as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 10) Pub. No.: US 2009/0124308 Al
`
` LEE (43) Pub. Date: May 14, 2009
`
`
`US 20090124308A1
`
`(54) CASING AND PORTABLE TERMINAL
`HAVING THE SAME
`Inventor:
`Young-Hwan LEE, Seoul (KR)
`Correspondence Address:
`BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
`PO BOX 747
`FALLS CHURCH,VA 22040-0747 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`12/193.904
`—
`,
`(22)
`Filed:
`Aug. 19, 2008
`,
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(76)
`
`(30)
`
`Nov. 9, 2007
`
`(KR) once 10-2007-01 14426
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HOIM 1/02
`(52) US. CD. veccceeecnesenenscnetenssseecnenesenies 455/575.3
`
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A casing for a portable terminal is provided. The casing
`includesa first portion configured to replace a rear cover of a
`portable terminal so as to provide an exterior surface of the
`portable terminal, a second portion connected to the first
`portion, and an electronic componentlocated at the second
`portion, the electronic component being connectable to the
`portable terminal to provide at least one function associated
`
`APPLE 1009
`
`with the portable terminal.
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1009
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 1 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
`
`FIG.
`
`1
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 2 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`PIG. 2
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`
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`3
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`May 14, 2009 Sheet 3 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`PIG. 3
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`
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`4
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 4 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`140
`
`
`
`5
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 5 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`FIG. 6
`
`140
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 6 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`FIG. 7
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`
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`7
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 7 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`8
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`May 14, 2009 Sheet 8 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`FIG. 10
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`
`
`9
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 14,2009 Sheet 9 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`FIG.
`
`11
`
`540
`
`a
`
`512
`
`BL
`
`500.
`
`BI
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`May 14, 2009 Sheet 10 of 10
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
`
`
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
`
`May14, 2009
`
`CASING AND PORTABLE TERMINAL
`HAVING THE SAME
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claimspriority to Korean Applica-
`tion No. 10-2007-0114426, filed Nov. 9, 2007, which is
`herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`[0002]
`[0003] The present invention relates to a casing and a por-
`table terminal having a casing detachably coupled to a main
`body ofthe portable terminal.
`[0004]
`2. Description of Related Art
`[0005]
`Portable terminals can beeasily carried and provide
`one or more functions, such as supporting voice and/or tele-
`phonycalls, inputting and/or outputting information, storing
`data andthe like. Portable terminals have also become mul-
`
`tifunctional devices, such that some portable terminal are
`configured to capture still images or moving images, play
`music or video files, play games, receive broadcast, and the
`like. As more ofthese functions are incorporatedinto portable
`terminals, the resulting portable terminals have becomeinte-
`grated multi-media devices.
`for providing multi-media
`[0006] Various approaches
`devices have focused on providing additional hardware or
`software in order to implement such complicated functions.
`For example, a user interface environment is provided to
`allow users to easily and conveniently retrieve or select func-
`tions. However, because these devicesare portable terminals,
`it is difficult to mount elements which support, for example,
`input/output functions, such as a user interface, without inter-
`fering with the portability of the portable terminals. In other
`words, as more functionality is added to the portable termi-
`nals, the componentsthat provide such functionality compete
`for space inside the portable terminal.
`[0007]
`In addition, a portable terminal is also seen as an
`expression ofthe individual and therefore the aesthetic of the
`portable terminal is important to manly users. Therefore,it is
`importantthat the various functions of the portable terminal
`are seamlessly integrated, while providing a portable terminal
`with wide appeal to users.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`an exterior surface of the portable terminal, a second portion
`connected to the first portion, and an electronic component
`locatedat the secondportion, the electronic componentbeing
`connectable to the portable terminal to provide at least one
`function associated with the portable terminal.
`[0013]
`In accordance with another aspect of the present
`invention, there is provided a casing for a portable terminal,
`the casing havinga first portion configured to replace a rear
`cover of a portable terminal so as to provide an exterior
`surface of the portable terminal, and a terminal portion pro-
`vided at the first portion, the terminal portion being config-
`ured to communicate with a terminalof the portable terminal
`that is exposed only upon removalof the rear cover.
