PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10955875-B2
Application Number: US-202016848335-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Accessory device for an electronic device

Abstract:
Electronic devices and accessory devices for electronic devices are described. In some instances, an accessory device includes a keyboard and a cover rotatable with respect to the keyboard. In some instances, an accessory device includes a back panel and a foldable cover rotatable with respect to the back panel. These accessory devices may include several magnetic elements designed to magnetically couple with, and retain, an electronic device without any additional mechanical or other interlocking devices. In this regard, the magnetic elements in the accessory devices provide an external magnetic field sufficiently strong enough to retain the electronic device, and can counter gravitational forces and/or the weight of the electronic device. However, some accessory devices include additional magnetic elements that provide an external magnetic field that repels magnetic elements in the electronic device. Also, the magnetic elements may also be used to hold different sections of the accessory device together.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a first section; 
 a second section; 
 a hinge that rotationally couples the first section with the second section; 
 a first magnet located in the first section, the first magnet configured to provide a magnetic coupling with a device magnet located in the electronic device; and 
 a second magnet located in the first section, the second magnet configured to provide a magnetic repulsion to the device magnet, wherein the magnetic coupling maintains the electronic device with the first section, and the magnetic repulsion provides a force such that the electronic device is suspended and lacks contact with the second section. 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the first section comprises:
 a first segment; and 
 a second segment, wherein the first segment is rotationally coupled to the second segment. 
 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the hinge is coupled with the first section at the second segment. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the first segment is larger than the second segment. 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are located in the first segment. 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the second section comprises a keyboard. 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 an open position comprises the electronic device suspended and lacking contact with the second section, and 
 a closed position comprises the first section combining with the second section to cover the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       8. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a keyboard section; and 
 a cover section rotationally coupled to the keyboard section by a hinge, the cover section comprising:
 a first segment comprising a magnet configured to magnetically couple with a device magnet of the electronic device, and 
 a second segment, wherein the first segment is rotationally coupled to the second segment by an embedded hinge, 
 
 wherein the cover section is configured to hold and suspend the electronic device at the first segment such that the electronic device is not in contact with the keyboard section. 
 
     
     
       9. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein:
 the magnet defines a first magnet, 
 the cover section further comprises a second magnet configured to provide a magnetic repulsion to the device magnet, and 
 the magnetic repulsion provides a force such that the electronic device is suspended over the keyboard section. 
 
     
     
       10. The accessory device of  claim 9 , wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are located in the first segment. 
     
     
       11. The accessory device of  claim 8 , further comprising electrical contacts located on the first segment, the electrical contacts configured to electrically couple the electronic device with a keyboard located on the keyboard section. 
     
     
       12. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the hinge is coupled with the cover section at the second segment. 
     
     
       13. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the first segment is larger than the second segment. 
     
     
       14. The accessory device of  claim 13 , wherein the hinge is coupled to the second segment of the cover section. 
     
     
       15. A method for holding an electronic device, the method comprising:
 by an accessory device: 
 providing, by a first magnet located in a first section of the accessory device, a magnetic coupling with a device magnet of the electronic device, the magnetic coupling maintaining the electronic device with the first section; and 
 providing, by a second magnet located in the first section, a magnetic repulsion to the device magnet, the magnetic repulsion providing a force such that the electronic device is suspended and lacks contact with a second section that is rotationally coupled with the first section. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein providing the magnetic in the first section comprises:
 providing a first segment of the first section; and 
 providing a second segment that is rotationally coupled to the first segment. 
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first segment carries the first magnet. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first segment is larger than the second segment. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the second segment is secured with the second section by a hinge, and wherein the hinge allow the first section to rotate relative to the second section. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the second section comprises a keyboard.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/415,649, filed May 17, 2019, entitled “MAGNETIC LAYOUT IN ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND ACCESSORY DEVICES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” issued on Jun. 2, 2020 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,671,121, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/731,608 filed Sep. 14, 2018 of the same title, the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to accessory devices suitable for use with portable electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to accessory devices with magnets designed to magnetically couple with magnets in portable electronic devices as well as other magnets within the accessory device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Accessory devices can provide a protective cover for electronic device. Accessory devices can cover a cover glass and a housing of the electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an accessory device for an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section. The first section may include a first magnetic element capable of magnetically coupling with a first device magnet of the electronic device and aligning the electronic device with the first section. The first section may further include electrical contacts that electrically couple with device contacts of the electronic device. The first section may further include a second magnetic element capable of magnetically coupling with a second device magnet of the electronic device and aligning the device contacts with the electrical contacts. The accessory device may further include a second section rotationally coupled with the first section. The second section may include a channel capable of receiving the electronic device. The second section may further include a keyboard separate from the channel and in electrical communication with the electronic device via the electrical contacts. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section that includes a first magnetic element capable of magnetically coupling with a first device magnet of the electronic device. The accessory device may include a second section rotationally coupled with the first section, the second section that includes a second magnetic element capable of magnetically coupling with a second device magnet of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a first compensating magnetic element located in the first section. The accessory device may further include a second compensating magnetic element located in the second section. In some instances, the first compensating magnet and the second compensating magnet neutralize the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first section that includes a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element may provide a magnetic attraction force with a device magnet of the electronic device. The second magnetic element may provide a magnetic repulsion force with the device magnet. The accessory device may include a second section rotationally coupled with the first section. The second section may include a keyboard in communication with the electronic device. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing several internal components of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device, showing an object positioned against the sidewall; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device for use with the electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 5 , showing various internal components of the accessory device; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the electronic device coupled to the accessory device and positioned in the first channel, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the electronic device positioned in the second channel; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 9 , showing additional features in the accessory device; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 11 , showing several magnetic elements in the accessory device; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 12 , showing the electronic device coupled to the accessory device; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the an accessory device and electronic device shown in  FIG. 13 , showing magnetic elements in the accessory device providing a magnetic repulsion force to magnetic elements in the electronic device; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing back surfaces engaged with each other, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an accessory device, showing an electronic device positioned between, and engaged with, a first section and a second section of the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates accessory devices coupled with the electronic devices, showing the accessory devices engaged with, and suspended from, a magnetically attractable material using magnets in the accessory devices, in accordance with some described embodiments; and 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the described embodiments. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described embodiments. 
     The following disclosure relates to electronic devices and accessory devices designed for use with electronic devices. Electronic devices described herein may include portable computing devices, such as tablet computing devices, smartphones, and laptop computing devices. Accessory devices described herein may be referred to as portable accessory devices, accessory cases, accessory covers, or folios, as non-limiting examples. Accessory devices described herein may include a cover having segments foldable with respect to each other, as well as a keyboard coupled with the cover in a manner that allows rotational movement between the cover and the keyboard. The cover may further include electrical contacts designed to engage electrical contacts of the electronic device and place the electronic device in electrical communication with the accessory device. 
     Accessory devices described herein may include several magnetic elements designed and positioned not only to magnetically couple with magnetic elements in an electronic device, but also with other magnetic elements within the accessory device. Further, accessory devices described herein may include magnetic elements that generate an external magnetic field sufficient enough to retain the electronic device, even when gravitational forces are acting on the electronic device that would otherwise cause the electronic device to fall off of the accessory device. Further, based on the position of the various magnetic elements, accessory devices described herein may be configured in various manners, providing additional flexibility and benefits to users. 
     Some accessory devices described herein include multiple sections, with some sections providing foldable covers while other sections provide keyboards (in some instances). Further, some accessory devices described herein include channels used to retain an edge of an electronic device. These accessory devices may include additional magnetic elements surrounding the channels in order to magnetically couple with magnetic elements in the electronic device. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-18 . However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is for explanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric front view of an embodiment of an electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  100  may be referred to as a portable electronic device. For example, in some embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a laptop computing device. In other embodiments, the electronic device  100  is a mobile wireless communication device, such as a smartphone. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the electronic device  100  is a tablet computing device designed for user interaction and wireless communication. 
