ACCESSORY DEVICE WITH MAGNETIC ATTACHMENT
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An accessory unit, comprising:
- a hinge span for attaching the accessory unit to a host unit having a display; and
a flexible flap pivotally connected to the hinge span having size and shape in accordance with the display, the flap comprising;
a first end located at the hinge span, a second end opposite the first end detectable by a sensor in the host unit when substantially all of the flap is in contact with the display in a closed configuration, the detection causing the host unit to alter a current operating state to one in accordance with the closed configuration,a first segment at the first end,a second segment at the second end detectable by the sensor in the closed configuration, anda folding region connecting the first and second segments that allows the first and second segments to fold independently of each other such that when the accessory unit is in a partially open configuration, the first segment remains in contact with the display and the second segment is folded away from the display to reveal a first portion of the display that is less than the entire display, wherein when the host unit determines that the accessory unit is in the partially open configuration, the host unit presents visual content only at the first portion of the display.
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Abstract
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
95 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An accessory unit, comprising:
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a hinge span for attaching the accessory unit to a host unit having a display; and
a flexible flap pivotally connected to the hinge span having size and shape in accordance with the display, the flap comprising;a first end located at the hinge span, a second end opposite the first end detectable by a sensor in the host unit when substantially all of the flap is in contact with the display in a closed configuration, the detection causing the host unit to alter a current operating state to one in accordance with the closed configuration, a first segment at the first end, a second segment at the second end detectable by the sensor in the closed configuration, and a folding region connecting the first and second segments that allows the first and second segments to fold independently of each other such that when the accessory unit is in a partially open configuration, the first segment remains in contact with the display and the second segment is folded away from the display to reveal a first portion of the display that is less than the entire display, wherein when the host unit determines that the accessory unit is in the partially open configuration, the host unit presents visual content only at the first portion of the display. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A protective cover arranged to protect at least a display of a tablet computer, comprising:
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a flap portion having a size and shape in accordance with the display comprising a magnet located at a first end of the flap portion, wherein in the closed configuration the magnet is detectable by a sensor disposed within the tablet computer, the detection altering a current operating state of the tablet computer in accordance with the state of the protective cover in relation to the tablet computer; and an attachment mechanism located at a second end of the body portion opposite the first end for pivotally attaching the flap portion to the tablet computer. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification