PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10892625-B1
Application Number: US-201715847732-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Cases and folios for carrying and charging accessories

Abstract:
This application relates to a case for retaining a portable electronic device and an accessory. The case can include a main body that includes a back panel and sidewalls for retaining a portable electronic device. The case can also include a receptacle coupled to the main body. The receptacle can have a cavity that generally corresponds to the dimension of an accessory for retaining the accessory. The case can further include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a battery. The first terminal can receive electrical energy from the portable electronic device to charge the battery. And the electrical energy stored in the battery can be transferred to the accessory through the second terminal. The case and the portable electronic device may communicate via near-field communication. The case can further include a slotted compartment to store money and credit cards.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A case for retaining a portable electronic device, the case comprising:
 a back cover; 
 a front cover; 
 a retainer carried by the back cover, the retainer adapted to retain the portable electronic device; 
 a hinge portion that pivotally couples the front cover to the back cover; 
 a receptacle integrated with the hinge portion, the receptacle defining an opening; and 
 a battery integrated with the receptacle, wherein at least some electrical energy stored in the battery is capable of charging an accessory device disposed in the opening. 
 
     
     
       2. The case as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer includes a magnet such that the retainer is removably attached to the back cover. 
     
     
       3. The case as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is fixedly attached to the back cover. 
     
     
       4. The case as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the hinge portion defines a recess, and wherein the receptacle extends to the recess. 
     
     
       5. The case as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an external power inlet electrically coupled to the battery, the external power inlet is capable of transferring electrical energy from an external power source to the battery. 
     
     
       6. The case as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the battery is disposable. 
     
     
       7. The case as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a slotted compartment carried by the front cover. 
     
     
       8. A case for retaining a portable electronic device, comprising:
 a front cover; 
 a back cover that carries a retainer adapted to retain the portable electronic device; 
 a hinge portion that pivotally couples the front cover to the back cover, the hinge portion defined by a first recessed area and a second recessed area; 
 a spine located on the hinge and comprising an opening, the spine extending from the first recessed area to the second recessed area; and 
 a battery integrated with the spine, wherein at least some electrical energy stored in the battery is capable of charging an accessory device disposed in the opening. 
 
     
     
       9. The case of  claim 8 , wherein the spine comprises a tubular spine. 
     
     
       10. The case of  claim 8 , wherein the opening defines a first opening aligned with the first recessed area, and wherein the spine comprises a second opening aligned with the second recessed area. 
     
     
       11. The case of  claim 10 , wherein the first opening and the second opening each corresponding to the size of the accessory device and a second accessory device, respectively. 
     
     
       12. The case of  claim 8 , wherein the battery is configured to charge the accessory device and the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is located in the retainer. 
     
