PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10739825-B2
Application Number: US-201916277997-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Keyboard accessory for a portable electronic device

Abstract:
An accessory device for an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a cover section and a keyboard section. The cover section may include a receiving surface that engages the electronic device. The cover section may include electrical contacts designed to electrically couple with contacts on the electronic device. The cover section may include several magnets designed to magnetically couple with magnets within the electronic device. The keyboard section may include a keyboard and one or more channels designed to receive and position the electronic device in a usable configuration with the keyboard. Several magnets may surround each channel, and may magnetically couple with magnets within (and along an edge of) the electronic device. The magnetic circuits formed between the channel magnets and the device magnets may counter, or offset, forces that otherwise remove the electronic device from the channel in an undesired manner.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a cover section that defines a receiving surface for the electronic device, the cover section comprising:
 electrical contacts located on the receiving surface, the electrical contacts configured to electrically couple to the electronic device, 
 a first segment having a first size, 
 a second segment rotatably coupled to the first segment, the second segment having a second size less than the first size; 
 
 a cover magnet located in the cover section, the cover magnet capable of magnetically coupling with a device magnet in the electronic device; and 
 a keyboard section rotatably coupled to the cover section, the keyboard section comprising a keyboard and a channel, the channel capable of receiving the electronic device when the electronic device is coupled to the cover section. 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising a panel located in the first segment, the panel comprising:
 a first layer; 
 a second layer; and 
 a third layer, wherein the second layer comprises a foam layer positioned between the first layer and the third layer, the foam layer carrying the cover magnet. 
 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 2 , further comprising a reinforcement layer coupled with the foam layer, the reinforcement layer defining a through hole capable of receiving a camera assembly of the electronic device. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first microfiber layer located on the first segment; and 
 a second microfiber layer located on the second segment, the second microfiber layer separated from the first microfiber layer by hinge that allows the second segment to rotate with respect to the first segment. 
 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a shell located in the keyboard section, the shell further comprising key openings in locations corresponding to keys of the keyboard, the shell at least partially defining the channel and a comprising channel opening at the channel; and 
 a channel magnet located in the keyboard section, the channel magnet at least partially positioned in the channel opening. 
 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 a first layer that covers the channel; and 
 a second layer covered by the first layer, the second layer covering the channel magnet and the channel opening. 
 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the keyboard section includes:
 a first dimension measured from a rear surface of the keyboard section to a key of the keyboard, 
 a second dimension measured from the rear surface of the keyboard section to a section that surrounds the channel, and 
 the first dimension is equal to the second dimension. 
 
     
     
       8. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a cover section that defines a receiving surface for the electronic device; 
 a keyboard section rotatably coupled to the cover section, the keyboard section comprising:
 a keyboard, 
 a shell defining a channel capable of receiving the electronic device, the channel comprising:
 key openings in locations corresponding to keys of the keyboard, 
 a first diagonal wall having a first channel opening, and 
 a second diagonal wall having a second channel opening, 
 
 a first magnet located along the first diagonal wall, and 
 a second magnet located along the second diagonal wall, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet magnetically couple with a device magnet of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the channel; 
 
 a first layer that covers the keyboard section and the shell; and 
 a second layer that covers the shell. 
 
     
     
       9. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the first magnet comprises a first external magnetic field and wherein the second magnet comprises a second external magnetic field that is less than the first external magnetic field. 
     
     
       10. The accessory device of  claim 9 , wherein the first external magnetic field and the second external magnetic field are capable of offsetting a force applied to the electronic device that otherwise causes the electronic device to rotate away from the keyboard section and out of the channel. 
     
     
       11. The accessory device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 a first opening formed in the shell, wherein the first magnet is located in the first opening; 
 a second opening formed in the shell, wherein the first magnet is located in the first opening; and 
 a third layer surrounding the shell. 
 
     
     
       12. The accessory device of  claim 8 , wherein the cover section comprises a first segment and a second segment separate from the first segment. 
     
     
       13. The accessory device of  claim 12 , further comprising a panel located in the first segment, the panel comprising:
 a first layer; 
 a second layer; and 
 a third layer, wherein the second layer comprises a foam layer positioned between the first layer and the third layer, the foam layer carrying a cover magnet capable of magnetically coupling with a second device magnet of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       14. The accessory device of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 electrical contacts located on the receiving surface; and 
 an electrically conductive fabric electrically coupled to the electrical contacts and extending into the keyboard section. 
 
     
     
       15. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a keyboard section comprising a keyboard and a channel, the channel capable of receiving the electronic device; 
 a cover section rotatably coupled to the keyboard section, the cover section comprising:
 a receiving surface for the electronic device, 
 electrical contacts located on the receiving surface, 
 a flexible circuit that is coupled to the electrical contacts; and 
 
 a panel embedded in the cover section, the panel comprising:
 a first layer, 
 a second layer comprising a foam layer, 
 a third layer, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the third layer, 
 an magnet embedded in the foam layer, the magnet capable of magnetically coupling with a device magnet of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned on the receiving surface, and 
 a recess, wherein the flexible circuit is positioned in the recess. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the foam layer defines the recess, and wherein the second layer comprises an opening aligned with the recess. 
     
     
       17. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the keyboard section comprises:
 a circuit board; and 
 internal blocks that surround the circuit board. 
 
     
     
       18. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the cover section comprises a segment that carries the electrical contacts, wherein:
 the electrical contacts extend beyond the segment when the electronic device is not positioned on the segment, and 
 the segment compresses when the electronic device is positioned on the segment such that the electrical contacts are planar with respect to the segment or sub-flush with respect to the segment. 
 
     
     
       19. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the cover section comprises:
 a first segment having a first size; and 
 a second segment rotatably coupled to the first segment, the second segment having a second size less than the first size. 
 
