PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11201484-B2
Application Number: US-201916530836-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Accessory case with a power supply

Abstract:
Accessory devices for portable electronic devices are herein described. An accessory device may include a receptacle used to receive and carry an electronic device. Further, the accessory device may include a cover that is pivotally coupled to the receptacle. The cover is designed to protect a front surface of the electronic device, including a cover glass. The accessory device may further include a power supply (such as a battery) that is located on the cover. The power supply is designed to provide power to the electronic device, and subsequently charge a battery of the electronic device. The power supply can also provide power to different devices. In this regard, the accessory device may include an inductive charging coil that can inductively charge a battery of a device located on the accessory device. The inductive charging coil can be integrated into the receptacle or the cover.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a single-piece body comprising:
 a receptacle having a size and shape to receive the electronic device, and 
 a cover coupled to the receptacle by a hinge that allows the cover to pivot with respect to the receptacle; 
 
 a power supply carried by the cover; and 
 a flexible circuit embedded in the single-piece body, the flexible circuit electrically coupling the power supply with the electronic device when the electronic device is retained in the receptacle. 
 
     
     
       2. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the receptacle comprises a wall and a sidewall extending from the wall, 
 the cover comprises a first surface capable of engaging the sidewall, 
 the cover comprises a second surface opposite the first surface, and 
 the power supply is located on the second surface. 
 
     
     
       3. The accessory device of  claim 2 , wherein the single-piece body further comprises a compartment that carries the power supply, wherein the compartment is capable of engaging the wall. 
     
     
       4. The accessory device of  claim 3 , wherein the wall comprises an opening for a camera module of the electronic device. 
     
     
       5. The accessory device of  claim 1 , further comprising an inductive charging coil carried by the cover and in electrical communication with the power supply. 
     
     
       6. The accessory device of  claim 5 , wherein the inductive charging coil is capable of charging the power supply. 
     
     
       7. The accessory device of  claim 5 , wherein the inductive charging coil is capable of i) receiving energy from the power supply and ii) charging, using the energy, a battery of a device positioned on the cover. 
     
     
       8. The accessory device of  claim 1 , wherein the power supply comprises a removable power supply. 
     
     
       9. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a first portion that defines an internal volume that is capable of receiving the electronic device, the first portion comprising a connector configured to electrically coupled to the electronic device; 
 a second portion coupled to the first portion by a hinge, the second portion comprising:
 a compartment that defines an enclosure, and 
 a power supply disposed in the enclosure, wherein: 
 a closed position comprises the second portion covering the internal volume, and 
 an open position comprises i) the first portion being uncovered by the second portion and ii) the power supply being laterally displaced with respect to the first portion; and 
 
 a flexible circuit that extends into the first portion, the hinge, and the second portion, the flexible circuit electrically coupled to the power supply and the connector. 
 
     
     
       10. The accessory device of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion comprises a sidewall, and the connector extends from the sidewall. 
     
     
       11. The accessory device of  claim 9 , further comprising an inductive charging coil located on the second portion. 
     
     
       12. The accessory device of  claim 9 , wherein the first portion comprises a bottom wall and sidewalls extending from the bottom wall to define the internal volume, and wherein the second portion comprises a cover capable of engaging the sidewalls. 
     
     
       13. The accessory device of  claim 12 , wherein the flexible circuit defines a single-piece flexible circuit. 
     
     
       14. The accessory device of  claim 12 , wherein the cover is capable of engaging the sidewalls and the bottom wall. 
     
     
       15. An accessory device for use with an electronic device, the accessory device comprising:
 a receptacle comprising a bottom wall and sidewalls that extend from the bottom wall, wherein the sidewalls combine with the bottom wall to define an internal volume capable of receiving the electronic device, and the bottom wall comprises an opening configured to receive a camera of the electronic device; 
 a front cover pivotally coupled with the receptacle by a hinge; 
 a power supply embedded in the front cover, the power supply configured to provide power to a battery of the electronic device; and 
 an electrical contact positioned on the bottom wall and electrically coupled to the power supply, wherein receipt of the electronic device in the receptacle is capable of causing the electronic device to electrically couple to the electrical contact. 
 
     
     
       16. The accessory device of  claim 15 , further comprising a single-piece flexible circuit that extends into the front cover, the hinge, and receptacle, wherein the single-piece flexible circuit electrically couples the power supply to the electrical contact. 
     
     
       17. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the electrical contact defines a first electrical contact, and 
 the front cover comprises a second electrical contact configured to receive power. 
 
     
     
       18. The accessory device of  claim 15 , wherein the electrical contact comprises a first electrical contact, and wherein the accessory device further comprises:
 a second electrical contact located on the hinge; and 
 a third electrical contact located on one of the sidewalls, the third electrical contact electrically coupled to the second electrical contact. 
 
     
     
       19. The accessory device of  claim 18 , wherein the front cover is removably coupled to the receptacle, and wherein when the front cover is coupled to the receptacle, the second electrical contact is in electrical communication with the third electrical contact. 
     