     
       13. The case of  claim 8 , wherein the front cover defines a folio cover.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/460,257, entitled “ACCESSORIES FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” filed Feb. 17, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to protective cases and covers for electronic devices. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to cases and covers that receive and retain portable electronic devices as well as electronic accessories, such as earphones, and that provide or facilitate charging of the electronic accessories or the electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Recent advances in computing devices have allowed various electronic accessories for portable electronic devices to become increasingly sophisticated and complex. Those accessories add features to the electronic devices and provide convenience for the users. The electronic accessories are typically attached to the portable electronic devices via a port of the electronic device, or are wirelessly coupled with the portable electronic devices. The prevalence of wireless technologies has made wireless accessories more common, thereby eliminating the need for wired connections between accessories and the electronic devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     This paper describes various embodiments related to articles for retaining a portable electronic device and an accessory. 
     According to one embodiment, a case for retaining a portable electronic device is described. The case can include a back cover, a front cover, and a hinge portion that can pivotally couple the front and back covers. The case can also include a retainer carried by the back cover. The retainer can be used to retain the portable electronic device. The case can also include a receptacle that can be attached to its hinge portion. The receptacle can be used to retain an accessory device. The receptacle can include a battery and a charge terminal electrically coupled to the battery such that at least some electrical energy stored in the battery can be transferred to the retained accessory device. 
     According to another embodiment, a case can include a body that can be used to receive a portable electronic device. The body can include a back panel and sidewalls. The body is arranged to carry a first charge terminal that can be used to receive energy from a circuit external to the body. For example, the circuit external to the body can be a circuit of a portable electronic device. The case also can include a battery and circuitry that electrically couples the first charge terminal to the battery such that at least some energy received at the first charge terminal can be transferred to and stored in the battery. The case can further include a receptacle that is coupled to the body. The receptacle can be used to retain an accessory device. The receptacle can include a second charge terminal. The circuitry can electrically couple the battery to the second charge terminal such that energy stored at the battery can be transferred to the accessory device. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a method for forming a case is described. The case can have a single-piece cover layer that has a first portion that is capable of pivoting about a second portion along a hinge portion. The method can include positioning circuitry having a first charge terminal on a surface of the cover layer. The method can also include securing a receptacle having a second charge terminal along the hinge portion. The method can further include positioning a battery on the surface of the cover layer. The method can further include electrically coupling the first charge terminal to the battery so that electrical energy received at the first charge terminal can be stored at the battery. The method can further include electrically coupling the battery to the second charge terminal so that electrical energy stored at the battery can be transferred to the second charge terminal. The method can further include covering the circuitry and the battery with a surface layer. 
     Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       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. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of an article in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a back perspective view of the article shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-section view of the article shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating an electrical contact communication between a portable electronic device and the article in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-section view of the article shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , illustrating a wireless communication between a portable electronic device and the article in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a retention mechanism for an accessory with inductive charging features in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a retention mechanism for an accessory with electrical contact features in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system having a front cover in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the consumer product system shown in  FIG. 7  in a folded configuration. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of the consumer product system shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the consumer product system of  FIGS. 7-9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system that includes features for directly securing a portable electronic device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system that includes features for attaching a receptacle on a sidewall of a main body of the article in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system that includes features for attaching a receptacle directly on a folio in accordance with yet another embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system that includes features for magnetically attaching a flap to the side of a portable electronic device in accordance with yet another embodiment. 
         FIG. 15A  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system that includes features for attaching a charging box at the spine region of a folio in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 15B  illustrates a side view of the consumer product system shown in  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of a consumer product system that includes features for having a receptacle along the spine of a folio in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of an article that includes features for having a raised back area for housing a battery and an accessory in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a side view of an article that includes features for storing an accessory in a side pocket in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a top view of an article that includes features for storing an accessory in a back pocket in accordance with another embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a flowchart depicting a method for integrating the charging and the protection of accessories and a portable electronic device using an article system in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart depicting a method for forming an article system in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  are block diagrams illustrating internal circuitry of articles in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative applications of methods and apparatus according to the present application are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. 
     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. 
     Embodiments described herein relate to cases (e.g., covers, folios, wallets etc.) for electronic devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablet computers, etc.) and associated electronic accessories (e.g., earphones, speakers, microphones, watches, cameras, biometric monitors, etc.). The cases can be protective in nature or simply an aesthetically pleasing adornment, or in some embodiments can be both protective and ornamental in nature. The cases can include a cavity for accepting and retaining the electronic device and one or more receptacles for accepting and retaining one or more electronic accessories. The cases can include features that charge or facilitate charging of the electronic accessories or the electronic device. Thus, the cases can integrate the charging and the protection of a portable electronic device and its accessories. 
     According to some embodiments, the case can include one or more charging sites for providing power to the electronic accessory, the electronic device, or both. The charging sites can be located in a main body used for retaining the electronic device, in the receptacles used for retaining the electronic accessories, or both. In some instances, the charging sites can include a wireless charger that is capable of wirelessly charging the electronic accessory and/or the electronic device. Examples of such wireless chargers include suitable inductive chargers, including those using near-field communication (NFC) protocols and/or those using wireless charging standard such as the Qi standard. In some cases, the charging site includes electrical contacts that contact corresponding electrical contacts of the electronic accessory and/or the electronic device, and transfer charge to and/or from the electronic accessory and/or the electronic device. In some embodiments, the article can include both wireless chargers and direct contact chargers. 