     The electronic device  100  may include an enclosure  102 , or housing, designed to provide an internal volume (not labeled) to store several components, including (as non-limiting examples) circuit boards, processor circuits, memory circuits, battery (or batteries), audio modules (such as speakers), microphones, cameras, light emitters and receivers, and flexible circuitry that electrically connect at least some of the aforementioned components to each other. The enclosure  102  may include a back wall and multiple sidewalls that extend from, and combine with, the back wall define the internal volume. The enclosure  102  may include a rigid material, including a metal (such as aluminum or an alloy that includes aluminum), ceramic, or hardened plastic, as non-limiting examples. 
     The electronic device  100  may further include a display assembly  104  (shown as a dotted line). Although not shown, the display assembly  104  may include multiple layers, including a display layer designed to provide visual information. The display assembly  104  may further include a touch input layer designed to receive a touch input, and provide a location of the touch input. The touch input layer may include capacitive touch technology used to form an electrostatic field and use changes in the electrostatic field to locate the touch input. The electronic device  100  may further include a transparent cover  106  positioned over the display assembly  104  and coupled with the enclosure  102 . The transparent cover  106  may provide a protective cover to the display assembly  104  as well as the aforementioned components stored in the internal volume. The transparent cover  106  may include a see-through material, such as glass, plastic, sapphire or the like. The electronic device  100  may further include a border  108  that extends around a perimeter of the transparent cover  106  and covers edges of the display assembly  104 . The border  108  may provide an opaque barrier that hides or obscures electrical connections between the display assembly  104  and other components (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). The border  108  may be applied to an internal surface of the transparent cover  106 , and accordingly, the border  108  faces the internal volume. However, in some instances (not shown), the border  108  may be applied to an external surface. Also, the border  108  may include a uniform dimension along the X-axis as well as the Y-axis. In this manner, the border  108  may appear uniform along a two-dimensional plane, thereby providing the electronic device  100  with an aesthetic and consistent finish. 
     While the border  108  is opaque, or at least substantially opaque, some portions of the border  108  can be removed to form an opening (or openings). Further, the opening(s) in the border  108  can be filled with a material that provides a light transmission (or translucent) quality, while also matching, or at least substantially matching, the appearance (in terms of color and/or reflectivity) of the border  108 . For example, the border  108  may include an opening with a material  110  that fills the opening. The material  110  may include an ink material (as a non-limiting example) that includes an appearance that matches that of the border  108 . For example, if the border  108  appears black, the material  110  may also appear black while still allowing light passage. In this manner, the electronic device  100  may include a vision system used for user authentication, as well as light sensors that detect an amount of light incident on the electronic device  100 . These features will be shown below. 
     When the enclosure  102  is formed from a metal, some parts of the enclosure  102  may undergo a machining operation to remove the metal, and a non-metal may fill the void in the enclosure  102  left from the machining operation. For example, the enclosure  102  may include a sidewall  114   a  having an opening, or window, that opens into the internal volume of the electronic device  100 , and a non-metal material  116   a  that fills the opening. The non-metal material  116   a  may include plastic, resin, and/or adhesives. In this manner, the electronic device  100  may include components, such as an inductive charging unit and antennae (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), positioned in the internal volume along the non-metal material  116   a . The non-metal material  116   a  provides minimal, if any, blockage of radio frequency communication to and from the antennae. Accordingly, the non-metal material  116   a  may be referred to as a radio frequency window. Further, the non-metal material  116   a  provides minimal, if any, blockage of induced electrical current from the inductive charging unit. As a result, the inductive charging unit can be used to charge an object or an accessory, such as a digital stylus, that is used to provide a touch input to the display assembly  104 . These features will be shown below. 
     The enclosure  102  may further include through holes, or openings, that lead to the internal volume. For example, the sidewall  114   b  may include through holes  118   a  and through holes  118   b . The through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  may be used to allow acoustical energy generated by audio modules (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) to exit the electronic device  100 . Also, at least some of the through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  may be used to receive acoustical energy, thereby allowing a microphone(s) (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) in the electronic device  100  to process the acoustical energy. Although a discrete number of through holes are shown in the sidewall  114   b , the number of through holes may vary. The electronic device  100  may include a connector  120  located in a through hole of the sidewall  114   b . The connector  120  may electrically couple with a central processing unit (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) on a circuit board in the internal volume, as well as a battery (or batteries, not shown) in the internal volume. In this manner, the electronic device  100  may receive and transmit data for the central processing unit, and may also receive electrical energy use to charge and re-charge the battery (or batteries). The connector  120  may include a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connector, including a connector with USB-C protocol. However, the connector  120  may take the form of other standardized connectors. 
     Also, the electronic device  100  may include an input mechanism  122   a  located on the sidewall  114   a . In some embodiments, the input mechanism  122   a  is a switch or a button mechanically coupled to an internal switch. The input mechanism  122   a  may be designed for actuation (such as a depression or lateral movement) to generate a command to alter the display assembly  104  or provide some other function, such as controlling the volume of the audio modules (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). Although the input mechanism  122   a  is located on the sidewall  114   a , other locations (both on the sidewall  114   a  and other sidewalls) are possible. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric back view of the electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing additional features of the electronic device  100 . The enclosure  102  may include a wall  124 , also referred to as a bottom wall or back wall, with several openings to allow for additional features. For example, the wall  124  may include an opening filled with a non-metal material  116   b . The non-metal material  116   b  may include plastic, resin, and/or adhesives, as non-limiting examples. In this manner, the wall  124  may permit radio frequency into and out of the enclosure  102  by way of the non-metal material  116   b . The wall  124  may further include openings for a camera assembly  126 , a flash module  128 , and a microphone  129 . 
     The enclosure  102  may further include a sidewall  114   c  that includes an opening  118   d  for a microphone (shown later). The sidewall  114   c  may further include an input mechanism  122   b  and an input mechanism  122   c , both of which may include any feature previously described for the input mechanism  122   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Also, the enclosure  102  may include a sidewall  114   d  having through holes similar to the through holes  118   a  and the through holes  118   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The through holes in sidewall  114   d  can be used for additional audio modules and microphones (shown below). 
     In addition to the connector  120 , other features can place the electronic device  100  in communication with external devices. For example, the electronic device  100  may include an electrical contact  123   a , an electrical contact  123   b , and an electrical contact  123   c . These contacts may be referred to as device contacts. The electrical contact  123   a , the electrical contact  123   b , and the electrical contact  123   c  may include metal contacts designed to electrically couple with an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), such as a cover, a folio, and/or a cover-keyboard accessory. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100 , showing several internal components of the electronic device  100 . For purposes of simplicity illustration, the transparent cover  106  and the display assembly  104  are removed to show additional features. Several additional features may not be included in  FIG. 3  as well. As shown, the enclosure  102  may define an internal volume  130  that provides a space to carry the components of the electronic device  100 . Although not shown, the internal volume  130  may provide space for a circuit board that carries several processor circuits, some of which may serve as a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, and a memory circuit. The internal volume  130  may also provide space for battery modules, microphones, and flexible circuits, as non-limiting examples. 
     The electronic device  100  may include several audio modules in the internal volume  130  of the enclosure  102 . For example, the electronic device  100  may include an audio module  134   a  and an audio module  136   a . In some embodiments, the audio module  134   a  is designed to generate acoustical energy, in the form of audible sound, approximately in the range of 2,000-20,000 Hertz (“Hz”), but in some case the range may be higher than 20,000 Hz. In some embodiments, the audio module  136   a  is designed to generate acoustical energy, in the form of audible sound, approximately in the range of 20-5,000 Hz. In this regard, the audio module  134   a  may be referred to as a tweeter, and the audio module  136   a  may be referred to as a woofer. 