     
     
       20. The accessory device of  claim 19 , wherein the electrical contacts are located on the first segment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/731,640, filed on Sep. 14, 2018, titled “KEYBOARD ACCESSORY FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to accessory devices. In particular, the following description relates to accessory devices designed to carry an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet device). Accessory devices described herein may include both a cover and a keyboard. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Accessory devices are known to carry electronic devices. An accessory device may provide a protective outer cover for an electronic device. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a cover section that defines a receiving surface for the electronic device. The cover section may include electrical contacts located on the receiving surface. The electrical contacts can be configured to electrically couple to the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a cover magnet located in the cover section. The cover magnet can be capable of magnetically coupling with a device magnet in the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a keyboard section rotatably coupled to the cover section. The keyboard section may include a keyboard and a channel. The channel can be capable of receiving the electronic device when the electronic device is coupled to the cover section. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a cover section that defines a receiving surface for the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a keyboard section rotatably coupled to the cover section. The keyboard section may include a keyboard. The keyboard section may further include a channel capable of receiving the electronic device. The channel may include a first diagonal wall and a second diagonal wall. The keyboard section may further include a first magnet located along the first diagonal wall. The keyboard section may further include a second magnet located along the second diagonal wall. In some instances, the first magnet and the second magnet magnetically couple with a device magnet of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned in the channel. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a keyboard section may include a keyboard and a channel. The channel can be capable of receiving the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a cover section rotatably coupled to the keyboard section. The cover may include a receiving surface for the electronic device. The cover may further include electrical contacts located on the receiving surface. The cover may further include a flexible circuit coupled to the electrical contacts. The accessory device may further include a panel embedded in the cover section. The panel may include an embedded magnet capable of magnetically coupling with a device magnet of the electronic device when the electronic device is positioned on the receiving surface. The panel may further include a recess. In some instances, the flexible circuit is positioned in the recess. 
     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 an isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing various internal features of the accessory device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the panel, showing various features of the panel as well as other components located in the first section; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the first section of the accessory device, showing the electrical contacts protruding from the first segment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the first section shown in  FIG. 4 , showing the electronic device positioned on the first section; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device positioned on the first section of the accessory device; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the second section, showing various features of the second section; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the second section, showing a stop mechanism engaged with a key of the keyboard; 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a cross sectional view of an accessory device, showing various layers and components of a channel of the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing an alternate configuration of a channel of the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing a channel with a material embedded in a layer, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9D  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing a channel and a molded insert installed at the channel; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the electronic device coupled to the accessory device and positioned in the first channel, in accordance with some described embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing the electronic device positioned in the second channel; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing the first section engaged with the second section. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing the electronic device positioned between, and engaged with, the first section and the second section; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing the electronic device coupled to the first section, while the first section and the second section form a stand; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device, showing the first section partially extended laterally from the second section; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 15 , showing the first segment extending beyond the second segment; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing the accessory device supporting the electronic device on a rear surface of the accessory device; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of the accessory device, showing the accessory device supporting the electronic device in an alternate configuration; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a user interacting with the accessory device and electronic device in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates the accessory device coupled with the electronic device, showing the accessory device engaged with, and suspended from, a magnetically attractable material using magnets in the accessory device; and 
         FIG. 21  illustrates a block diagram of an accessory 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 an accessory device designed for use with electronic devices, including 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 covers, accessory cases, cases, 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, including the keyboard. 
     The keyboard may include several keys arranged in a QWERTY configuration, as a non-limiting example. Further, the keyboard may include one or more channels (also referred to as troughs or trenches). Each channel is designed to receive part of the electronic device (when coupled with the cover) and position the electronic device in a manner that allows a user to interact with the electronic device (in particular, a display of the electronic device) and the keyboard. Also, each channel may include one or more magnets designed to magnetically couple with magnets in the electronic device, which promotes retention of the electronic device in the channel. 
     While traditional accessory devices include mechanical interlocking features to couple the electronic device with the accessory device, the accessory devices described herein may couple with and retain electronic devices through magnets. In this regard, the cover and the keyboard may include several embedded magnets. Further, the respective magnets in the cover and the keyboard can magnetically couple to each other, thereby placing the cover in contact with the keyboard. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-21 . 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 view of an embodiment of an accessory device  100 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  100  is designed as a complementary device for an electronic device  180 . As shown, the accessory device  100  may include a first section  102   a  and a second section  102   b  connected to the first section  102   a . The accessory device  100  may include a hinge  104   a  that connects the first section  102   a  with the second section  102   b . The hinge  104   a  allows the first section  102   a  to rotate or pivot with respect to the second section  102   b , and vice versa. The hinge  104   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  102   a  and the second section  102   b.    
     The first section  102   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  180 . The first section  102   a  may include a first segment  106   a  and a second segment  106   b  that define that collectively define the receiving surface. The first segment  106   a  is separated from the second segment  106   b  by a hinge  104   b  positioned between the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b . The hinge  104   b  allows rotational movement of the first segment  106   a  relative to the second segment  106   b , and vice versa. The hinge  104   b  may be formed from the aforementioned outer layer(s) used to form the hinge  104   a . In some embodiments, the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  are the same size, generally. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first segment  106   a  is larger than the second segment  106   b . Also, each of the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  may include a microfiber layer (not labeled). In some instances, the microfiber layer is restricted to the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  such that the microfiber layer does not cover the hinge  104   b.    