     In some embodiments, the case can include a battery that stores electrical charge supplied by the electronic device, the electronic accessory, and/or another charge source (e.g., a wall plug). In some instances, the battery can be located in select locations of the article for optimal performance and cosmetic appeal. In some instances, the case can include one or more magnets that facilitate retention of the electronic device and/or the electronic accessory to the article. In some cases, the case can also include a display that displays information supplied by the electronic device and/or the electronic accessory, such as a level of charge of the electronic device and/or the electronic accessory. 
     The possibility to charge an accessory from a portable electronic device via a case provides a novel integration solution to an accessory that requires specialized chargers. Because of their sizes, shapes and designs, many accessories, such as wireless accessory devices, require their own charging box or charging cradle. Those accessories may not be equipped with wireless charging capacity and require a physical contact with their charging box or cradle. Also, they often cannot be charged by standard charging ports such as Universal Serial Bus (USB). For example, an accessory device is usually too small or too thin to fit a USB port. Because of those reasons and other design reasons, electronic devices often cannot be used to directly charge those electronic accessories. Instead, end users may normally be required to carry a specialized charger if they want to charge an accessory. 
     The integration of charging and protection in a case also ensures that an accessory can almost always be functional when it is paired with a portable electronic device. Oftentimes end users only find out their electronic accessory is out of power when they use the accessory. But they might not carry a charger with them. This problem is solved by using the case described herein because users can charge their accessory via a case using the power from the electronic device or using the energy stored in the battery of the article. Typically an electronic device can have a significantly larger battery capacity than its accessory. Hence, within predetermined limits, the use of power from the electronic device to charge the accessory does not adversely affect the regular operation of the electronic device. 
     The cases described herein can be used with any suitable electronic devices and electronic accessories, such as those sold by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. Examples of suitable electronic devices can include mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, media players, watches, cameras, and other suitable electronic devices. Examples of suitable electronic accessories can include earphones, both wired and wireless, watches, styluses or electronic pencils, keyboards, electronic mice, speakers, cameras, microphones, drones, biometric monitors, card readers, adapters, chargers, cables, and other suitable electronic devices. Examples of cases described herein can include a protective article, a folio, a wallet, a flap, a cover, an enclosure, a holster, a clip, a sleeve, an armband, or suitable combination hereof. 
     These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 1-22B ; 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. 
       FIGS. 1-2  show a perspective view of representative case  100  which can also be referred to as article  100  for a portable electronic device and accessories.  FIG. 1  shows a perspective front view and  FIG. 2  shows a perspective back view of article  100 . The article  100  can include a main body  102 , which includes a back panel  104  and sidewalls  106 . Main body  102  can serve as a retainer that can retain a portable electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). In some cases, the main body  102 , including the back panel  104  and the sidewalls  106 , is a single unitary piece. In other cases, the back panel  104  and the sidewalls  106  are separate pieces that are coupled together using stitching, soldering, adhering, or any appropriate ways. Each of the pieces can be made of the same material or different materials. The back panel  104  has an inner surface  108  and an outer surface  110  that generally faces away from the portable electronic device. The sidewalls  106  can be a flange-like structure that surrounds the back panel  104  along its perimeter so that the sidewalls  106  and the back panel  104  define a cavity  112  that generally corresponds in dimension with a portable electronic device (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) so that the article  100  can receive the electronic device. 
     The main body  102  can be coupled with a receptacle  114  for retaining an accessory. Receptacle  114  can be referred as a retainer, a holder, a container, a housing, a case, a box, a cradle or other suitable term. It can be used to receive and retain accessory  116  and provide or facilitate charging to the accessory  116  in a manner that will be described in detail below. Accessory  116  can be any suitable type of device, such as another electronic device. In some cases, accessory  116  is associated with electronic device. For example, accessory  116  can be earphone that can wirelessly couple with electronic device. The wireless earphones are capable of being inserted into a user&#39;s ear opening or coupled directly to a user&#39;s ear lobe. Other accessories can include watches, styluses or electronic pencils, keyboards, electronic mice, speakers, cameras, microphones, drones, biometric monitors, card readers, adapters, chargers, cables. It should be noted that for the remainder of this paper, the wireless accessory device takes the form of wireless earphones well suited for use in combination with a portable electronic device. However, it is understood that the accessory  116  is not limited to wireless earphones and can be any other electronic accessory, as described above. In some embodiments, the article  100  is also configured to accept more than one electronic accessory or more than one receptacle. 
     Article  100  can be composed of any suitable material or materials. Main body  102  and receptacle  114  can be composed of the same material or different materials. In one embodiment, main body  102  can include a rigid material, such as a polycarbonate, fiberglass, or other rigid polymer such that article  100  maintains its general shape. However, the material should be at least partially deformable such that an electronic device can be placed within and removed from main body  102 . In some embodiments, main body  102  can be designed to retain the electronic device within cavity  112  at least partially by interference fit (i.e., frictional fit). In some cases, main body  102  can be composed of a more flexible material, such as silicone, other suitable polymer, or leather. In some cases, back panel  104  and sidewalls  106  of main body  102  are composed of the same material or different materials. For example, back panel  104  may be composed of a more rigid material than sidewalls  106 , or vise versa. Receptacle  114  can include a housing that can be composed of rigid polymer such as polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, or fiberglass. Alternatively or additionally, receptacle  114  can be composed of a more flexible material, such as silicone, rubber, or other suitable polymer materials. It should be understood that any suitable material that is capable receiving a portable electronic device and an accessory may be employed and are not limited to those listed above, including suitable polymeric materials (e.g. polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane), fabrics, metal (e.g., aluminum), wood, synthetic and/or natural leathers, with or without reinforcement or any combination thereof. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the article  100  can further include a magnet  124  or multiple magnets  124  that can be used to attract the portable electronic device and/or an additional article that is adapted to attach the article  100  in a manner that will be discussed in further detail below. In some cases, the magnet  124  can be embedded inside the body  102  and is not visible to the users. For example, magnet  124  can be positioned between layers (e.g., a front layer and a back layer) of material, which will be described in detail below with reference to  FIG. 10 . Magnet  124  can include any suitable type of magnetic material, such as suitable rare-earth (e.g., neodymium-based) and/or iron-based magnetic materials. In some cases, the main surface area of magnet  124  can be much larger than the thickness of magnet  124  in order to provide a maximum effective magnetic surface area for magnetically coupling with portable electronic device. 
