MULTIPURPOSE PROTECTIVE CASE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Abstract

A protective case for a portable electronic device includes a rear support portion providing a back support the portable electronic device, the rear support portion comprising a recess to receive and store therein an accessory. Accessories for storage within the recess of the protective case include: a cigarette lighter, a USB Flash drive, a set of earphones, a Bluetooth headset, or other suitable articles adapted to be held in place within the recess.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. application 61/587,193, entitled “Multipurpose Protective Case for Portable Electronic Device”, filed on Jan. 17, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety

FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of protective cases for cellular phones and other portable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Millions of users utilize cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronic devices for various purposes, for example, telephone calls, sending and receiving electronic mail, playing games, capturing images and videos, or the like.

Portable electronic devices may be fragile, and may break or malfunction if they fall down or if they hit a hard object. Some users may enclose a portable electronic device within a protective case, made of plastic, rubber, polycarbonate, leather, or other suitable material(s).

SUMMARY

The present invention may include, for example, a multipurpose protective case for a portable electronic device. The rear side or the back supporting side, of the protective case, may include a recess or cavity or crater, which may be able to hold or receive or store therein an accessory. The accessory may be inserted into the recess, held within the recess, and/or removed from the recess. The accessory may optionally be modified or operated to partially extend or protrude beyond the contour of the protective case, and to retract back.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a system may comprise: a protective case for a portable electronic device, the protective case comprising a rear support portion providing a back support the portable electronic device, the rear support portion comprising a recess to receive therein an accessory.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the recess is generally rectangular, and a long dimension of the recess is generally parallel to a long dimension of the protective case.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the rear support portion comprises a pin to lock said accessory to the rear support portion.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the rear support portion comprises a spring to release said accessory from said recess.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the rear support portion comprises one or more support ribs generally perpendicular to a long dimension of the recess.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the rear support portion comprises a latching mechanism to hold said accessory in said recess and to allow release of said accessory from said recess.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises an extension/retraction mechanism to allow extension of the accessory beyond a contour of the protective case while the accessory remains within said recess, and to allow retraction of a portion of said accessory subsequent to extension of said portion beyond said contour of the protective case.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a cross section of said recess is generally rectangular or generally trapezoid.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a size of said accessory is generally identical to the size of said recess, and a shape of said accessory is generally identical to the size of said recess.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, said accessory is held within said recess exclusively by a friction force between the accessory and an area of the protective case which surrounds the recess.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises an electric cigarette lighter.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises a USB Flash drive.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises a headset.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises a pair of earphones.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises a suction cup to connect the protective case via suction to a window.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the accessory comprises an article selected from the list consisting of: a medicine container, a money container, a candy container, a Swiss-army knife, a Laser pointer, a mirror, a make-up article, a perfume container, a tobacco container, a container for one or more cigarettes, a folding stand for said portable electronic device, a wristband, a miniature book made of paper, a miniature Bible book, a projector, and a contact lens container.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the system further comprises said accessory.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, the system further comprises said portable electronic device; wherein the portable electronic device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable gaming device, a portable audio player, and a portable video player.

The present invention may provide other and/or additional benefits and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cellular phone with a multipurpose case carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a back elevation view of the multipurpose case carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the multipurpose case carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top plan elevation view of the multipurpose case carrying an electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom elevation view of the multipurpose case carrying an electronic lighter;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a cellular phone with the multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a cellular phone case, showing a volume hole which enables a way to access the volume buttons of the cellular phone, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a cellular phone with the multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a perspective back view of the spring button which mechanically locks the accessory into the case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a back elevation view of the multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case showing how the electronic lighter accessory lights up, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cellular phone with the multipurpose case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a back elevation view of the electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a front elevation view of the electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is a sectional view of the electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the electronic lighter, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case with a USB memory drive, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a back elevation view of the USB memory drive with the USB connector pulled out, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the USB memory drive, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a bottom elevation view of the multipurpose case with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case with a wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a back elevation view of the wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a front elevation view of the wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a top elevation plan view of the wireless headset, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case connected to a car holder with a phone inside, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case connected to a car cell phone holder, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case connected to a car cell phone holder, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case connected to a car cell phone holder, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the car holder, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case with headphones accessory, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the multipurpose case with headphones accessory, showing how the headphone wire is released, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a front elevation view of the multipurpose case with headphones accessory, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the multipurpose case with headphones accessory, showing how the headphone wire is released, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 37-39 are views of the multipurpose case with a suction cup or vacuum cup embedded on an external side of a plug-in module which can be removably inserted into the back side or rear side of the protective case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 40-48 are multiple views of the multipurpose protective case and an electric lighter module, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 49A-49H and 50A-50H are multiple views of the multipurpose case adapted to store an electric lighter, in accordance with some other demonstrative embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 51A-51H and 52A-52G are multiple views of the multipurpose case adapted to store a USB memory drive, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

