Electronic device with cover assembly for image capturing arrangement, and cover assembly thereof

Abstract

A cover assembly including a face panel; and a cover member slidable relative to the face panel along a sliding axis. The face panel includes a first window and a second window, wherein the second window is of an elongated shape. The cover member includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion, and a bridge portion extending between the first cover portion and the second cover portion. The first cover portion is moved to cover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a first longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a first direction. The first cover portion is moved to uncover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a second longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a second direction.

Description

ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH COVER ASSEMBLY FOR IMAGE CAPTURING ARRANGEMENT, AND COVER ASSEMBLY THEREOFTechnical Field

[0001] Embodiments generally relate to an electronic device having a cover assembly and an image capturing arrangement. Embodiments generally also relate to the cover assembly for the image capturing arrangement of the electronic device.Background

[0002] Nowadays, image capturing devices such as cameras or webcams are generally built into electronic devices. For example, mobile phones, smart phones, laptop, notebook, etc. usually come with built-in camera. However, the user may prefer to cover these built-in cameras when not in use. In particular, for electronic devices such as laptop or notebook, the users would prefer to have a webcam covers for concealing the cameras. As technology advances, electronic devices are having more than one built-in camera. However, the conventional webcam cover or laptop camera cover can only cover or conceal one camera.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved cover assembly or electronic device that addresses at least some of the issues identified above.Summary

[0004] According to various embodiments, there may be provided a cover assembly for an image capturing arrangement of an electronic device. The assembly including a face panel; and a cover member disposed behind the face panel, the cover member being slidable relative to the face panel along a sliding axis. The face panel includes a first window and a second window spaced apart from each other along the sliding axis, wherein the second window is of an elongated shape extending longitudinally along the sliding axis. The cover member includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion, and a bridge portion extending between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion are moved together as the cover member is slidden along the sliding axis. The first cover portion is moved to cover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a first longitudinal end portion of the secondwindow when the cover member is slidden in a first direction along the sliding axis with respect to the face panel. The first cover portion is moved to uncover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a second longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a second direction along the sliding axis with respect to the face panel. The first direction and the second direction are opposite directions along the sliding axis.Brief description of the drawings

[0005] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of a cover assembly according to various embodiments;FIG. IB shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 1A when in a first state according to various embodiments;FIG. 1C shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 1A when in a second state according to various embodiments;FIG. 2A shows a see-through front view of a cover assembly, which is a variant of the cover assembly of FIG. 1A to FIG.1C, when in a first state according to various embodiments;FIG. 2B shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 2A when in a second state according to various embodiments;FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of a cover assembly according to various embodiments;FIG. 3B shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 3A when in a first state according to various embodiments;FIG. 3C shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 3A when in a second state according to various embodiments;FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a cover assembly according to various embodiments;FIG. 4B shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 4A when in a first state according to various embodiments;FIG. 4C shows a see-through front view of the cover assembly of FIG. 4A when in a second state according to various embodiments;FIG. 5 A shows an electronic device according to various embodiments; andFIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the electronic device of FIG. 5A along a bezel of the electronic device according to various embodiments.Detailed description

[0006] Embodiments described below in context of the apparatus are analogously valid for the respective methods, and vice versa. Furthermore, it will be understood that the embodiments described below may be combined, for example, a part of one embodiment may be combined with a part of another embodiment.

[0007] It should be understood that the terms “on”, “over”, “top”, “bottom”, “down”, “side”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “lateral”, “side”, “up”, “down” etc., when used in the following description are used for convenience and to aid understanding of relative positions or directions, and not intended to limit the orientation of any device, or structure or any part of any device or structure. In addition, the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0008] Various embodiments relate to an electronic device having a cover assembly and an image capturing arrangement. In particular, the cover assembly may be configured for covering and uncovering the image capturing arrangement of the electronic device. Further, embodiments generally also relate to the cover assembly for the image capturing arrangement of the electronic device. According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include, but not limited to, a monitor, a laptop, a notebook, an all-in-one desktop, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, or any suitable electronic device with built-in image capturing devices. According to various embodiments, the image capturing device may include, but not limited to, a webcam, a camera, a laptop camera, an infrared camera, or any suitable camera. According to various embodiments, the image capturing arrangement may refer to an arrangement of two or more image capturing devices. Accordingly, the image capturing arrangement may include two or more image capturing devices. According to various embodiments, the two or more image capturing devices may be two or more different image capturing devices. According to various embodiments, the two or more image capturing devices may be two or more similar image capturing devices. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly may be operable to cover or uncover the image capturing arrangement. For example, the cover assembly may be operated to simultaneously cover or uncover the two or more image capturingdevices of the image capturing arrangement. As another example, the cover assembly may alternatively be operated to cover or uncover the two or more image capturing devices of the image capturing arrangement. In another words, the cover assembly may be operated to cover a first image capturing device and at the same time uncover a second image capturing device. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly may be built into the electronic device. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly may be a separate article from the electronic device, wherein the cover assembly may be removably attachable to the electronic device.