     The article  100  can further include a terminal  126  that is adapted to transfer energy to and/or from electronic device. Terminal  126  can also be referred as a charge terminal, an information terminal, an electrical contact, a transceiver, an antenna, a port, an inlet, a charge station, an inductive charge receiver or transmitter, an NFC charge receiver or transmitter, a communication component or other suitable term as dictated by its particular features and functions. In some cases, terminal  126  transfers the energy wirelessly. For example, terminal  126  can include an inductive charger, such as an NFC charger. In other cases, terminal  126  transfers the energy via electrical contacts that are physically connected to corresponding contacts of electronic device. In some cases, terminal  126  is configured to transfer energy wirelessly and through electrical contacts. If energy is transferred from electronic device, the energy may be stored at battery  128 . The stored energy can, in turn, be transferred from battery  128  to a battery of accessory  116 . Alternatively or additionally, the energy transferred from electronic device can be directly transferred via electrical wiring within article  100  to accessory  116 . In addition to or instead of transferring energy, terminal  126  can be configured to transfer information to and/or from the electronic device. For example, terminal  126  can receive information related to the charge state of a battery of electronic device. 
     Terminal  126  can be electrically coupled to a display panel  130  on the outer surface  110  of the body  102 , to a battery  128  inside the body  102 , and to a charging component  122  inside the receptacle  114  via circuitry  132 , which can include wires that are internally positioned within article  100  and hidden from a user. Circuitry  132  can also include one or more resistors, inductors, capacitors, switches, processors and/or other electrical components, as dictated by design requirements. Under this configuration, the accessory  116 , the electronic device, and the display panel  130  can exchange information and power in a manner that will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 22A and 22B  that provides detailed structure of circuitries in accordance with some embodiments. 
     In some case, display panel  130  displays information related to the status of the portable electronic device. For example, in one embodiment, if the electronic device is in an active mode, the display panel  130  will not display any information because the display of information is not necessary when electronic device is in active use. Instead, display panel  130  displays information when electronic device is locked or in an inactive mode. In some embodiments, display panel  130  displays information related to the charge state of the portable electronic device and/or the accessory  116 . For example, display panel  130  can display a percentage of charge of a battery of the portable electronic device and/or the accessory  116 . In some cases, the display panel  130  displays an alert when the battery/batteries of the portable electronic device and/or the accessory  116  is below a prescribed charged level. In some embodiments, display panel  130  displays time or whether the portable electronic device has an incoming call, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     In some embodiments, the article  100  may further include an additional power inlet  134 . The battery  128  can be charged by an external power source (e.g. a wall plug or a USB power source) via power inlet  134 . For example, the power inlet can be located at the body  102 . Under such arrangement, the power inlet  134  may also be used to charge the portable electronic device. Also, since the article  100  typically can have a size that is significantly larger than the accessory  116 , the battery  128  can also be significantly larger than the battery in the accessory  116  and store sufficient energy to charge the accessory several times. In some cases, the battery  128  may also be used to charge both the accessory  116  and the portable electronic device. 
     In some instances, the housing for the battery  128  can be opened so that the battery  128  can be replaced. In such cases, the batteries can be disposable batteries such as a series of coin batteries. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments receptacle  114  is tubular in shape and includes an opening at each end for receiving a pair of accessory devices  116 . Receptacle  114  can include two openings  118  and  120 , one at each end for receiving accessory devices  116 , and a charging terminal  122  in between for energy transfer between the receptacle  114  and the accessory devices  116 . The accessory devices  116  can be retained through frictional fit, magnetic coupling, or both. Detailed structure of different embodiments of receptacles will be discussed in detail below with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     Receptacle  114  may also have a different shape and a different number of openings for receiving and retaining different types of accessories, as dictated by the size, shape and number of accessories. Since accessory  116  as shown in  FIG. 1  is a pair of earphones that include two pieces (one for each ear of a user), receptacle  114  includes two openings  118  and  120  for receiving and retaining both earphones. In other embodiments, a receptacle can be of a box shape similar to receptacle  738  shown in  FIG. 10 . In yet other embodiments, if the accessory  116  is other type of accessory, the receptacle  114  can take other forms. For example, if the accessory is a stylus, the receptacle  114  may take the form of an elongated housing for receiving the stylus. 
     In some embodiments, the receptacle  114  is removably attached to the body  102  through any suitable mechanical or magnetic ways. For example, the receptacle  114  can have a magnet embedded generally along its length and magnetically attractable elements (e.g., elements composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron based material) can be embedded along the length of the sidewalls  106 . Hence, the receptacle  114  can be placed on any side of sidewalls  106  by attaching the magnet to sidewalls  106 . In other embodiments, the receptacle  114  can be fixedly attached to the body  102 , or be molded with the body  102  as an integrated single piece. 
     While the receptacle  114  is shown at the topside of the sidewalls  106 , it can be at any other locations such as at a lateral side or on the outer surface  110  of the body  102 , as indicated by the dashed line of the receptacle  114  in  FIG. 1 . Those skilled in the art would understand that the size, shape, configuration and location of the receptacle  114  can be driven by the size and shape of the accessory  116  and the desired style of the article  100 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  shows a cross sectional view of an electronic device  300  retained within article  100  and illustrate features that provide different ways of communication between the article  100  and portable electronic device  300 . In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the electronic device  300  can include an electrical contact  302  that is adapted to transmit and receive signals and power to and from article  100  by way of electrical contact  304 . In one case, the electrical contact  304  shown in  FIG. 3  can be one example of terminal  126  shown in  FIG. 1 . The electrical contact  304  can be connected to internal circuitry carried by article  100 . The internal circuitry can be connected to battery  128  and display panel  130 . When the electrical contacts  302  and  304  are in contact and the connection between the electronic device  300  and the article  100  is established, electronic device  300  can provide control and information data, such as, charging status, pairing information, time, weather, and incoming calls, for display panel  130 . In some cases, article  100  can receive information from electronic device  300 . Such information can include, for example, a charging status of accessory  116  that can be indicated using a blinking light that flashes green or red to indicate a charging status of the accessory  116 . Besides exchanging information, article  100  can receive energy from electronic device  300  via the electrical contacts  302  and  304  to charge the battery  128 . In some embodiments, the power can be transferred in both directions between battery  128  and a battery  306  of the electronic device  300 . 
     Portable electronic device  300  and article  100  can also exchange information and power via wireless short-ranged communication protocols, such as near-field communication (NFC). With reference to  FIG. 4 , electronic device  300  can include a near-field (NF) transmitter  402  or other suitable wireless transceiver. Article  100  can include a NF receiver  404  that is positioned near the NF transmitter  402  when electronic device  300  is carried by article  100 . It should be noted that for NF power transmission, positioning of NF transmitter  402  can be important for establishing a suitable inductive connection. In such arrangement, the terminal  126  shown in  FIG. 1  can be internal to the body  102 . The NF transmitter  402  and NF receiver  404  can include inductive coils such that electronic device  300  can inductively transfer energy between battery  128  inside the article  100  and battery  306  carried by electronic device  300 . The NF transmitter  402  can be adapted to inductively couple with the inductive coil in the NF receiver  404 . NF receiver  404  can generate an electric flow in response to the magnetic field that can be used to charge to battery  128 , or in some embodiments, battery  306 . In some instances, the NFC connection can be calibrated to a very short range between NF transmitter  402  and NF receiver  404 , to enhance signal communication and to reduce power loss. Such requirement of close alignment may also avoid interference from other NFC devices and ensure that the NFC connection is only established when the electronic device  300  is retained in the article  100 . The establishment of NFC connection may also include an authentication process for security or other reasons. Once the NFC connection is established, electronic device  300  can provide control and information signals for the display panel  130  and to provide energy for the changing of battery  128  through induction or wireless charging ways. 
