Magnetic wallet accessories

Abstract

An accessory assembly for a mobile electronic device includes a platform having a first side and an opposing second side. The platform includes one or more magnetic elements configured to magnetically attach the platform to a mobile electronic device or a case along the first side. The accessory assembly also includes a wallet integrally formed with or attached to the second side of the platform, the wallet configured to hold one or more objects associated with a user of the accessory. The assembly also includes a grip accessory configured to attach to the wallet, the grip accessory configured to be handheld for supporting the accessory assembly and the mobile electronic device when magnetically attached to the platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a partial continuation application of a U.S. application claiming the benefit of U.S. Application No. 16 / 752,232, filed on January 24, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 16 / 225,914, filed on December 19, 2018 (claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 737,444, filed on September 27, 2018 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 614,829, filed on January 8, 2018), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 091,298, filed on October 13, 2020.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to accessories for mobile electronic devices, particularly accessories including a wallet removably attachable to a mobile electronic device or a case for a mobile electronic device.

Background Art

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 8,560,031 discloses an extendable socket accessory formed with a socket structure in the shape of an accordion and having a button attached to the distal end for attachment to a mobile electronic device or a case for a mobile electronic device. When attached, the extendable socket accessory can be used to grip a mobile electronic device (and / or case), used as a stand for a mobile electronic device (and / or case), or manage cords associated with the electronic device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, there is a need in the art for accessory assemblies that integrate wallet functionality and a grip accessory to facilitate one-handed use, without requiring permanent or semi-permanent attachment to a mobile electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This disclosure relates to an accessory assembly for a mobile electronic device, comprising a platform having a first side and a second side on the opposite side. The platform comprises one or more magnetic elements configured to magnetically attach the platform to a mobile electronic device or case along the first side. The accessory assembly also comprises a wallet integrated with or attached to the second side of the platform, the wallet configured to hold one or more objects associated with the user of the accessory. The assembly also comprises a grip accessory configured to attach to the wallet, the grip accessory configured to be handheld to support the accessory assembly and the mobile electronic device when magnetically attached to the platform. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an example of a wallet accessory for a mobile electronic device configured according to the teachings of this disclosure, with the accessory platform attached to the mobile electronic device and the accessory wallet detached from the platform. [Figure 2] A perspective view of a wallet accessory attached to the platform. [Figure 3] This figure is similar to Figure 1, but shows a wallet removed from the platform to charge a mobile electronic device using a wireless charging device. [Figure 4] A perspective view of another example of an accessory for a mobile electronic device configured in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a top view of another example of an accessory for a mobile electronic device configured according to the teachings of this disclosure, with the accessory's wallet detached from the accessory's platform. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a top view of the accessory, showing the wallet attached to the platform. [Figure 7] One aspect of this disclosure is shown in which the wallet can be attached to an electronic mobile device by magnetic coupling. [Figure 8] Figures 8A-8B show another example of a wallet configured to be attachable to an electronic mobile device via magnetic coupling. [Figure 9] Figures 9A-9B show another example of a wallet configured to be attachable to an electronic mobile device via magnetic coupling. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] This disclosure relates to accessories for mobile electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet computers, e-readers, digital media players, cameras, and other mobile electronic devices). The accessories disclosed herein generally include wallets that are detachably attached to a mobile electronic device or a case for a mobile electronic device. The wallet is configured to securely hold one or more objects associated with (e.g., owned by) the user of the accessory (e.g., credit cards, identification cards, business cards, photographs, cash, keys, etc.) (often the user also uses a mobile electronic device). Thus, when the wallet is attached to a mobile electronic device or its case, the user can safely and easily store and carry such items together with the mobile electronic device. At the same time, the wallet can be removed from the mobile electronic device (or case) as needed (e.g., to reduce the profile of the mobile electronic device to enable wireless charging).

[0009] Figures 1–3 show an example of an accessory assembly 100 configured in accordance with this disclosure. In this example, the accessory assembly 100 includes a platform 104 and a wallet 106 which is detachably attached to the platform 104 and is generally configured to securely hold one or more objects for the user of the accessory assembly 100. In other examples, the accessory assembly 100 may include additional and / or different components.

[0010] In Figures 1-3, the platform 104 is shown to be detachably attached to a mobile electronic device in the form of a mobile electronic device 108. The platform 104 is detachably attached to the rear surface 110 of the mobile electronic device 108 via a fixing element (not shown). The fixing element is preferably in the form of a magnetic attachment so that it not only securely attaches the platform 104 to the mobile electronic device 108 but also allows the platform 104 to be removed and repositioned or replaced as needed.

[0011] However, in other examples, the platform 104 may be detachably attached to the case of the mobile electronic device 108 or to a different mobile electronic device. In yet another example, the platform 104 may be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the mobile electronic device 108, or permanently attached to or integrally formed with the case of the mobile electronic device. If the platform 104 is permanently attached to or integrally formed with the case, the accessory 100 can be considered to include the case.