     While both the audio module  134   a  and the audio module  136   a  may be secured (including adhesively secured) with the wall  124 , the audio module  136   a  may secure with internal walls  138   a  that extends from the wall  124 . The internal walls  138   a  may be integrally formed with the wall  124 . In other words, the enclosure  102  may be formed from a block of material that undergoes a machining operation such that the wall  124  and the internal walls  138   a  are formed as a continuous structure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the internal walls  138   a  are positioned between the sidewalls of the enclosure  102 . The electronic device  100  may further include additional audio modules, including an audio module  134   b , an audio module  134   c , and an audio module  134   d , that include similar features described for the audio module  134   a . Also, the electronic device  100  may further include additional audio modules, including an audio module  136   b , an audio module  136   c , and an audio module  136   d , that include similar features described for the audio module  136   a , with the audio module  136   b , the audio module  136   c , and the audio module  136   d  secured with internal walls  138   b , internal walls  138   c , and internal walls  138   d , respectively. Also, although not shown, the sidewalls of the enclosure  102  may include several through holes, or openings, that allow acoustical energy generated by at least some of the audio modules to exit the electronic device  100 . 
     As known in the art for audio modules, the audio module  136   a  may include a permanent magnet (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) as well as an electromagnet (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). However, additional magnetic elements may be housed between the internal walls  138   a  that secure the audio module  136   a . For example, the electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  140   a  positioned between the internal walls  138   a . The magnetic elements  140   a  (shown as dotted lines) are covered by a cap that is part of the audio module  136   a . However, the magnetic elements  140   a  are separate (both physically and functionally) from magnets used by the audio module  136   a . The magnetic elements  140   a  may be secured with the wall  124  by adhesives, as a non-limiting example. Also, magnetic elements shown and described in the electronic device  100  may be referred to as device magnets. 
     As shown in the first enlarged view  150   a , the magnetic elements  140   a  may include multiple rows of discrete magnetic elements. Further, the magnetic elements  140   a  are arranged in a pattern in which some of the magnetic elements include a North Pole (or North-facing polarity) denoted by a “+” that faces away from the wall  124 , while remaining magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  140   a  include a South Pole (or South-facing polarity) denoted by a “−” that faces away from the wall  124 . As shown, the magnetic elements  140   a  include a 3×6 matrix of magnetic elements. However, the number of magnetic elements may vary. 
     The electronic device  100  may include further magnetic elements  140   b  and magnetic elements  140   c  positioned between the internal walls  138   b . Similar to the magnetic elements  140   a , the magnetic elements  140   b  and the magnetic elements  140   c  are covered by a cap that is part of the audio module  136   b , and are separate (both physically and functionally) from magnets used by the audio module  136   b . As shown in the second enlarged view  150   b , the magnetic elements  140   b  may include multiple rows of discrete magnetic elements. Further, the magnetic elements  140   b  are arranged in a pattern in which some of the magnetic elements include a North Pole that faces away from the wall  124 , while remaining magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  140   b  include a South Pole that faces away from the wall  124 . As shown, the magnetic elements  140   b  include a 2×6 matrix of magnetic elements. However, the number of magnetic elements may vary. Also, the magnetic elements  140   c  may include a single column of magnetic elements, some of which include a North Pole that faces away from the wall  124 , while others include a South Pole that faces away from the wall  124 . 
     The electronic device  100  may include further magnetic elements  140   d  positioned between the internal walls  138   c . Similar to the magnetic elements  140   a , the magnetic elements  140   d  are covered by a cap that is part of the audio module  136   c , and are separate (both physically and functionally) from magnets used by the audio module  136   c . The electronic device  100  may include further magnetic elements  140   e  and magnetic elements  140   f  positioned between the internal walls  138   d . Similar to the magnetic elements  140   b , the magnetic elements  140   e  are covered by a cap that is part of the audio module  136   d , and are separate (both physically and functionally) from magnets used by the audio module  136   d . Although not discretely shown, the magnetic elements  140   d  may include a 3×6 matrix of magnetic elements, which may be arranged in a similar layout/arrangement as that of the magnetic elements  140   a . However, the layout/arrangement may differ. Also, although not discretely shown, the magnetic elements  140   e  and the magnetic elements  140   f  may include a 2×6 matrix and a single column of magnetic elements, respectively. The layout/arrangement of the magnetic elements  140   e  and the magnetic elements  140   f  may be similar layout/arrangement as that of the magnetic elements  140   b  and the magnetic elements  140   c , respectively. However, the layouts/arrangements may differ. 
     The aforementioned magnetic elements may magnetically couple with magnetic elements in various accessory devices described herein, thereby coupling the electronic device  100  with the accessory devices. Moreover, the magnetic coupling between the magnetic elements in the electronic device  100  with accessory devices described herein provide a magnetic attraction force that allows accessory devices to hold and retain the electronic device  100 , and even overcome gravitational forces acting against the magnetic attraction force. 
     When magnetically coupled with magnetic elements in the accessory device, the aforementioned magnetic elements in the electronic device  100  may provide a large-scale adjustment of the electronic device  100  relative to the accessory device by, for example, providing a force that moves the electronic device  100  approximately a few centimeters to align the corners of the electronic device  100  with the corners of the accessory device. Further, the electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  140   g  and magnetic elements  140   h  designed and positioned to magnetically couple with magnetic elements accessory devices. The magnetic coupling of the magnetic elements  140   g  and magnetic elements  140   h  with magnetic elements in an accessory device may provide a small-scale adjustment of the electrical contacts  123  relative to electrical contacts of the accessory device by, for example, providing a force that moves the electronic device  100  approximately a few millimeters to align the electrical contacts  123  with the electrical contacts of the accessory device and ensure engagement, thereby placing the electronic device  100  in electrical communication with the accessory device. 
     Also, the aforementioned magnetic elements may include permanent magnets such as neodymium. Further, the remanence of the aforementioned magnetic elements may vary among the discrete magnetic elements. For example, some magnetic elements may include a relatively high remanence to increase locally increase external magnetic field and provide an additional magnetic attraction force, while some magnetic elements may include a relatively low remanence to locally reduce the overall external magnetic field and prevent the external magnetic field from interacting with magnetically-sensitive items (such as credit cards) placed externally on the wall  124  of the electronic device  100 . 
     The electronic device  100  may further include an inductive charging unit  142 . The inductive charging unit  142  may include a ferrite coil designed to receive an alternating electrical current from an internal power source (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), such as a battery module. The direct current (“DC”) provided by the battery module may pass through an inverter (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) to generate the alternating electrical current. As a result, the inductive charging unit  142  can subsequently provide an alternating electromagnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), and act as a transmitter coil to inductively charge a power source (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of an object that is external to the electronic device  100 , such as a digital stylus positioned against the sidewall  114   a . This will be shown below. A partial cross section of the sidewall  114   a  is shown in order to show the non-metal material  116   a . The inductive charging unit  142  is aligned with the non-metal material  116   a  and the electromagnetic field generated by the inductive charging unit  142  may pass through the non-metal material  116   a  and induce electrical current into the object. The electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  140   i  and magnetic elements  140   j  positioned along the sidewall  114   a , including the non-metal material  116   a . The magnetic elements  140   i  and magnetic elements  140   j  are designed to magnetically couple with magnets in the object that can be positioned against the sidewall  114   a  and inductively charged by the inductive charging unit  142 . Further, the magnetic elements  140   i  and magnetic elements  140   j  can be used to generally carry and store the object through magnetic attraction. 
     The electronic device  100  may include an antenna  144   a  and an antenna  144   b  located along the non-metal material  116   a . The antenna  144   a  and the antenna  144   b  may enable wireless communication. Further, each antenna may provide radio frequency communication within a specific range of frequencies. For instance, the antenna  144   a  may provide Wi-Fi communication and the antenna  144   b  may provide Bluetooth® communication. Other antennae (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) may enable cellular network communication. 
     The electronic device  100  may include magnetic elements  140   k  and magnetic elements  140   l  positioned along the sidewall  114   c . The magnetic elements  140   k  and magnetic elements  140   l  are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements in an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), such as a cover, a folio, or a cover-keyboard accessory. Further, the magnetic elements  140   k  and magnetic elements  140   l  may position the electronic device  100  in a manner such that the sidewall  114   c  defines a base for the electronic device  100 . This will be shown below. The electronic device  100  may further include magnetic elements  140   m  designed to magnetically couple with magnets of an accessory device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) designed to cover the electronic device  100 . Also, in order to assist in determining a user&#39;s orientation, the electronic device  100  may include a compass  146 . The compass  146  may include a magnetometer designed to determine the Earth&#39;s magnet field. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  100 , showing an object  150  positioned against the sidewall  114   a . A partial cross sectional view of the sidewall  114   a  shows the non-metal material  116   a . The object  150  may include a digital stylus capable of interacting and providing an input to the display assembly  104 , and in particular, the touch input layer (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the display assembly  104 . In order for the object  150  to interact with the touch input layer, the object  150  requires a battery  152  to supply electrical current to a capacitive component and to radio frequency components (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) of the object  150 , both of which may be used to communicate with the electronic device  100 . The battery  152  of the object  150  may include a rechargeable battery. 