     It should be understood that other ways of communication between the portable electronic device  300  and the article  100  are possible. For example, a wired connection, a direct DC connection, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth can also be used. The actual ways and the positions of the terminal  126  of article  100  may be driven by the available communications protocols, the architecture of the electronic device  300 , and other design choices. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the retention and charging of an accessory by a receptacle. In  FIG. 5 , the accessory can be a wireless accessory device  500 . The accessory device  500  can include a body portion  502  and a stem portion  504 . Stem portion  504  can have a channel  506  that has an opening at its end. An inductive coil  508  that connects to the battery and circuitry (not shown) of accessory device  500  can be present inside stem portion  504 . Stem portion  504  can be inserted into a receptacle  510  that has a charge terminal. The charge terminal can include a cavity  512  and a pin  514  that generally conforms to the dimension of channel  506  of accessory device  500 . Accessory device  500  can be retained in receptacle  510  through friction between the cavity  512  and the stem portion  504  and between the channel  506  and the pin  514 . Inside pin  514 , an inductive coil  516  can be connected to a battery source such as battery  128  of article  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . As such, accessory device  500  can be charged by receptacle  510  through induction when the accessory device  500  is plugged into the receptacle  510 . The receptacle  510  can further include a flat side  518 . Generally along the length of the flat side  518 , a magnet  520  can be present. The magnet  520  can be used to magnetically attach the sidewalls  106  of an article such as the article  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . In the case of magnetic coupling, the sidewalls  106  can have magnetically attractive strips embedded therein to allow users to magnetically attach the receptacle  510  at a location chosen by the users along the sidewalls  106 . Also, the article  100  may have a metal plate embedded in its back panel so that receptacle  510  can be attached to the back of article  100 . 
     In  FIG. 6 , an accessory device  600  can include a body portion  602  and a stem portion  604 . Stem portion  604  can include a metal contact  606  that is located at the end of the stem portion  604 . The metal contact  606  is electrically coupled to the battery and circuitry (not shown) of the accessory device  600 . Stem portion  604  can be inserted into a cavity  608  of a receptacle  610 , which has a magnet and metal contact  612 . Accessory device  600  is retained in the receptacle  610  through friction between cavity  608  and stem portion  604  and also through the magnetic attraction between the magnet and metal contact  612  and the metal contact  606 . The magnet and metal contact  612  can be a charging terminal and be connected to a battery source such as the battery  128  of the article  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 . As such, the accessory device  600  can receive energy and be charged by the receptacle  610  by conduction when the accessory device  600  is plugged into the receptacle  610 . The receptacle  610  can further include a magnet  614  along a flat side for magnetically attaching receptacle  610  to an article such as article  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     It should be understood that the exact arrangement of how a receptacle retains and charges an accessory may depend on the design and features of the accessory. The features described in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are not mutually exclusive. For example, a receptacle may contain both a pin and a magnet to help retain and align the accessory inside the receptacle. Another receptacle may contain a pin and a conduction charger. Also, while two particular arrangements of chargers are shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it should be understood that a charging arrangement of a receptacle is not limited to those shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  and can include other charging arrangement based on the design and charging configuration of the accessory. Also, the receptacle  510  or  610  can include a specialized charger at the charge terminal so that end users can use the article coupled with a receptacle to charge the accessory using the energy from the electronic device. This eliminates the need for end users to bring an extra charging box or cradle. 
       FIGS. 7-10  show a representative a case  700 . The case  700  can include a folio  702 . The folio  702  can include a back cover  704 , a front cover  706  hingedly coupled to the back cover  704 . The folio  702  can couple to a body  708  that generally corresponds in dimension with an electronic device to retain the electronic device. Body  708  may, in itself, include a back panel and sidewalls that protect the backside, edges and corners of the portable electronic device, similar to body  102  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 . The body can also be referred as a retainer. The folio  702  may have some recessed areas  710  that allow users to wrap cables around the recessed areas. 
     Body  708  can be coupled with the folio  702  by different ways. One some cases, body  708  can be removably attached to the back cover  704  through any methods including, but not limited to, clipping, friction, and/or magnets. For example, the body  708  can be the article  100  shown in  FIG. 1  that is removably attached to the folio  702  through magnets. In other cases, the body  708  can be fixedly attached to the back cover  704  such as by stitching or adhesion, or be molded with the folio  702  as an integrated single piece. 
     Front cover  706  can include one or more slotted compartments  712  such as pockets and one or more cavities  716 . A slotted compartment  712  can be used to store personal items such as credit cards and money. The folio  702  can further include cavities  716  that can be used to retain and charge accessory  718 . In some embodiment, cavities  716  can be part of a retainer such as the receptacle  114  as shown in  FIG. 1  or part of a charging box or cradle of an accessory. The exact number, size, shape, configuration, and location of the cavities  716  may depend on the targeted accessories or items to be retained. For example, in the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the accessories can be accessory devices  718 . Based on the shape of the accessory devices  718 , cavities  716  can have a body portion and a stem portion that generally corresponds the size and the shape of the accessory devices  718 . As such, the shape of cavities  716  in accordance with a cross-section shape of the accessory devices provides a frictional fit along sides of accessory devices  718  so that accessory devices  718  can be securely retained. In one case, the portable electronic device can be a smart phone. Because of the relative sizes of the phone and a credit card, the stem portions of the two cavities  716  as shown in  FIG. 7  can be displaced apart from each other towards the edges  720  and  722  of the front cover  706 . This arrangement provides more spaces for the slotted compartments  712  to fit credit cards. It should be understood that other arrangements and designs are also possible. 