Applicants have realized that a protective case for a portable electronic device (“PED”) may be utilized for one or more purposes other than protecting the PED from shock or impact. For example, a protective case may comprise a storage region in which an accessory may be stored, such that a user may carry together the PED and an accessory stored within the protective case.

In accordance with the present invention, for example, a back side of a protective case may comprise a cavity or a crater, into which an accessory may be inserted or placed for storage, and from which the accessory may be removed for utilization. The accessory may comprise, for example, an electronic cigarette lighter, a portable Flash memory unit or a USB memory unit, a BlueTooth earphone and/or microphone, a pair of earphones, or other suitable devices. Such devices may be related to the operation of the PED (e.g., a BlueTooth microphone), or may be unrelated to the operation of the PED (e.g., a cigarette lighter).

The terms “portable electronic device” or “PED”, as used herein, may include, for example, a hand-held electronic device, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable device having a touch-screen, a portable gaming device, a portable audio/video player, or the like.

Although portions of the discussion herein may relate, for demonstrative purposes, to a protective cover for a cellular phone, the present invention may be used in conjunction with other suitable types of PEDs.

In accordance with the present invention, a flexible or rigid protective cover or protective case for a portable electronic device, may include (e.g., in its back side) a replaceable module, or a cavity or channel or recess that can accommodate a replaceable module, or a detachable module, or a removable module, or an interchangeable module. Such module may be, for example, a hardware module having an electric cigarette lighter; a hardware module having a USB Flash drive (or other non-volatile memory stick with connector); a hardware module having a suction-based connection mechanism (e.g., to allow connection to a window or a glass); a hardware module having a recess or compartment to allow secure and/or efficient storage of a pair of stereo earphones; a hardware module having a recess or compartment to allow secure and/or efficient storage of a pair of a wireless head-set or wireless (e.g., BlueTooth) earphone/microphone component or ear-piece. The modular and multi-purpose protective case may thus transform a portable electronic device into a “Swiss-knife” able to interchangeably store add-on accessories and/or able to provide additional functionalities to the user of such portable electronic device.

In accordance with the present invention, a protective case for a portable electronic device may include a lighter (e.g., a cigarette lighter) integrated with, or built-in into, the protective case or the back side of the protective case. The lighter may be powered by gas, fuel, or liquid. Alternative, the lighter may be non-fuel-based, may be an electric lighter or electronic lighter able to light a cigarette by generating electric current or voltage on a wire or set of wires, without utilizing gas or liquid or fuel. Optionally, the electric lighter may be removably embedded within the protective case; or may be detachably attached to the protective case.

In accordance with the present invention, a protective case for a portable electronic device may include a USB flash drive or memory unit or memory stick, or other type of non-volatile memory unit or storage unit (e.g., which may not need power in order to maintain the stored data). Such USB memory drive may be integrated with, or built-in into, the protective case or the back side of the protective case. Optionally, the USB memory unit may have a first position in which the USB connector is hidden or does not protrude; and a second position in which the USB connector is exposed, extended and/or protruding. Optionally, the USB memory unit may be removably embedded within the protective case; or may be detachably attached to the protective case.

In accordance with the present invention, a protective case for a portable electronic device may include a suction-based or vacuum-based mechanism or connector, able to connect the protective case to a window or a glass or a car windshield or a car door or a wall or a panel, or other generally-smooth surface or generally-flat surface. A suction cup may be directly embedded within or at the back side of the protective case; or alternatively, may be located at an end of a string or tube or flexible connector which connects to the back side (or other side) of the protective case. Optionally, the suction-based connection mechanism may be removably embedded within the protective case; or may be detachably attached to the protective case.