[0009] The following examples pertain to various embodiments.

[0010] Example 1 is a cover assembly for an image capturing arrangement of an electronic device, the assembly including a face panel; and a cover member disposed behind the face panel, the cover member being slidable relative to the face panel along a sliding axis, wherein the face panel comprises a first window and a second window spaced apart from each other along the sliding axis, wherein the second window is of an elongated shape extending longitudinally along the sliding axis, wherein the cover member comprises a first cover portion, a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion, and a bridge portion extending between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion are moved together as the cover member is slidden along the sliding axis, wherein the first cover portion is moved to cover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a first longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a first direction along the sliding axis with respect to the face panel, wherein the first cover portion is moved to uncover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a second longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a second direction along the sliding axis with respect to the face panel, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions along the sliding axis.

[0011] In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that the bridge portion of the cover member may extend between same lateral sides of the first cover portion and the second cover portion with respect to the sliding axis.

[0012] In Example 3, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally include that an edge of each of the first cover portion and the second cover portion opposite the bridge portion may be straight and may be parallel to the sliding axis.

[0013] In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 2 or 3 may optionally include that the bridge portion of the cover member may have an engagement element in sliding engagement with a corresponding engagement element at a rear surface of the face panel.

[0014] In Example 5, the subject matter of Example 4 may optionally include that the bridge portion of the cover member may have a raised profile serving as the engagement element and the rear surface of the face panel may include a longitudinal groove serving as the corresponding engagement element, wherein the longitudinal groove may extend parallel to the sliding axis and laterally offset from both the first window and the second window, wherein the bridge portion of the cover member may be slidably fitted in the longitudinal groove of the face panel such that the bridge portion of the cover may be in sliding engagement with the longitudinal groove of the face panel.

[0015] In Example 6, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally include that the first cover portion and the second cover portion may have a same shape.

[0016] In Example 7, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 6 may optionally include that the cover member may be integrally formed as a one-piece cover member.

[0017] In Example 8, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 7 may optionally include that the second window may be an opening, wherein the second cover portion may include a raised area protruding into the opening.

[0018] In Example 9, the subject matter of Example 8 may optionally include that the cover member may include a grip arrangement at the raised area.

[0019] In Example 10, the subject matter of any one of Examples 1 to 9 may optionally include a back panel to sandwich the cover member between the back panel and the face panel, wherein the back panel may include a corresponding first window and a corresponding second window respectively aligned to the first window and the second window of the face panel, wherein the back panel may be directly adhered to the face panel, wherein the back panel may include a recessed portion for accommodating the cover member in a manner such that the cover member may be slidable within the recessed portion.

[0020] In Example 11, the subject matter of Example 10 may optionally include that the recessed portion of the back panel may include a first region surrounding the corresponding first window and extending to an adjacent area of the back panel beside the corresponding firstwindow, wherein the recessed portion of the back panel may include a second region outlining the corresponding second window.

[0021] In Example 12, the subject matter of Example 10 or 11 may optionally include that opposing lateral side walls of the recessed portion of the back panel with respect to the sliding axis may be straight and parallel to the sliding axis.

[0022] In Example 13, the subject matter of any one of Examples 10 to 12 may optionally include a lens shield adhered to the back panel on a side opposite the face panel to cover across the corresponding second window of the back panel, wherein the lens shield may be of an elongated shape and may include a transparent portion at a longitudinal end portion of the lens shield while the remaining portion may be opaque.

[0023] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 may optionally include that the lens shield may be oriented with the transparent portion aligned to the first longitudinal end portion of the second window of the face panel or to the second longitudinal end portion of the second window of the face panel.

[0024] Example 15 is an electronic device including an image capturing arrangement having a first image capturing device and a second image capturing device, and the cover assembly according to anyone of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the first image capturing device is aligned to the first window of the face panel of the cover assembly and the second image capturing device is aligned to the second window of the face panel of the cover assembly.