     The case  700  can also include a display panel  714  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) on the flip side of front cover  706  (i.e. the outer surface of the front cover when the folio  702  is closed as shown in  FIG. 8 ). Display panel  714  displays information related to the status of the portable electronic device and other information. For example, display panel  714  can display a percentage of charge of a battery of the portable electronic device and/or the accessory  718 . In some cases, the display panel  714  displays an alert when the battery/batteries of the portable electronic device and/or the accessory  718  is below a prescribed charged level. Display panel  714  can also display time or whether the portable electronic device has in incoming call, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Moreover, in some cases, the display panel  714  can display information based on the position of the front cover  706  of the folio  702 . For example, the display panel  714  can display information only when the folio  702  is folded and the front cover  706  covers the electronic device, as shown in the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8 . For methods how the electronic device interacts with and detects the position of the front cover  706 , U.S. Pat. No. 8,242,868 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Configuring a Magnetic Attachment System” is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the consumer product system  700  for portable electronic device  1000  and accessory  718 . The system can be a stack of multiple layers. On the back cover  704  side, the system can include the electronic device  1000 , a protective body  708 , a first surface layer  724 , a magnet  726 , a battery  728  and the main cover layer  730 . A terminal  732  adapted to exchange information and power with the electronic device  1000  can be present at the protective body  708  or at other appropriate locations such as in between the surface layer  724  and the main cover layer  730 . One or more magnets  726  can be disposed within the surface layer  724  and the main cover layer  730 , which can be stitched to each other to wrap the magnets  726 . As shown, magnet  726 , battery  728  and terminal  732  can be sandwiched between layers of folio  702  such that they are not visible to a user even when portable electronic device  1000  is decoupled from folio  702 . In particular embodiments, magnet  726 , battery  728  and terminal  732  are positioned between first surface layer  724  and main cover layer  730 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The number of layers, however, can vary depending on design requirements. For example, first surface layer  724  may be missing in some embodiments, while more than two layers of material are used in other embodiments. Also, in one instance, magnet  726 , battery  728  and terminal  732  can be retained in matrix materials that form a layer  734 . In other instances, the matrix layer  734  is not presented and magnet  726 , battery  728  and terminal  732  are housed between the surface layer  724  and the main cover layer  730 . 
     On the front cover  706  side, the layers can include the main cover layer  730  having a pocket  736  to receive a receptacle  738  and a second surface layer  740 . The surface layer  740  can be stitched to the main cover layer  730  on three of the four sides to form one or more slotted compartments  712 . Receptacle  738  can include one or more cavities  716  to removably retain accessory  718 . Surface layer  740  can include one or more cutouts  742  that are generally corresponding in shape with cavities  716  so that cavities  716  are accessible to the end users. The receptacle  738  is electrically coupled to battery  728 , which in turn is electrically coupled to the terminal  732 . The battery  728  may be located in any inner layer such as in between first surface layer  724  and main cover layer  730  at the back cover side  704  or in between second surface layer  740  and main cover layer  730  at the front cover side  702 . While the receptacle  738  may not be similar in shape to the receptacle  510  or  610 , it can be adapted to communicate with and charge the accessory  718  in the same or similar manner as described  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In some embodiments, a magnet  744  can be positioned at the stem portion of each cavity to further retain the accessory devices  718 . In addition, a charge terminal can also be positioned at the magnet  744 . The magnetic coupling can ensure the stem of the accessory devices  718  is in contact with the charge terminal so that the charging of the accessory devices  718  can be maintained when the accessory devices  718  are retained in the cavities  716 . 
     The folio  702  can be composed of any suitable material or materials. The layers can also be composed of fabrics, polymer, natural or synthetic leather, plastic, or any material that is suitable for protecting the portable electronic device  1000 . The body  708  can be composed of similar or different materials of the folio  702  based on design and style choices. The layers shown in  FIG. 10  can be stitched or adhered together by any suitable methods. 
       FIGS. 11-14  illustrate different arrangements of articles in accordance with several embodiments. In  FIG. 11 , the portable electronic device  1000  can be directly and removably connected to the folio  702  via one or more magnets  726  within or on the folio  702  and/or one or more magnets (not shown) within or on the body of the electronic device  1000 . For example, the folio  702  can include one or more magnets configured to magnetically couple with one or more magnets or magnetically attractable elements (e.g., elements composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron) of the portable electronic device  1000 . Alternatively or additionally, folio  702  can include one or more magnetically attractable elements (e.g., elements composed of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron) that are configured to magnetically couple with one or more magnets of the portable electronic device  1000 . In this way, folio  702  may not include a body having sidewalls that provide a frictional fit with portable electronic device  1000 , such as certain embodiments of body  102  described above with reference to  FIGS. 1-10 . Instead, portable electronic device  1000  can rely on magnetic attraction between magnets or magnetically attractable elements to removably couple portable electronic device  1000  with folio  702 . The back cover can further include a terminal so that the electronic device  1000  can be used to charge and communicate with the accessory. 
       FIG. 12  shows an arrangement that an article coupled with the receptacle  114 . Receptacle  114  can be removably attached to the article. The case  100  can also be removably attached to the folio  702 . The receptacle  114 , the case  100 , and the folio  702  can all include magnets so that they can magnetically coupled to each other. Under this configuration, end users may select to carry different devices and articles. They can sometimes only carry the portable electronic device with the case  100 . They can sometimes carry the case  100  with the receptacle  114 . And they can further carry the folio  702  enclosing the case  100 . This allows flexibility for the end users to carry different things depending on their needs. 
       FIG. 13  shows receptacle  114  that is directly connected to a folio. And the portable electronic device can also be directly and removably connected to folio  702  via magnetic coupling. The back cover of the folio can further include a terminal  748  so that an electronic device can be used to charged and communicate with the accessory. As the receptacle  114  is positioned on the side of the folio, the thickness of the folio can be reduced. In some instances, since the receptacle  114  can be placed quite close to the electronic device, the receptacle  114  can include short-range communication component such as a NF receiver so that the electronic device can directly communicate with the receptacle  114  and directly provide energy to the accessory without having a battery on the folio. As such, the thickness of the folio can be further reduced. 
       FIG. 14  shows a flap  1400  having a spine  1402  that can be magnetically attached to a portable electronic device  1404 . A terminal can be located in the spine  1402  to communicate with and draw power from the electronic device  1404 . Flap  1400  can include cavities  1406  to retain an accessory and an internal battery (not shown) to charge the accessory. In some cases, the portable electronic device  1404  can be configured to interact with the flap  1400 . For example, the portable electronic device  1404  can detect the position of the flap  1400 . When the flap  1400  is turned to cover the monitor of the portable electronic device  1404 , the portable electronic device  1404  can be automatically turned off or turned to an inactive state. In some cases, the flap  1400  can be folded into different shapes to form a triangular support structure to support the portable electronic device  1404 . 