     The second section  102   b , also referred to as a keyboard section or a keyboard cover, may include a keyboard  108 . The keyboard  108  may include several keys (not labeled) arranged in a QWERTY configuration, as a non-limiting example. The second section  102   b  may further include one or more channels designed to provide a location that is below or sub-flush with respect to a location of the second section  102   b  that surrounds the one or more channels. For example, the second section  102   b  may include a first channel  112   a  and a second channel  112   b . The first channel  112   a  and the second channel  112   b  are designed to receive the electronic device  180  (or a portion of the electronic device  180 ) in order to place and position the electronic device  180  in a manner such that the electronic device  180  can be used with the keyboard  108 . Also, the second section  102   b  may include a dimension  103   a  measured from a rear surface of the second section  102   b  to a key (not labeled) of the keyboard  108 . The second section  102   b  may include a dimension  103   b  measured from a rear surface of the second section  102   b  to a section that surrounds the first channel  112   a  and the second channel  112   b . The dimension  103   a  may be the same as, or substantially similar to, the dimension  103   b , such that the keys of the keyboard  108  are planar with respect to the surface surrounding the first channel  112   a  and the second channel  112   b . In this manner, when the electronic device  180  is coupled to the first section  102   a  and the first section  102   a  is folded over the second section  102   b , the electronic device  180  may lie flat, or horizontal, on the second section  102   b.    
     The first section  102   a  may include electrical contacts  114  designed to engage electrical contacts  184  (shown as dotted lines) located in openings (not labeled) of a housing  182  of the electronic device  180 , and place the accessory device  100  in communication (including electrical communication) with electronic device  180 , and in particular, the keyboard  108 . When the accessory device  100  is in communication with the electronic device  180 , the keyboard  108  can be used to provide inputs and commands to the electronic device  180  to control a display  181  of the electronic device  180 . As shown, the electrical contacts  114  are located on the first segment  106   a . However, other locations are possible (such as the second segment  106   b ). Generally, the electrical contacts  114  can be at any location corresponding to the location of the electrical contacts  184  such that the electronic device  180  lies within an outer perimeter of the first section  102   a  when the electronic device  180  is placed on the receiving surface of the first section  102   a . Also, while the electrical contacts  114  include three electrically conductive pins, the number of pins of the electrical contacts  114  may vary. For example, in some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), the electrical contacts  114  include one, two, or four our more contacts. Also, while the electrical contacts  114  represent a physical/direct communication between the accessory device  100  and the electronic device  180 , the accessory device  100  and the electronic device  180  may also be in communication via wireless communication, such as Bluetooth® communication, as a non-limiting example. 
     The first section  102   a  may further include an opening  116 , or through hole, designed to receive a camera assembly  186  and a flash module  187  (shown as dotted lines) extending from the housing  182 , thereby allowing the electronic device  180  to capture images while coupled to the first section  102   a . Although not shown, the electronic device  180  may include a microphone positioned between the camera assembly  186  and the flash module  187 . As shown, the opening  116  is located on the first segment  106   a . However, other locations are possible. Generally, the opening  116  can be at any location corresponding to the location of the camera assembly  186  and the flash module  187  such that the electronic device  180  lies within an outer perimeter of the first section  102   a  when the electronic device  180  is in contact with the receiving surface of the first section  102   a.    
       FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing various internal features of the accessory device  100 . The first segment  106   a  of the first section  102   a  may include several magnets designed to magnetically couple with magnets in the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to retain the electronic device  180  against the first section  102   a . For example, the first segment  106   a  may include a magnet  120   a , a magnet  120   b , and a magnet  120   c  capable of magnetically coupling with magnets (or other magnetically attractable elements) in the electronic device  180 , as well as a magnet  122   a , a magnet  122   b , and a magnet  122   c , respectively, located in the second section  102   b . The first segment  106   a  may further include a magnet  120   d , a magnet  120   e , and a magnet  120   f  capable of magnetically coupling with magnets (or other magnetically attractable elements) in the electronic device  180 , as well as a magnet  122   d , a magnet  122   e , and a magnet  122   f , respectively, located in the second section  102   b . When the aforementioned magnets are not magnetically coupled with the electronic device  180 , the magnets in the first section  102   a  can magnetically couple with magnets in corresponding locations in the second section  102   b , by, for example, rotating the first section  102   a  about the hinge  104   a . Further, the first section  102   a  can be rotated about the hinge  104   a  such that the front surface (shown in  FIG. 2 ) covers a front surface (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the second section  102   b . Alternatively, the first section  102   a  can be rotated about the hinge  104   a  such that a back surface (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) covers a back surface (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the second section  102   b.    
     The first section  102   a  may include additional magnets used to magnetically couple with the electronic device  180 . For example, the first section  102   a  may include a magnet  120   g , a magnet  120   h , a magnet  120   i , and a magnet  120   j . It should be noted that the aforementioned magnets shown in  FIG. 2  may represent a group of two or more magnets. Also, the magnets located in the first section  102   a  may be referred to as cover magnets, as the first section  102   a  may be referred to as a cover or a cover section. Also, the magnets located in the second section  102   b  may be referred to as keyboard magnets, as the second section  102   b  may be referred to as a keyboard or keyboard section. It should also be noted that additional magnets in the first section  102   a  and second section  102   b  are possible. 
     An external magnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) provided by each magnet in the first segment  106   a  can be used to magnetically attract magnets in the electronic device  180  and retain the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) against the first section  102   a . Further, this magnetic attraction can withstand gravitational forces acting on the electronic device  180 , and the first section  102   a  can retain the electronic device  180  even when gravity is acting to remove the electronic device  180 . In this regard, the first section  102   a  may not require mechanical retaining features, such as sidewalls and/or locks, designed to wrap around and/or interlock with the electronic device  180  to retain the electronic device  180 . However, in some instances, the second segment  106   b  may optionally include magnets, such as a magnet  120   k  and a magnet  120   l , that each provide an additional external magnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) used to retain the electronic device  180  with the first section  102   a  by magnetic attraction. The magnet  120   k  and/or the magnet  120   l  may represent a group of two or more magnets. Also, a panel  134  (shown as a dotted line) may include some of the magnets in the first segment  106   a . In this regard, the magnets in the first segment  106   a  may be embedded in the panel  134 . This will be shown below. 
     As described above, the size of the first segment  106   a  is different from the size of the second segment  106   b . In particular, a dimension  124   a  of the first segment  106   a  is greater than a dimension  124   b  of the second segment  106   b . This may facilitate positioning the first section  102   a  in a desired manner to support the electronic device  180 . This will be shown and described below. 
     The second section  102   b  may further include magnets along an edge (of the second section  102   b ). For example, the second section  102   b  may include a magnet  126   a , a magnet  126   b , a magnet  126   c , and a magnet  126   d . These magnets are designed to magnetically couple with magnets (or magnetically attractable materials) in the electronic device  180  in order to retain the electronic device  180  with the second section  102   b  along the edge. 
     The second section  102   b  may include additional magnets. For example, the second section  102   b  may include a magnetic assembly  128   a  and a magnetic assembly  128   b  (both shown as dotted lines), with each magnetic assembly including two or more magnets positioned around the first channel  112   a . The magnetic assembly  128   a  and the magnetic assembly  128   b  are designed to magnetically couple with magnets (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), or magnetically attractable materials, in the electronic device  180  in order to retain a portion of the electronic device  180  within the first channel  112   a . The second section  102   b  may further include a magnetic assembly  128   c  and a magnetic assembly  128   d  (both shown as dotted lines), with each magnetic assembly including two or more magnets positioned around the second channel  112   b . The magnetic assembly  128   c  and the magnetic assembly  128   d  are designed to magnetically couple with magnets (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), or magnetically attractable materials, in the electronic device  180  in order to retain a portion of the electronic device  180  within the second channel  112   b.    