[0025] FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of a cover assembly 110 according to various embodiments. FIG. IB shows a front view of the cover assembly 110 when in a first state according to various embodiments. FIG. 1C shows a front view of the cover assembly 110 when in a second state according to various embodiments.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110 may be for an image capturing arrangement of an electronic device. The electronic device (for example, see 500 in FIG. 5A) may include, but not limited to, a monitor, a laptop, a notebook, an all-in-one desktop, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, or any suitable electronic device. The electronic device may be built-in with the image capturing arrangement (for example, see 570 in FIG. 5B). The image capturing arrangement may include two or more image capturing devices (for example, see 572 in FIG. 5B). According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110 may be configured to be operable to cover and uncover the image capturing devices of the image capturing arrangement. Accordingly, when the cover assembly 110 is operated to cover anyone of the image capturing devices of the image capturing arrangement, said image capturing device may be concealed or hidden or blocked by the cover assembly 110 such that said image capturing device may not be capable of capturing any image. On the other hand, when the cover assembly 110 is operate to uncover any one of the image capturing devices of the image capturing arrangement, said image capturing device may be exposed or opened for capturing image.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110 may include a face panel 120. The face panel 120 may be a flat piece structure. For example, the face panel 120 may be in the form of a board or a sheet or a slat or a plate or a slab. According to various embodiments, the face panel 120 may include two broad surfaces. For example, the face panel may include a front surface 122 and a rear surface 124. The front surface 122 of the face panel 120 may be facing a user when the cover assembly 110 is disposed on the electronic device. Accordingly, the front surface 122 of the face panel 120 may be directed outwards of the electronic device. Hence, the front surface 122 of the face panel 120 may be an exterior part or surface of the cover assembly 110. The rear surface 124 of the face panel 120 may be opposite the front surface 122. Accordingly, the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120 may be directed away from the user or may be directed inwards of the electronic device.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110 may include two or more windows. According to various embodiments, the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110 may include a first window 126 and a second window 128. According to various embodiments, the windows 126, 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110 may be a transparent section of the face panel 120 or an opening in the face panel. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 A, the first window 126 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110 may be a first opening in the face panel 120 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110 may be a second opening in the face panel 120.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110 may include a cover member 130. The cover member 130 may be disposed behind the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110. Accordingly, the cover member 130 may be at a side of the face panel 120 opposite the front surface 122 of the face panel 120. Hence, the cover member 130 may be at the side of the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120. According to various embodiments, the cover member 130 may be slidable relative to the face panel 120 along a sliding axis 131. Accordingly, the cover member 130 may be moved or slidden or translated along the sliding axis 131 with respect to the face panel 120. Hence, the cover member 130 may be slidable in a first direction along the sliding axis 131 relative to the face panel 120, and / or the cover member130 may be slidable in a second direction, which is opposite the first direction, along the sliding axis 131 relative to the face panel 120. According to various embodiments, since the cover member 130 is behind the face panel 120, the cover member 130 may be slidable along the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120 and along the sliding axis 131.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the first window 126 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110 may be spaced apart from each other along the sliding axis 131. Accordingly, the first window 126 and the second window 128 may be set some distance apart from each other and may be arranged to line along the sliding axis 131. Hence, the first window 126 and the second window 128 may be two separate and independent windows disposed along the sliding axis 131 in the face panel 120.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the second window 128 may be of an elongated shape. For example, the elongated shape may include, but not limited to, a racetrack shape, a pill shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a rounded rectangle shape, an oblong shape, etc. According to various embodiments, the second window 128 may be extending longitudinally along the sliding axis 131. Accordingly, the second window 128 may be oriented with its longitudinal axis aligned to the sliding axis 131 or oriented lengthwise along the sliding axis 131.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the cover member 130 may include a first cover portion 132, a second cover portion 134, and a bridge portion 136. According to various embodiments, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may not be immediately adjacent or touching each other. Rather, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may be separated with a space between each other. According to various embodiments, the bridge portion 136 may extend between the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134. Accordingly, the bridge portion 136 may hold the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 apart such that the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 are spaced from each other. Hence, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may respectively be disposed at two opposite ends of the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130. According to various embodiments, with the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 linking the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may be moved together, along with the bridge portion 136, when the cover member 130 is being slidden along the sliding ais 131. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132, the second cover portion 134 andthe bridge portion 136 may be moved as a single unit together when the cover member 130 is moved to slide relative to the face panel 120.

[0033] According to various embodiment, a disposition of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may correspond to a disposition of the first window 126 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120. For example, as shown in FIG. IB and FIG. 1C, the disposition of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may correspond to the disposition of the first window 126 and a longitudinal end portion of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. As shown, the longitudinal end portion of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 may be proximal to the first window 126 (or a proximal longitudinal end portion 128a of the second window 128 of the face panel 120). Accordingly, a distance apart between the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may correspond to a distance apart between the first window 126 and the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120.