In accordance with the present invention, a protective case for a portable electronic device may include an integrated recess or crater or channel or cavity, able to accommodate an accessory of the cellular phone or other portable electronic device; such as, for example, a Bluetooth headset, or a pair of stereo earphones or headphones. The recess may be shaped and formed, in a three-dimensional manner, within the back side of the protective case.

The present invention may include a single-purpose or dual-purpose or multi-purpose protective case for a portable electronic device: a first (primary) purpose may be to protect the portable electronic device from physical harm or damage; and a second (secondary) purpose may be to allow a user to utilize an additional function (e.g., to light a cigarette using an integrated lighter; to store data or files on the USB memory unit; to attach the portable electronic device to the inner side of a window or a windshield of a car), and/or to allow the user to carry and/or efficiently store an accessory (e.g., to store a BlueTooth headset, or a pair of stereo earphones, within the back side of the protective case).

The present invention may include a multi-purpose and/or modular protective case for a portable electronic device, such that additional modules and/or function may be removed from the protective case, inserted into the protective case (e.g., into its back side), attached to the protective case, detached from the protective case, or otherwise interchanged with other modules. For example, a protective case may have a back side which may accommodate an electronic lighter, or alternatively a USB memory stick or memory unit, or alternatively a Bluetooth headset (earphone/microphone set).

The protective case may be flexible, may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., silicone or rubber); or alternatively, may be rigid or semi-rigid (e.g., made of polycarbonate or plastic or metal). Other suitable materials or combination of materials may be used.

Some embodiments of the invention may include, for example, cellular phone case (or, a protective case for other suitable PED) with integrated portable and interchangeable accessories.

The present invention is related to cellular phone equipment, and more particularly to a cell phone (or smart-phone, or other suitable portable electronic device) protective case (or sleeve, or holder), which can carry and/or integrate therein one or more various accessories or plug-in components, such as, for example, an electronic lighter (e.g., able to produce fire or a flame, with or without liquid fuel), a USB flash drive or USB memory stick, a cavity or recess to store a wireless (e.g., BlueTooth) headset, a car holder (e.g., by utilizing a suction cup or a suction/vacuum mechanism), and/or headphones (e.g., a cavity to hold one or more headphones).

Cellular phones have become so commonly used have increased dramatically in the past few years. The use of cellular phones has also become multi-purpose and integrated with high end electronics into them. For example, a cellular phone is used to play games, connect to the internet, manage a schedule, take photos and videos, and more.

Since cell phones are made of delicate electronics, protective gears such as cases are often used to protect them. These cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost every phone in the market.

Applicants have realized that when a user goes out of his dwellings, the user may be required take with him a variety of accessories besides their cellular phones. Such accessories may be, for example, a wallet, keys, cigarettes, an electronic lighter, USB thumb drive or memory stick or Flash drive, a pair of stereo headphones, a headset, and other components or accessories. Some accessories might also be related to their cellular phone, accessories such as a wireless headset or headphones.

Applicants have realized that the amount of accessories one may need to carry is most of the time is either held in pockets or bags, which is usually incompact, uncomfortable and may require more space. Often, a user may forget his accessories at home or at various locations. For example, a person might light a cigarette in a public place, and forget his lighter there. Those problems, and other problems, the current invention may solve.

Applicants have realized that some users tend to less forget their cellular phones then other accessories, as they rely on the cellular phone for communication, work and entertainment.

Applicants have realized that the prior art fails to teach a way to carry various accessories together with a cellular phone and/or within a protective case of a cellular phone.

In order to solve the above mentioned problems of the prior art, and/or in order to achieve other goals and novel benefits, the present invention may provide to cellular phone users a way and a solution to carry various accessories without leaving them behind and losing them or forgetting them.

The present invention may provide to cellular phone users a way to carry accessories while reducing the amount of space (e.g., volume, dimensions, mass, weight) they take and/or by increasing the number of functions that a cellular phone (or, that a cellular phone together with its protective case) is able to provide.

