Patent Publication Number: US-2013231165-A1

Title: Electronic mobile device having interchangeable covers

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/701,809, which was filed on Feb. 8, 2010. The contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/701,809 are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to electronic mobile devices. In particular, this disclosure relates to back covers for electronic mobile devices. 
     Many types of electronic mobile devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital media players and the like, support external cases or “skins” that provide additional protection, personalization, or both. These external cases may be rigid or flexible and may comprise various materials, such as nylon, polyester, polycarbonate, silicon, or the like. Regardless of their specific materials, external cases essentially increase the size and weight of electronic mobile devices. 
     Furthermore, external cases, due to their walls being disposed outwardly from mobile devices, typically interfere when attempting to connect electronic mobile devices to support docks of other electronic accessories such as charging stations, compact audio devices, and the like. As such, external cases typically need to be removed from electronic mobile devices in order to connect the devices to electronic accessories. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an electronic mobile device including two removable covers; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a base of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1  separated from the removable covers; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the base of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1  separated from the removable covers; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1  showing storage compartments; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1  showing the storage compartments; 
         FIG. 9  is another side view of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1  showing a track and projection riding in the track for guiding the removable covers relative to the base; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the removable covers being removed from the base of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the removable covers of the electronic mobile device of  FIG. 1  separated from the base; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of an electronic mobile device including two removable covers; and 
         FIG. 13  is a back perspective view of a third embodiment of an electronic mobile device including two removable covers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     An electronic mobile device comprises a base including a front surface, a rear surface defining a first compartment, a first side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, and a second side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The device further comprises a first cover detachably supported by the base and preventing access to the first compartment. The first cover covers at least a portion of the rear surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface of the base. The device further comprises a second cover detachably supported by the base. The second cover covers at least a portion of the rear surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface of the base. 
     The first cover may cover substantially 50 percent of the rear surface of the base, and the second cover may cover substantially 50 percent of the rear surface of the base. 
     The first cover may cover substantially 50 percent of the first side surface and substantially 50 percent of the second side surface, and the second cover may cover substantially 50 percent of the first side surface and substantially 50 percent of the second side surface. 
     The first cover may extend past the front surface of the base and terminate at front lips that cover a portion of the front surface of the base. The second cover may extend past the front surface of the base and terminate at front lips that cover a portion of the front surface of the base. 
     The rear surface may further define a second compartment, and the second cover may prevent access to the second compartment. 
     The first compartment may house a battery. 
     The base may include a connection interface extending between the first and second side surfaces of the base and separating the first cover and the second cover. The connection interface may include at least one electrical contact. 
     The base may include a first end surface and second end surface each extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The connection interface may be disposed substantially mid-way between the first end surface and the second end surface. 
     The first cover may be slidable in a first direction to detach from the base. The second cover may be slidable in a second direction to detach from the base, and the second direction is opposite the first direction. 
     An electronic mobile device includes a base having a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface has an input panel, and the rear surface defines a first compartment and a second compartment. A first cover is detachably supported by the base and prevents access to the first compartment. A second cover is detachably supported by the base and prevents access to the second compartment. 
     At least one of the first compartment and the second compartment may house a battery. 
     The base may further include a first side surface and a second side surface each extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The first cover may include a rear panel preventing access to the first compartment, a first side wall extending from the rear panel and disposed adjacent the first side surface, and a second side wall extending from the rear panel and disposed adjacent the second side surface. 
     The first and second side walls may extend and terminate past the front surface of the base. 
     The second cover may include a rear panel preventing access to the second compartment, a first side wall extending from the rear panel and disposed adjacent the first side surface, and a second side wall extending from the rear panel and disposed adjacent the second side surface. 
     The base may include a connection interface extending along a width of the rear surface and separating the first cover and the second cover. 
     An electronic mobile device includes a base having a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface has an input panel, and the rear surface supports a connection interface. A first cover is detachably supported by the base on a first side of the connection interface, and a second cover is detachably supported by the base on a second side of the connection interface. 
     The connection interface may extend between the first cover and the second cover such that the connection interface is accessible between the first cover and the second cover. 
     The connection interface may include a camera lens. 
     The base may include a first side surface and a second side surface each extending between the front surface and the rear surface. The connection interface may extend outwardly from the first side surface and the second side surface. 
     The first cover and the second cover may slidably detach from the base. 
     Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views, the present disclosure will be described in the context of an electronic mobile device  100  such as a cellular phone, although the present disclosure is also applicable to other devices such as PDAs, notebook computers, digital media players, mobile reading devices, digital cameras, global positioning system (GPS) devices, portable video game systems, and the like. Referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , the electronic mobile device  100  includes a base  102  that detachably supports a first compartment cover  104  and a second compartment cover  106 . The covers  104  and  106  may be interchanged with other covers formed of different materials having different sizes, colors, decorative patterns, or the like for personalization of the device  100 . Furthermore, the covers  104  and  106  provide a protective case when connected to the base  102 , and to this end, some of the surfaces of the base  102  are recessed or otherwise configured to accommodate the covers  104  and  106 . These aspects of the device  100  are described in further detail below. 
     Referring first to the base  102 , a front surface  108  supports an input panel  110 , such as a touch-sensitive panel, a keypad, a trackball or optical track pad, combinations thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, a first end surface  212  and a second end surface  114  of the base  102  also include additional keys (not shown), such as convenience keys, volume keys, mute keys, or the like. The input panel  110  and the keys may be manipulated to perform various functions such as placing phone calls, browsing the internet, taking photographs, playing electronic games, inputting information to a navigation system, and the like. 
     The base  102  also includes a first side surface  316  and a second side surface  318  ( FIG. 3 ) that both extend between the first and second end surfaces  212  and  114 . The first and second side surfaces  316  and  318  are normally covered by and disposed adjacent the first and second compartment covers  104  and  106  when the covers  104  and  106  are attached to the base. As such, in some embodiments, the side surfaces  316  and  318  include linear tracks  919  ( FIG. 9 ) that guide the covers  104  and  106  during removal and attachment, which will be described in further detail below. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 6 , the base  102  further includes a rear surface  620  opposite the front surface  108  ( FIG. 3 ). Like the first and second side surfaces  316  and  318 , at least a portion of the rear surface  620  is normally covered by the first and second compartment covers  104  and  106  when the covers  104  and  106  are attached to the base. The covers  104  and  106  also normally prevent access to storage compartments defined by the rear surface  620 . That is, the first cover  104  normally prevents access to a first compartment  522  that houses a first removable component  524 , such as removable memory card. Similarly, the second cover  106  normally prevents access to a second compartment  526  that houses a second removable component  528 , such as a battery. Either or both of the compartments  522  and  526  may house additional removable components (not shown), such as a SIM card and/or an additional memory card. 
     As used herein, the phrase “prevents access” and variations thereof means that a cover prevents components from being removed from a compartment when the cover is connected to the base  102  (i.e., the cover is in its normal position), but components may be removed from a compartment when the cover is detached from the base  102 . That is, no other panels or doors are disposed between the cover and the compartment, and components within the compartment may be manipulated by detaching only the cover. However, the compartment may include connectors or holders, such as the holders  629  and  631  ( FIG. 6 ), that directly support the components therein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , the rear surface  620  and the side surfaces  316  and  318  support a connection interface  130  that includes one or more electrical contacts or one or more connectors that house electrical contacts, such as battery charging contacts  432  and a data port  434 , to facilitate functions such as charging the mobile device  100 , exchanging information with the device  100 , and the like. In some embodiments, the connection interface  130  further includes a camera lens  436  and a flash  438  to facilitate taking photographs using the device  100 . 
     The connection interface  130  has a narrow saddle-like shape that extends across the width of the rear surface  620 , from the first side surface  316  to the second side surface  318 , and separates the first and second covers  104  and  106 . Such a connection interface  130  facilitates connecting the device  100  to other electronic accessories (not shown), such as charging stations, compact audio devices, or the like, having support docks such as support dock  870  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . In some embodiments, the support dock  870  includes electrical contacts (not shown) that engage the electrical contacts  432  and  434  of the mobile device  100 , for example, to charge the battery  528 , to permit data transmission between the devices, or the like. 
     In addition to electrical contacts, the illustrated support dock  870  advantageously has a narrow saddle-like shape corresponding to the connection interface  130  and configured for receiving the device  100 . The narrow saddle-like shape permits the support dock  870  to only contact the connection interface  130  to support the device  100 . That is, the support dock  870  does not contact the first and second covers  104  and  106  and therefore the device  100  may be connected to the support dock  870  without removing the first and second covers  104  and  106 . In addition, other interchangeable covers having different sizes and thicknesses may be connected to the device  100  and used with the support dock  870  provided that the covers do not overlap the connection interface  130  (i.e., the covers define an opening through which the connection interface  130  extends and is accessible). 