[0034] According to various embodiments, with the dispositions as described above, the first cover portion 132 may be moved to cover the first window 126 and the second cover portion 134 may be moved to cover the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 when the cover member 130 is slidden in a first direction (e.g. from right to left as shown in FIG. IB and FIG. 1C) along the sliding axis 131 with respect to the face panel 120. Further, the first cover portion 132 may be moved to uncover the first window 126 and the second cover portion 134 may be moved to cover an opposite longitudinal end portion (or distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 when the cover member 130 is slidden in a second direction (e.g. from left to right in FIG. IB and FIG. 1C) along the sliding axis 131 with respect to the face panel 120. The opposite longitudinal end portion 128b of the second window 128 may be distal from the first window 126 (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b of the second window 128 of the face panel 120). The first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions along the sliding axis 131. Therefore, moving the cover member 130 in the first direction may cover the first window 126 of the face panel 120 with the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 and may cover the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 with the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130. Further, moving the cover member 130 in the second direction may uncover or reveal or expose the first window 126 of the face panel 120 and may cover the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window128 of the face panel 120 with the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130. Accordingly, sliding the cover member 130 relative to the face panel 120 along the sliding axis 131 may slide the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 between the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Conversely, sliding the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 between the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 may slide the cover member 130 along the sliding axis 131 to cover and uncover the first window 126 of the face panel 120.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 may be configured to fully cover and fully uncover the first window 126 of the face panel 120. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 may be shaped, sized and / or dimensioned to fully cover the first window 126 of the face panel 120 when the cover member 130 is slidden in the first direction along the sliding axis 131, and to fully uncover the first window 126 of the face panel 120 when the cover member 130 is slidden in the second direction along the sliding axis 131. Hence, the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 may have an area equal or larger than that of the first window 126 of the face panel 120.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may be configured to cover the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and uncover (or expose or reveal) the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 when the cover member 130 is slidden in the first direction along the sliding axis 131, and to uncover (or expose or reveal) the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and cover the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 when the cover member 130 is slidden in the second direction along the sliding axis 131. Accordingly, the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may be shaped, sized, and / or dimensioned to have a dimension along the sliding axis 131 that is equal or smaller than half a length of the second window 128 of the face panel 120.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may extend between the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 withoutoccupying a space directly in between the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134. Accordingly, the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may extend between same lateral sides 132a, 134a of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 with respect to the sliding axis 131. The lateral side 132a of the first cover portion 132 may be a side of the first cover portion 132 furthest away from a center of the first cover portion 132 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding axis 131. Similarly, the lateral side 134a of the second cover portion 134 may be a side of the second cover portion 134 furthest away from a center of the first cover portion 132 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding axis 131. The bridge portion 136 may be extending longitudinally in a manner parallel to the sliding axis 131 so as to join the lateral side 132a of the first cover portion 132 and the lateral side 134a of the second cover portion 134. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132, the second cover portion 134 and the bridge portion 136 may form a disposition resembling a U-shape arrangement, whereby the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may resemble the legs of the U-shape and the bridge portion 136 may resemble the link at the bottom of the U-shape.

[0038] According to various embodiments, an edge 132b, 134b of each of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 opposite the bridge portion 136 may be straight and parallel to the sliding axis 131. The edge 132b of the first cover portion 132 may be at a side of the first cover portion 132 opposite the lateral side 132a joined to the bridge portion 136. Similarly, the edge 134b of the second cover portion 134 may be at a side of the second cover portion 134 opposite the lateral side 134b joined to the bridge portion 136. According to various embodiments, the bridge portion 136 may be in the form of a straight bar or pole or rod. Accordingly, the edge 132b of the first cover portion 132 may be parallel to the bridge portion 136, whereby the edge 132b and the bridge portion 136 may be on opposite sides of the first cover portion 132. Similarly, the edge 134b of the second cover portion 134 may be parallel to the bridge portion 136, whereby the edge 132b and the bridge portion 136 may be on opposite sides of the second cover portion 134.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may include an engagement element 136a in sliding engagement with a corresponding engagement element 124a at the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120. Accordingly, the engagement element 136a of the bridge portion 136 may engaged with the corresponding engagement element 124a of the face panel 120 in a manner such that the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may be slidable relative to the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120 in order for the cover member 130 to be slidable relative to the face panel 120. According to various embodiments, the sliding engagement may include, but not limited to, tongue / sliderand groove sliding engagement, roller and track sliding engagement, pin and slot / guide sliding engagement, sliding rails engagement, slider and rod engagement, etc.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may have a raised profile serving as the engagement element 136a. The raised profile may be in the form of increased thickness relative to the first cover portion 132 and / or the second cover portion 134 such that the bridge portion 136 with the raised profile resemble a ridge or a rib structure. According to various embodiments, the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120 may include a longitudinal groove serving as the corresponding engagement element 124a. The longitudinal groove may be a straight channel, canal or trench recessed into the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120. The longitudinal groove may extend parallel to the sliding axis 131 and laterally offset from both the first window 126 and the second window 128 with respect to the sliding axis 131. Accordingly, the longitudinal groove may extend longitudinally in a manner parallel to the sliding axis 131 and below the first window 126 and the second window 128. According to various embodiments, the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may be slidably fitted in the longitudinal groove of the face panel 120 such that the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 may be in sliding engagement with the longitudinal groove of the face panel 120. Accordingly, the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130 with the raised profile fitted in the longitudinal groove of the face panel 120 may allow the bridge portion 136 to slide along the longitudinal groove of the face panel in order for the cover member 130 to slide relative to the face panel 120. According to various embodiments, the longitudinal groove of the face panel 120 may have a length longer than a length of the bridge portion 136 of the cover member 130.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, according to various embodiments, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may have a same shape. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may provide a same area of coverage for covering. Further, the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may have a same outline.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the cover member 130 may be integrally formed as a one-piece cover member. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132, the second cover portion 134 and the bridge portion 136 may be integrally molded or casted or printed as a single unitary piece. Accordingly, the first cover portion 132, the second cover portion 134 and the bridge portion 136 may form a complete structural whole as the cover member 130, and may be moved or slidden as a single article relative to the face panel 120.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the second window 128 of the face panel 120 may be an opening. Accordingly, the second window 128 may be a gap or a hole or an aperture in the face panel 120. With the second window 128 of the face panel 120 being an opening, the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may be accessible through the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Further, since sliding the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 between the longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 may slide the cover member 130 along the sliding axis 131 to cover and uncover the first window 126 of the face panel 120, a user may access the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 through the second window 129 of the face panel 120 for controlling the cover member 130 to slide along the sliding axis 131 so as to control the covering and / or uncovering of the image capturing arrangement of the electronic device.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may include a raised area 134c. The raised area 134c may have an increased thickness relative to other area of the second cover portion 134. According to various embodiments, the raised area 134c may be a central region of the second cover portion 134. Hence, the raised area 134c may be the central region having an increased thickness relative to a peripheral region of the second cover portion 134. According to various embodiments, the raised area 134c of the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may protrude into the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Accordingly, the raised area 134c of the second cover portion 134 may be introduced or inserted or slotted into the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Thus, the cover member 130 may be slidable relative to the face panel 120 with the raised area 134c of the second cover portion 134 being slidable within the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Conversely, the raised area 134c of the second cover portion 134 may be slidable within the second window 128 of the face panel 120 for sliding the cover member 130 relative to the face panel 120. According to various embodiments, with the raised area 134c of the second cover portion 134 protruding into the second window 128 of the face panel 120, the user may be provided with an easier access to the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the cover member 130 may include a grip arrangement 140 at the raised area 134c of the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130. The grip arrangement 140 may include, but not limited to, a grip surface, a roughen surface, a layer of gripping material, or an arrangement of gripping texture. The griparrangement 140 may enhance the user’s grip of the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 for sliding the cover member 130 relative to the face panel 120.