     
       20. The accessory device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a carrier located on the front cover, the carrier configured to receive an accessory device for use with the electronic device; and 
 an inductive charging module disposed in the carrier and configured to charge the accessory device when the accessory device is disposed in the carrier.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/834,312, filed on Apr. 15, 2019, titled “ACCESSORY CASE WITH A POWER SUPPLY,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The following description relates to accessory devices suitable for use with electronic devices, such as portable electronic devices. In particular, the following description relates to folios that include a case and a cover that can pivot relative to the receptacle. The case provides the accessory device with a space or volume to carry the electronic device, while the cover carries a power supply, or battery, and can pivot to cover the receptacle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Accessory devices can include a battery located on a back wall of the accessory device. At this location, the battery is generally behind an electronic device positioned in the accessory device such that the device display is not obstructed. While the accessory device battery provides charging capability to a battery located in the electronic device, the location of the accessory device battery may provide some limitations and drawbacks. For example, electronic devices are known to include antennae for circuitry that supports multiple wireless communication functions. In some instances, the accessory device battery can interfere with the ability of the antennae to transmit and receive wireless communication. As a result, the location of the antennae in the electronic device can limit the accessory device battery in terms of the size and the location. Alternatively, the location of the accessory device battery on the back of the accessory device may require alterations to the design layout of the electronic device, which leads to additional engineering testing and associated changes. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a receptacle having a size and shape to receive the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a cover coupled to the receptacle by a hinge that allows the cover to pivot with respect to the receptacle. The accessory device may further include a power supply carried by the cover. The power supply can be electrically coupled with the electronic device when the electronic device is retained in the receptacle 
     In another aspect, accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a first portion that defines an internal volume that is capable of receiving the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a second portion coupled to the first portion by a hinge. The second portion may carry a power supply. In some instances, a closed position may include the second portion covering the internal volume. Further, in some instances, an open position may include i) the first portion being uncovered by the second portion and ii) the power supply being laterally displaced with respect to the first portion. 
     In another aspect, an accessory device for use with an electronic device is described. The accessory device may include a receptacle that includes a bottom wall and sidewalls that extend from the bottom wall. The sidewalls can combine with the bottom wall to define an internal volume capable of receiving the electronic device. The accessory device may further include a front cover pivotally coupled with the receptacle by a hinge. The accessory device may further include a power supply embedded in the front cover. The power supply can be configured to provide power to a battery of the electronic device. The accessory device may further include an electrical contact positioned on the receptacle and electrically coupled to the power supply. In some instances, receipt of the electronic device in the receptacle is capable of causing the electronic device to electrically couple to the electrical contact. 
     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 accessory device, showing the accessory device in an open position, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front isometric view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the accessory device in a closed position; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device shown in  FIG. 3 , showing additional features of the electronic device; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a connector, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device and an electronic device positioned in the accessory device, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a rear isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with charging modules, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a cover that holds a power supply that is removable from the cover, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a power supply that can be used with the accessory device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a power supply that can be used with the accessory device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a cover that holds a power supply and a charging module, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a cover that holds a power supply and multiple charging modules, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a front isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a carrier that is capable of receiving user accessories, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a hinge that is capable of receiving user accessories, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device having a cover that includes multiple internal power supplies and several folding regions between the internal power supplies, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 15 , showing the cover forming a support for the receptacle and an electronic device in the receptacle, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a cover that includes several components, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a cover that includes a display, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device shown in  FIG. 18 , showing the cover having an additional display, in accordance with some described embodiments; 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device, showing the accessory device with a receptacle and a cover that is removable from the receptacle, in accordance with some described embodiments; 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 accessory devices suitable for use with electronic devices, including portable electronic devices such as mobile wireless communication devices and tablet computing devices. Accessory devices described herein may refer to a folio that includes both a case that forms a receptacle for receipt of the electronic device, as well as a cover that can pivot, or rotate, relative to the case. As an example, the cover can be positioned over the case (including the receptacle) to cover/conceal the electronic device, including a display of the electronic device. In this manner, the accessory device provides a protective outer body for the electronic device and its components. 
     Additionally, accessory devices described herein may include a power supply, or battery, that stores energy. In some exemplary embodiments, the stored energy can be used to charge a battery of the electronic device and/or a battery of a user accessory placed on or in the accessory device. Further, unlike traditional accessory devices that integrate the power supply with the case, accessory devices described herein integrate the power supply with the cover. As a result, movement of the cover can position the power supply away from the electronic device in accordance with the location of the cover, as opposed to traditional accessory devices that include a battery positioned behind the electronic device regardless of the position of the cover. For example, when the electronic device is in the case of the accessory device, the cover (including the power supply) can pivot relative to the case, and accordingly, the power supply can be rotated away and laterally displaced from the electronic device. 