     Furthermore, the saddle-like shapes of the connection interface  130  (i.e., the connection interface  130  extending across the width of the rear surface  620  from the first side surface  316  to the second side surface  318 ) and the support dock  870  provide lateral support (i.e., support in a direction between the sides of the connection interface  130 ) for the mobile device  100 . As such, the shapes of the support dock  870  and the mobile device  100  prevent the mobile device  100  from falling sideways out of the support dock  870 . In addition to the saddle-like shape, in some embodiments, the connection interface  130  is disposed substantially mid-way between the first and second end surfaces  212  and  114  of the base  102  to permit the support dock  870  to easily balance the device  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-11 , the first removable cover  104  includes one or a combination of various materials such as plastic, metal, fabrics, wood, elastomeric materials, or the like. Each material may further include various thicknesses, colors, decorative markings, or the like. The first cover  104  may be detached from the base  102  and then interchanged with other covers having different materials, sizes, colors, decorative markings, or the like to facilitate device personalization. 
     As briefly described above, the first cover  104  is normally disposed on a first side of the connection interface  130  to prevent access to the first compartment  522 . In addition, the first cover  104  also acts as a protective case or skin for the base  102 . As such, the electronic mobile device  100  has a smaller size than a similar device that includes both a compartment cover and a separate external protective case. 
     As shown in the figures, the first cover  104  includes a trough-like shape to act as a protective case for several of the surfaces of the base  102 . More specifically, the first cover  104  includes a rear panel  442  ( FIG. 4 ) that normally prevents access to the first compartment  522  and protects at least a portion of the rear surface  620  of the base  102 . In some embodiments, the rear panel  442  covers substantially 50 percent of the rear surface  620  of the base  102  (as used herein, substantially meaning +0 percent and −10 percent). The first cover  104  also includes first and second side walls  144  and  146  that extend from the rear panel  442  that are normally disposed adjacent and protect portions of the first and second base side surfaces  316  and  318 , respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second side walls  144  and  146  cover substantially 50 percent of the first and second base side surfaces  316  and  318 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second side walls  144  and  146  each include projections  948  ( FIG. 9 ) that ride in the linear tracks  919  of the base  102 . As such, the projections  948  and the linear tracks  919  permit the first cover  104  to detach from the base  102  by sliding in a first direction  1040  ( FIG. 10 ). As shown most clearly in  FIG. 8 , the first and second side walls  144  and  146  terminate at front lips  150  and  152 , respectively, which extend past and engage the outer perimeter of the front surface  108  of the base  102 . In some embodiments, the front lips  150  and  152  of the side walls  144  and  146  extend past and cover a portion of the base front surface  108  (e.g., the edge between the front surface  108  and the first and second base side surfaces  316  and  318 ). The lips  150  and  152  may also engage and hold a transparent protective film (not shown) over the input panel  110 , for example, if the input panel  110  is a touch-sensitive panel. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 11 , the first and second side walls  144  and  146  and the rear panel  442  define an outer end surface  754  and an inner end surface  756 . The outer end surface  754  is shaped to provide, in part, the trough-like shape of the first cover  104 , and as such, the outer end surface  754  does not overlap the first end surface  212  of the base  102  after attachment. Similarly, the inner end surface  756  is shaped to provide, in part, the trough-like shape of the first cover  104 , and as briefly described above, the inner end surface  756  does not overlap the connection interface  130 . 
     In addition to the above walls and surfaces, in some embodiments, the rear panel  442  of the first cover  104  includes a release latch  458  to secure the first cover  104  to the base  102  in the normal attached position. However, the first cover  104  may be secured to the base  102  in other manners, such as friction engagement and the like. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-11 , the second cover  106  is generally similar, and in some embodiments identical, to the first cover  104 . That is, the second removable cover  106  includes one or a combination of various materials such as plastic, metal, fabrics, wood, elastomeric materials, or the like. Each material may further include various thicknesses, colors, decorative markings, or the like. The second cover  106  may be detached from the base  102  and then interchanged with other covers having different materials, sizes, colors, decorative markings, or the like to permit device personalization. 
     As briefly described above, the second cover  106  is normally disposed on a second side of the connection interface  130  to prevent access to the second compartment  526 . In addition, the second cover  106  also acts as a protective case or skin for the base  102 . As such, the electronic mobile device  100  has a smaller size than a similar device that includes both a compartment cover and a separate external protective case. 