`[0014]
`In accordance with yet another aspectof the present
`invention, there is provided a casing for a portable terminal,
`the casing havinga first portion configured to replace a rear
`cover of a portable terminal so as to provide all exterior
`surface of the portable terminal, an interposal portion pro-
`videdat the perimeterofthe first portion to detachably couple
`thefirst portion to the portable terminal, the interposal portion
`being interposed between the first portion and the portable
`terminal when the first portion is coupled to the portable
`terminal, and a strap detachably coupled to one of the first
`portion and the interposal portion.
`[0015]
`In accordance with a different aspect of the present
`invention, there is provided a portable terminal having a main
`body having a rear portion, the rear portion including an
`internal terminal, anda casing detachably coupled to the main
`body at the rear portion. The casing includesa first portion
`that defines an exterior surface of the portable terminal, and a
`terminal portion connected to the internal terminal of the
`portable terminal, the internal terminal of the portable termi-
`nal being exposed only whenthe casing is detached from the
`main body.
`[0016]
`Further scope of applicability of the present appli-
`cation will become more apparent from the detailed descrip-
`tion given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that
`the detailed description and specific examples, while indicat-
`ing different exemplary embodiments of the invention, are
`given by wayofillustration only, since various changes and
`modifications within the spirit and scope ofthe invention will
`becomeapparentto those skilled in the art from the detailed
`description.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to
`[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to
`provide a further understanding of the invention and are
`provide a casing having a different shape from that of the
`incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,
`related art and a portable terminal having the same.
`illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and
`[0009] Another object ofthe present inventionis to provide
`together with the description serve to explainthe principles of
`various functions to the portable terminal or extend existing
`the invention. In the drawings:
`functions of the portable terminal by using the casing.
`
`[0018] FIG. 1is a perspective view showingafront surface
`[0010]
`Still another object of the present invention is to
`of a portable terminal with a casing in accordance with one
`allow the casing to partially form an appearanceofthe por-
`exemplary embodimentofthe present invention;
`table terminal (or a main body) such that the casing can
`[0019]
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a rear surface
`appear to be a part of the portable terminal.
`of the portable terminal of FIG. 1;
`[0011]
`Still another object of the present invention is to
`[0020]
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the casing of
`provide the portable terminalin various shapes to account for
`different users’ tastes.
`FIG.1 in an open (unfolded) state, and FIG. 3A is a detailed
`view ofa portion of the casing of FIG. 1 at call-out A;
`[0021]
`FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken alongthe line
`IV-IV of FIG.3;
`[0022]
`FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken alongthe line
`V-V of FIG.3;
`
`To achieve these and other advantages and in accor-
`[0012]
`dance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied
`and broadly described herein,there is provided a casing for a
`portable terminal, the casing having a first portion configured
`to replace a rear cover of a portable terminalso as to provide
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US 2009/0124308 Al
`
`May14, 2009
`
`FIG.6 is a perspective view showinga closedstate
`[0023]
`of a second portion of the casing of FIG. 1;
`[0024]
`FIG. 7 is an explodedperspective view ofthe casing
`of FIG.3, with an electronic componentseparated therefrom;
`[0025]
`FIGS. 8 to 11 are perspective views showingdiffer-
`ent types of casings, respectively, in accordance with other
`exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and
`[0026]
`FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a portable terminal
`according to the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`tactile manner or any manner that a user may physically
`manipulate the manipulating portion. For example,
`the
`manipulating portion may be implemented as a dome switch,
`a touchpad,or a touch screen, which a user can push or touch
`to input commandsor information. Alternatively, the manipu-
`lating portion may be implemented as wheel, jog switch, or
`joystick operated in a rotational manner.
`[0031]
`From a functional perspective, the first manipulat-
`ing portion 12 may be configured to provide a menu input)
`such asstart, end, check (OK), or the like, whereas the second
`manipulating portion 24 mayact as a hot-key for performing
`a specific function, such as an activation of the first image
`[0027] Description will now be given in detail various
`input unit 15, as well as a scroll function.