     Accessory devices described herein provide several benefits. For example, when the accessory device is in an open position, the power supply is positioned away from internal components of the electronic devices, such as antennae used for wireless communication. This can eliminate or reduce interference caused by the power supply and its associated circuitry. Further, as electronic devices commonly include a camera(s) located along the housing of the electronic device, traditional accessory devices require dedicated space in the back wall of the case for the camera(s), thereby limiting the available space for the power supply. However, due to the location of the power supply on the cover, accessory devices described herein can provide a power supply (or in some cases, power supplies) that occupies a substantial surface area of the cover, as the case does not need to accommodate the power supply. 
     In addition to cameras, electronic devices are known to include a camera flash module that provides additional light during an image capturing event. Traditional accessory devices include a power supply in an extension, or hump, on the back wall. As a result, at least some of the light emitted from the camera flash module can reflect off of the extension and into the camera, causing the resultant image generated by the camera to include a color that resembles the color of the accessory device. However, for accessory devices described herein, light from a camera flash reflected back toward the camera is not intermittently reflected off of the accessory device, as the power supply (and associated extension that carries the power supply) is positioned on the cover away from the camera. 
     In another example, electronic devices are known to include an inductive charging coil(s) used for wireless charging of a battery of the electronic device. A traditional accessory device with a power supply on the back wall of the accessory device can block the transmission of inductive energy do the inductive charging coil(s). However, with the power supply located on the cover, accessory devices described herein include a power supply that is laterally displaced from the inductive charging coil(s) in the electronic device. As a result, accessory device described herein will not impede transmission of inductive energy from an external charging device to the electronic device even when the electronic device is positioned in the case. 
     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 a front isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device  100 , showing the accessory device  100  in an open position, in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  100  (representative of other accessory devices described herein) is designed for use with an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), such as portable electronic devices including mobile wireless communication devices (smartphones) and tablet computing devices, as non-limiting examples. Also, the accessory device  100  may be referred to as a protective case or a folio, as non-limiting examples. The accessory device  100  may be formed from materials such as silicone, leather, synthetic materials, plastic, microfiber, or a combination thereof. When the accessory device  100  includes leather, the accessory device  100  may include two or more outer layers formed from leather that define an exterior of the accessory device  100 . 
     As shown, the accessory device  100  includes a receptacle  102  and a cover  104  connected to the receptacle  102  by a hinge  106 . The hinge  106  allows relative movement between the receptacle  102  and the cover  104 . As an example, the cover  104  can pivot relative to the receptacle  102 , as indicated by the two-sided arrow. Also, the cover  104  is designed to rotate, using the hinge  106 , onto the receptacle  102 , including multiple sidewalls (described below) of the receptacle  102 . However, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the cover  104  is rotated away from the receptacle  102  and is positioned laterally respect to the receptacle  102 . In this detailed description and in the claims, the phrase “positioned laterally” or “laterally displaced” refers to the cover  104  folded away 180 degrees (or approximately 180 degrees) from the receptacle  102  such that the cover  104  and the receptacle lie on the same plane (such as the X-Y plane in Cartesian coordinates). In some instances, the receptacle  102  may be referred to as a first portion or a case, and the cover  104  may be referred to as a second portion, a flap, or a front flap. 
     The receptacle  102  provides a region in which the electronic device is positioned. The receptacle  102  may include a wall  108  (also referred to as a bottom wall or back wall) as well as multiple sidewalls, including a sidewall  112   a , a sidewall  112   b , a sidewall  112   c , and a sidewall  112   d . The multiple sidewalls extend from the wall  108  to form space, region, or internal volume in which the electronic device is positioned. In this regard, the internal volume includes a size and shape that corresponds to the size and shape of the electronic device. The receptacle  102  includes additional features to accommodate an electronic device. For example, the wall  108  includes an opening  114  that provides an unobstructed pathway for a camera(s) and a camera flash (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of an electronic device. The sidewall  112   c  includes a cut out region  116  that provides an unobstructed pathway for a microphone(s), speaker(s), and a data port (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device. The sidewall  112   d  may include a button  118  that can be depressed in order to provide a corresponding depression of a button (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the electronic device. Although the button  118  is in a particular location on the sidewall  112   d , the button  118  can be positioned in other locations of the sidewall  112   d  or on other sidewalls. 
     The accessory device  100  may include a power supply  122  (shown as dotted lines) located on, and carried by, the cover  104 . The power supply  122 , also referred to as a battery, rechargeable battery rechargeable power supply, is designed to store energy that can be used to charge a battery of an electronic device positioned in the receptacle  102 . The cover  104  may include a compartment  124  that defines an enclosure in which the power supply  122  is located. In order to place an electronic device in electrical communication with the power supply  122 , the accessory device  100  may include a flexible circuit  126  (shown as dotted lines) that electrically connects to the power supply  122 . As shown, the flexible circuit  126  is embedded in the cover  104 , the hinge  106 , and the receptacle  102 . The receptacle  102  may include contacts  128  located on the wall  108 . When an electronic device is positioned in the receptacle  102 , the contacts  128  can engage and electrically couple to respective contacts (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) located on the electronic device. While the contacts  128  represent multiple electrical contacts, in some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 1 ), the accessory device  100  includes a single electrical contact. Although not shown, the accessory device  100  may include additional circuitry, indicators (lights), and other features that operate in conjunction with the power supply  122 . 