     Some of the electronic accessories have unique geometrical shapes that can be difficult to fit with an article without affecting the design of the article. For example, a wireless earphone may include a body portion and a stem. The body portion can be spherical in shape and has a diameter that is larger than the thickness of a portable electronic device. In order to accommodate the shape and size of the accessory device, the article may have to be made thicker than the smart phone, creating a challenge in terms of the aesthetics of the article.  FIGS. 15-17  illustrate different embodiments that are designed to accommodate the special shapes of the certain accessories and that include further features that could be included in any of the embodiments. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 15A and 15B , a case  1500  can include a folio  1502  coupled with a body  1504 . The folio  1502  can include a back cover  1506  and a front cover  1508  that can be pivotally coupled to the back cover  1506  via a middle hinge portion  1510 . A receptacle, which can also be referred to as a charging box  1512 , can be removably attached to, fixedly attached to, or molded with the folio  1502 . The charging box  1512  can include one or more cavities  1514  that are adapted to receive and retain the accessory  1516 . In some embodiments, charging box  1512  can be removed from the folio  1502 . In such case, the middle hinge portion  1510  may further include one or more ribs  1518 . The charging box  1512  can be retained in the folio  1502  through the ribs  1518  and/or through magnetic attraction between the magnet  1520  on the bottom surface of the charging box  1512  and the magnet  1522  on the middle hinge portion  1510 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15B , when the folio  1502  is folded, the central hinge portion  1510  can carry the charging box  1512  to turn sideway. In such arrangement, the width of the charging box  1512  becomes the height of the central hinge portion  1510  and can affect the height of the folded folio  1502  on the hinge side. To minimize the height of the folio  1502  so that the folio  1502  can become more aesthetically pleasing, the width of the charging box  1512  can be minimized. In some embodiments, the accessory  1516  is a pair of accessory devices that have a sideway dimension W smaller than the diameter D of the body portion of the accessory devices. Hence, to minimize the width of the charging box  1512 , the cavities  1514  can have a shape that generally correspond to the side cross-sectional shape of the accessory devices  1516  so that the accessory devices can be inserted sideway, as shown in  FIG. 15A . 
     The charging box  1512  can further include a charging inlet  1524  that allows the charging box  1512  to be changed by an external power source (not shown in the figures). The charging inlet  1524  can be any suitable inlet including, but not limited to, a customized charging inlet, a direct DC plug-in, an inductive-coil type plug-in charging port, and a standard charging port such as a USB-C connection port. In some embodiments, the charging inlet  1524  can be the same as the charging inlet  1528  of the portable electronic device  1526 . For example, both inlets can be a lightning port made by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. The charging inlet  1524  can be electrically coupled to a battery  1532  embedded inside the charging box  1512  so that the accessory  1516  can be charged directly by an external power source. In such arrangement, the battery  1532  can be charged by two different ways. First, when an external power source is not connected to the charging box  1512 , battery  1532  can be charged by the portable electronic device through terminal  1530 . Second, when an external power source is connected, it can be charged by the external power source. In some embodiments, the battery  1532  charged by an external source can store sufficient energy to charge the electronic device  1526  via the terminal  1530 . Furthermore, when an external power source is connected to the charging box  1512 , the case  1500  can charge both the accessories  1580  and the electronic device  1526  simultaneously. In some situations, the battery  1532  can be bypassed and the accessory  1516  can be charged directly by the electronic device  1526 . Such configuration ensures that the accessory  1516  can almost always be operable when the electronic device  1526  is operable. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 16 , a case  1600  can include a folio  1602  coupled with a body  1604 . The folio  1602  can include a front cover  1608 , a back cover  1606 , and a middle hinge portion  1610 . The middle hinge portion  1610  can be recessed from the front cover  1608  and the back cover  1606 . A spine  1612  can be present along the length of the middle hinge portion  1610  between a first recessed area  1616  and a second recessed area  1620 . The front cover  1608  can pivotally rotate about the spine  1612  to fold the folio  1602 . The spine  1612  can include a first opening  1614  at the first recessed area  1616 , a second opening  1618  at the second recessed area  1620 , and a battery  1624  embedded therein. The first and second openings  1614  and  1618  can correspond to the size and dimension of the stem of an accessory device  1622  so that the first and second openings  1614  and  1618  can receive, retain, and align a pair of accessory devices  1622 . Inside the spine  1612 , there can be magnets and/or pins served to further retain and align the accessory devices  1622 . When the accessory devices  1622  are inserted into the spine  1612 , the accessory devices  1622  can be generally positioned at the recessed areas  1616  and  1620  so that the round shaped accessory devices  1622  do not significant affect the shape and dimension of the folio  1602 . Thus, an aesthetically pleasing folio  1602  can be provided. While accessory devices are illustrated with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , it is understood that the spine  1612  can be of different designs to retain and charge other accessories such as an electronic stylus of a tablet. 
     A battery  1624  can generally present along the entire length of the spine  1612  except at the locations where the stems of the accessory devices  1622  are received. Since the accessory devices  1622  are inserted at the opposing ends of the spine  1612 , the size of the battery  1624  can be maximized. In some embodiments, the battery  1624  can have a capacity large enough that can fully charge the accessory devices  1622  multiple times. It can also have sufficient capacity to charge a portable electronic device retained in the body  1604 . In some embodiments, the battery  1624  can be charged by an external source. For example, a direct DC plug-in can be inserted into the first opening  1614  or the second opening  1618  to charge it. Alternatively, the battery can be charged using a separate charging inlet (not shown in the figure) for an external power source. Also in some embodiments, the spine  1612  can be opened and the battery  1624  can be a disposable battery such as an AAA sized battery or a series of coin batteries. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a case  1700  in accordance with another embodiment. On its backside  1702 , the protective case  1700  can include a raised area  1704  in which a battery  1716  can be embedded therein. The raised area  1704  can include two recessed areas  1708  and  1710  and two openings  1712  and  1714  in the recessed areas. The openings  1712  and  1714  are adapted to removably receive and retain a pair of accessory devices  1718 . When the accessory devices  1718  are inserted, they are located at the recessed areas  1708  and  1710 . While the openings are shown at each side of the raised area  1704 , it is understood that the opening can be positioned at any other locations. 
     The raised area  1704  can be large enough to accommodate a large capacity battery  1716  that not only can refill the accessory devices  1718 , but also can serve as a back up battery for the portable electronic device that is retained by the protective case  1700 . The battery  1716  can be charged by an external power source using a power inlet  1720 . While the accessory devices  1718  are normally charged by the battery  1716 , in some situations the battery  1716  can be bypassed and the accessory devices  1718  can be charged by the electronic device. In one embodiment, the battery  1716  can be the main battery of the electronic device. The electronic device can have a battery that can be smaller than the optimal size. The electronic device can be removed from the case  1700  for relatively short use and be placed back to the case  1700  for extended duration of use. As such, the size of the electronic device can be substantially reduced. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a protective case  1800  in accordance with yet another embodiment. The protective case  1800  can include flexible and stretchable material such as stretch bands on one or both sides  1804  of the case. The accessory  1806  can be placed and retained in between the portable electronic device  1808  and the stretchable side  1804 .  FIG. 19  illustrative another protective case  1900  in accordance with yet another embodiment. A section  1902  of the back of the protective case  1900  can be composed of stretchable material so that a pocket is formed. Accessories can be retained in the pocket in between the protective case  1900  and the mobile device. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a flowchart  2000  depicting a method for integrating the charging and the protection of accessories and a portable electronic device using an article. The method can include step  2002  in which an accessory and a portable electronic device are placed and retained in an article so that they are electrically connected. The method can also include step  2004  of establishing a connection between the article and the electronic device. The establishment of connection may include an authentication process to ensure the communication between the electronic device and the article is authorized. Once the connection is established, the electronic device can control the article and can transmit control and information data, such as charging status, time, weather, and incoming calls, for a display panel of the article. For example, when the accessory and the electronic device are connected to the article, the display panel can display the battery level of the accessory and the electronic device. The display panel of the article can also provide status information indicating whether the accessory is paired with the electronic device. 