[0046] FIG. 2A shows a front view of a cover assembly 210, which is a variant of the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG.1C, when in a first state according to various embodiments. FIG. 2B shows a front view of the cover assembly 210 when in a second state according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B includes all the features of the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C are also applicable to the over assembly 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B may, similar to the assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, include the face panel 120 with the first window 126 and the second window 128, and the cover member 130 with the first cover portion 132, the second cover portion 134 and the bridge portion 136. However, the disposition of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 relative to the disposition of the first window 126 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210 differ from that of the cover assembly 110.

[0047] According to various embodiment, a disposition of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may still correspond to a disposition of the first window 126 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210. Similar to the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the disposition of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may correspond to the disposition of the first window 126 and a longitudinal end portion of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210. However, the longitudinal end portion of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210 may be distal from the first window 126 (or a distal longitudinal end portion 128b of the second window 128 of the face panel 120). Accordingly, a distance apart between the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may correspond to a distance apart between the first window 126 and the longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120.

[0048] According to various embodiments, with the dispositions as described above, the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may be moved tocover the first window 126 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may be moved to cover the longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210 when the cover member 130 is slidden in a first direction (e.g. from left to right as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) along the sliding axis131 with respect to the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210. Further, the first cover portion132 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may be moved to uncover the first window 126 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210 and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 210 may be moved to cover an opposite longitudinal end portion (or proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210 when the cover member 130 is slidden in a second direction (e.g. from right to left in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) along the sliding axis 131 with respect to the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210. The opposite longitudinal end portion 128b of the second window 128 may be proximal to the first window 126 (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 210). The first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions along the sliding axis 131. Therefore, in the cover assembly 210, moving the cover member 130 in the first direction may cover the first window 126 of the face panel 120 with the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 and may cover the longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 with the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130. Further, in the cover assembly 210, moving the cover member 130 in the second direction may uncover or reveal or expose the first window 126 of the face panel 120 and may cover the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 with the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130. Accordingly, in the cover assembly 210, sliding the cover member 130 relative to the face panel 120 along the sliding axis 131 may slide the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 between the longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Conversely, sliding the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 between the longitudinal end portion (or the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and the opposite longitudinal end portion (or the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of theface panel 120 may slide the cover member 130 along the sliding axis 131 to cover and uncover the first window 126 of the face panel 120.