The present invention may provide portable cellular phones a convenient way to carry accessories related to direct use with them, such a wireless headset, a cellular phone car holder and/or headphones. All these accessories may connect to one protective case with multiple purposes.

The present invention may include a cellular cell phone cover or protective case, that may have multiple uses. Its primary use may be to protect the delicate electronics in the cell phone. The secondary purpose(s) may be a protective case that has the ability to interconnect with multiple accessories, or to efficiently store one or more accessories.

The present invention may provide enhanced security for accessories, for example, by having a locking mechanism that would protect the accessories from getting disconnected from the protective case and being lost or forgotten.

Reference is made to FIG. 1, which shows a multipurpose case 2 covering a cellular phone 1, in accordance with the present invention. Multipurpose case 2 may protect cellular phone 1 from physical impact. Multipurpose case 2 may reveal a top surface of an electronic lighter 3, which may be held by multipurpose case 2.

Reference is made to FIG. 2, which is a side view of multipurpose case 2 revealing a camera hole 4, allowing a camera of cellular phone 1 the ability to capture photos and videos without interrupting its lens. Also depicted is a locking button 5, which enables a quick release of electronic lighter 3.

Reference is made to FIG. 3A, which demonstrates how electronic lighter 3 may be held inside multipurpose case 2. Further depicted is locking button 5, which may be embedded inside multipurpose case 2.

Reference is made to FIG. 3B, which shows a sectional view of FIG. 3A. As demonstrated, the internal components of multipurpose case 2 and the internal components of electronic lighter 3 may be seen. Locking button 5 may be supported by flexible spring 10, which may ensure that locking button 5 is under pressure, and may bring locking button 5 back into its original location once pressed. Additionally, a USB connector 8 allows electronic lighter 3 to subsequently connect to an external power source in order to receive power and get charged. A battery 19 may store energy which may be received from USB connector 8. A lighter opening button 7 may allow the user to pop open electronic lighter 3. A heating coil 6 may receive energy from battery 19 and may generate sufficient heat to light a cigarette.

Reference is made to FIG. 4 which demonstrates an external emboss 12 allowing turning cellular phone 1 on and off. A hole 13 may provide an opening for an external sound output, for example, a headphone connector.

Reference is made to FIG. 5 which shows a power hole 14, allowing a user to connect cellular phone 1 to a power source for charging.

Reference is made to FIG. 6, which is a front elevation view of cellular phone 1 with multipurpose case 2, in accordance with the present invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 7, which shows a volume hole 15 allowing a user to access volume button(s) of cellular phone 1.

Reference is made to FIG. 8A, which is a perspective view of cellular phone 1 with multipurpose case 2, in accordance with the present invention; and to FIG. 8B, showing flexible spring 10 discussed above.

Reference is made to FIG. 9, which shows internal support ribs 16 which may provide to multipurpose case 2 a stronger structure, and which may define a cavity 99 or crater or other storage compartment which may accommodate an accessory or a hardware module or other suitable article.

Reference is made to FIG. 10, which demonstrate that lighter opening button 7 may be pushed up, in order to pop open heating coil 6, which in turn allows the user to light a cigarette. It is noted that heating coil 7 is opened sufficiently far from cellular phone 1, to avoid heating damage to cellular phone 1.

Reference is made to FIG. 11, which shows a locking pin 11 allowing an accessory to be safely secured and locked into multipurpose case 2.

Reference is made to FIG. 12, which shows USB connector 8 in a covered position.

Reference is made to FIGS. 13A-13B, which show a pin hole 20 located where locking pin 11 may lock into an attached accessory.

Reference is made to FIG. 14, which is a side elevation view of electronic lighter 3; and to FIG. 15, which is a perspective view of electronic lighter 3, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 16 which demonstrates how USB connector 8 may be pushed down in order to charge electronic lighter 3.

Reference is made to FIG. 17, which shows a USB memory drive 21 (or Flash memory unit, or memory stick) locked inside multipurpose case 2.

Reference is made to FIG. 18, which is a back elevation view of USB memory drive 21 with USB connector 8 pulled out.

Reference is made to FIG. 19, which is a front elevation view of USB memory drive 21, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 20, which shows multipurpose case 2 with a wireless headset 9 settled therein.