[0012] As best shown in Figures 1 and 3, the platform 104 in this example is an elliptical structure having the aforementioned first surface (not shown) and a second surface 116 located opposite the first surface. When the platform 104 is attached to the mobile electronic device 108, it is understood that the second surface 116 faces away from the mobile electronic device 108. However, in other examples, the platform 104 may have a different shape and / or size. For example, the platform 104 may have a rectangular, triangular, circular, hexagonal, octagonal, irregular, or other shape.

[0013] As shown in the illustration, the wallet 106 in this example generally includes a first panel 120, a second panel 124 opposite the first panel 120, and an elastic element 128 coupled to the first and second panels 120, 124, in order to define one or more storage compartments for holding one or more objects (e.g., credit cards 130, 132, 134). In this example, the elastic element 128 is positioned between the first panel 120 and the second panel 124, as shown in Figure 3, and is fixedly attached to them, thereby not only connecting the first and second panels 120, 124 but also defining two storage compartments 129 for holding one or more objects. In other examples, the elastic element 128 may be positioned only between the edges of the first and second panels 120, 124 and fixedly attached to them, thereby connecting the first and second panels 120, 124, but defining only a single storage compartment.

[0014] The first panel 120 is preferably made of a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), but the first panel 120 may be made of a semi-rigid or flexible material. The first panel 120 includes a recess 138 formed only partially through the first panel, as best shown in Figures 1 and 3. The recess 138 generally has a shape that conforms to the shape of the platform 104 so that it is configured to detachably receive and hold the platform 104. Thus, the recess 138 in this example has a U-shape sized to detachably receive and hold the platform 104, which in this example is elliptical. In other examples, for example, if the platform 104 has a different size and / or shape, the recess 138 may have a different size and / or shape to conform to this different size and / or shape of platform. The first panel 120 also includes a cutout 140 that allows the user to put objects into or take them out of one or both of the storage compartments 129. Similar to the first panel 120, the second panel 124 is preferably made of a rigid material (e.g., rigid plastic), but may also be made of a semi-rigid or flexible material. The second panel 124 also includes a cutout 142 (identical to the cutout 140), but the second panel 124 may be solid, i.e., it does not include a recess.

[0015] In this example, the elastic element 128 takes the form of an elastic sock made of a material that is flexible but also has sufficient rigidity to maintain its shape. In other words, the elastic element 128 is made of a material that allows user manipulation of the elastic element 128, for example, when the user inserts an object into or removes an object from the storage compartment 129, and that biases the elastic element 128 back to its original position as shown in Figures 1 and 3 when it is released.

[0016] In other examples, wallet 106 can include additional, fewer, and / or different components. As an example, wallet 106 can use a rigid element instead of elastic element 128 to connect first and second panels 120, 124. As another example, wallet 106 may not include cutout 140 and / or cutout 142.

[0017] As described above, wallet 106 is removably attachable to platform 104. Thus, if desired (e.g., if the user wishes to carry wallet 106 and any items stored therein with mobile electronic device 108), wallet 106 can be attached to platform 104 as shown in FIG. 2. In this example, wallet 106 can be attached to platform 104 by operating wallet 106 such that recess 138 of wallet 106 slidably receives platform 104 along vertical axis 144 of platform 104. Conversely, if desired, wallet 106 can be removed from platform 104 in a similar but opposite manner as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. As an example, the user may wish to remove wallet 106 to remove an object from wallet 106, or to charge mobile electronic device 108 using wireless charger device 144 shown in FIG. 3, or to reduce the profile of mobile electronic device 108. In any case, in this example, wallet 106 can be removed from platform 104 by operating wallet 106 such that platform 104 slides out of recess 138 along vertical axis 144. In other examples, wallet 106 can be attached to and removed from platform 104 in different ways. As an example, wallet 106 can be removably attached to platform 104 using magnetic coupling, as will be described in more detail below.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows another example of an accessory assembly 400 configured in accordance with the present disclosure. The accessory assembly 400 is similar to the accessory assembly 100 and has common components indicated using common reference numerals, but also includes a grip accessory 404 that can be removably attached, permanently attached, or integrally formed with the wallet 106. Further description of such a grip accessory, which can be used as a docking accessory and also as a grip and stand for a mobile electronic device, is described in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 8,560,031, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. However, in other embodiments, the grip accessory 404 can be implemented using a structure. For example, the grip accessory may be implemented using a ring hingedly attached to the wallet 106 such that a user can engage the accessory by inserting one or more fingers into an internal opening that forms the ring. Other examples of structures that can be used to form the accessory 404 include an elastic loop strap or a hinged lever kickstand. In each case, it should be understood that the grip accessory 404 is configured to provide means by which a user can grip, hold, and support a mobile electronic device using one hand.