     The cover  104  may further include a sleeve  132  designed to carry personal items for a user, such as a driver&#39;s license or credit cards, as non-limiting examples. Accordingly, the accessory device  100  may be used as a wallet. Generally, the sleeve  132  defines a surface  134   a  that engages the sidewalls of the receptacle  102 , while an additional surface (shown below) of the cover  104  receives the compartment  124 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a front isometric view of the accessory device  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , showing the accessory device  100  in a closed position. To transition from the open position to the closed position, the cover  104  is rotated, using the hinge  106 , and positioned on the receptacle  102 , including the aforementioned sidewalls (labeled in  FIG. 1 ) of the receptacle  102 . Further, the compartment  124 , which includes the power supply  122 , is located on a surface  134   b  of the cover  104 , with the surface  134   b  being opposite the surface  134   a  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The accessory device  100  shown and described in  FIGS. 1 and 2  provides several advantages. For example, when the accessory device  100  is in the open position shown in  FIG. 1 , the power supply  122  is laterally displaced relative an electronic device in the receptacle  102 . As a result, interference causes by the power supply  122  (in the form of signal blocking or radio frequency interference) is minimized or prevented. In other words, an electronic device positioned in the receptacle  102  may transmit wireless communication through the wall  108  without interference issues caused by the power supply  122 . Also, due to the cover  104  carrying the power supply  122  (as opposed to the receptacle  102 ), the power supply  122  can span a substantial region of the surface  134   b  of the cover  104 , as the size of the power supply  122  is not limited due to any openings or other features that accommodate the electronic device. As a result, the size of the power supply  122 , and associated amount of energy storage, may be greater than power supplies integrated with traditional accessory devices, as the space provided by the surface  134   b  generally includes no other features to accommodate the electronic device. Also, some electronic devices include wireless charging capabilities. For example, an electronic device may include an inductive charging receiver coil capable of receiving energy transfer through magnetic induction. With the power supply  122  located on the cover  104 , as opposed to the wall  108 , the accessory device  100  provides minimal, if any, interference with the inductive energy transfer through the wall  108 . 
     Further, in the closed position shown in  FIG. 2 , the power supply  122  and the compartment  124  provide protection, in addition to the cover  104 , for a transparent protective layer (not shown in  FIG. 2 ), or cover glass, of an electronic device. Accordingly, multiple structural components can cover the transparent protective layer, thereby increasing the amount of protection provided to the transparent protective layer. Also, in the closed position, while the power supply  122  is relatively closer to an electronic device positioned in the receptacle  102 , the electronic device is generally surrounded (and subsequently protected) by both the receptacle  102  and the cover  104 , and thus, is not in use by a user. As a result, wireless communication issues related to potential interference caused by the power supply  122  in the closed position are generally inconsequential. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a front isometric view of an embodiment of an electronic device  170 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  170  may include a portable electronic device, such as a mobile wireless communication device or a tablet computing device. The electronic device  170  is suitable for use with the accessory device  100  (shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), as well as other accessory devices described herein. The electronic device  170  may include an enclosure  172 , or housing, that stores several components of the electronic device  170 , such as processing circuitry, memory circuitry, a battery, a speaker, a microphone, and flexible circuitry and cables that electrically connect the aforementioned components to each other. The enclosure  172  may include a wall (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) and several sidewalls, such as a sidewall  174   a  and a sidewall  174   b . In some embodiments, the sidewalls include a metal, such as stainless steel (as a non-limiting example), and the wall includes a non-metal, such as glass. The size and shape of the receptacle  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the accessory device  100  corresponds to the size and shape of the enclosure  172 . 
     The electronic device  170  may include a display  176  (shown as a dotted line) designed to present visual information in the form of still images, motion images, and/or textual information. The electronic device  170  may further include a transparent layer  178  that covers the display  176 . The display  176  may include a display layer that presents the visual information. The display  176  further includes a touch input layer that allows a user to touch the transparent layer  178  and provide a touch input representing a command received by components of the electronic device  170 . The transparent layer  178  may provide a protective cover for the display  176 , and may include a material such as glass, sapphire, plastic, or the like. 
     The electronic device  170  may further include a button  182  that can be actuated by a user to provide a touch input to the electronic device  170 . When the electronic device  170  is positioned in the receptacle  102  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), the button  118  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) of the accessory device  100  is aligned with the button  182 . The electronic device  170  may further include a data port  184  that can electrically and mechanically connect to a connector of a cable assembly (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). In this manner, the electronic device  170  may use the data port  184  to receive power, as well as send and receive data to and from, respectively, the cable assembly when the cable assembly is coupled to an external electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). Also, the electronic device  170  may further include openings  185   a  and openings  185   b  formed in the sidewall  174   b . The openings  185   a  and openings  185   b  provide an unobstructed pathway for acoustical components (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) of the electronic device  170 , such as microphones and speaker modules. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a rear isometric view of the electronic device  170  shown in  FIG. 4 , showing additional features of the electronic device  170 . For example, the electronic device  170  includes a power supply  186  designed to store and provide energy to components (of the electronic device  170 ). The electronic device  170  further includes a wall  188  that combines with the aforementioned sidewalls to define the enclosure  172 . The wall  188  may include non-metals, as described above. In this regard, the electronic device  170  may include an inductive charging module  192  that includes an inductive charging receiver coil designed to receive energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) that is used to charge the power supply  186 . As a non-metal, the wall  188  provides minimal, if any, impedance of energy transmitted by an inductive charging station (not shown in  FIG. 4 ) to the inductive charging module  192 . The electronic device  170  may further include a camera module  194  designed to capture images of an object or objects external to the electronic device  170 . The electronic device  170  may further include a flash module  196  designed to provide additional light to the object(s) during an image capturing event by the camera module  194 . Also, the electronic device  170  may include contacts  197  designed to electrically couple with contacts of an accessory device  100  (such as the contacts  128  shown in  FIG. 1 ). The contacts  197  support data transmission and power to internal components of the electronic device  170 . 