Reference is made to FIG. 21, which shows an ear plug 23 which may be placed inside a person's ear once wireless headset 23 is removed from multipurpose case 2.

Reference is made to FIG. 22, which is a bottom elevation view of multipurpose case 2 with wireless headset 9, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 23, which shows a microphone hole 24 in proximity to where a microphone of cellular phone 1 may be located.

Reference is made to FIGS. 24-27, which are additional views of wireless headset 9, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 28-30, which shows multipurpose case 2 connected to a car window or windshield. A flexible arm 28 may be used to adjust the location or position of cellular phone 1, to provide the user with a better view of a screen 27 of cellular phone 1. Further shown is a suction cup 29 for attaching to a windshield or window of a car, or other suitable panel or glass which may be vehicular or non-vehicular (e.g., in a train, ship, boat, airplane, bus, home, office, or the like).

Reference is made to FIG. 31, which shows a suction cup button 30 allowing an easy release and pressure button. In order to mount cellular phone 1 onto a windshield, the user may push or stick suction cup 29 to the windshield; and pulling suction cup button 30 may attach suction cup 29 by applying suction to the windshield. In contrast, pulling suction cup button 30 may release pressure from suction cup 29, thereby allowing the user to disconnect cellular phone 1 from the windshield.

Reference is made to FIG. 32, which shows a locking stick 31 placed into multipurpose case 2 it locks in, enabling multipurpose case 2 to settle on top of a car holding apparatus. Locking stick 31 may connect multipurpose case 2 to suction cup 29 through flexible arm 28. Optionally, a rigid or semi-rigid arm or connector or link may be used, instead of or in addition to flexible arm 28.

Reference is made to FIG. 33, which shows a headphone accessory 34 nested inside multipurpose case 2. Headphone accessory 34 may comprise a headphone 32, a headphone pin 34, and a retract button 33.

Reference is made to FIG. 34, which demonstrates how headphone 32 may be pulled out from multipurpose case 2 to provide the user sufficient space to plug headphone 32 into the ears. Headphone pin 34 may also extend, allowing easy connection to cellular phone 1. Retract button 33, once pressed, may retract an access wire (as well as headphone 32 and headphone pin 34) back into place.

Reference is made to FIG. 35, which is a front elevation view of multipurpose case 2 with headphones 32, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIG. 36, which is a side elevation view of multipurpose case 2 with headphones 32, showing how a headphone wire may be released, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 37-39, which are views of multipurpose case 2 with suction cup 29 or vacuum cup embedded on an external side of a plug-in locking module 31 which can be removably inserted into the back side or rear side of the protective case, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 40-48, which are multiple views of multipurpose case 2 and electric lighter 3, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 49A-49H and 50A-50H, which are multiple views of the multipurpose case 2 adapted to store electric lighter 3, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

Reference is made to FIGS. 51A-51H and 52A-52G, which are multiple views of the multipurpose case 2 adapted to store USB memory drive 21, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments of the present invention.

As demonstrated, the accessory and/or the recess which stores the accessory need not necessarily be rectangular or box-shaped, and may have other suitable shape, for example, similar to a shape of a rectangle attached to a half-circle or a dome. Other suitable shapes may be used, for the accessory and/or the recess.

The present invention may include, for example, a multipurpose protective case which may be utilized for protecting the electronic device as well as for safely storing and carrying accessories, hardware modules, or add-on items which may be stored in a cavity or crater at the back side of the protective case. The accessory may be, for example, a lighter, an electric lighter, a USB memory drive or USB Flash drive, a headset, earphones, a suction cup or suction mechanism, a window connector, a medicine container, a pill or medical drug container, a money container, a candy container, a Swiss knife, a Laser pointer, a mirror, a make-up article, a tobacco container, a container having one or more cigarettes, a folding stand for said portable electronic device, a wristband, a miniature book made of paper, a miniature Bible book, a projector, a contact lens container, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a replacement battery, a SIM card, an SD-card, or the like.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include, for example, a multipurpose protective case which saves space by attaching a variety of accessories into it. Some embodiments of the present invention may include, for example, a secured way to carry accessories without losing or forgetting them. A rear support part or a rear support panel of the protective case may comprise a cavity or crater or recess, which may be elongated or generally rectangular (e.g., generally parallel to the edges of the protective case), may be

The recess may be, for example, generally parallel to the longer dimension of the protective case; or generally perpendicular to the longer dimension of the protective case; or generally slanted relative to the longer dimension of the protective case.