`exemplary embodiments of portable terminals in relation to
`[0032] The interface 25 may serve as a data path which
`the present invention, with reference to the accompanying
`allows the portable terminal to exchange data with external
`drawings. Where possible, the same or similar reference
`devices. For example, the interface 25 may be used in a wired
`numerals will be usedto identify the sameor similar configu-
`or wireless maimer, and maybeat least one of a connection
`rations of the various exemplary embodiments, without
`terminal to which an earphone is connected, or a port for a
`repeating the specific details of the same or similar configu-
`local communication(e.g., infrared data (IrDA) port, BLUE-
`rations. While the exemplary embodiments of the present
`TOOTHport, wireless LANport, or tie like). The interface 25
`invention will be described with reference to a bar-type por-
`maybe a card socket for receiving an external card such as a
`table terminal, the present invention is applicable to other
`Subscriber Identification Module (SIM), a User Identity
`configurations, such as slide type portable terminals, folder
`Module (UIM)or a memory card for storing information, or
`type portable terminals, swing type portable terminals, and
`the like. The interface may also be used as a connection
`the like.
`terminal to receive power from a power supply terminal.
`
`[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showingafront surface
`[0033] The casing 100 coupledto the portable terminal 10
`of a portable terminal 10 having a casing 100 in accordance
`may include a first portion 110, which accommodates the
`with one exemplary embodimentof the present invention. A
`portable terminal 10 therein, and a second portion 120 on
`case (housing, cover, or the like) defining an appearance of a
`whichan electronic component 130 is mounted. The first and
`main bodyofthe portable terminal 10 includes a front case 11
`second portions 10 and 120 may be formed ofa material(e.g.,
`and a rear case 21. Various electronic components are
`leatheror the like) which is different from that of the portable
`mounted in spaces providedby the front andrear cases 11 and
`terminal 10, such that they can provide different aesthetic
`21. At least one intermediate case may be additionally dis-
`effects when coupledto the portable terminal 10.
`posed between the front case 11 and the rear case 21. Such
`[0034]
`Thefirst and second portions 110 and 120 may be
`cases may be formed of synthetic resin that is injected or
`foldably connectedto each other by a connecting portion 140.
`molded, or formedof a metal, such as stainless steel (STS) or
`In a folded state (see FIG. 6), the second portion 120 is
`titanium (Ti) or the like.
`disposed substantially in parallel with the first portion 110
`[0029] The front case 11 includesafirst manipulating por-
`while covering the front case 11 ofthe portable terminal 10. In
`tion 12, a display 13, a first audio (sound) output unit 14, a first
`an unfoldedstate, as shown in FIG.1, the first portion 110 and
`image input unit 15, an audio (sound) input unit 16, and the
`the second portion 120 form all obtuse angle therebetween.
`like. The first manipulating portion 12 may be configured to
`The casing 100 will be described in more detail later with
`receive a commandfor controlling operations of the portable
`reference to FIG.3.
`terminal 10. The display 13 may include a liquid crystal
`display (LCD) module, an organic light emitting diodes
`(OLED) module, or the like, or any other suitable display
`capable of represent information. The display 13 may further
`include a touch screen or touch pad suchthat a user can touch
`the display 13 to input information. Thefirst audio output unit
`14 maybe areceiver ora speaker. Thefirst image input unit 15
`may be acamera modulefor capturingstill images or moving
`images. The audio input unit 16 may be a microphone for
`receiving a user’s voice, other various sounds, andthelike.
`[0030] The rear case 21 mounted to a rear surface of the
`portable terminal 10 includes a broadcast signal receiving
`antenna 23, a second manipulating portion 24, all interface
`25, and the like. The broadcast signal receiving antenna 23
`maybe arrangedat oneside ofthe rear case 21 in addition to
`an antenna for call communicationsorthe like. The broadcast
`signal receiving antenna 23 may be disposedin therear case
`21 to be extendable from the main body of the portable
`terminal. The second manipulating portion 24 may bedis-
`posed at a side surface of the rear case 21. The second
`manipulating portion 24, as well as the first manipulating
`portion 12, may beall referred to as a manipulating portion.