       FIGS. 5-19  show and describe additional embodiments of accessory devices. Although not all structures, features, and functions are explicitly described, the accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS. 5-19  may include several (and in some cases, all) components and associated features shown and described for the accessory device  100  in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Further, the accessory devices shown and described in  FIGS. 5-19  can be used with the electronic device  170  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a front isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  200 , showing the accessory device  200  with a connector  236 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  200  includes a receptacle  202  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The accessory device  200  further includes a cover  204  that is connected to the receptacle  202  by a hinge  206 . The receptacle  202  includes a sidewall  212  on which the connector  236 , or plug, is located. The sidewall  212  may include openings  220   a  and openings  220   b  to provide an acoustical pathway for speaker modules and/or microphones (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) of an electronic device. The openings  220   a  and openings  220   b  align with the openings  185   a  and the openings  185   b , respectively, of the electronic device  170  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
     When an electronic device is positioned in the receptacle  202 , the connector  236  electrically and mechanically couples to a data port (such as the data port  184 , shown in  FIG. 3 ). Also, the accessory device  200  includes a port  238  that can electrically and mechanically connects to a connector of a cable assembly (not shown in  FIG. 5 ). The port  238  is electrically coupled to the connector  236 . Accordingly, the connector  236  can transmit, to an electronic device in the receptacle  202 , power and data received by the port  238 . 
     The cover  204  includes a power supply  222  (shown as dotted lines) and a compartment  224  that stores the power supply  222 . Further, the accessory device  200  may include a flexible circuit  226  (shown as dotted lines) that electrically connects to the power supply  222  and the connector  236 . As shown, the flexible circuit  226  extends from (and is embedded in) the cover  204  into the receptacle  202 . The flexible circuit  226  is also embedded in the hinge  206 . When an electronic device is positioned in the receptacle  202 , the connector  236  is in electrical communication with the electronic device and the power supply  222  can provide energy to charge a power supply of the electronic device (such as the power supply  186  shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a rear isometric view of an embodiment of an accessory device  300  and an electronic device  370  positioned in the accessory device  300 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  300  includes a receptacle  302  designed to receive and carry the electronic device  370 . The accessory device  300  further includes a cover  304  that is connected to the receptacle  302  by a hinge  306 . The cover  304  includes a power supply  322  and a compartment  324  that stores the power supply  322 . 
     The receptacle  302  may include contacts  328   a  designed to electrically couple with respective contacts of an external device (not shown in  FIG. 6 ), such as a power supply or external electronic device. In this regard, when the electronic device  370  is positioned in the receptacle  302 , the accessory device  300  can receive power and data, via the contacts  328   a , and transmit the power and data to the electronic device  370 . Although not shown, the accessory device  300  may include contacts (similar to the contacts  128 , shown in  FIG. 3 ) or a connector (similar to the connector  236 , shown in  FIG. 5 ), as well as associated circuitry and cables to electrically couple these devices to the power supply  322  and/or the contacts  328   a.    
     The cover  304  may include contacts  328   b  designed to electrically couple with respective contacts of an external device (not shown in  FIG. 6 ), such as a power supply. The contacts  328   b  can be electrically coupled to the power supply  322 , and accordingly, the external device can provide energy, via the contacts  328   b , to the power supply  322 . Although not shown, the accessory device  300  may include a single set of contacts on either the receptacle  302  and/or the cover  304 , with the single set of contacts providing all of the functions described for the contacts  328   a  and the contacts  328   b.    
     Also, the receptacle  302  includes a wall  308  with an opening  314  for a camera module  394  and a flash module  396  of the electronic device  370 . Due to the power supply  322  and the compartment  324  being laterally displaced from the electronic device  370 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , light provided by the flash module  396  is not reflected from an object (not shown in  FIG. 6 ), the image of which being captured by the camera module  394 , and onto structural elements of the accessory device  300 . As a result, the light is not reflected of off the accessory device  300  (including the wall  308 ), and an image captured by the camera module  394  does not include undesired effects, such as a color or tint of the accessory device  300  applied to the image. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a rear isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  400 , showing the accessory device  400  with a charging module  442 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  400  includes a receptacle  402  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). The accessory device  400  further includes a cover  404  that is connected to the receptacle  402  by a hinge  406 . The cover  304  includes a power supply  422  and a compartment  424  that stores the power supply  422 . 
     The charging module  442 , located on the cover  404 , may include an inductive charging module. In this regard, the charging module  442  may include an inductive charging receiver coil designed to receive energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) that is used to charge the power supply  422 . Although the charging module  442  is located on the cover  404  of the accessory device  400 , in some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 7 ), the charging module  442  is located on the receptacle  402 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device  500 , showing the accessory device  500  with a cover  504  that holds a power supply  522   a  that is removable from the cover  504 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the accessory device  500  includes a receptacle  502  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 8 ). The cover  504  is connected to the receptacle  502  by a hinge  506 . The cover  504  includes a power supply  522   a  and a sleeve  532  in which the power supply  522   a  is positioned. 
     The power supply  522   a  is designed as a removable power supply. In this regard, the power supply  522   a  may be removed from the accessory device  500  by pulling the power supply  522   a  out of the sleeve  532 . The power supply  522   a  may be removed for multiple reasons. For example, when the power supply  522   a  is in a relatively low charge/energy state, the power supply  522   a  may be removed and replaced with a different power supply that is fully charged, or at least in a relatively higher charge/energy state as compared to the power supply  522   a . This can reduce downtime associated with charging the power supply  522   a . It should be noted that, although not shown, the accessory device  500  can include a compartment (similar to the compartment  124  shown in  FIG. 2 ) that is used to hold the power supply  522   a , rather than the sleeve  532 . 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate alternate embodiments of a power supply that can be used with the accessory device  500  shown in  FIG. 8 . The power supplies shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  can be substituted/interchanged with the power supply  522   a  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a power supply  522   b  that is smaller than the power supply  522   a  shown in  FIG. 8 . While the power supply  522   b  may provide less energy storage as compared to the power supply  522   a , the power supply  522   b  occupies less space in the sleeve  532  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) as compared to the power supply  522   a , resulting in additional space for the sleeve  532  to carry other items.  FIG. 10  illustrates a power supply  522   c  that is larger than the power supply  522   a  shown in  FIG. 8 . As a result, the power supply  522   c  may include increased energy storage as compared to the power supply  522   a.    