     To provide additional support, the second section  102   b  may include a support member  129  that extends laterally beyond the shell to opposing edges of the keyboard  108  and the section associated with the first channel  112   a  and the second channel  112   b . Also, the second section  102   b  may include a shell (shown later) that provides structural support to the keyboard  108 , the first channel  112   a , and the second channel  112   b . However, the shell may not extend (laterally) to opposing edges of the keyboard  108 , and may include cut outs, or removed section, in locations corresponds to the channels of the second section  102   b.    
     It may be advantageous to selectively activate or deactivate the keyboard  108  based upon the position of the electronic device  180  relative to the accessory device  100 . In this regard, the accessory device  100  may include sensors designed to detect an external magnetic field generated from magnets in the electronic device  180  to determine the position of the electronic device  180 . For example, the accessory device  100  may include a first sensor  132   a  and a second sensor  132   b . The first sensor  132   a  and the second sensor  132   b  are designed to detect when the electronic device  180  is positioned in the first channel  112   a  and the second channel  112   b , respectively. In some embodiments, the first sensor  132   a  and the second sensor  132   b  are Hall Effect sensors designed to detect an external magnetic field generated by a magnet in the electronic device  180 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the panel  134 , showing various features of the panel  134  as well as other components located in the first section  102   a  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The panel  134  may include a first layer  136   a , a second layer  136   b , a third layer  136   c , a fourth layer  136   d , and a fifth layer  136   e . As shown, the first layer  136   a  and the fifth layer  136   e  surround the second layer  136   b , the third layer  136   c , and the fourth layer  136   d . At least some of the layers may include glass fiber, and at least some layers may include foam. For example, the first layer  136   a , the second layer  136   b , the fourth layer  136   d , and the fifth layer  136   e  may include glass fiber. Some layers may include a combination of glass fiber and foam. For example, the third layer  136   c  may include a foam layer as well as glass fiber. Furthermore, the relative densities of glass fiber may vary among the layers. For example, the first layer  136   a  and the fifth layer  136   e  may include a relatively high-density glass fiber, while the second layer  136   b , the third layer  136   c , and the fourth layer  136   d  may include a relatively low-density glass fiber. In this regard, the first layer  136   a  and the fifth layer  136   e  are relatively rigid as compared to the second layer  136   b , the third layer  136   c , and the fourth layer  136   d . Also, the third layer  136   c  may be referred to as a central layer or a foam layer. Also, while  FIG. 3  shows a discrete number of layers that define the panel  134 , the number of panels that form the panel  134  may vary in other embodiments. 
     The first layer  136   a , the second layer  136   b , the third layer  136   c , the fourth layer  136   d , and the fifth layer  136   e  may include a first opening  116   a , a second opening  116   b , a third opening  116   c , a fourth opening  116   d , and a fifth opening  116   e , respectively. When assembled, the aforementioned openings at least partially define the opening  116  of the first section  102   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The panel  134  may include a reinforcement layer  130  bonded to the third layer  136   c  at a corner. The reinforcement layer  130  may include glass or another rigid material. Also, the reinforcement layer  130  may define the third opening  116   c  as well as the opening  116  of the first section  102   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). In this manner, the panel  134  can be strengthened in the corner to offset the void of material due to the opening  116 , and due to the relatively low-density foam material. 
     The third layer  136   c  is designed to carry the magnets in the first segment  106   a  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). For example, the third layer  136   c  carries the magnet  120   a , the magnet  120   b , and the magnet  120   c . Additional magnets (not labeled) are carried by the third layer  136   c . The third layer  136   c  can undergo a machining operation to form pockets, or openings, to receive each of the magnets. Further, additional layers may carry magnets. For example, the second layer  136   b  may carry the magnet  120   g  and the magnet  120   h , while the fourth layer  136   d  may carry the magnet  120   i  and the magnet  120   j . Other combinations are possible. The layers that carry the magnets may place the magnets in closer proximity to magnets, or magnetic elements, external to the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) in order to promote magnetic coupling with magnets in the electronic device  180 . 
     The electrical contacts  114  are carried by a circuit board  138 . The circuit board  138  may include a printed circuit board or a flexible circuit board. In order for the panel  134  to accommodate the circuit board  138 , the third layer  136   c  may include a recess  142  (shown as dotted lines) that receives the circuit board  138 . The recess  142  defines a cavity, or partial opening, that does not fully extend through the third layer  136   c , with exception of openings (not labeled) through which the electrical contacts  114  pass when the circuit board  138  is positioned in the recess  142 . Further, the fourth layer  136   d  may include an opening  144  through which the circuit board  138  passes. When the third layer  136   c  is assembled with the fourth layer  136   d , the opening  144  is aligned with the recess  142 . Further, when the third layer  136   c  is assembled with the second layer  136   b  and the second layer  136   b  is assembled with the first layer  136   a , the electrical contacts  114  pass through openings (not labeled) in the first layer  136   a.    
     The electrical contacts  114  are designed to couple with the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) such that the keyboard  108  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) is in communication with the electronic device  180 . In order to complete the communication pathway, electrically conductive material can electrically couple with the circuit board  138  as well as a circuit board(s) in the second section  102   b  (shown later). For example, a first conductive material  146   a , a second conductive material  146   b , and a third conductive material  146   c  are electrically coupled to the circuit board  138 . The first conductive material  146   a , the second conductive material  146   b , and the third conductive material  146   c  may include an electrically conductive fabric. The first conductive material  146   a , the second conductive material  146   b , and the third conductive material  146   c  may extend from the circuit board  138 , through the hinge  104   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and into the second section  102   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to electrically with the keyboard  108  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) via a circuit board (not shown). 
     Although not shown, several adhesive layers may be used to adhesively secure parts together. For example, an adhesive layer may adhesively secure the circuit board  138  to the third layer  136   c  at the recess  142 . Also, several caps, or covers, may overlay the some components in order to conceal the presence of the components. For example, a glass fiber cap may cover the first conductive material  146   a , the second conductive material  146   b , and/or the third conductive material  146   c  in order to hide the conductive material(s). This may be useful when a polyurethane layer covers an outer perimeter of the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of the first section  102   a  of the accessory device  100 , showing the electrical contacts  114  protruding from the first segment  106   a . The first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  may include a microfiber layer that covers a compressible material. In this regard, the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  may compress when the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) is placed on the first section  102   a  and in contact with the electrical contacts  114 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a side view of the first section  102   a  shown in  FIG. 4 , showing the electronic device  180  positioned on the first section  102   a . As shown, the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  compress from the weight of the electronic device  180 . Also, a first electrical contact  114   a  and a second electrical contact  114   b  (both part of the electrical contacts  114  of the accessory device  100 ) are engaged with a first electrical contact  184   a  and a second electrical contact  184   b  (both part of the electrical