     The inductive charging unit  142  of the electronic device  100  can charge the battery  152 . The inductive charging unit  142  may act as transmitter coil and inductively charge the battery  152  by inducing an alternating current (“AC”) to a receiver coil  154  of the object  150 . The induced current may pass through an AC-to-DC converter, such as a rectifier, and may subsequently be used to charge or recharge the battery  152 . To induce the current to the battery  152 , the inductive charging unit  142  and the object  150  are positioned along the non-metal material  116   a . In order to maintain the object  150  against the sidewall  114   a  (or against the non-metal material  116   a ), the magnetic elements  140   i  and the magnetic elements  140   j  may magnetically couple with magnetic elements  305   a  and magnetic elements  305   b , respectively, in the object  150 . Also, as shown, the antenna  144   a  and the antenna  144   b  are positioned along the non-metal material  116   a , thereby allowing the antenna  144   a  and the antenna  144   b  to send and receive RF communication. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device  200  for use with the electronic device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  200  is designed as a complementary device for an electronic device  100 . As shown, the accessory device  200  may include a first section  202   a  and a second section  202   b  connected to the first section  202   a . The accessory device  200  may include a hinge  204   a  that connects the first section  202   a  with the second section  202   b . The hinge  204   a  allows the first section  202   a  to rotate or pivot with respect to the second section  202   b , and vice versa. The hinge  204   a  may include a flexible material (such as polyurethane, as a non-limiting example) that defines an outer layer (or layers) extending across both the first section  202   a  and the second section  202   b.    
     The first section  202   a , also referred to as a cover, a cover portion, a cover section, an electronic device cover, or a segmented cover, may define a receiving surface for the electronic device  100 , with the receiving surface having a size and shape to receive a back surface of the enclosure  102  (which defines a major surface of the enclosure  102 ). The first section  202   a  may include a first segment  206   a  and a second segment  206   b  that define that collectively define the receiving surface. The first segment  206   a  is separated from the second segment  206   b  by a hinge  204   b  positioned between the first segment  206   a  and the second segment  206   b . The hinge  204   b  allows rotational movement of the first segment  206   a  relative to the second segment  206   b , and vice versa. The hinge  204   b  may be formed from the layer(s) used to form the hinge  204   a . In some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 5 ), the first segment  206   a  and the second segment  206   b  are the same size, generally. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the first segment  206   a  is larger than the second segment  206   b . Also, the first segment  206   a  and the second segment  206   b  may each include a microfiber layer (not labeled). In some instances, the microfiber layer is restricted to the first segment  206   a  and the second segment  206   b  such that the microfiber layer does not cover the hinge  204   b.    
     The second section  202   b , also referred to as a keyboard section or a keyboard cover, may include a keyboard  208 . The keyboard  208  may include several keys (not labeled) arranged in a QWERTY configuration, as a non-limiting example. The second section  202   b  may further include one or more channels designed to provide a location that is below or sub-flush with respect to a remaining location of the second section  202   b . For example, the second section  202   b  may include a first channel  212   a  and a second channel  212   b . The first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b  are designed to receive the electronic device  100  (or a portion of the electronic device  100 ) in order to place and position the electronic device  100  in a manner such that the electronic device  100  can be used with the keyboard  208 . Also, the second section  202   b  may include a dimension  203   a  measured from a rear surface of the second section  202   b  to a key of the keyboard  208 . The second section  202   b  may include a dimension  203   b  measured from a rear surface of the second section  202   b  to a section that surrounds the first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b . The dimension  203   a  may be the same as, or substantially similar to, the dimension  203   b , such that the keys of the keyboard  208  are planar with respect to the section surrounding the first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b . In this manner, when the electronic device  100  is coupled to the first section  202   a  and the first section  202   a  is folded over the second section  202   b , the electronic device  100  may lie flat, or horizontal, on the second section  202   b.    
     The first section  202   a  may include electrical contacts  214  designed to engage electrical contacts  123  of the electronic device  100 , and place the accessory device  200  in communication (including electrical communication) with electronic device  100 . The electrical contacts  214  may be referred to as device contacts. When the accessory device  200  is in communication with the electronic device  100 , the keyboard  208  can be used to provide inputs and commands to the electronic device  100  to control the display assembly  104 . As shown, the electrical contacts  214  are located on the first segment  206   a . However, other locations are possible (such as the second segment  206   b ). Generally, the electrical contacts  214  can be at any location corresponding to the location of the electrical contacts  123  such that the electronic device  100  lies within an outer perimeter of the first section  202   a  when the electronic device  100  is in contact with the first section  202   a . Also, while the electrical contacts  214  represent a physical/direct communication between the accessory device  200  and the electronic device  100 , the accessory device  200  and the electronic device  100  may also be in communication via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth® communication, as a non-limiting example. 
     The first section  202   a  may further include an opening  216 , or through hole, designed to receive the camera assembly  126  and the flash module  128  (shown as dotted lines). As shown, the opening  216  is located on the first segment  206   a . However, other locations are possible. Generally, the opening  216  can be at any location corresponding to the location of the camera assembly  126  and the flash module  128  such that the electronic device  100  lies within an outer perimeter of the first section  202   a  when the electronic device  100  is in contact with the first section  202   a.    
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  200  shown in  FIG. 5 , showing various internal components of the accessory device  200 . For purposes of illustration, the keys of the keyboard  208  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) are removed. The first section  202   a  and the second section  202   b  may include several magnetic elements. Also, the magnetic elements located in the first section  202   a  may be referred to as cover magnetic elements or cover magnets, as the first section  202   a  may be referred to as a cover or a cover section. Also, the magnetic elements located in the second section  202   b  may be referred to as keyboard magnetic elements or keyboard magnets, as the second section  202   b  may be referred to as a keyboard or keyboard section. 
     The first segment  206   a  of the first section  202   a  may include several magnetic elements designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to retain the electronic device  100  against the first section  202   a . For example, the first segment  206   a  may include magnetic elements  240   a , magnetic elements  240   b , and magnetic elements  240   c . The magnetic elements described herein for the accessory device  200  may be represented by a rectangular structure. However, the magnetic elements include a layout/arrangement similar to that of the magnetic elements shown in  FIG. 3  for the electronic device  100 , in terms of the number of rows and/or columns, as well as the number of discrete magnetic elements. For example, the magnetic elements  240   a  may include a layout/arrangement similar to the magnetic elements  140   a . However, the polarity of the discrete magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  240   a  may be reversed in order to form several magnetic circuits (with a magnetically attractable North-South pair) between the magnetic elements  240   a  and the magnetic elements  140   a.    