     As shown in the figures, the second cover  106  includes a trough-like shape to act as a protective case for several of the surfaces of the base  102 . More specifically, the second cover  106  includes a rear panel  462  ( FIG. 4 ) that normally prevents access to the second compartment  526  and protects at least a portion of the rear surface  620  of the base  102 . In some embodiments, the rear panel  462  covers substantially 50 percent of the rear surface  620  of the base  102 . The second cover  106  also includes first and second side walls  164  and  166  that extend from the rear panel  462  of the second cover  106  that are normally disposed adjacent and protect portions of the first and second base side surfaces  316  and  318 , respectively. In some embodiments, the first and second side walls  164  and  166  cover substantially 50 percent of the first and second base side surfaces  316  and  318 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second side walls  164  and  166  each include projections  968  ( FIG. 9 ) that ride in the linear tracks  919  of the base  102 . As such, the projections  968  and the linear tracks  919  permit the second cover  106  to detach from the base  102  by sliding in a second direction  1060  ( FIG. 10 ) opposite the first direction  1040 . As shown most clearly in  FIG. 11 , the first and second side walls  164  and  166  terminate at front lips  170  and  172 , respectively, that extend past and cover a portion of the base front surface  108  (e.g., the edge between the front surface  108  and the first and second base side surfaces  316  and  318 ). The lips  170  and  172  may also engage and hold a transparent protective film (not shown) over the input panel  110  as described above. 
     As shown most clearly in  FIG. 11 , the first and second sidle walls  164  and  166  and the rear panel  462  define an outer end surface  774  and an inner end surface  776 . The outer end surface  774  is shaped to provide, in part, the trough-like shape of the second cover  106 , and as such, the outer end surface  774  does not overlap the second end surface  114  of the base  102  after attachment. Similarly, the inner end surface  776  is shaped to provide, in part, the trough-like shape of the second cover  106 , and as briefly described above, the inner end surface  776  does not overlap the connection interface  130 . 
     In addition to the above walls and surfaces, in some embodiments, the rear panel  462  of the second cover  106  includes a release latch  478  to secure the second cover  106  to the base  102  in the normal attached position. However, the second cover  106  may be secured to the base  102  in other manners, such as friction engagement and the like. 
     The structure of the mobile device  100  may vary from the above description without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the connection interface  130  and the support dock  870  have shapes other than narrow saddle-like shapes described above. However, the connection interface  130  and the support dock  870  advantageously have generally similar shapes such that the support dock  870  does not contact the covers  104  and  106 , and therefore, the device  100  may be used with the aforementioned electronic accessories without detaching the covers  104  and  106 . 
     As another example and referring now to  FIG. 12 , a second embodiment of the electronic mobile device  1200  provides additional protection for the base  102  by covering the first and second end surfaces  212  and  114 . The base  102  is as described above, and the device  1200  also includes a first cover  1204  that normally prevents access to the first compartment  522  of the base  102 . The first cover  1204  includes first and second side walls  1244  and  1246  that normally overlap and protect portions of the first and second side surfaces  316  and  318  of the base  102 . The first cover  1204  further includes an outer end surface  1254  normally disposed adjacent and protecting the first end surface  212  of the base  102 . Similarly, a second cover  1206  of the device  1200  includes first and second side walls  1264  and  1266  that normally overlap and protect other portions of the first and second side surfaces  316  and  318  of the base  102 . The second cover  1206  further includes an outer end surface  1274  normally disposed adjacent and protecting the second end surface  114  of the base  102 . 
     As yet another example and referring now to  FIG. 13 , a third embodiment of the electronic mobile device  1300  provides camera components (e.g., a camera lens and a flash) in a more traditional position near one of the end surfaces of the device  1300 . That is, the device  1300  includes a base  1302  having a connection interface  1330 . The connection interface  1330  has a general saddle-like shape and includes electrical contacts  1332  and  1334 , a camera lens  1336 , and a flash  1338  as described above. However, the connection interface  1330  is offset from the middle of the device  1300  (i.e., disposed closer to a first end surface (not shown) than a second end surface  1314  of the base  1302 ). Furthermore, the first and second removable covers  1304  and  1306  have different sizes to accommodate the different distances between the connection interface  1330  and the end surfaces of the base  1302 . 
     From the above description, it should be apparent that the present disclosure provides an electronic mobile device having interchangeable covers that permit personalization and customization of the device. Furthermore, the interchangeable covers act as both compartment covers and a protective case for the device, thereby providing a smaller size than a similar device that includes both a compartment cover and a separate external protective case. Further still, the present disclosure also provides an electronic mobile device that may be used with other electronic accessories (e.g., charging stations, compact audio devices) without detaching the interchangeable covers from the device. 
     It should be appreciated that various other modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments can be made within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the disclosure, the following claims should be referenced.