[0019] FIGS. 5 and 6 show another example of an accessory assembly 500 configured in accordance with the present disclosure. The accessory assembly 500 is similar to the accessory assembly 100 and common components are indicated using common reference numerals, but is different in the respects described below.

[0020] Firstly, platform 504 has a structure that is otherwise similar but different from platform 104. Like platform 104, platform 504 has an elliptical shape. However, unlike platform 104, platform 504 includes a recess 545 (recessed toward a second surface 516 (similar to the second surface 116) that faces outward away from the mobile electronic device 108 when platform 504 is mounted on the mobile electronic device 108) and a plurality of teeth 546 that extend outward from the recess 545 at or near the periphery of platform 504. In this example, the plurality of teeth 546 extend outward away from the mobile electronic device 108 when platform 504 is mounted on the mobile electronic device 108.

[0021] Secondly, wallet 506 has a different structure from wallet 106. In particular, wallet 506 includes a recess 538 which is different from recess 138. Recess 538, like recess 138, generally has a shape that conforms to the shape of platform 504, and is configured to removably receive and hold platform 504. However, unlike recess 138, recess 538 includes a channel 550 that opens into an elliptical portion 554. Channel 550 is generally configured to slidably receive a first surface 516 of platform 504 which has a substantially rectangular outline. In this example, channel 550 is a rectangular channel that receives the first surface 516. However, it should be noted that channel 550 and the first surface 516 may instead take different shapes (e.g., circular). Furthermore, wallet 506 also includes a plurality of slots 548 formed adjacent to channel 550 of wallet 506 to receive a plurality of teeth 546 of platform 504.

[0022] Furthermore, wallet 506 is coupled to platform 504 in a different way than wallet 106 is coupled to platform 504. Similar to wallet 106, wallet 506 can be detachably mounted to platform 504 by manipulating wallet 506 so that a recess 538 of wallet 506 slides into platform 504. However, unlike wallet 106, as shown in Figure 5, wallet 506 is manipulated so that a recess 538 slides into platform 504 along the transverse axis 545 of platform 504. In other words, wallet 506 is slidable horizontally, rather than vertically (as in the case of platform 104 being coupled to recess 138), in order to position platform 504 into recess 538. Then, as shown in Figure 6, a plurality of teeth 546 are moved to engage with a plurality of slots 548 of wallet 506 (for example, by snapping the teeth 546 into slots 548), thereby firmly mounting platform 504 to wallet 506 (and vice versa). However, in other examples, the platform 504 may be securely attached to the wallet 506 by other mechanical locking means (e.g., screws, hooks and loops). Conversely, the wallet 506 can be removed from the platform 504 in a similar but reverse manner, if necessary.

[0023] Finally, although not illustrated herein, grip accessories such as grip accessory 404 may be detachably attached to the wallet 506, permanently attached, or integrally formed with it.

[0024] Referring here to Figure 7, one embodiment of the wallet 106 is shown in which the fixing element 700 is in the form of one or more magnetic elements (e.g., one or more magnets or metal parts (e.g., steel rings)) integrally formed on the platform 104, and the wallet 106 is further integrally formed with the platform 104 or otherwise robustly connected. In this example, the platform is dimensioned according to the dimensions of the wallet 106 and may consist of the backing or rear panel of the wallet 106. Also in this example, the mobile electronic device 108 includes one or more integrally formed magnets 710. Thus, the wallet 106 is configured to be magnetically attached to the device 108 when the fixing element 700 and the integrally formed magnets 710 of the device 108 are close enough to form a magnetic attraction. As shown, the wallet 106 may be configured with or without the aforementioned grip accessory 404.

[0025] Figures 8A-8B show another configuration of the accessory assembly 800, in which the wallet 106 is shown together with the grip accessory 404 and the magnetic platform 104, as described above. In particular, Figure 8A shows the outside of the wallet 106 with the grip accessory 404 attached. In this embodiment, as described above, the wallet does not include a cutout. Figure 8B shows the inside of the assembly 800, in which the fixing element 700 includes a ring base portion and a separate alignment portion, each of which can be made of metal or magnet. The alignment portion is used to ensure parallel alignment between the phone / case and the wallet. In this embodiment, the fixing element 700 is integrally formed with the platform 104, and the platform 104 includes the backing or back panel of the wallet 106. Thus, the wallet 106 may be magnetically attachable to a mobile electronic device or case when the platform 104 is brought close to a mobile device or case having one or more magnetic elements, as described above.

[0026] In this embodiment, objects (e.g., cards) cannot be accessed while the wallet is attached to the device or case. Instead, the wallet can be removed from the mobile electronic device or case to expose the "finger-touch" area 810. From there, objects within the wallet 106 can be engaged and pushed upward. This orientation eliminates the cutout from the front and may allow for more uniform RFID shielding.