       FIG. 11  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device  600 , showing the accessory device  600  with a cover  604  that holds a power supply  622  and a charging module  642 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  600  includes a receptacle  602  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 11 ). The cover  604  is connected to the receptacle  602  by a hinge  606 . The cover  604  includes a power supply  622  and a compartment  624  that holds the power supply  622  and the charging module  642 . 
     In some embodiments, the charging module  642  is an inductive charging module that includes an inductive charging receiver coil designed to receive energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) that is used to charge the power supply  622 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the charging module  642  is an inductive charging module that includes an inductive charging transmitter coil that receives energy from the power supply  622 , and transmits the energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) to an external device (not shown in  FIG. 11 ) to charge a battery in the external device. As non-limiting examples, the external device may include a digital stylus that can provide into through interaction with a display of an electronic device, a wearable electronic device (such as a smart watch), wireless earphones, or an electronic device (such as a mobile wireless communication device). Still, in some embodiments, the charging module  642  includes a charging coil that acts as both an inductive charging receiver coil and an inductive charging transmitter coil. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of an accessory device  700 , showing the accessory device with a cover  704  that holds a power supply  722  and multiple charging modules, in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  700  includes a receptacle  702  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 12 ). The cover  704  is connected to the receptacle  702  by a hinge  706 . The power supply  722  is located on the cover  704 . The cover  704  further includes a compartment  724  that holds the power supply  722 , as well as a charging module  742   a  and a charging module  742   b.    
       FIG. 13  illustrates a front isometric view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  800 , showing the accessory device  800  with a carrier  844  that is capable of receiving user accessories, in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  800  includes a receptacle  802  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 13 ). The accessory device  800  further includes a cover  804  that is connected to the receptacle  802  by a hinge  806 . The cover  804  includes a power supply  822  and a compartment  824  that holds the power supply  822 . The accessory device  800  may further include a charging module  842 . As shown, the charging module  842  is located on the cover  804 . However, in some embodiments (not shown in  FIG. 13 ), the charging module  842  is located on the receptacle  802 , such as along a back surface of a wall of the receptacle  802 . 
     The carrier  844 , or holster, is designed to receive the user accessories. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the user accessories include a wireless earphone  846   a  and a wireless earphone  846   b , each of which can be at least partially inserted into a respective slot (not labeled) of the carrier  844 . The wireless earphone  846   a  and the wireless earphone  846   b  are designed to connect to an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) through a wireless protocol, such as BLUETOOTH® (as a non-limiting example), and provide acoustical energy to a user in the form of audible sound. The charging module  842  may include an inductive charging transmitter coil that receives energy from the power supply  822 , and transmits the energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) to charge a respective battery in the wireless earphone  846   a  and the wireless earphone  846   b.    
       FIG. 14  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  900 , showing the accessory device with a hinge  906  that is capable of receiving user accessories, in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  900  includes a receptacle (not shown in  FIG. 14 , but similar to prior embodiments) designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 14 ). The accessory device  900  further includes a cover  904  that is connected to the receptacle by the hinge  906 . The cover  904  includes a power supply  922  and a compartment  924  that holds the power supply  922 . The accessory device  900  may further include a charging module  942   a  and a charging module  942   b . As shown, in a closed position (shown in  FIG. 14 ) of the accessory device  900 , the hinge  906  covers the charging module  942   a  and the charging module  942   b . Although not shown, in some embodiments, the charging module  942   a  and the charging module  942   b  are integrated into the hinge  906 . 
     The user accessories may include a wireless earphone  946   a  and a wireless earphone  946   b  that can be at least partially inserted into the charging module  942   a  and the charging module  942   b , respectively. The charging module  942   a  and the charging module  942   b  may include an inductive charging transmitter coil that receives energy from the power supply  922 , and transmits the energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) that is used to charge a respective battery in the wireless earphone  946   a  and the wireless earphone  946   b , respectively. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  1000 , showing the accessory device  1000  having a cover  1004  that includes multiple internal power supplies and several folding regions between the internal power supplies, in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  1000  includes a receptacle  1002  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 15 ). The cover  1004  that is connected to the receptacle  1002  by a hinge  1006 . 
     Rather than a single-structure power supply, the cover  1004  includes multiple power supply units, or multiple battery units. For example, the cover  1004  includes a power supply  1022   a , a power supply  1022   b , and a power supply  1022   c . Similar to prior power supplies in accessory devices, the power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c  are designed to provide energy to an electronic device positioned in the receptacle  1002 . Further, the power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c  are electrically connected to a connector  1036  of the accessory device  1000  by, for example, circuitry and/or cables (not shown in  FIG. 15 ). The power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c  may be referred to as a first power supply, a second power supply, and a third power supply, respectively. However, in some embodiments (not shown), the connector  1036  is replaced by contacts (such as contacts  128 , shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Each power supply can be located in a segment, or partition, of the cover  1004 . For example, the cover  1004  includes a segment  1052   a , a segment  1052   b , and a segment  1052   c  that carries the power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c , respectively. The power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c  may be located in a respective compartment (not shown in  FIG. 15 ) located on the segment  1052   a , the segment  1052   b , and the segment  1052   c , respectively. Alternately, the power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c  may be embedded between two or more layers of material that form an exterior of the segment  1052   a , the segment  1052   b , and the segment  1052   c , respectively. These layers may include silicone, plastics, leather, synthetic materials, or a combination thereof, as non-limiting examples. Also, the segment  1052   a , the segment  1052   b , and the segment  1052   c  may be referred to as a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, respectively. 
