Cover for Portable Electronic Device

Abstract

A cover for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The cover can include at least one electrical component. For example, in one embodiment, an electrical component can be embedded in the cover. When the cover is placed on or mated with the portable electronic device, the electrical component embedded in the cover is able to interact with electrical circuitry of the portable electronic device. Advantageously, the cover can not only provide a protective and/or ornamental covering for the portable electronic device but can also augment the electrical capabilities of the portable electronic device.

1 . A cover for a handheld, battery-powered, electronic device, the electronic device having a device housing that contains electrical circuitry, said cover comprising:
 a cover body configured to be placed over a substantial portion of the device housing of the electronic device; and   at least one electrical component provided within said cover body,   whereby said at least one electrical component is able to be electrically connected to the electrical circuitry within the device housing when said cover body is placed over a substantial portion of the device housing of the electronic device.   
     
     
         2 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said electrical component provided within said cover body comprises an integrated circuit, an energy source, a switch, an antenna, a user input device or an output device. 
     
     
         3 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cover body is conformable to at least the substantial portion of the device housing of the electronic device. 
     
     
         4 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said cover body is formed of a deformable material. 
     
     
         5 . A cover as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said cover body is formed primarily from silicone rubber. 
     
     
         6 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one electrical component is molded into said cover body. 
     
     
         7 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one electrical component comprises a flexible circuit. 
     
     
         8 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the electronic device has an externally accessible connector, and
 wherein said at least one electrical component comprises an electrical connector capable of making electrical connection with the externally accessible connector of the electronic device.   
     
     
         9 . A cover as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the electrical connecter is formed in said cover body, and wherein the electrical connector has an exposed inner side that connects to the externally accessible connector of the electronic device when said cover is provided over the electrical device. 
     
     
         10 . A cover as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the electrical connector has an exposed outer side that remains externally accessible even after said cover is provided over the electrical device. 
     
     
         11 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one electrical component comprises one or more switches. 
     
     
         12 . A cover as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one electrical component comprises an auxiliary user input device, and wherein the auxiliary user input device is electrically connected to the electronic device when the protective cover is over the electronic device. 
     
     
         13 . A method for forming a protective cover for an electronic device, said method comprising:
 providing a mold for the protective cover for the electronic device;   obtaining an electrical component to be provided in the protective cover;   positioning the electrical component within the mold; and   forming the protective cover for the electronic device using the mold, whereby the electrical component within the mold is provided internal to a portion of the protective cover.   
     
     
         14 . A method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said forming comprises injecting a molding material into the mold, thereby injection molding the protective cover. 
     
     
         15 . A method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the electrical component comprises an electrical connector. 
     
     
         16 . A method as recited in  claim 15 , wherein the electronic device has an externally accessible connector, and
 wherein the electrical connecter formed in the protective cover has an exposed inner side that connects to the externally accessible connector of the electronic device when the protective cover is provided over the electrical device.   
     
     
         17 . A method as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the electrical connector has an exposed outer side that remains externally accessible. 
     
     
         18 . A method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the electrical component comprises a switch. 
     
     
         19 . A method as recited in  claim 13 , wherein the electrical component comprises a user input device, and wherein the user input device is electrically connected to the electronic device when the protective cover is over the electronic device. 
     
     
         20 . A cover for a portable electronic device, said cover comprising:
 a cover body that is configured or conformable to an outer housing of the portable electronic device;   an electrical connector at least partially embedded within said cover body; and   at least one electrical component electrically connected to said at least one electrical connector.   
     
     
         21 . A cover as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said at least one electrical component is embedded within said cover and electrically connected to said electrical connector. 
     
     
         22 . A cover as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said at least one electrical component is selected from the group consisting of an integrated circuit, an energy source, a switch, antenna, a user input device or an output device. 
     
     
         23 . A cover as recited in  claim 20 ,
 wherein said connector includes a connector housing, and   wherein said at least one electrical component is embedded in said connector housing.   
     
     
         24 . A cover as recited in  claim 23 , wherein said connector has an inner portion capable of being received by a counterpart connector the portable electronic device, and an outer portion that remains externally accessible. 
     
     
         25 . A cover as recited in  claim 24 , wherein when said cover body is place around the portable electronic device, the inner portion of said connector is substantially aligned with the counterpart connector of the portable electronic device such that the inner portion of said connector is capable of being connected to the counterpart connector. 
     
     
         26 . A cover as recited in  claim 20 ,
 wherein said connector has an inner portion capable of being received by a counterpart connector the portable electronic device, and   wherein when said cover body is place around the portable electronic device, the inner portion of said connector is substantially aligned with the counterpart connector of the portable electronic device such that the inner portion of said connector is capable of being connected to the counterpart connector.   
     
     
         27 . A cover as recited in  claim 20 , wherein said cover body comprises an opening for receiving the portable electronic device to be covered. 
     
     
         28 . A cover for a portable electronic device, said cover comprising:
 a cover body configured for covering at least a substantial portion of the portable electronic device; and   at least one electrical component at least partially embedded within said cover body.   
     
     
         29 . A cover as recited in  claim 28 , wherein said at least one electrical component comprises an electrical connector and an electronic device, the electronic device being electrically connected to the electrical connector. 
     
     
         30 . A cover as recited in  claim 28 , wherein said cover body is configured to substantially correspond to an outer housing of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         31 . A cover as recited in  claim 28 , wherein said cover body is conformable to an outer housing of the portable electronic device. 
     
     
         32 . A cover as recited in  claim 28 , wherein said at least one electrical component comprises at least one sensor, electrical connector, electronic device or integrated circuit. 
     
     
         33 . A cover as recited in  claim 28 , wherein said at least one electrical component provides for the portable electronic device one or more of wireless communication, position navigation, force feedback, processor, game player control, light source, battery, or photovoltaic. 
     
     
         34 . An integrated electrical skin comprising:
 a compliant body including an cavity for receiving an electronic device, the compliant body being configured to be placed around the electronic device; and   one or more electrical components being at least partially disposed within the compliant body,   wherein at least one of the electrical components is configured to be in communication with the electronic device when the electronic device is placed within the cavity.   
     
     
         35 . An integrated electrical skin as recited in  claim 34 , wherein the one or more electrical components are integral with and share the compliant body