[0027] Referring here to Figures 9A-9B, another example is shown in which the grip accessory 404 (shown in a folded configuration) is replaceable from the wallet 106 (for example, by rotating the grip accessory 404 to engage and disengage it from the wallet 106). In one embodiment, the grip accessory 404 is configured to engage with a corresponding engagement mechanism 900 integrally formed with the wallet 106, as shown in Figure 9A. In one example, the replaceable grip accessory 404 and engagement mechanism 900 may be configured according to various locking and connection-related mechanisms described in U.S. Patent No. 10,348,352, filed May 30, 2018 (the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference). However, other attachment mechanisms, including annular snaps, T-channels, hooks and loop fasteners, may be used similarly.

[0028] Figure 9A shows the grip accessory 404 removed from the engagement mechanism 900 and wallet 106, while Figure 9B shows the grip accessory 404 in its attached state. Furthermore, the platform 104 in Figures 9A-9B is substantially the same as the platform 104 in Figures 8A-8B described above.

[0029] Any reference to “one embodiment” or “one embodiment” used herein means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase “in one embodiment” appearing in various parts of this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0030] Some embodiments can be described using the expressions “combined” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “combined” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, the term “combined” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but still cooperate or interact with each other. Embodiments are not limited to this context.

[0031] The terms “includes,” “contains,” “equip,” “have,” “possess,” “have,” or other variations thereof as used herein are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements alone, and may include other elements that are not expressly enumerated or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless the opposite is explicitly stated, “or” refers to an inclusive selection, not an exclusive selection. For example, the condition “A or B” is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0032] Furthermore, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done simply for convenience and to give a general meaning to the various embodiments. This description should be read as including one or at least one singular noun, and singular nouns also include plural nouns unless it becomes clear that they have a different meaning.

[0033] It should be understood that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplification and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to a consistent scale. For example, the dimensions and / or relative positions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to others to help to enhance the understanding of the various embodiments of the invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in commercially viable embodiments are often omitted to facilitate illustrations that do not interfere with these various embodiments. Similar or analogous parts may be described using the same reference numerals. Furthermore, although several examples are disclosed herein, any feature from any example may be combined with or replaced with other features from other examples. Furthermore, although several examples are disclosed herein, modifications may be made to the disclosed examples to the extent that they do not deviate from the claims.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that a wide variety of modifications, changes, and combinations can be made with respect to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that such modifications, changes, and combinations fall within the scope of the concept of the present invention.

Claims

1. An accessory assembly for a mobile electronic device, A platform having a first side and an opposing second side, comprising one or more magnetic elements configured to magnetically attach the platform directly or indirectly to a mobile electronic device along the first side. A wallet integrally formed or attached to the second side of the platform, configured to hold one or more objects associated with the user of the accessory assembly, and A grip accessory configured to be attached to the wallet, and configured to be handheld to support the accessory assembly and mobile electronic device when magnetically attached to the platform, Includes, On the outside of the wallet opposite to the platform, an accessory recess area is provided in which a portion of the grip accessory is housed. The accessory recess region has a circular area, and the accessory recess region is recessed relative to at least a portion of the outer part of the wallet that surrounds the circular area. An accessory assembly in which the base of the grip accessory is fixed to the wallet within the accessory recess region.

2. The accessory assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more magnetic elements include one or more individual magnets.

3. The accessory assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more magnetic elements are configured to attach the platform to a mobile electronic device including at least one integrally formed magnet.

4. The accessory assembly according to claim 1, wherein the grip accessory is configured to be detachably attached to the wallet by an attachment mechanism.

5. The accessory assembly according to claim 1, wherein the grip accessory includes one of a ring, an accordion, an elastic loop strap, and a hinged lever kickstand structure.

6. The accessory assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wallet comprises a first panel and a second panel that together define one or more storage compartments of a size that can hold one or more objects associated with the user of the accessory assembly.

7. The accessory assembly according to claim 6, wherein the wallet further includes an elastic element connecting the first and second panels.

8. The accessory assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first panel and the second panel each include a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and first and second edges extending between the first end and the second end.

9. The accessory assembly according to claim 8, wherein the elastic elements connect the first and second edges of the second panel to at least portions of the first and second edges of the first panel, respectively.

10. The accessory assembly according to claim 9, wherein the elastic element defines a plurality of storage compartments sized to hold one or more objects.

11. Furthermore, the accessory assembly according to claim 6 includes a cutout extending through at least one of the first panel and the second panel.

12. The accessory assembly according to claim 1, wherein the one or more magnetic elements form an annular shape, and the platform further includes an alignment magnet disposed separately from the annular shape formed by the one or more magnetic elements.

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