The length of the longest dimension of the recess, may be, for example, approximately 95 or 90 or 85 or 80 or 75 or 70 or 65 or 60 or 55 or 50 or 45 or 40 or 33 percent of the longest dimension of the protective case. The length of the longest dimension of the recess, may be, for example, greater than 75 percent, or greater than 50 percent, or smaller than 50 percent, of the longest dimension of the protective case.

A cross-section of the recess may be, for example, generally rectangular or generally trapezoid, or may be shaped as half of a circle or half of an oval, or may be triangular, may be U-shaped or “n”-shaped, or may have other suitable cross-section shape. Optionally, placement of the accessory within the recess may create an elongated protrusion or external rib or “bump” beyond the generally-planar surface of a protective case which does not store an accessory, such bump having, for example, a generally trapezoid cross-section, or a curved cross-section.

The recess may allow a user to insert thereto an insertable accessory, and to remove therefrom the accessory, and/or to modify the position or location of the accessory within the recess (e.g., to cause a part of the accessory to extend or to protrude beyond the contour of the protective case, for example, to allow extension of an electric cigarette lighter, and to retract the accessory to its compact or non-extended position).

Optionally, a spring or pin or button or latching mechanism or pressure mechanism or male-female mechanism or other connection/release mechanism may be used, to hold in place the accessory within the recess, such that the accessory may not fall down from the recess; and/or in order to release the accessory from the recess of the protective case; and or to extend or retract the accessory or a portion thereof, relative to the protective case.

The present invention may include a method for carrying and/or storing a portable electronic device and one or more accessories. The method may optionally include, for example, one or more of the following operations: inserting the portable electronic device into a protective case; inserting an accessory into a plug-in module of the protective case; for storage of the accessory, inserting the plug-in module into a rear side of the protective case; for utilizing the accessory, removing the plug-in module from the rear side of the protective case, or otherwise modifying the protective case (e.g., by making the module protrude therefrom). Other suitable operations may be used.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments of the present invention, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments of the present invention.

While certain features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a protective case for a portable electronic device, the protective case comprising a rear support portion providing a back support the portable electronic device, the rear support portion comprising a recess to receive therein an accessory.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the recess is generally rectangular, and wherein a long dimension of the recess is generally parallel to a long dimension of the protective case.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion comprises a pin to lock said accessory to the rear support portion.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion comprises a spring to release said accessory from said recess.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion comprises one or more support ribs generally perpendicular to a long dimension of the recess.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the rear support portion comprises a latching mechanism to hold said accessory in said recess and to allow release of said accessory from said recess.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an extension/retraction mechanism to allow extension of the accessory beyond a contour of the protective case while the accessory remains within said recess, and to allow retraction of a portion of said accessory subsequent to extension of said portion beyond said contour of the protective case.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein a cross section of said recess is generally trapezoid.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein a size of said accessory is generally identical to the size of said recess, wherein a shape of said accessory is generally identical to the size of said recess.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said accessory is held within said recess exclusively by a friction force between the accessory and an area of the protective case which surrounds the recess.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said rear support portion is generally flat in a first state in which the accessory is removed from the protective case; and wherein said rear support portion is non-flat in a second state in which the accessory is held by the protective case.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an electric cigarette lighter.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a USB Flash drive.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a headset.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a pair of earphones.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises a suction cup to connect the protective case via suction to a window.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the accessory comprises an article selected from the list consisting of:

a medicine container, a money container, a candy container, a Swiss-army knife, a Laser pointer, a mirror, a make-up article, a perfume container, a tobacco container, a container for one or more cigarettes, a folding stand for said portable electronic device, a wristband, a miniature book made of paper, a miniature Bible book, a projector, and a contact lens container.

18. The system of claim 1, further comprising said accessory.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising said portable electronic device;

wherein the portable electronic device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: a cellular phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a portable gaming device, a portable audio player, and a portable video player.