     The first segment  206   a  may further include magnetic elements  240   d , magnetic elements  240   e , and magnetic elements  240   f . At least some of the magnetic elements  240   a , the magnetic elements  240   b , and the magnetic elements  240   c  may magnetically couple with at least some of the magnetic elements  140   a , the magnetic elements  140   b , and the magnetic elements  140   c  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Further, at least some of the magnetic elements  240   d , the magnetic elements  240   e , and the magnetic elements  240   f  may magnetically couple with at least some of the magnetic elements  140   d , the magnetic elements  140   e , and the magnetic elements  140   f  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). These aforementioned magnetic coupling provide the magnetic attraction force for the large-scale alignment to align the corners of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) with the corners of the first section  202   a . The first section  202   a  may further include magnetic elements  240   g  and magnetic elements  240   h  capable of magnetically coupling with the magnetic elements  140   g  and the magnetic elements  140   h  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), respectively. This may provide the small-scale alignment to align and engage the electrical contacts  214  with the electrical contacts  123  of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). The first section  202   a  may further include magnetic elements  240   i  and magnetic elements  240   j  designed to magnetic couple with magnets in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), such as the magnetic elements  140   c  and the magnetic elements  140   f  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     The first section  202   a  and the second section  202   b  are designed to engage each other, and remain engaged through magnetic coupling. For example, the first section  202   a  may include magnetic elements  240   k , magnetic elements  240   l , magnetic elements  240   m , and magnetic elements  240   n  are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements  242   k , magnetic elements  242   l , magnetic elements  242   m , and magnetic elements  242   n , respectively, located in the second section  202   b . For instance, when the first section  202   a  is rotated such that a back surface (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the first section  202   a  engages a back section (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the second section  202   b , the aforementioned magnetic elements magnetically couple such that the back surfaces remain engaged with each other. To further retain the back surfaces with each other, the first section  202   a  may include magnetic elements  240   o  and magnetic elements  240   p  (located in the second segment  206   b ) designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements  242   o  and magnetic elements  242   p  (located in the second segment  206   b ), respectively. 
     The magnetic elements in the first segment  206   a  (and in some cases, the first segment  206   a  and the second segment  206   b ) can (collectively) retain the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) against the first section  202   a  by magnetic attraction, even overcoming gravitational forces acting on the electronic device  100 . In this regard, the first section  202   a  may not require mechanical retaining features, such as sidewalls and/or locks, designed to wrap around and/or interlock with the electronic device  100  to retain the electronic device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the first segment  206   a  is the same size (or at approximately the same size) as that of the second segment  206   b . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , the size of the first segment  206   a  is different from the size of the second segment  206   b . This may facilitate positioning the first section  202   a  in a desired manner to support the electronic device  100 . This will be shown and described below. 
     The second section  202   b  may further include magnetic elements along an edge (of the second section  202   b ). For example, the second section  202   b  may include magnetic elements  242   a , magnetic elements  242   b , magnetic elements  242   c , and magnetic elements  242   d . These magnetic elements are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements (or magnetically attractable materials) in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) in order to retain the electronic device  100  with the second section  202   b  along the edge. 
     The second section  202   b  may include additional magnetic elements. For example, the second section  202   b  may include a magnetic assembly  244   a  and a magnetic assembly  244   b  (both shown as dotted lines), with each magnetic assembly including two or more magnetic elements positioned around the first channel  212   a . The magnetic assembly  244   a  and the magnetic assembly  244   b  are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements, or magnetically attractable materials, in the electronic device  100  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) in order to retain a portion of the electronic device  100  within the first channel  212   a . The second section  202   b  may further include a magnetic assembly  244   c  and a magnetic assembly  244   d  (both shown as dotted lines), with each magnetic assembly including two or more magnetic elements positioned around the second channel  212   b . The magnetic assembly  244   c  and the magnetic assembly  244   d  are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements, or magnetically attractable materials, in the electronic device  100  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) in order to retain a portion of the electronic device  100  within the second channel  212   b . Each of the magnetic assembly  244   a , the magnetic assembly  244   b , the magnetic assembly  244   c , and the magnetic assembly  244   d  may form a Halbach array designed to provide an additive or increased external magnetic field at one location, while providing a resultant decreased external magnetic field at another location. The additive or increased external magnetic field may pass through the first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b  to enhance the magnetic attraction force between magnets in the electronic device  100  and the aforementioned magnetic assemblies. That may provide allow fewer magnetic elements along the first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b , which may result in less weight and less cost. 
     It may be advantageous to selectively activate or deactivate the keyboard  208  based upon the position of the electronic device  100  (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) relative to the accessory device  200 . In this regard, the accessory device  200  may include sensors designed to detect an external magnetic field generated from magnetic elements in the electronic device  100  to determine the position of the electronic device  100 . For example, the accessory device  200  may include a first sensor  232   a  and a second sensor  232   b . The first sensor  232   a  and the second sensor  232   b  are designed to detect when the electronic device  100  is positioned in the first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b , respectively, and provide an input that activates the electronic device  100 . In some embodiments, the first sensor  232   a  and the second sensor  232   b  are Hall Effect sensors designed to detect an external magnetic field generated by magnetic elements in the electronic device  100 . The accessory device  200  may include a third sensor  232   c  designed to detect when the electronic device  100  lies flat over the keyboard  208 , and provide an input that deactivates the electronic device  100 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the electronic device  100  may include a compass  146 . When the electronic device  100  is positioned on the first section  202   a  (in  FIG. 6 ), at least some of the magnetic elements may provide an interfering external magnetic field that causes the compass  146  to inaccurately determine the Earth&#39;s magnetic field, and as a result, in inaccurately determine the proper direction (such as North, South, East, or West).  FIG. 6  shows a location  246  of the compass  146  superimposed on the first section  202   a . In order to offset or neutralize any magnetic elements that may affect the compass  146 , the accessory device  200  may include a first compensating magnetic element  248   a  and a second compensating magnetic element  248   b . The first compensating magnetic element  248   a  and the second compensating magnetic element  248   b  may be modified to provide an external magnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) that is non-normal or non-perpendicular with respect to surfaces defined by the first section  202   a  and the second section  202   b  (as positioned in  FIG. 6 ), whereas the magnetic elements in the accessory device  200  may provide an external magnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) that is generally normal or perpendicular with respect to surfaces defined by the first section  202   a  and the second section  202   b . As a result, the first compensating magnetic element  248   a  and the second compensating magnetic element  248   b  may offset external magnetic fields of the magnetic elements in the accessory device  200  such that the compass  146  works properly. The first compensating magnetic element  248   a  and the second compensating magnetic element  248   b  are shown in the first section  202   a  and the second section  202   b , respectively. However, other locations are possible. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  300  shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the electronic device  100  coupled to the accessory device  200  and positioned in the first channel  212   a , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the magnetic elements  140   k  are magnetically coupled with a first magnet  254   a  and a second magnet  254   b  of the magnetic assembly  244   a  (also shown in  FIG. 6 ). When a force (in the direction of an arrow  179   a ) is applied to the electronic device  100 , a rotational force (in the direction of the arrow  179   b ) may cause the electronic device  100  to leave the first channel  212   a . However, the magnetic assembly  244   a  may counter the rotational force. For example, the first magnet  254   a  may include a size and shape that is greater than that of the second magnet  254   b . In this manner, the first magnet  254   a  may include a stronger external magnetic field as compared to that of the second magnet  254   b . The relatively stronger external magnetic field of the first magnet  254   a  provides a force in the direction of an arrow  179   c  that is opposite to the force in the direction of the arrow  179   b , thereby counteracting the rotational force. Also, the magnetic coupling between the magnetic elements  140   k  and the second magnet  254   b  provides a force in the direction, or at least approximately in the direction, of gravity to maintain the electronic device  100  in the first channel  212   a . It should be noted that the magnetic assembly  244   b  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) may include a number of magnets and associated features described for the magnetic assembly  244   a . Furthermore, the magnetic elements  140   l  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may magnetically couple with the magnetic assembly  244   b.    