[0049] FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of a cover assembly 310 according to various embodiments. FIG. 3B shows a front view of the cover assembly 310 when in a first state according to various embodiments. FIG. 3C shows a front view of the cover assembly 310 when in a second state according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C includes all the features of the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C are also applicable to the over assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C may, similar to the assembly 110 of FIG. 1 A to FIG. 1C, include the face panel 120 with the first window 126 and the second window 128, and the cover member 130 with the first cover portion 132, the second cover portion 134 and the bridge portion 136. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C may differ from the assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C in that the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C may additional include the following.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 310 may further include a back panel 350. The back panel 350 may be a flat piece structure. For example, the back panel 350 may be in the form of a board or a sheet or a slat or a plate or a slab. According to various embodiments, the back panel 350 may include two broad surfaces. For example, the back panel 350 may include a front surface 352 and a rear surface 354. The front surface 352 of the back panel 350 may be directed towards the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 310. Accordingly, the front surface 352 of the back panel 350 may be facing the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120. The rear surface 354 of the back panel 350 may be opposite the front surface 352. Accordingly, the rear surface 354 of the back panel 350 may be directed away from face panel 120.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may include two or more windows. According to various embodiments, the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may include a corresponding first window 356 and a corresponding second window 358. The corresponding first window 356 and the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may respectively be aligned to the first window 126 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly310. According to various embodiments, the windows 356, 358 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may be a transparent section of the back panel 350 or an opening in the back panel 350. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first window 356 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may be a first opening in the back panel 350 and the second window 358 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may be a second opening in the back panel 350. According to various embodiments, the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may have a shape that correspond with a shape of the first window 126 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 310. Similarly, the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may have a shape that correspond with the elongated shape of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 310.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310 may sandwich the cover member 130 between the back panel 350 and the face panel 120. Accordingly, the cover member 130 may be in between the back panel 350 and the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 310. According to various embodiments, the back panel 350 and the face panel 130 of the cover assembly 310 may be directly adhere to each other with the cover member 130 therebetween.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the back panel 350 may include a recessed portion 355. The recessed portion 355 may be at the front surface 352 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310. Accordingly, the recessed portion 355 may be an indentation, a depression or a receding part in the front surface 352 of the back panel 350 of the cover assembly 310. According to various embodiments, with the recessed portion 355 at the front surface 352 of the back panel 350, the cover member 130 may be accommodated or contained or held within the recessed portion 355 of the back panel 350 when the front surface 352 of the back panel 350 is directly adhered to the rear surface 124 of the face panel 120. According to various embodiments, the recessed portion 355 of the back panel 350 may accommodate the cover member 130 in a manner such that the cover member 130 may be slidable relative to the face panel 120 and / or the back panel 350 within the recessed portion 355. Accordingly, the cover member 130 may be movable within the recessed portion 355 of the back panel 350 for sliding the cover member 130 relative to the face panel 120 and / or the back panel 350 while the face panel 120 and the back panel 350 may be directly adhered to each other.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the recessed portion 355 of the back panel 350 may include a first region 355a surrounding the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350 and extending to an adjacent area of the back panel 350 beside the correspondingfirst window 356. The first region 355a of the recessed portion 355 may accommodate the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 such that the cover portion 132 may be moved across the first region 355a of the recessed portion 355 for covering and uncovering the first window 126 of the face panel 120 as well as the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350. For example, when the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 is moved to the adjacent area of the back panel 350 beside the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350, the first window 126 of the face panel 120 as well as the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350 may be uncovered or exposed or revealed. On the other hand, when the when the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 is moved to lay over or overlap the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350, the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 may cover or conceal or block the first window 126 of the face panel 120 as well as the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the recessed portion 355 of the back panel 350 may include a second region 355b outlining the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350. According to various embodiments, the second region 355b of the recessed portion 355 may accommodate the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130. Since the corresponding second window 358 is of the elongated shape, the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may be moved across the second region 355b between a first longitudinal end portion (e.g. the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) and a second opposite longitudinal end portion (e.g. the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 as well as that of the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350. Accordingly, when the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 is at the first longitudinal end portion (e.g. the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a), the second cover portion 134 may cover the first longitudinal end portion (e.g. the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the back panel 350) while the second opposite longitudinal end portion (e.g. the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the back panel 350) may be uncovered or exposed or revealed. On the other hand, when the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 is at the second opposite longitudinal end portion (e.g. the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the face panel 120), the second cover portion 134 may cover the second opposite longitudinal end portion (e.g. the distal longitudinal end portion 128b) of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the back panel 350) while the first longitudinal end portion (e.g. the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the back panel 350) ) may be uncovered or exposed or revealed.

[0056] According to various embodiments, a width of the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding axis 131 is greater or wider than that of the first window 126 of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350). Accordingly, in such a manner, the first cover portion 132 may be retained between the face panel 120 and the back panel 350. According to various embodiments, a width of the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 in the direction perpendicular to the sliding axis 131 is greater or wider than that of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350). Accordingly, in such a manner, the second cover portion 138 may be retained between the face panel 120 and the back panel 350.

[0057] According to various embodiments, opposing lateral side walls 355c, 355d of the recessed portion 355 of the back panel 350 with respect to the sliding axis 131 may be straight and parallel to the sliding axis 131. The opposing lateral side walls 355c, 355d may be side walls of the recessed portion 355 that are facing each other in the directions perpendicular to the sliding axis 131. Accordingly, the opposing lateral side walls 355c, 355d may be parallel to the sliding axis 131. Since the bridge portion 126 of the cover member 120 is at the lateral sides 132a, 134a of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 with respect to the sliding axis 131 and the edges 132b, 134b of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 opposite the bridge portion 136 are straight and parallel to the sliding axis 131, the bridge portion 126 of the cover member 120 may abut and slide along one side wall (e.g. 355c) of the opposing lateral side walls 355c, 355d while the edges 132b, 134b of the first cover portion 132 and the second cover portion 134 may abut and slide along the other side wall (e.g. 355d) of the opposing lateral side walls 355c, 355d. In such an arrangement, the opposing lateral side walls 355c, 355d may serve as guide for sliding the cover member 130 relative to the face panel 120 as well as the back panel 350.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110 may further include a lens shield 360. The lens shield 360 may be adhered or attached to the back panel 350 on a side opposite the face panel 120 to cover across the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350. Accordingly, the lens shield 360 may be adhered to the rear surface 354 of the back panel 350. According to various embodiments, the lens shield 360 may have a size larger than the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350 so as to fully cover across the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350. According to various embodiments, the lens shield 360 may have an elongated shape. The elongated shape may include, but notlimited to, a racetrack shape, a pill shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a rounded rectangle shape, an oblong shape.

