6 b   ). The wheel  58  replaces a portion of the exterior edge  107  such as a corner between the storage portion in the top end  102  and a side portion of the exterior edge  107 . Hence, the axis of rotation about an axel  59  extends perpendicular to the plane of the electronic device. The vapor producing device  50  may be rotated from a stored position at zero degrees to at least preferably 180° in the plane of the cellular phone from its storage position by manipulating the exposed perimeter of the wheel by a user&#39;s thumb or finger. In some embodiments the degree of rotation may range from zero degrees up to 270°.  FIGS. 1 and 6   a  illustrate an exemplary degree of rotation of 90°. 
     Alternatively, the wheel  58  may rotate around axel  59  that is arranged in line with an exterior edge, such as a side edge  109 . Thus, the plane of rotation of the vapor producing device  50  is perpendicular to the plane of the electronic device. Similarly, if the vapor producing device is stored in a side edge volume, the wheel  58  would pivot around an axis in line with, or parallel with, the top or bottom edge  109 . 
     It should be reiterated that although the preferred storage location of the vapor producing device is within the top edge  109  of the form factor, the disclosure herein is not so limited. One would recognize that the vapor producing device and its actuator wheel  58  may reside in any location along the exterior edge  109  as may be desired or as may suit a particular purpose. The orientation of the body vape stem  53  at the location may be limited by its location and the convenience of a user. The vape top end  102  further comprises a harness plug  57  that couples the vape electrical connector  127  to the electrical connector  126 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 b   ,  FIG. 6 b    illustrates a cut away view of top end  102  exposing of an exemplary vapor producing device  50 , its body vape stem  53  and its wheel  58  that may be integrated therewith or may be fixedly attached thereto. In some embodiments the vapor producing device wheel  58  may comprise a cylindrical device or a semi-cylindrical device which has a rim or ridge with a serrated surface  61  and an axel  59  orthogonally connecting the wheel  58  to the removeable top end  102 . In other embodiments the vapor producing device wheel  58  may be a solid cylinder. In some embodiments, the vapor producing device  50  is longitudinally and removeably affixed to the body vape stem  53 . In other embodiments the vapor producing device  50  may be permanently affixed to, and integrated with, either the body vape stem  53  or the entire top end  102 . 
     In some equivalent embodiments, the second end  52  of the vapor producing device  50  is radially attached to the vapor producing device wheel  58  or its axel  59 . In some embodiments the vapor producing device  50  may be attached to a socket within the axel  59 . In other embodiments, the wheel  58  may be integrally formed onto the vapor producing device as an extension thereof. 
       FIG. 6 c    is a perspective view of the vaping auxiliary appliance with an electronic harness plug  62  and accompanying wires that provide power to, and allow electronic operation the vaping device  50 . The vaping top end  102  may also include an electronic memory device (not shown) and/or a processor (not shown) that contains instructions to download to the processor  129  incorporated in the form factor  101  by which the multifunction buttons  134  may operate the vaping device  50 . 
     The process of vaping generates heat which may become uncomfortable while vaping. To mitigate this unwanted effect in some embodiments, radiating elements extending radially from the axel of vapor producing device wheel are included to accelerate cooling of the device (not shown). Alternatively or in addition, one or more heatsinks (not shown) may be utilized to dissipate unwanted heat levels. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a removeable top end  102  that is a light system that may be used for jogging or other tasks undertaken in the dark. The top end  102  comprises an upper body  72 , a lower body  70 , and the lighting system  75 . The lighting system  75  may include an LED light board  80  and may include a laser emitting interface  82  on one or both sides of the top end  102 . The light system  75  may also include a laser head  84 . 