contacts  184  of the electronic device  180 ), respectively, thereby placing the accessory device  100  in communication with the electronic device  180 . The compression of the first segment  106   a  causes the first electrical contact  114   a  and the second electrical contact  114   b  to move along the Z-axis such that the first electrical contact  114   a  and the second electrical contact  114   b  are sub-flush with respect to a surface of the first segment  106   a  (or at least co-planar with respect to the surface of the first segment  106   a ). This prevents the electronic device  180  from resting along some non-horizontal plane on the first section  102   a . Also, when the electronic device  180  or another object (such as a digit of a user) slides laterally across the first segment  106   a  to engage at least one of the electrical contacts  114 , the compression of the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  prevent the electrical contact  114  from snagging and interlocking with the electronic device  180  or the other object, thereby preventing damage to the electronic device  180  and/or the accessory device  100 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the electronic device  180  positioned on the first section  102   a  of the accessory device  100 . The magnets of the accessory device  100  are magnetically coupled with at least some magnets (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) of the electronic device  180  to form multiple magnetic circuits. Although not shown, the magnets in the electronic device  180  are generally locations corresponding to magnets in the accessory device  100 . The magnetic attraction between the magnets may counter some lateral movement of the electronic device  180  with respect to the first section  102   a  of the accessory device  100 . Further, the magnetic attraction between the magnets may cause the electronic device  180  to return to its initial position (shown in  FIG. 6 ) on the first section  102   a . For example, as shown in the enlarged view, the first electrical contact  184   a  of the electronic device  180  is positioned over the first electrical contact  114   a  of the accessory device  100 . The first electrical contact  114   a  of the accessory device  100  includes a diameter such that a shift of the electronic device  180  along the X- and/or the Y-axis that causes a corresponding lateral shift of the first electrical contact  184   a  of the electronic device  180 . However, if the shift causes the first electrical contact  184   a  to move to a circumference  118  around the first electrical contact  114   a , but no further, the magnetic attraction causes the electronic device  180 , and in particular, the first electrical contact  184   a , to return to its initial position (shown in  FIG. 6 ). The circumference  118  is a function of the size of the first electrical contact  114   a  as well as the size, shape and location of the magnets (including the magnet  120   a , the magnet  120   b , and the magnet  120   c , along with additional magnets (not labeled) located in the first section  102   a . The remaining electrical contact(s) of the accessory device  100  may exhibit a similar relationship. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of the second section  102   b , showing various features of the second section  102   b . The second section  102   b  may include an outer layer  148  that covers the keyboard  108  (including the keys), the first channel  112   a , and the second channel  112   b . In some embodiments, the outer layer  148  includes polyurethane. Also, although not shown, the outer layer  148  may extend across the first section  102   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The second section  102   b  may further include a shell  152 . The shell  152  may provide structural rigidity to the second section  102   b . In this regard, the shell  152  may be formed from plastic or other rigid material(s). As shown, the shell  152  includes several openings (not labeled) for the keys of the keyboard  108 . Also, the shell  152  may include two pairs of diagonal walls (not labeled), with one pair of diagonal walls defining the first channel  112   a , and another pair of diagonal walls defining the second channel  112   b . This will be further shown and discussed below. Each diagonal wall may include several openings to accommodate a magnetic assembly. For example, the shell  152  may include openings  154  that receive the magnets of the magnetic assembly  128   a . Although not labeled, the shell  152  includes openings that receive the magnets of the magnetic assembly  128   b , the magnetic assembly  128   c , and the magnetic assembly  128   d . The shell  152  may include additional openings (similar to the openings  154 ) to accommodate the remaining magnets of the magnetic assemblies associated with the channels. 
     The second section  102   b  may further include a circuit board  156   a . The circuit board  156   a  is electrically coupled with the first conductive material  146   a , the second conductive material  146   b , and the third conductive material  146   c . The circuit board  156   a  may include one or more processor circuits (not labeled) to control and process inputs to keys of the keyboard  108 . In this regard, the second section  102   b  may include a circuit board  156   b  associated with the keyboard  108 . The circuit board  156   b  can be electrically coupled with the circuit board  156   a  by a flexible circuit  158 . The circuit board  156   a  may also send commands to the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), and control and process inputs received from the electronic device  180 . The circuit board  156   a  may electrically couple with, and receive inputs from, the first sensor  132   a  and the second sensor  132   b  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). As a result, the processor circuits of the circuit board  156   a  may provide commands to selectively activate and deactivate the keyboard  108  based on received inputs from the first sensor  132   a  and the second sensor  132   b.    
     In order to provide additional structural support, the second section  102   b  may include several blocks. For example, the second section  102   b  may include a first block  162   a  and a second block  162   b . The first block  162   a  and the second block  162   b  may include glass fiber blocks that provide added stiffness to the second section  102   b  while limiting the amount of weight added to the second section  102   b . As shown, the first block  162   a  may include a recess (not labeled) that receives the circuit board  156   a.    
     The second section  102   b  may further include an enclosure  164  that provides a protective rear cover to the second section  102   b . The enclosure  164  may include a back wall and sidewalls (not labeled) that define an internal volume to house several components shown in  FIG. 7 . Although not shown, an outer layer, which may include polyurethane, may cover the enclosure  164 . Several additional materials may be included. For example, a thermoplastic shield may cover the first conductive material  146   a , the second conductive material  146   b , and the third conductive material  146   c  in order to provide ingress protection and electrical insulation. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a cross sectional view of the second section  102   b , showing a stop mechanism  166  engaged with a key  108   a  of the keyboard  108 . The key  108   a  can be depressed in a manner that causes contact with the circuit board  156   b , thereby generating a command. When the key  108   a  is released, the key  108   a  travels in a direction of an arrow  170 , and returns to an initial position. The stop mechanism  166  can engage the key  108   a  to prevent additional, unwanted travel in the direction of the arrow  170 . Also, as shown, a first outer layer  150   a  combines with a second outer layer  150   b  to cover the keyboard  108  and the enclosure  164 . Also, as shown, the circuit board  156   b  can be adhesively secured to the enclosure  164 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9D  show various implementations of a channel that can be used in an accessory device, such as the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The channels shown and described in  FIGS. 9A-9D  can substitute for the first channel  112   a  and/or the second channel  112   b  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Also, at least some features shown and described in  FIG. 9A-9D  may be combined with each other. 
       FIG. 9A  illustrates a cross sectional view of an accessory device  200 , showing various layers and components of a channel  212  of the accessory device  200 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  200  may include a first layer  248   a , or outer layer, which may include a polyurethane layer. The accessory device  200  may further include a second layer  248   b , formed from a rigid material such as glass fiber (as a non-limiting example). The accessory device  200  may further include a third layer  248   c , which may be part of a shell used in a second section of an accessory device. For example, the third layer  248   c  may any features described for the shell  152  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). The channel  212  may be defined by the first layer  248   a , the second layer  248   b , and the third layer  248   c . The accessory device  200  may include a layer  248   d  that terminates at the channel  212 . The layer  248   d  may include a woven fabric material, such as taffeta. 
     The third layer  248   c  may include openings (not labeled) in which magnets of a magnetic assembly  228  are positioned. For example, the magnetic assembly  228  may include a first magnet  272   a  and a second magnet  272   b . As shown, the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  surround the channel  212 . In this regard, the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  may be referred to as channel magnets. The first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  may adhesively secure with the second layer  248   b  by an adhesive (not labeled). Each magnet may include a cap formed for a material (such as steel). For example, the first magnet  272   a  includes a cap  274   a  and the second magnet  272   b  includes a cap  274   b . Although not shown, the third layer  248   c  may include additional openings, and the magnetic assembly  228  may include additional magnets, with each additional magnet positioned in an additional opening of the third layer  248   c . The arrangement may be similar to the openings  154  of the shell  152  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and the magnetic assembly  128   a  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). Generally, the number of openings is the same as the number of magnets of a magnetic assembly. 
     The first layer  248   a  and the second layer  248   b  are relatively thin to allow external magnetic fields (shown as dotted lines) of the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  to pass through the first layer  248   a , the second layer  248   b , and the adhesive. This allows the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  to magnetically couple with a magnet(s) in an electronic device (such as the electronic device  180 , shown in  FIG. 1 ). However, the second layer  248   b  should be relatively rigid to maintain the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  in a fixed position, as the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  may be magnetically attracted to each other. 
     The magnets of the magnetic assembly  228  can be arranged in different configurations. For example, the first magnet  272   a  and the second magnet  272   b  can be arranged to form a Halbach array in which the external magnetic field is additive, or augmented, at a location associated with the channel  212 , while the external magnetic field is significantly reduced, or even canceled, on locations internally within the accessory device  200  that are not associated with the channel  212 . This described arrangement may enhance the magnetic field to better retain an electronic device. 
     The channel  212  may include a first diagonal wall  276   a  and a second diagonal wall  276   b , both of which are defined in part by the first layer  248   a , the second layer  248   b , and the third layer  248   c . As shown, the first diagonal wall  276   a  is separated from the second diagonal wall  276   b  by an angle  280 . The angle  280  may be approximately in the range of 70 to 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  280  is 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle  280  is 91.5 degrees. The angle  280  may be slightly larger than an angle between a back wall and a sidewall of a housing of an electronic device (such as the electronic device  180 , shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  300 , showing an alternate configuration of a channel  312  of the accessory device  300 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  300  may include a first layer  348   a , a second layer  348   b , and a third layer  348   c  that may include any materials and features described for the first layer  248   a , the second layer  248   b , and the third layer  248   c , respectively (shown in  FIG. 9A ). The accessory device  300  may include a layer  348   d  that terminates at the channel  312 . The layer  348   d  may include any materials and features described for the layer  248   d  (shown in  FIG. 9A ). The third layer  348   c  may include openings to receive a first magnet  372   a  and a second magnet  372   b  of a magnetic assembly  328 . The third layer  348   c  and the magnetic assembly  328  may include any features shown and described for the third layer  248   c  and the magnetic assembly  228 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     The channel  312  may include a first diagonal wall  376   a  and a second diagonal wall  376   b , both of which are defined in part by the first layer  348   a , the second layer  348   b , and the third layer  348   c . As shown, the first diagonal wall  376   a  is separated from the second diagonal wall  376   b  by an angle  380 , which may include any angle described for the angle  280  (shown in  FIG. 9A ). While the first diagonal wall  276   a  and the second diagonal wall  276   b  (shown in  FIG. 9A ) are approximately the same size, the first diagonal wall  376   a  and the second diagonal wall  376   b  are different. For example, the first diagonal wall  376   a  is smaller than the second diagonal wall  376   b . Also, the first diagonal wall  376   a  may be relatively steep as compared to the second diagonal wall  376   b . As a result, an electronic device (such as the electronic device  180  shown in  FIG. 1 ) may be positioned differently in the channel  312 , as compared to the channel  212  (shown in  FIG. 9A ). 
       FIG. 9C  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  400 , showing an alternate configuration of a channel  412  of the accessory device  400 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  400  may include a first layer  448   a , a second layer  448   b , and a third layer  448   c  that may include any materials and features described for the first layer  248   a , the second layer  248   b , and the third layer  248   c , respectively (shown in  FIG. 9A ). The accessory device  400  may include a layer  448   d  that terminates at the channel  412 . The layer  448   d  may include any materials and features described for the layer  248   d  (shown in  FIG. 9A ). The third layer  448   c  may include openings to receive a first magnet  472   a  and a second magnet  472   b  of a magnetic assembly  428 . The third layer  448   c  and the magnetic assembly  428  may include any features shown and described for the third layer  248   c  and the magnetic assembly  228 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 9A . 
     The second layer  448   b  may include different material, as compared to prior embodiments. For example, the second layer  448   b  may include a metal (or metal alloy), such as SUS stainless steel. Further, the second layer  448   b  may be molded to the third layer  448   c  by a molding operation, including an insert molding operation. 
       FIG. 9D  illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  500 , showing a channel  512  and a molded insert  578  installed at the channel  512 . The accessory device  500  may include a first layer  548   a , a second layer  548   b , and a third layer  548   c  that may include any materials and features described for the first layer  248   a , the second layer  248   b , and the third layer  248   c , respectively (shown in  FIG. 9A ). The molded insert  578  may carry the second layer  548   b  and a magnetic assembly  528 , which includes a first magnet  572   a  and a second magnet  572   b . In this regard, the second layer  548   b  and the magnetic assembly  528  can be molded into the molded insert  578 , which may include a glass fiber material. The magnetic assembly  528  may include any features shown and described for the magnetic assembly  228  (shown in  FIG. 9A ). The third layer  548   c  may include a stepped configuration. In order to assemble the molded insert  578  with the accessory device  500 , the molded insert  578  may include a corresponding stepped configuration. 
     The first magnet  572   a  and the second magnet  572   b  may include a chamfered region  573   a  and a chamfered region  573   b , respectively. The chamfered regions reduce the overall size of their respective magnets in order to create an accessory device  500  that includes a reduced profile. Also, the chamfered regions represent less magnetic material, which may reduce the external magnetic fields of the magnets along a rear section (not shown in  FIG. 9D ) of the accessory device  500 . The reduced external magnetic fields may prevent unwanted interference with magnetically sensitive objects, such as credit cards, placed on the rear section. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the electronic device  180  coupled to the accessory device  100  and positioned in the first channel  112   a , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the electronic device  180  includes a magnet  188  (or in some cases, multiple magnets) that is magnetically coupled with a first magnet  172   a  and a second magnet  172   b  of the magnetic assembly  128   a . When a force (in the direction of an arrow  179   a ) is applied to the electronic device  180 , a rotational force (in the direction of the arrow  179   b ) may cause the electronic device  180  to rotate and leave the first channel  112   a . However, the magnetic assembly  128   a  may counter this rotational force. For example, the first magnet  172   a  may include a size and shape that is greater than that of the second magnet  172   b . In this manner, the first magnet  172   a  may include a stronger external magnetic field as compared to that of the second magnet  172   b . The relatively stronger external magnetic field of the first magnet  172   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 magnet  188  and the second magnet  172   b  provides a force in the direction, or at least approximately in the direction, of gravity to maintain the electronic device  180  in the first channel  112   a . It should be noted that the magnetic assembly  128   b  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include a number of magnets and associated features described for the magnetic assembly  128   a . Furthermore, the electronic device  180  may include an additional magnet similar to that of the magnet  188  that magnetically couple with the magnetic assembly  128   a . It should be noted that the magnetic assembly  128   b  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include a number of magnets and associated features described for the magnetic assembly  128   a . Also, the magnet  188  (and any other magnets within the electronic device  180 ) may be referred to as a device magnet. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100 , showing the electronic device  180  positioned in the second channel  112   b . As shown, the magnet  188  is magnetically coupled with a first magnet  172   c  and a second magnet  172   d  of the magnetic assembly  128   c . When a force (in the direction of an arrow  179   d ) is applied to the electronic device  180 , the electronic device  180  may be lifted out of the second channel  112   b  and away from the second section  102   b . However, the magnetic assembly  128   c  may counter the force. For example, the second magnet  172   d  may include a size and shape that is greater than that of the first magnet  172   c . In this manner, the second magnet  172   d  may include a stronger external magnetic field as compared to that of the first magnet  172   c . The relatively stronger external magnetic field of the second magnet  172   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 magnet  188  in the electronic device  180  and the first magnet  172   c  provides a force to maintain the electronic device  180  in the second channel  112   b . It should be noted that the magnetic assembly  128   d  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) may include a number of magnets and associated features described for the magnetic assembly  128   c . Furthermore, the electronic device  180  may include additional magnet similar to that of the magnet  188  that magnetically couple with the magnetic assembly  128   d.    
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show the first section  102   a  supporting the electronic device  180  in an upright configuration such that a user can interact with both the keyboard  108  and the display  181 . Further, the disparate size between the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b  (that is, the first segment  106   a  being larger than the second segment  106   b ) allows the first section  102   a  to adjust, thereby allowing the electronic device  180  to be positioned in the first channel  112   a  and the second channel  112   b . Also, the orientation of the magnet  188  and the magnets of the magnetic assembly  128   a  shown in  FIG. 10  form a magnetic circuit in which the magnetic field is in a clockwise direction, while the orientation of the magnet  188  and the magnets of the magnetic assembly  128   c  shown in  FIG. 11  form a magnetic circuit in which the magnetic field is in a counter-clockwise direction. 
     Also, referring to  FIG. 2 , the accessory device  100  includes a first sensor  132   a  and a second sensor  132   b . When the electronic device  180  is in the first channel  112   a , the first sensor  132   a  can detect an external magnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 10 ) generated by a magnet in the electronic device  180 , and provide an input to a processor circuit on the circuit board  156   a  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), which can subsequently provide a command to activate the keyboard  108 . Similarly, when the electronic device  180  is in the second channel  112   b , the second sensor  132   b  can detect an external magnetic field (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) generated by a magnet in the electronic device  180 , and provide an input to a processor circuit on the circuit board  156   a  (shown in  FIG. 7 ), which can subsequently provide a command to activate the keyboard  108 . The processor circuit on the circuit board  156   a  can provide a command to deactivate the keyboard  108  when neither the first sensor  132   a  nor the second sensor  132   b  detect the magnet  188 . By selectively activating and deactivating the keyboard  108 , the keyboard  108  is active only when it can be accessed by a user and is inactive when it cannot. This may conserve battery power as well as prevent unwanted inputs (e.g., keystrokes) to the keyboard  108 . Moreover, the keyboard  108  may be normally in a deactivated mode (i.e., inactive) until triggered or awakened using the first sensor  132   a  or the second sensor  132   b.    
       FIGS. 12-19  show various configurations capable by the accessory device  100 . Further, the various configurations of the accessory device  100  are attainable when the electronic device  180  is engaged with the accessory device  100  and retained by the accessory device  100  by magnetic coupling. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100 , showing the first section  102   a  engaged with the second section  102   b . As shown, a rear surface (or back surface) of the first section  102   a  is engaged with a rear surface (or back surface) of the second section  102   b . The first section  102   a  can remain engaged with the second section  102   b  through magnet attraction between magnets in first section  102   a  and magnets in the second section  102   b . For example, the magnet  120   a  in the first section  102   a  may magnetically couple with the magnet  122   a  in the second section  102   b . Additional magnets (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) in the first section  102   a  may magnetically couple with additional magnets (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) in the second section  102   b.    
       FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100 , showing the electronic device  180  positioned between, and engaged with, the first section  102   a  and the second section  102   b . In order to maintain the engagement, magnets in the electronic device  180  may magnetically couple with magnets in both the first section  102   a  and the second section  102   b . For example, the electronic device  180  includes a magnet  189  magnetically coupled with both the magnet  120   a  in the first section  102   a  and the magnet  122   a  in the second section  102   b . Furthermore, the electronic device  180  may include a magnet  191  magnetically coupled with a magnet  126   a  located along an edge of the second section  102   b . The electronic device  180  may include additional magnets (not shown in  FIG. 13 ), with each additional magnet magnetically coupled with one of the magnet  126   b , the magnet  126   c , or the magnet  126   d  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) in the second section  102   b.    
     Also, in some instances, the first sensor  132   a  and/or the second sensor  132   b  may detect an external magnetic field generated from a magnet (or magnets) in the electronic device  180 , thereby generating a subsequent command to activate the keyboard  108  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), even though the keyboard  108  is inaccessible. However, the accessory device  100  may include a third sensor  132   c  capable of detecting an external magnetic field from the magnet  188  in the electronic device  180 . The third sensor  132   c  can send an input to the processor circuit on the circuit board  156   a  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) when the external magnetic field is detected. The processor circuit can then generate a command that deactivates the keyboard  108 . In other words, an input from the third sensor  132   c  can override inputs from the first sensor  132   a  and the second sensor  132   b.    
       FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100 , showing the electronic device  180  coupled to the first section  102   a , while the first section  102   a  and the second section  102   b  form a stand. As shown, the first section  102   a  is separated from the second section  102   b  to form a triangular stand. Also, the electronic device  180  is retained by the first section  102   a  through magnetic coupling between magnets (not labeled) in the electronic device  180  and magnets (not labeled) in the first section  102   a.    
       FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  100 , showing the first section  102   a  partially extended laterally from the second section  102   b . As shown, the electronic device  180  (shown as a dotted line) is coupled to the first section  102   a . The camera assembly  186  and the flash module  187  are aligned with the opening  116  in the first section  102   a , and as a result, are unobstructed from the second section  102   b , thereby allowing the camera assembly  186  to capture images and the flash module  187  to provide additional light. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG. 15 , showing the first segment  106   a  extending beyond the second segment  106   b . Based upon the disparate size between the first segment  106   a  and the second segment  106   b , the first segment  106   a  extends laterally beyond the second section  102   b . This allows for unobstructed image capturing by the camera assembly  186 , as the second section  102   b  does not cover the first segment  106   a . Also, the  FIG. 16  shows a compact configuration of the accessory device  100  while still carrying the electronic device  180  in manner in which a user can interact with the display  181  (which may include a capacitive touch input display) in order to control the camera assembly  186  to capture images. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100 , showing the accessory device  100  supporting the electronic device  180  on a rear surface  105  of the accessory device  100 . The rear surface  105  may include a rear surface of the second section  102   b . As shown, the first segment  106   a  is capable of supporting the electronic device  180  without engagement between the second segment  106   b  and the electronic device  180 . This allows the second segment  106   b  to form a support beam and define (along with the first segment  106   a  and the second section  102   b ) a triangular support. The first segment  106   a  may be magnetically coupled with the electronic device  180  through magnets (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) in first segment  106   a  and the electronic device  180 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  100 , showing the accessory device  100  supporting the electronic device  180  in an alternate configuration. As shown, the electronic device  180  is engaged with the first segment  106   a . The first segment  106   a  may be magnetically coupled with the electronic device  180  through magnets (not labeled in  FIG. 18 ) in first segment  106   a  and the electronic device  180 . The keyboard  108  is facing away from the display  181 , which, in some instances, may trigger a deactivation of the keyboard  108  as both the display  181  and the keyboard  108  are generally not simultaneously visible by a user. However, a fourth sensor  132   d  may provide an input to the processor circuit on the circuit board  156   a  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) denoting the absence of a detected external magnetic field, which may activate the keyboard  108 . As a result, the keyboard  108  may be activated even when the keyboard  108  and the display  181  are facing away from each other. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a user  193  interacting with the accessory device  100  and electronic device  180  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18 . As shown, the user  193  can view the display  181  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) while also using the keys of the keyboard  108 , as the keyboard  108  is active. While the fourth sensor  132   d  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) is generally described as a Hall Effect sensor, in some embodiments, the fourth sensor  132   d  is an accelerometer or an orientation sensor that determines the orientation of the accessory device  100  as shown in  FIG. 19 , thereby allowing the accessory device  100  to determine that the keyboard  108  is usable by the user  193 . Also, the electronic device  180  may communicate to the accessory device  100  the type of software program(s) (not shown in  FIG. 19 ) in use by the user  193  and displayed on the display  181  (shown in  FIG. 18 ). For example, the software program may include a game in which the keyboard  108  is used a controller for the game, or a media player in which the keyboard  108  is used to control the media played by the media player. Accordingly, the electronic device  180  may notify the accessory device  100  that the keyboard  108  can be used with the software program. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates the accessory device  100  coupled with the electronic device  180 , showing the accessory device  100  engaged with, and suspended from, a magnetically attractable material  195  using magnets in the accessory device  100 . The magnetically attractable material  195  (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  195  is integrated with a dry erase board  197  that is hung vertically. The accessory device  100  includes a sufficient number of magnets (such as the magnet  120   a  and the magnetic assembly  128   a ) that generate (collectively) an external magnetic field that can magnetically couple with the magnetically attractable material  195  and support the weight of the accessory device  100  and the electronic device  180 , thereby countering gravitational forces. In some instances, the magnets in the first section  102   a  alone provide an external magnetic field sufficient to support the weight of the accessory device  100  and the electronic device  180 . In some instances, the magnets in the second section  102   b  alone provide an external magnetic field sufficient to support the weight of the accessory device  100  and the electronic device  180 . 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a block diagram of an accessory device  600 , in accordance with some embodiments. The accessory device  600  is capable of implementing the various techniques described herein. The accessory device  600  may include any features described herein for an accessory device. Further, the accessory device  100  (previously shown) may include any features described herein for the accessory device  600 . Also, electronic devices described herein may include at least some features described for the accessory device  600 . In this regard, the accessory device  600  and/or the electronic device  180  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) may include one or more processors  610  for executing functions of the accessory device  600 . The one or more processors  610  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  600  can include one or more sensors  630  capable of detecting an orientation of the accessory device  600 . In some examples, the one or more sensors  630  may include an accelerometer, an electronic gyroscope, or some other orientation sensor. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors  630  can determine whether the accessory device  600  is positioned in a manner that a user can use certain features (such as a keyboard) of the accessory device  600 . In response, the one or more processors  610  can modify a notification that activates both the keyboard and an electronic device display coupled to the accessory device  600 . The one or more sensors  630  can also include magnetic field sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors. The one or more sensors  630  is/are connected to the one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  632 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  600  can include one or more input/output components  640  (also referred to as “I/O components”) that enable communication between a user and the accessory device  600 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  640  can refer to a button or a switch that is capable of actuation by the user. In some examples, the one or more input/output components  640  can refer to a switch having a mechanical actuator (e.g., spring-based switch, slide-switch, rocker switch, rotating dial, etc.) or other moving parts that enable the switch to be actuated by the user. The one or more input/output components  640  can include an accelerometer that determines whether the accessory device  600 , and to what extent, is accelerating or decelerating. When the one or more input/output components  640  are used, the one or more input/output components  640  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to the one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  642 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  600  can include a power supply  650  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of the accessory device  600 . In some examples, the power supply  650  can refer to a rechargeable battery. The power supply  650  can be connected to the one or more processors  610  via one or more connection cables  652 . The power supply  650  can be directly connected to other devices of the accessory device  600 , such as the one or more input/output components  640 . In some examples, the accessory device  600  can receive power from another power sources (e.g., an external charging device) not shown in  FIG. 21 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  600  can include memory  660 , which can include a single disk or multiple disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory  660 . In some cases, the memory  660  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The memory  660  can also include a Random Access Memory (“RAM”) and a Read-Only Memory (“ROM”). The ROM can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of the accessory device  600 . In some embodiments, the memory  660  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium, where an operating system (“OS”) is established at the memory  660  that can be configured to execute software applications. The one or more processors  610  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  662  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  660  and the one or more processors  610 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  600  can include a wireless communications component  670 . A network/bus interface  672  can couple the wireless communications component  670  to the one or more processors  610 . The wireless communications component  670  can communicate with other electronic devices via any number of wireless communication protocols, including at least one of a global network (e.g., the Internet), a wide area network, a local area network, a wireless personal area network (WPAN), or the like. In some examples, the wireless communications component  670  can transmit data to the other electronic devices over IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi® networking system), Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1), ZigBee, Wireless USB, Near-Field Communication (NFC), a cellular network system (e.g., a 3G/4G/5G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), or the like. 
     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: 20190215
Publication Date: 20200811
Grant Date: 20200811
Priority Date: 20180914
Inventors: GILBERT, TAYLOR HARRISON
TOM, KRISTINE S.
KIBITI, ELVIS M.
CHAVEZ RUIZ GARZA, Jaime G.
MATZINGER, THOMAS R.
LI, ZHENGYU
BATES, III, Charles A.
HSIAO, Shih-Hsiang
LYON, Johan E.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01H2223/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H2221/03", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1632", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01H13/7006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F1/1669", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 69773967