     The cover  1004  may include folding regions, or hinges, that separate the segments and allow relative movement between the segments. As shown, the cover  1004  includes a folding region  1054   a  that separates the segment  1052   a  from the segment  1052   b , and allows relative movement between the segment  1052   a  and the segment  1052   b . The cover  1004  further includes a folding region  1054   b  that separates the segment  1052   b  from the segment  1052   c , and allows relative movement between the segment  1052   b  and the segment  1052   c.    
       FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of the accessory device  1000  shown in  FIG. 15 , showing the cover  1004  forming a support for the receptacle  1002  and an electronic device  1070  in the receptacle  1002 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The electronic device  1070  may include any features described herein for an electronic device. As shown, the cover  1004  is folded at the folding region  1054   a  and the folding region  1054   b  to form a three-dimensional support structure, including a triangular support structure. Moreover, the cover  1004  forms a support structure that positions the electronic device  1070  in a manner such that a display (not shown in  FIG. 16 ) of the electronic device  1070  is generally upright and readily viewable for a user. The non-labeled lines represent visual information emitted from the display of the electronic device  1070 . 
     The segment  1052   a  and the segment  1052   b  can rotate using the folding region  1054   a  and the folding region  1054   b , receptively, and the segment  1052   a  can provide a support structure for direct support/engagement with the receptacle  1002 . The segment  1052   c  forms a base, or flat support base. The hinge  1006  allows the receptacle  1002  to pivot and rotate relative to the segment  1052   c . By dividing the power supply of the accessory device  1000  into a segmented power supply (defined by the power supply  1022   a , the power supply  1022   b , and the power supply  1022   c ), the cover  1004  provides greater flexibility and benefits in the form of a support structure for the electronic device  1070 . 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  1100 , showing the accessory device  1100  with a cover  1104  that includes several components, in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  1100  includes a receptacle  1102  designed to receive and carry an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 17 ). The accessory device  1100  further includes a cover  1104  that is connected to the receptacle  1102  by a hinge  1106 . The cover  1104  includes a power supply  1122  and a compartment  1124  that holds the power supply  1122 . 
     The cover  1104  may include additional components in the compartment  1124 . For example, the cover  1104  may include a charging module  1142  that includes an inductive charging receiver coil designed to receive energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) that is used to charge the power supply  1122 . Alternatively, the charging module  1142  includes an inductive charging transmitter coil that receives energy from the power supply  1122 , and transmits the energy (through electromagnetic or magnetic induction) to charge a battery in an external device (not shown in  FIG. 17 ), such as a user accessory. Still, in some embodiments, the charging module  1142  includes a charging coil that acts as both an inductive charging receiver coil and an inductive charging transmitter coil. 
     The cover  1104  may further include a sensor  1156  at least partially located in the compartment  1124 . The sensor  1156  is designed to detect ambient environmental conditions. For example, the sensor  1156  may include an ultraviolet (“UV”) sensor designed to measure ambient UV conditions. Alternatively, the sensor  1156  may include a temperature sensor that detects ambient temperature. 
     The cover  1104  may further include wireless circuitry  1158  located in the compartment  1124 . The wireless circuitry  1158  is used to communicate with an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) that is carried by the accessory device  1100  in the receptacle  1102 . The wireless circuitry  1158  may communicate information received by the power supply  1122 , the charging module  1142 , and/or the sensor  1156 . As non-limiting examples, the wireless circuitry  1158  may include wireless communication circuitry such as near-field communication (“NFC”), or communication protocol and data exchanges included in standards covered by ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC. In this regard, the wireless circuitry  1158  may include features such as card emulation, read/write capabilities, and/or peer-to-peer information exchange. Alternatively, the wireless circuitry  1158  may include wireless technology standards transmitted and received in a band in the 2.400 to 2.485 Gigahertz (“GHz”) range, also referred to as BLUETOOTH®. Alternatively, the wireless circuitry  1158  may include wireless technology standards transmitted and received in a band in the 2.400 to 5.000 Gigahertz (“GHz”) range, also referred to as WIFI®. Although not shown, the accessory device  1100  may also include wired communication for the power supply  1122 , the charging module  1142 , and the sensor  1156 . 
     The cover  1104  may further include circuitry  1162  that can take the form of processor circuitry and memory circuitry. The processor circuitry can receive information received by the power supply  1122 , the charging module  1142 , and the sensor  1156 . The processor circuitry can run software applications and/or algorithms stored on the memory circuit, with the software applications and/or algorithms written for use with the power supply  1122 , the charging module  1142 , and the sensor  1156 . The accessory device  1100  may also include wired communication for the power supply  1122 , the charging module  1142 , the sensor  1156 , and the circuitry  1162 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  1200 , showing the accessory device  1200  with a cover  1204  that includes a display  1264   a , in accordance with some described embodiments. The accessory device  1200  may include a receptacle (shown later) designed to receive and carry an electronic device. In  FIG. 18 , the accessory device  1200  is in a closed position, and the cover  1204  is positioned over the receptacle using a hinge  1206  coupled to the cover  1204  and the receptacle. The cover  1204  includes a power supply  1222  and a compartment  1224  that holds the power supply  1222 . 
     The display  1264   a  is designed to present visual information in the form of motion images, still images, and textual information. The visual information may include notifications received by an electronic device in the receptacle. Additionally, the visual information may include notifications in accordance with information received from components located on the cover  1204 , such as information related to the charge/energy state of the power supply  1222 . The notifications may be in accordance with information received from other components located on the cover  1204 . Although not shown in  FIG. 18 , the components may include sensors, charging modules, and/or processor circuitry, as non-limiting examples. When the charging module is present, the notifications may be in accordance with information related to the charge/energy level of the power supply of a user accessory that is being charged by the charging module. Further, the visual information provided by the display  1264   a  may include a dynamic application toolbar that is specific to a software application (or applications) stored on an electronic device carried by the accessory device  1200 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a plan view of the accessory device  1200  shown in  FIG. 18 , showing the cover  1204  having an additional display, in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the cover  1204  includes a display  1264   b . The display  1264   a  (shown in  FIG. 18 ) and the display  1264   b  may be referred to as a first display and a second display, respectively, of the accessory device  1200 . Also, an electronic device  1270  is positioned in the receptacle  1202 . The electronic device  1270  may include any features described herein for an electronic device. The accessory device  1200 , as shown in  FIG. 19 , is in an open position, as the cover  1204  is rotated away from the receptacle  1202  via the hinge  1206 . 