[0059] According to various embodiments, the lens shield 360 may include a transparent portion 362. According to various embodiments, the transparent portion 362 may be at a longitudinal end portion of the lens shield 360 while the remaining portions of the lens shield may be opaque. Accordingly, the lens shield 360 may serve to restrict or reduce an effective area of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350). According to various embodiments, the lens shield 360 may function as a shield or protector screen for the image capturing device that is to be disposed behind the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350. The image capturing device may be smaller than the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350 and the lens shield 360 may prevent the image capturing device from being directly accessible through the second window 128 of the face panel 120 (as well as that of the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350).

[0060] According to various embodiments, the lens shield may be oriented with the transparent portion 362 aligned to either one of the longitudinal end portions 128a, 128b of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. For example, the lens shield 360 may be adhered or attached to the back panel 350 such that the transparent portion 362 is aligned to the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Accordingly, moving the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 along the second window 128 of the face panel 120 between the two longitudinal end portions of the second window 128 may cover or uncover the transparent portion 362 of the lens shield 360 at the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. As another example, the lens shield 360 may be adhered or attached to the back panel 350 such that the transparent portion 362 is aligned to the distal longitudinal end portion 128b of the second window 128 of the face panel 120. Similarly, moving the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 along the second window 128 of the face panel 120 between the two longitudinal end portions of the second window 128 may cover or uncover the transparent portion 362 of the lens shield 360 the distal longitudinal end portion 128b of the second window 128 of the face panel 120.

[0061] FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a cover assembly 410 according to various embodiments. FIG. 4B shows a front view of the cover assembly 410 when in a first state according to various embodiments. FIG. 4C shows a front view of the cover assembly 410 when in a second state according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C may be a variant of the cover assembly 310 ofFIG. 3 A to FIG. 3C. Thus, the cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C includes all the features of the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1 A to FIG. 1C and the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3 A to FIG. 3C. Accordingly, all features, changes, modifications, and variations that are applicable to the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C and the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are also applicable to the over assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C. Therefore, elements which are the same as those described earlier are assigned the same reference numerals, and repetition of their explanations is omitted for brevity.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C, both the cover assembly 310 and the cover assembly 410 include three windows in the face panel 120 and three corresponding windows in the back panel 350. Accordingly, it is understood that in various embodiments, the face panel 120 may include two or more windows and the back panel 350 may include two or more corresponding windows.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C may vary from the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C in that some of the windows (e.g. the first window 126) of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 410 may be transparent section of the face panel 120 and not an opening in the face panel 120. The transparent section of the face panel 120 may be a glass or a transparent plastic disposed across the window of the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 410.

[0064] Further, according to various embodiments, the cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C may vary from the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3 A to FIG. 3C in that the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 310 may be configured for covering and uncovering two adjacent windows, whereas the cover member 130 of the cover assembly 410 may be configured for covering two outermost windows in a series of three windows, whereby a third window is between the two outermost windows.

[0065] The cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C is provided to illustrate some possible variation in the cover assembly. From the variation between the cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C and the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, it is understood that there may be various possible variation without departing from the principles of the cover assembly 110 of FIG. 1A to FIG. 1C, the cover assembly 210 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the cover assembly 310 of FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, and the cover assembly 410 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C. For example, the cover member 130 may include two or more cover portions; the face panel 120 may include two or more windows; the back panel 350 may include two or more corresponding windows; the windows of the face panel 120 may be transparent section of the face panel 120 or an opening in the face panel 120; two or more windows of the face panel 120 may be of theelongated shape; the cover portions of the cover member 130 may be of different shapes; the cover assembly may be without the lens shield. It is understood that these examples are not exhaustive, various other variations may also be possible.

[0066] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110, 210, 310, 410 may be an independent standalone device that may be removably attachable to the electronic device with the image capturing arrangement. For example, the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110, 210 may be directly removably attachable to the electronic device. As another example, the back panel 350 of the cover assembly of 310, 410 may be directly removably attachable to the electronic device. As a further example, a variant of the cover assembly of 310, 410 without the lens shield may also be removably attachable to the electronic device via the back panel 350.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the cover assembly 110, 210, 310, 410 may be built into the electronic device. FIG. 5A shows the electronic device 500 according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 110, 210, 310, 410 may be a bezel of the electronic device 500. Accordingly, the first window 126 and the second window 128 of the face panel 120 may be the camera windows in the bezel of the electronic device 500.