     As described in  FIG. 6 , the magnetic assemblies (such as the magnetic assembly  244   a ) may form a Halbach array to enhance the magnetic attraction force. The electronic device  100  may include modified magnetic elements to further enhance the magnetic attraction force. For example, the first magnet  254   a  and the second magnet  254   b  are polarized such that the magnetic field is normal relative to a surface of the first magnet  254   a  and the second magnet  254   b , as indicated by arrows superimposed on the first magnet  254   a  and the second magnet  254   b . However, the magnetic elements  140   k  may be polarized to include some non-normal angle respect to a surface of a magnetic element of the magnetic elements  140   k . As shown, an arrow superimposed on the magnetic elements  140   k  indicates the magnetic field is at an angle  183  that is non-normal with respect to a surface of the magnetic elements  140   k . In some embodiments, the angle  183  is 40 degrees. Generally, the angle  183  may be in the range of 30 to 80 degrees. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  200  shown in  FIG. 6 , showing the electronic device  100  positioned in the second channel  212   b . As shown, the magnetic elements  140   k  are magnetically coupled with a first magnet  254   c  and a second magnet  254   d  of the magnetic assembly  244   c . When a force (in the direction of an arrow  179   d ) is applied to the electronic device  100 , the electronic device  100  may be lifted out of the second channel  212   b  and away from the second section  202   b . However, the magnetic assembly  244   c  may counter the force. For example, the second magnet  254   d  may include a size and shape that is greater than that of the first magnet  254   c . In this manner, the second magnet  254   d  may include a stronger external magnetic field as compared to that of the first magnet  254   c . The relatively stronger external magnetic field of the second magnet  254   d  provides a force in the direction of an arrow  179   e  that is opposite to the force in the direction of the arrow  179   d , thereby counteracting the force. Also, the magnetic coupling between the magnetic elements  140   k  in the electronic device  100  and the first magnet  254   c  provides a force to maintain the electronic device  100  in the second channel  212   b . It should be noted that the magnetic assembly  244   d  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may include a number of magnets and associated features described for the magnetic assembly  244   c . Furthermore, the magnetic elements  140   l  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) may magnetically couple with the magnetic assembly  244   d.    
       FIGS. 7 and 8  show the first section  202   a  supporting the electronic device  100  in an upright configuration such that a user can interact with both the keyboard  208  and the display assembly  104 . Further, the disparate size between the first segment  206   a  and the second segment  206   b  (that is, the first segment  206   a  being larger than the second segment  206   b ) allows the first section  202   a  to adjust, thereby allowing the electronic device  100  to be positioned in the first channel  212   a  and the second channel  212   b.    
       FIG. 9  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  300 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  300  is designed for use with an electronic device  100 , including portable electronic devices such as mobile wireless communication devices and tablet computer devices. In this regard, the accessory device  300  may be referred to as a case, a cover, a protective cover, a protective case, a folio, or the like. 
     As shown, the accessory device  300  may include a first section  302   a  coupled to a second section  302   b . The first section  302   a  may define a back cover or back panel for the electronic device  100 . The first section  302   a  may define a receiving surface  304  that receives the electronic device  100 , and in particular, the enclosure  102 . In this regard, the first section  302   a  may retain the electronic device  100  one or more magnets. This will be shown and discussed below. The first section  302   a  may further include an opening  316 , or through hole, designed to receive the camera assembly  126 , the flash module  128 , and the microphone  129 . 
     The second section  302   b  is designed to wrap around and cover the electronic device  100 , including the display assembly  104 . In this manner, the second section  302   b  may be referred to as a front panel or front cover. The second section  302   b  may include multiple segments. For example, the second section  302   b  may include a first segment  306   a , a second segment  306   b , and a third segment  306   c . Each segment is rotatable or moveable with respect to the remaining segments. Also, while a discrete number of segments may vary in other embodiments. 
     The second section  302   b  is coupled to the first section  302   a  by a hinge  312  such that the first section  302   a  is rotatable with respect to the second section  302   b , and vice versa. The hinge  312  may be formed in part by one more continuous pieces of material that extend(s) along the first section  302   a  and the second section  302   b . The materials that form the layer(s) may include polymers, such as polyurethane, that wrap around a fiberglass material. However, in order to promote flexibility and relative movement of the aforementioned sections and segments, the fiberglass material (and/or other relatively rigid or stiff materials) may not be located at the hinge  312  and in locations between the segments. This will be shown and described below. Also, a soft, non-abrasive material, such as microfiber, may cover the first segment  306   a , the second segment  306   b , and the third segment  306   c . In this manner, when the second section  302   b  wraps around and covers the display assembly  104  (which may include transparent cover overlaying the display assembly  104 ), the soft, non-abrasive materials do not cause damage when in contact with the transparent cover or the display assembly  104 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  300  shown in  FIG. 9 , showing additional features in the accessory device. As shown, the accessory device  300  may include magnetic elements  340   a , magnetic elements  340   b , magnetic elements  340   c , and magnetic elements  340   d . The magnetic elements  340   a , the magnetic elements  340   b , the magnetic elements  340   c , and the magnetic elements  340   d  are designed to magnetically couple with magnets in the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) to retain the electronic device  100  with the receiving surface  304 . As a result, the first section  302   a  may not require mechanical features (such as retaining walls, sidewalls, or mechanical interlocks) to retain the electronic device  100 . The magnetic elements described herein for the accessory device  300  may be represented by a rectangular structure. However, the magnetic elements include a layout/arrangement similar to that of the magnetic elements shown in  FIG. 3  for the electronic device  100 , in terms of the number of rows and/or columns, as well as the number of discrete magnetic elements. For example, the magnetic elements  340   a  may include a layout/arrangement similar to the magnetic elements  140   a  or the magnetic elements  140   c . However, the polarity of the discrete magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  340   a  may be reversed in order to form several magnetic circuits (with a magnetically attractable North-South pair) between the magnetic elements  340   a  and the magnetic elements  140   a.    
     The accessory device  300  may further include magnetic elements  340   e , magnetic elements  340   f , and magnetic elements  340   g  in the first section  302   a  that are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements  340   h , magnetic elements  340   i , and magnetic elements  340   j , respectively, in the second section  302   b . These magnetic couplings may occur when, for example, the second section  302   b  is rotated over and onto the receiving surface  304  or when a back surface (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) of the second section  302   b  is rotated over and onto a back surface (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) of the first section  302   a  via the hinge  312 , with the back surface of the first section  302   a  being opposite the receiving surface  304 . 
     The accessory device  300  may further include magnetic elements  340   k  and magnetic elements  340   l  located in the first section  302   a  that are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements  340   m  and magnetic elements  340   n , respectively, located in the second section  302   b , and in particular, the second segment  306   b . The magnetic elements  340   m  and the magnetic elements  340   n  are parallel (or aligned) with each other, while the magnetic elements  340   k  are offset (or misaligned) with respect to the magnetic elements  340   l . Also, the magnetic elements  340   k  and the magnetic elements  340   l  are offset with respect to the magnetic elements  340   m  and the magnetic elements  340   n , respectively. However, the degree of offset between the magnetic elements  340   k  and the magnetic elements  340   m  may differ from that of the magnetic elements  340   l  and the magnetic elements  340   n . In this manner, when the back surface of the second section  302   b  is positioned against the back surface of the first section  302   a , the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements  340   k  and the magnetic elements  340   m  may differ from the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements  340   k  and the magnetic elements  340   m . For example, the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements  340   k  and the magnetic elements  340   m  may be greater than the magnetic attraction between the magnetic elements  340   k  and the magnetic elements  340   m . As a result, when the magnetic elements  340   k  are no longer coupled to the magnetic elements  340   m , the magnetic elements  340   l  are no longer coupled to the magnetic elements  340   n . This may be part of a comprehensive process in that when the first segment  306   a  is pulled away from the back surface of the first section  302   a , the second segment  306   b  and the third segment  306   c  are subsequently pulled away from the back surface of the first section  302   a  without any additional force required other than to pull the first segment  306   a  away from the back surface of the first section  302   a . In other words, when the first segment  306   a  is removed from the back surface, the second segment  306   b  and the third segment  306   c  may automatically fall away from the back surface. 
     The accessory device  300  may further include magnetic elements  340   o  located in the first section  302   a  that are designed to magnetically couple with magnetic elements  340   p  located in the second section  302   b , and in particular, the third segment  306   c . When the back surface of the second section  302   b  is positioned against the back surface of the first section  302   a , the magnetic elements  340   o  magnetically couple with magnetic elements  340   p . Further, while the back surface of the second section  302   b  is rotated over and onto the back surface of the first section  302   a , the magnetic elements  340   p  magnetically couple with the that magnetic elements  340   o  prior to the back surface of the second section  302   b  being fully positioned on the back surface. The magnetic coupling can provide a magnetic attraction force that pulls the second section  302   b  in a manner that aligns the back surface of the second section  302   b  with the back surface of the first section  302   a  to prevent misalignment between the back surface of the second section  302   b  and the back surface of the first section  302   a . In words, the second section  302   b  will not be crooked with respect to the first section  302   a  as a result of the magnetic coupling between the magnetic elements  340   o  and the magnetic elements  340   p.    