     In the open position of the accessory device  1200 , a user can readily view both the display  1264   b  on the cover  1204  and a display  1274  of the electronic device  1270 . The display  1264   b  may be in communication with the display  1274  by wireless or wired communication. In this regard, the display  1264   b  can receive information from the electronic device  1270 , and can present visual information in accordance with the information received by the electronic device  1270 . For example, the display  1264   b  may work in conjunction with the display  1274  to provide textual information from an electronic book. As another example, the display  1264   b  may work in conjunction with the display  1274  to provide motion images to define a mosaic display system. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a plan view of an alternate embodiment of an accessory device  1300 , showing the accessory device  1300  with a receptacle  1302  and a cover  1304  that is removable from the receptacle  1302 , in accordance with some described embodiments. As shown, the cover  1304  includes a hinge  1306  that can couple to the receptacle  1302 . The cover  1304  further includes a power supply  1322  and a compartment  1324  that holds the power supply  1322 . 
     The receptacle  1302  includes a sidewall  1312 . A partial cross sectional view of the sidewall  1312  is shown. The sidewall  1312  may include a magnet  1303   a  and a magnet  1303   b . The hinge  1306  may include a magnet  1305   a  and a magnet  1305   b  designed to magnetically couple with the magnet  1303   a  and the magnet  1303   b , respectively. Also, the receptacle  1302  may include contacts  1307  and a connector  1336  that is electrically coupled to the contacts  1307  by a flexible circuit  1326   a . The cover  1304  may include contacts  1309  that are electrically coupled to the power supply  1322  by a flexible circuit  1326   b . When the magnet  1303   a  and the magnet  1303   b  are magnetically coupled with the magnet  1305   a  and the magnet  1305   b , respectively, the contacts  1307  engage, and electrically couple with, the contacts  1309 . As a result, the power supply  1322  is electrically coupled to the connector  1336 , and an electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 20 ) can electrically couple to the connector  1336  and receive energy from the power supply  1322 . Also, in some embodiments (not shown), the connector  1336  is replaced by contacts (such as contacts  128 , shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     The accessory device  1300  may include some alternatives. For example, the hinge  1306  may extend from the receptacle  1302  (rather than the cover  1304 ). This modification would result in i) the magnet  1303   a , the magnet  1303   b , and the contacts  1307  being located on the hinge  1306 , and ii) the magnet  1305   a , the magnet  1305   b , and the contacts  1309  being located on the cover  1304 . Also, the aforementioned magnets can be substituted with mechanical interlocks (such as fasteners or pins). 
       FIG. 21  illustrates a block diagram of an accessory device  1400 , in accordance with some described embodiments. The features in the accessory device  1400  may be present in other accessory devices described herein. The accessory device  1400  may include one or more processors  1410  for executing functions of the accessory device  1400 . The one or more processors  1410  can refer to at least one of a central processing unit (CPU) and at least one microcontroller for performing dedicated functions. Also, the one or more processors  1410  can refer to application specific integrated circuits. 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  1400  can include a display unit  1420 . The display unit  1420  is capable of presenting a user interface that includes icons (representing software applications), textual images, and/or motion images. In some examples, each icon can be associated with a respective function that can be executed by the one or more processors  1410 . In some cases, the display unit  1420  includes a display layer (not illustrated), which can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode display (LED), or the like. According to some embodiments, the display unit  1420  includes a touch input detection component and/or a force detection component that can be configured to detect changes in an electrical parameter (e.g., electrical capacitance value) when the user&#39;s appendage (acting as a capacitor) comes into proximity with the display unit  1420  (or in contact with a transparent layer that covers the display unit  1420 ). The display unit  1420  is connected to the one or more processors  1410  via one or more connection cables  1422 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  1400  can include one or more sensors  1430  capable of provide an input to the one or more processors  1410  of the accessory device  1400 . In some examples, the one or more sensors  1430  may include a UV sensor or a temperature sensor, as non-limiting examples. The one or more sensors  1430  is/are connected to the one or more processors  1410  via one or more connection cables  1432 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  1400  can include one or more input/output components  1440 . In some cases, the one or more input/output components  1440  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  1440  can refer to a charging module, including an inductive charging receiver coil and/or an inductive charging transmitter coil. In this regard, the one or more input/output components  1440  may include DC to AC converters and/or rectifier circuits (which form AC to DC converters). When the one or more input/output components  1440  are used, the one or more input/output components  1440  can generate an electrical signal that is provided to the one or more processors  1410  via one or more connection cables  1442 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  1400  can include a power supply  1450  that is capable of providing energy to the operational components of the accessory device  1400 . In some examples, the power supply  1450  can refer to a rechargeable battery. The power supply  1450  can be connected to the one or more processors  1410  via one or more connection cables  1452 . The power supply  1450  can be directly connected to other devices of the accessory device  1400 , such as the one or more input/output components  1440 . In some examples, the accessory device  1400  can receive power from another power sources (e.g., an external charging device) not shown in  FIG. 21 . Also, the power supply  1450  can provide energy to an electronic device carried by the accessory device  1400 , and/or to other user accessories positioned on or in the accessory device  1400 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  1400  can include memory  1460 , 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  1460 . In some cases, the memory  1460  can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The memory  1460  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  1400 . In some embodiments, the memory  1460  refers to a non-transitory computer readable medium. The one or more processors  1410  can also be used to execute software applications. In some embodiments, a data bus  1462  can facilitate data transfer between the memory  1460  and the one or more processors  1410 . 
     According to some embodiments, the accessory device  1400  can include wireless communications components  1470 . A network/bus interface  1472  can couple the wireless communications components  1470  to the one or more processors  1410 . The wireless communications components  1470  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 components  1470  can communicate using NFC protocol, BLUETOOTH® protocol, or WIFI® protocol. 
     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: 20190802
Publication Date: 20211214
Grant Date: 20211214
Priority Date: 20190415
Inventors: WEBER, ROBERT V.
RYAN, PATRICK T.
KIM, MIN CHUL
COLAHAN, IAN P.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J7/0029", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0029", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 72748193