[0068] FIG. 5B shows an exploded view of the electronic device 500 along the bezel of the electronic device 500 as the face panel 120 of the cover assembly 310 as an example. According to various embodiments, the electronic device 500 may include the image capturing arrangement 570. According to various embodiments, the image capturing arrangement 570 may include two or more image capturing devices 572, 574. As shown, the image capturing arrangement 570 may include a first image capturing device 572 and a second image capturing device 574. According to various embodiments, the image capturing device 572, 574 may include, but not limited to, a webcam, a camera, a laptop camera, an infrared camera, or any suitable camera. According to various embodiments, the first image capturing device 572 and the second image capturing device 574 may be arranged in a lined abreast or side-by-side arrangement along the bezel of the electronic device 500 (i.e. the face panel 120). According to various embodiments, the first image capturing device 572 may be aligned to the first window 126 of the face panel 120 and the corresponding first window 356 of the back panel 350, and the second image capturing device 574 may be aligned to a longitudinal end portion (e.g. the proximal longitudinal end portion 128a) of the second window 128 of the face panel 120 and that of the corresponding second window 358 of the back panel 350. Therefore, the cover member 130 may be slidable relative to the face panel 120 (as well as the back panel350) such that the first cover portion 132 of the cover member 130 may be moved to cover and uncover the first image capturing device 572, and the second cover portion 134 of the cover member 130 may be moved to cover and uncover the second image capturing device 574.

[0069] Various embodiments have provided an electronic device having a built-in cover assembly for covering and uncovering an image capturing arrangement therein, whereby the image capturing arrangement includes two or more image capturing devices. Various embodiments have also provided a cover assembly, capable of being built into an electronic device or be removably attachable to an electronic device, whereby the electronic device includes an image capturing arrangement having two or more image capturing devices. In various embodiments, the cover assembly may be manually operated by a user with a finger tip to slide the cover member for covering and uncovering either simultaneously or alternatively two or more image capturing devices.

[0070] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modification, variation in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

Claims1. A cover assembly for an image capturing arrangement of an electronic device, the assembly comprising a face panel; and a cover member disposed behind the face panel, the cover member being slidable relative to the face panel along a sliding axis, wherein the face panel comprises a first window and a second window spaced apart from each other along the sliding axis, wherein the second window is of an elongated shape extending longitudinally along the sliding axis wherein the cover member comprises a first cover portion, a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion, and a bridge portion extending between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion are moved together as the cover member is slidden along the sliding axis, wherein the first cover portion is moved to cover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a first longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a first direction along the sliding axis with respect to the face panel, wherein the first cover portion is moved to uncover the first window and the second cover portion is moved to cover a second longitudinal end portion of the second window when the cover member is slidden in a second direction along the sliding axis with respect to the face panel, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite directions along the sliding axis.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge portion of the cover member extend between same lateral sides of the first cover portion and the second cover portion with respect to the sliding axis.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein an edge of each of the first cover portion and the second cover portion opposite the bridge portion is straight and is parallel to the sliding axis.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the bridge portion of the cover member has an engagement element in sliding engagement with a corresponding engagement element at a rear surface of the face panel.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bridge portion of the cover member has a raised profile serving as the engagement element and the rear surface of the face panel comprises a longitudinal groove serving as the corresponding engagement element, wherein the longitudinal groove extends parallel to the sliding axis and laterally offset from both the first window and the second window, wherein the bridge portion of the cover member is slidably fitted in the longitudinal groove of the face panel such that the bridge portion of the cover is in sliding engagement with the longitudinal groove of the face panel.

6. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first cover portion and the second cover portion have a same shape.

7. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cover member is integrally formed as a one-piece cover member.

8. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second window is an opening, wherein the second cover portion comprises a raised area protruding into the opening.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cover member comprises a grip arrangement at the raised area.

10. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a back panel to sandwich the cover member between the back panel and the face panel, wherein the back panel comprises a corresponding first window and a corresponding second window respectively aligned to the first window and the second window of the face panel, wherein the back panel is directly adhered to the face panel, wherein the back panel comprises a recessed portion for accommodating the cover member in a manner such that the cover member is slidable within the recessed portion.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the recessed portion of the back panel comprises a first region surrounding the corresponding first window and extending to an adjacent area of the back panel beside the corresponding first window, wherein the recessedportion of the back panel comprises a second region outlining the corresponding second window.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein opposing lateral side walls of the recessed portion of the back panel with respect to the sliding axis are straight and parallel to the sliding axis.

13. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a lens shield adhered to the back panel on a side opposite the face panel to cover across the corresponding second window of the back panel, wherein the lens shield is of an elongated shape and comprises a transparent portion at a longitudinal end portion of the lens shield while the remaining portion is opaque.

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the lens shield is oriented with the transparent portion aligned to the first longitudinal end portion of the second window of the face panel or to the second longitudinal end portion of the second window of the face panel.

15. An electronic device comprising an image capturing arrangement having a first image capturing device and a second image capturing device, and the cover assembly according to anyone of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first image capturing device is aligned to the first window of the face panel of the cover assembly and the second image capturing device is aligned to the second window of the face panel of the cover assembly.

Images