     As noted above, some magnetic elements shown and described in  FIG. 10  that are represented by a rectangle may include several discrete magnetic elements. By using several, smaller discrete magnetic elements, as opposed to using fewer, but larger magnetic elements, the ease of aligning the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) with the first section  302   a  increases. For example, each magnetic element provides a relatively small external magnetic field, thereby reducing the magnetic attraction force during alignment. However, the magnetic elements, as a group (such as the cluster of the magnetic elements  340   a ), may provide a similar collective external magnetic field as that of a single, larger magnetic element. The group of magnetic elements allows more movement as compared to a large, single magnet, thereby enhancing the alignment process. 
     The accessory device  300  may include certain dimensional characteristics. For example, the first segment  306   a  may include a dimension  318   a  that is less than a dimension  318   b  of the second segment  306   b  and less than a dimension  318   c  of the third segment  306   c . Further, the dimension  318   b  of the second segment  306   b  can be the same as, or at least substantially similar, to the dimension  318   c  of the third segment  306   c . However, other dimensional relationships of the first segment  306   a , the second segment  306   b , and/or the third segment  306   c  are possible. 
     Additionally, the accessory device  300  may include magnetic elements  340   q , magnetic elements  340   r , and magnetic elements  340   s  embedded in the first section  302   a . In some instances, when the first segment  306   a  is engaged with the second segment  306   b , the magnetic elements  340   h , the magnetic elements  340   i , and the magnetic elements  340   j  can magnetically couple with the magnetic elements  340   q , the magnetic elements  340   r , and the magnetic elements  340   s , respectively. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  400 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  400  is designed as a complementary device for an electronic device  100 . In this regard, the accessory device  400  may include a protective cover, a protective case, a folio, or the like. As shown, the accessory device  400  may include a section  402 . Although partially shown, the accessory device  400  may further include an additional section (similar to the second section  202   b , shown in  FIG. 5 ) that is connected to the section  402 . The accessory device  400  may include a hinge  404  that connects the section  402  with the aforementioned additional section. The hinge  404  allows the section  402  to rotate or pivot with respect to the aforementioned additional section, and vice versa. The hinge  404  may include a flexible material (such as polyurethane, as a non-limiting example) that defines an outer layer (or layers) extending across the accessory device  400 . 
     The section  402 , also referred to as a first section, a cover, a cover portion, a cover section, an electronic device cover, or a segmented cover, may define a receiving surface for the electronic device  100 . The section  402  may include a first segment  406   a  rotationally coupled to a second segment  406   b  by several embedded hinges (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) positioned between the first segment  406   a  and the second segment  406   b . The embedded hinges allow rotational movement of the first segment  406   a  relative to the second segment  406   b , and vice versa. The embedded hinges support the section  402  to hold the electronic device  100 . Further, in some instances, the embedded hinges allow the section  402  to hold and suspend the electronic device  100  such that the electronic device  100  is suspended from, and not in contact with, the aforementioned additional section. Although a particular position (of the section  402 ) is shown, the section  402  can rotate and re-position the electronic device  100 , whether the electronic device  100  is in contact, or is not in contact, with the aforementioned additional section. Also, in order to hold the electronic device  100 , the first segment  406   a  may include several magnetic elements (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). The first segment  406   a  may include any arrangement of magnetic elements shown for the first segment  206   a  (shown in  FIG. 6 ). Alternatively, the first segment  406   a  may include any arrangement of magnetic elements shown for the first segment  306   a  and the second segment  306   b  (shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     In some embodiments, the first segment  406   a  and the second segment  406   b  are the same size, generally. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the first segment  406   a  is larger than the second segment  406   b . Also, the first segment  406   a  and the second segment  406   b  may each include a microfiber layer (not labeled). In some instances, the microfiber layer is restricted to the first segment  406   a  and the second segment  406   b  such that the microfiber layer does not cover the embedded hinges. 
     The section  402  may further include electrical contacts (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) designed to engage the electrical contacts  123  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the electronic device  100 , and place the accessory device  400  in communication (including electrical communication) with electronic device  100 . The aforementioned additional section, also referred to as a keyboard section or a keyboard cover, may include a keyboard (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) with several keys arranged in a QWERTY configuration, as a non-limiting example. When the accessory device  400  is in communication with the electronic device  100 , the keyboard can be used to provide inputs and commands to the electronic device  100  to control the display assembly  104  (shown as a dotted line) of the electronic device  100 . The section  402  may further include an opening (not shown in  FIG. 11 ), or through hole, designed to receive the camera assembly  126 , the flash module  128 , and the microphone  129  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  400  shown in  FIG. 11 , showing several magnetic elements in the accessory device  400 . As shown, the first segment  406   a  may include magnetic elements  440   a , magnetic elements  440   b , magnetic elements  440   c , and magnetic elements  440   d . The magnetic elements described herein for the accessory device  400  may be represented by a rectangular structure. However, the magnetic elements include a layout/arrangement similar to that of the magnetic elements shown in  FIG. 2  for the electronic device  100 , in terms of the number of rows and/or columns, as well as the number of discrete magnetic elements. For example, the magnetic elements  440   a  may include a layout/arrangement similar to the magnetic elements  140   c . In some instances, the polarity of the discrete magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  440   a  may be reversed in order to form several magnetic circuits (with a magnetically attractable North-South pair) between the magnetic elements  440   a  and the magnetic elements  140   c . However, in some instances, the polarity of the discrete magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  440   a  is identical in order to magnetically repel (with a magnetically repulsive North-North or South-South pair) between the magnetic elements  440   a  and the magnetic elements  140   c . This will be shown below. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  400  shown in  FIG. 12 , showing the electronic device  100  coupled to the accessory device  400 . As shown, at least some of the magnetic elements of the electronic device  100  align with magnetic elements of the accessory device  400 . For example, some of the magnetic elements  140   c , the magnetic elements  140   b , the magnetic elements  140   e , and the magnetic elements  140   f  (also shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the electronic device  100  align with at some of the magnetic elements  440   a , the magnetic elements  440   b , the magnetic elements  440   c , and the magnetic elements  440   d , respectively, of the accessory device  400 . These “aligning” magnetic elements may magnetically couple with each other in order to maintain the electronic device  100  with the accessory device  400 . However, as shown, the magnetic elements  440   a , the magnetic elements  440   b , the magnetic elements  440   c , and the magnetic elements  440   d  of the accessory device  400  include an additional array (in this case, an additional row) of magnetic elements, as compared to the magnetic elements  140   c , the magnetic elements  140   b , the magnetic elements  140   e , and the magnetic elements  140   f , respectively, of the electronic device  100 . For example, the magnetic elements  140   c  and the magnetic elements  140   b  of the electronic device  100  include one array and two arrays, respectively, of magnetic elements, while the magnetic elements  440   a  and the magnetic elements  440   b  in the accessory device  400  include two arrays and three arrays, respectively, of magnetic elements. The additional array of magnetic elements in the accessory device  400  may provide a magnetic repulsion force to at least some of the magnetic elements in the electronic device  100 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the an accessory device  400  and electronic device  100  shown in  FIG. 13 , showing magnetic elements in the accessory device  400  providing a magnetic repulsion force to magnetic elements in the electronic device  100 . As shown in the enlarged view, the magnetic elements  140   c  includes a magnetic element  540   a  that is magnetically coupled with a magnetic element  640   a  of the magnetic elements  440   a  in the accessory device  400 , as opposing magnetic poles are aligned. However, the magnetic elements  440   a  of the accessory device  400  further include a magnetic element  640   b  that magnetically repels the magnetic element  540   a  in the electronic device  100 , as the same magnetic poles are aligned. The magnetic repulsion provides a force (generally against gravitational forces) in the direction of the arrow  480   a , and provides an additional force that retains the electronic device  100  with the accessory device  400 . It should be noted that the magnetic elements  440   a  include additional elements that magnetically couple with additional magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  140   c  (similar to the magnetic element  640   a  and the magnetic element  540   a ). Also, it should be noted that the magnetic elements  440   a  include additional elements that magnetically repel additional magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  140   c  (similar to the magnetic element  640   b  and the magnetic element  540   a ). 