     A laser head may be a gain module, laser module or pump chamber. A gain module is an assembly containing a mounted gain medium, usually together with other parts for pumping and often cooling the medium. For pumping, a laser head can contain arc lamps or flash lamps, laser diodes, or a connection to a fiber-coupled pump source. A complete laser is obtained by placing a laser head in a resonator. Laser heads (without resonators) can often be purchased separately, so that different kinds of laser resonators can be built, depending on the specific demands. A laser head may also be an assembly containing the complete optical setup (with the laser resonator), possibly excluding the power supply and fiber-coupled pump diodes. 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of another removeable top end  102  that functions as a cigarette lighter. The lighter top end  102  includes a lower body  70  having at least one female pin receptacle  119 , a harness plug  57 , and a set of wires connecting power from the harness plug  57  to a lighter coil  71  that when energized may light a combustive material. The lighter removeable top end include an upper body  72  that attaches to the lower body  70  and receives a portion of the electronic device  10 . As is the case with all removeable, transferrable top ends  102 , the top end may include a processor that receives input from the multifunction manual actuators  134  to operate the lighter coil. Alternatively or conjointly the lighter top end may include a memory device with instructions that may configure or reconfigure a programmable logic device or a processor  129  within the form factor  101  to operate the lighter via the multifunction manual actuators  134 . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of another removeable, interchangeable top end  102  that functions as an electronic speaker. The speaker top end  102  includes a lower body  70  having at least one female pin receptacle  119 , a harness plug  57  and a set of wires connecting power from the harness plug  57  to a circuit board  62 , and at least one electric speaker  65 . When energized, the speaker  65  reproduces and/or diverts the audio output signals produced from the electronic device  10 . The circuit board  62  also includes an audio processor  67  to control stereo acoustics parameters such as frequency, volume, and elative output power between speakers  65 . The circuit board  62  may also include an electronic memory device  63  that may contain instructions to operate the speakers  65  via a repurposing of the manual actuators  134  and the audio processor  67 . 
     The removeable speaker top end  102  includes an upper body  72  that attaches to the lower body  70  and receives a portion of the electronic device  10 . As is the case with all removeable, transferrable top ends  102 , the top end may include a processor that receives input from the multifunction manual actuators  134  to operate the speaker using speaker control circuitry. Alternatively or conjointly the speaker top end may include a memory device  63  with instructions recorded thereon that may configure or reconfigure a programmable logic device or a processor  129  within the form factor  101  to operate the speakers via the multifunction manual actuators  134 . 
     In some embodiments, the replaceable, interchangeable top ends  102  may not need electric power or signals to operate or control its operation. In other embodiments, the former, the later or both may be desirable. As such, it is desirable that the protective case  100  be able to distinguish between interchangeable top ends  102  and alter the functionality of manual actuators  134  to suit the functionality of particular top end  102  that is attached and which do not. 
     Although other functionality recognition and control methodologies may lend themselves to this purpose as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. An exemplary scheme may use a simple mechanical or electronic switch (not shown) that indicates that an interchangeable top end that needs power or communications with the form factor  101  is connected to the form factor. In alternative embodiments an ammeter or voltmeter may be incorporated to make the detection. 
     In embodiments where there is no removeable top end  102  or that the top end  102  requires neither power nor electronic control, the switch may remain open, such that a logical zero is detected by processor  129 . Where a logical zero is detected, the manual actuator devices  134  on the form factor  101  would assume a default configuration that is pre-programmed into the processor  129 . 
     In embodiments where there is a connected top end  102  that requires power or a control configuration, a physical shunt or an electric voltage may shut the switch to generate a logical “1” that is detected by the processor  129 .  FIG. 10  is a logic flow diagram of an embodiment. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the method  200  described herein is largely dependent on the types of electronic components chosen to carry out the functionality of embodiments described herein. Therefore there are alternative methods and new methods that may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure herein. 
     At process  210 , a removeable top end  102  that requires power and/or control is physically connected to the form factor  101 . As discussed above, the physical connection generates a logical “1” or other electronic signal to be generated and transmitted over electrical connector  126 . The electrical connector  126  may be, or may double as, a communications bus. At process  220 , the processor  129  receives or detects the signal and at process  230  generates a download request to the processor or memory device  63  in the removeable top end  102  to download the instructions recorded on the memory device to reconfigure the processor  129  or the programming instructions resident in the processor. To the extent that the processor  129  is a field programmable gate array or other type of Programmable Logic Device, the gates on the PLD are actually reconfigured. 
     At process  240 , a configuration file download request is received by the memory device  63  or processor in the removeable top end  102 . At process  250 , a form factor configuration file contained therein is either pushed to the processor  129  or called therefrom as is well known in the art. 
     At process  260 , processor  129  is reconfigured pursuant to the configuration file. The new programming is installed and initiated at process  270  at which point an optional confirmation signal is sent over the electrical connector  126 . The confirmation signal may light an indicator LED on the removeable top end  102 . 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.