     Normally, typical accessories have smaller batteries compared to the battery of the portable electronic device. Hence, the charging of the accessory usually accounts for a rather insignificant fraction of the electronic device&#39;s battery. In some embodiments, the article will begin to draw energy from the electronic device once the connection between them is established. However, in other embodiments, the method can further include optional step  2006  of determining whether the battery of the electronic device is at a low status. For example, if the charging of the accessories&#39; batteries accounts for about 5% of the capacity of the electronic device&#39;s battery and the electronic device&#39;s battery is at 10%, the system determines that the electronic device&#39;s battery is at a prescribed low status so the transfer of energy from the electronic device to the article is blocked. On the other hand, in some embodiments where the electronic device is a mobile phone, when the battery level of the mobile phone is at a critically low status (e.g. lower than 1%) that prevents the mobile phone from making even an emergency call, the system may direct energy to transfer in a reversed direction from the accessory to the mobile phone to enable the mobile phone to have sufficient energy for emergency calls. When the battery of the electronic device is not determined below a prescribed low status at step  2008 , the transferring of energy from the electronic device to the article or to the accessory will begin at step  2012  or  2016 . 
     The method can be alternatively implemented depending on whether the article includes a battery. If the article includes a battery, the electronic device can transfer energy to the battery at step  2012 . Then the energy can be transferred from the battery of the article to the accessory at step  2014 . Alternatively, if the article does not include a battery, the electronic device can transfer energy to the accessory directly at step  2016 . 
       FIG. 21  is a flow chart of an illustrative process for assembling an article. Process  2100  can begin at step  2102 . At step  2104 , electronic components can be installed in the article. For example, a battery and internal circuitry can be positioned in the article at step  2104 . At step  2106 , a main body having a back panel and sidewalls can be formed. The back panel and sidewalls can cooperate to form a first cavity. And a first charge terminal adapted to receive energy from the first portable electronic device can be positioned within the back panel. The formation of the housing can be achieved by different methods including molding a suitable material, such as a polymeric material, into the required shape or snitching and adhering different components and layers into the shape of a housing. At step  2108 , a receptacle for an accessory can be formed. The receptacle can have a second charge terminal adapted to transfer energy to the second portable electronic device. In some instances, the internal circuitry can include a near-field receiver that is adapted to communicate with a near-field transmitter in the portable electronic device. In additional, a display panel may also be installed on a window of the housing on a surface. At step  2110 , the first charge terminal can be electrically coupled to the battery such that energy received at the first charge terminal can be stored at the battery. At step  2112 , the second charge terminal can be electrically coupled to the battery such that energy stored at the battery can be transferred to the second charge terminal. 
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  are block diagrams illustrating internal circuitry  2200  of articles in accordance with some embodiments. In one case with the reference to  FIG. 22A , the circuitry  2200  in its simplest form comprises a first terminal  2210 , a power convertor  2220 , a battery  2230  and a second terminal  2240 . Power convertor  2220  can be a DC-DC convertor. The first terminal  2210  and the second terminal  2240  can be charge terminals that utilize conduction such as a direct physical plug in or a charge terminal that utilizes induction such as a coil. The components are electrically coupled via circuitry  2200 . In this configuration, when a portable electronic device  2250  has established a connection with the first terminal  2210 , it completes the circuit with respect to battery  2230 , power convertor  2220  and first terminal  2210 . As such, the portable electronic device  2250  automatically delivers energy to battery  2230  to store energy in the battery. Alternatively, the first terminal  2210  can be an antenna, such as a NF antenna, as shown in  FIG. 22B . An power convertor  2220 , such as an energy harvesting circuit, can receive energy from the antenna  2210  and transfer energy to store in battery  2230 . Likewise, when an accessory  2260  has established a connection with the second terminal  2240 , it completes the circuit with respect to battery  2230  and second terminal  2240 . As such, the accessory  2260  automatically receive energy from battery  2230 . 
     In some embodiments, circuitry  2200  can optionally include a processor  2270 , as indicated by the dash lines. Processor  2270  can be a dedicated controller, a microprocessor coupled with a memory, or a microcontroller. It is connected to other components of circuitry  2200  to control the components and regulate the communications among the components, and sometimes, the portable electronic device  2250  and the accessory  2260 . In some cases, the terminals such as first terminal  2210  can be a type of terminal that allows both transfer of power and information. For example, it can be a port that communicates under protocols such as USB, USB-C, or lightning port. Or it can be an antenna circuit such as a NF transceiver, as shown in  FIG. 22B . Under these configurations, when a portable electronic device  2250  is connected to first terminal  2210 , power can be transmitted from portable electronic device  2250  to power convertor  2220  while information signals can be transferred to processor  2270  directly or via an interface  2280  for processing. For example, the information signals can be status information from the portable electronic device  2250 , such as the status of an incoming call that can be displayed by display panel  2272 . Also, the information signals can be the battery level of portable electronic device  2250 . Based on the battery level of portable electronic device  2250 , the processor  2270  can control first terminal  2210  to decide whether energy should be drawn from portable electronic device  2250 . Sometimes the information can also come from accessory  2260  to processor  2270  via second terminal  2240 . For example, charge status of accessory  2260  can be transferred to processor  2270  for display panel  2272  to display. 
     In some embodiments, the circuitry  2200  can also optionally include an external power inlet  2290 . The external power inlet  2290  provides energy to the battery  2230  and the rest of the system in circuitry  2200 . It draws power from an external source such as a direct DC plug. Hence, a power converter  2292  can be present to regulate, such as step down, the voltage level coming from the external power inlet  2290 . In some cases, if a processor  2270  is present, it can direct energy stored in battery  2230  to charge portable electronic device  2250  when an external power source is present. While circuitry  2200  are presented in two forms in  FIGS. 22A and 22B , it is understood that the components and configurations shown in  FIGS. 22A and 22B  can be interchanged, depending on the design of circuitry  2200 . 
     The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software can implement various aspects of the described embodiments. 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 specific embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the described 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: 20171219
Publication Date: 20210112
Grant Date: 20210112
Priority Date: 20170217
Inventors: FRANKLIN, JEREMY C.
JO, YOONHOO
TRINCIA, NICHOLAS R.
BAKER, PAUL M.
LU, Jessica J.
ZHU, HAO
SMITH, Samuel Gilkison
BARVE, AMIT S.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "A45C15/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/002", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/003", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/001", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2013/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C15/00", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2013/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B5/0037", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C13/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2013/025", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/002", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C15/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "A45C2011/001", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B5/79", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B5/79", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 74066901