     Also, the magnetic elements  140   b  includes a magnetic element  540   b  and a magnetic element  540   c  that is magnetically coupled with a magnetic element  640   c  and a magnetic element  640   d , respectively, of the magnetic elements  440   b  in the accessory device  400 , as opposing magnetic poles are aligned. However, the magnetic elements  440   b  of the accessory device  400  further include a magnetic element  640   e  that magnetically repels the magnetic element  540   c  in the electronic device  100 , as the same magnetic poles are aligned. The magnetic repulsion provides a force (generally against gravitational forces) in the direction of the arrow  480   b , and provides an additional force that retains the electronic device  100  with the accessory device  400 . It should be noted that the magnetic elements  440   b  include additional elements that magnetically couple with additional magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  140   b  (similar to the magnetic element  640   c  and the magnetic element  540   b ). Also, it should be noted that the magnetic elements  440   b  include additional elements that magnetically repel additional magnetic elements of the magnetic elements  140   b  (similar to the magnetic element  640   e  and the magnetic element  540   c ). Although not shown, the described relationships between the magnetic elements  440   d  of the accessory device  400  and the magnetic elements  140   f  of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) may be similar to those between the magnetic elements  440   a  and the magnetic elements  140   c . Also, although not shown, the described relationships between the magnetic elements  440   c  of the accessory device  400  and the magnetic elements  140   e  of the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 13 ) may be similar to those between the magnetic elements  440   b  and the magnetic elements  140   b.    
       FIGS. 15-17  show and described various configurations for accessory devices. The accessory device  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), the accessory device  300  (shown in  FIG. 9 ), and the accessory device  400  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) may be configured in at least some configurations shown in  FIGS. 15-17 . Also, the accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS. 15-17  may include several features (including magnetic elements and arrangement of magnetic elements) described herein for the accessory device  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), the accessory device  300  (shown in  FIG. 9 ), and the accessory device  400  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  700 , showing back surfaces engaged with each other, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  700  includes a first section  702   a  and a second section  702   b . A rear surface (or back surface) of the first section  702   a  is engaged with a rear surface (or back surface) of the second section  702   b . The first section  702   a  can remain engaged with the second section  702   b  through magnet attraction. For example, the first section  702   a  includes a magnetic element  740   a  that magnetically couples with magnetic element  742   a  in the configuration of the accessory device  700  shown in  FIG. 15 . Additional magnetic elements (not labeled) in the first section  702   a  may magnetically couple with additional magnets (not labeled) in the second section  702   b.    
       FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of an accessory device  800 , showing an electronic device  900  positioned between, and engaged with, a first section  802   a  and a second section  802   b  of the accessory device  800 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  900  may include any features described herein for the electronic device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In order to maintain the engagement, the electronic device  100  may magnetically couple with both the first section  802   a  and the second section  802   b . For example, the electronic device  900  includes magnetic elements  940   a  magnetically coupled with both magnetic elements  840   a  in the first section  802   a  and magnetic elements  842   a  in the second section  802   b . Furthermore, the electronic device  900  may include magnetic elements  940   b  magnetically coupled with magnetic elements  842   b  located along an edge of the second section  802   b . The electronic device  900  may include additional magnetic elements (not shown in  FIG. 16 ), with each additional magnet magnetically coupled with edge magnets of the accessory device  800  (similar to the magnetic elements  242   a , the magnetic elements  242   b , the magnetic elements  242   c , and the magnetic elements  242   d  shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
     Also, in the configuration shown in  FIG. 16 , a first sensor  832   a  and/or a second sensor  832   b  of the accessory device  800  may detect an external magnetic field generated from a magnet (or magnets) in the electronic device  900 , thereby generating a subsequent command to activate a keyboard (not labeled), even though the keyboard is inaccessible. However, the accessory device  800  may include a third sensor  832   c  capable of detecting an external magnetic field from a magnetic element  940   c . The third sensor  832   c  can send an input to a processor circuit on a circuit board of the electronic device  900  (not shown in  FIG. 16 ) when the external magnetic field is detected. The processor circuit can then generate a command that deactivates the keyboard. In other words, an input from the third sensor  832   c  can override inputs from the first sensor  832   a  and the second sensor  832   b . As a result, the accessory device  800  may initiate an inactive state of the electronic device  900  when the electronic device is covered and unusable, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates accessory devices coupled with the electronic devices, showing the accessory devices engaged with, and suspended from, a magnetically attractable material  1080  using magnets in the accessory devices, in accordance with some described embodiments. The magnetically attractable material  1080  (shown as a dotted line) may be integrated with a chalkboard, a dry erase board, or refrigerator, as non-limiting examples. As shown, the magnetically attractable material  1080  is integrated with a dry erase board  1082  that is hung vertically. 
     As shown, an accessory device  1000  includes a sufficient number of magnetic elements (such as the magnetic elements  1040   a  and the magnetic elements  1040   b ) that generate (collectively) an external magnetic field that can magnetically couple with the magnetically attractable material  1080  and support the weight of and accessory device  1000  and the electronic device  1100  (coupled with the accessory device  1000  via magnetic elements), as well as counter the effects of gravity. In some instances, the magnetic elements in the first section  1002   a  alone provide an external magnetic field sufficient to support the weight of the accessory device  1000  and the electronic device  1100 , as well as counter the effects of gravity. In some instances, the magnets in the second section  1002   b  alone provide an external magnetic field sufficient to support the weight of the accessory device  1000  and the electronic device  1100 , as well as counter the effects of gravity. As shown, the accessory device  1000  is similar to the accessory device  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). However, the accessory device  300  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) and the accessory device  400  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) may provide the same capabilities as those of the accessory device  1000 . 
     Further, an accessory device  1200  may cover an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) and rely on magnetic elements (not labeled) in a single section (such as the section  1202   a ) to magnetically couple with the magnetically attractable material  1080  and remain suspended against gravity. As shown, the accessory device  1200  is similar to the accessory device  300  (shown in  FIG. 9 ). However, the accessory device  200  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and the accessory device  400  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) may provide the same capabilities as those of the accessory device  1000 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device  1300 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As least some components in the block diagram may be implemented in accessory devices described herein. In particular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in the electronic device  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Also, at least some components can be included in the accessory devices described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , the electronic device  1300  can include a processor  1302  that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of electronic device  1300 . The electronic device  1300  can also include a user input device  1308  that allows a user of the electronic device  1300  to interact with the electronic device  1300 . For example, the user input device  1308  can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc. Still further, the electronic device  1300  can include a display  1310  (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor  1302  to present visual information to the user. A data bus  1316  can facilitate data transfer between at least a storage device  1340 , the processor  1302 , and a controller  1313 . The controller  1313  can be used to interface with and control different equipment through an equipment control bus  1314 . The electronic device  1300  can also include a network/bus interface  1311  that couples to a data link  1312 . In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface  1311  can include a wireless transceiver. 
     The electronic device  1300  also include a storage device  1340 , which can include a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the storage device  1340 . In some embodiments, storage device  1340  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The electronic device  1300  can also include a Random Access Memory (RAM)  1320  and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)  1322 . The ROM  1322  can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM  1320  can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the electronic device  1300 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling manufacturing operations or as computer readable code on a computer readable medium for controlling a manufacturing line. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, HDDs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20200414
Publication Date: 20210323
Grant Date: 20210323
Priority Date: 20180914
Inventors: ZHU, HAO
ZHOU, YANG
MATZINGER, THOMAS R.
ZHANG, GUANGTAO
YU, MING
CHAVEZ RUIZ GARZA, Jaime G.
OW, FLORENCE W.
STRYKER, JAMES A.
PEDLEY, Travis C.
KUNA, MELODY L.
GILBERT, TAYLOR HARRISON
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1633", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1632", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1628", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2200/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/03", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K5/0017", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/1069", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1656", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2200/1632", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0202", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1626", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/66", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1622", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1637", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6683", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6633", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1662", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/6205", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69772492