`The manipulating portion can be configured to operate in a
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear surface of the
`[0035]
`portable terminal in FIG. 1. As shownin FIG.2,the rear case
`21 may further include a power supplying unit 22, a second
`image input unit 27, and thelike.
`[0036] The powersupplying unit 22 may be mountedin the
`rear case 21 to supply powerto the portable terminal 10. The
`powersupplying unit 22 may be a rechargeable battery, for
`example, so as to be detachably coupledto the rear case 21.
`Power source terminals 26a may be arranged adjacent to the
`powersupplying unit 22. The powersource terminals 26a are
`electrically connected to the power supplying unit 22. In
`addition to the power source terminals 26a, a data terminal
`265 may be formedatthe rear case 21.
`[0037] The second image input unit 27 has an image cap-
`turing direction substantially opposite to that of the first
`image input unit (refer to 15 in FIG. 1), and also may be
`implemented as a camera with a different numberof pixels
`from the first image input unit 15. For example, preferably,
`the first image input unit 15 may have a small number of
`pixels such that a user can capture his ownstill or moving
`imagessoasto easily send (transmit) to another party during
`telephonycalls or the like, and the second image input unit 27
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US 2009/0124308 Al
`
`May14, 2009
`
`arrangementto that ofkeys on a keyboard fora computer may
`be arranged on a key area 131 of the QWERTYtype keypad.
`Surrounding the key area 131, the second portion 120 may
`have a plurality of communication openings 124, 125, and
`126 corresponding to other components of the portable ter-
`minal 10 that communicate with the exterior. The communi-
`
`has a large numberof pixels because a user may desire to use
`this image input unit 27 to photograph images of general
`objects to be captured, which are not intended to be immedi-
`ately sent via telephony calls. Additionally, near the second
`image input unit 27,a flash 28 and a mirror 29 are disposed.
`The flash 28 irradiates light toward an object to be captured
`cation openings 124, 125, and 126 may include an audio
`when the second image input unit 27 is used. The mirror 29
`output opening 124forthefirst audio output unit 14, an image
`maybe used for a user to view his face or the like when the
`opening 125 correspondingto the first image input unit 15, an
`userdesires to capture his own imagesusing the second image
`audio input opening 126 openedfor the audio input unit 16,
`input unit 27.
`and the like. Even in the folded state of the casing 100, such
`[0038] A first coupling member 30 may be formed as a
`components(i.e., 14, 15 and 16) are not restricted from use.
`grooveat a side surface of a portion relatively protruded from
`[0043] The casing 100 mayfurther be provided with a state
`the rear case 21. The groove maybe disposed to be coupled to
`detecting unit 160 for detecting a folded state or unfolded
`the casing 100.
`state of the casing 100. The state detecting unit 160 may
`[0039] While it has been described above that the first
`includeafirst element 161 and a second element 162 respec-
`manipulating portion 12 andthe like are disposedat the front
`tively disposedat the first portion 110 and the secondportion
`case 11 and the second manipulating portion 24 andthe like
`120. The state detecting unit 160 may be configured using
`are disposed at the rear case 21, they are not limited to such
`different approaches, for example, in an optical manner, a
`positions. For example, the second manipulating portion 24
`magnetic manner, or the like. The state detecting unit 160
`maybe disposedat the front case 11 to be adjacentto the first
`detects the state of the casing 100 according to how close the
`manipulating portion 12. In addition, even though the second
`first and second elements 161 and 162 are positioned each
`image input unit 27 is separately provided, the first image
`other. For example, if the first element 161 is a magnet, the
`input unit 15 maybe rotatably configured so as to provide the
`second element 162 is a hall IC. Accordingly,the state of the
`capturing direction of the second image input unit 27.
`casing 100 can be detected by flux change depending on how
`[0040]
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an unfolded
`close the two elements 161 and 162 are positioned each other.
`state of the casing 100 of FIG. 1. As shownin FIG.3, thefirst
`[0044]
`Fixing portions 171 and 172 mayalso be provided to
`portion 110 ofthe casing 100 includes a coverportion 111 for
`keep the casing 100 in the folded state. The fixing portions
`receiving the portable terminal 10 therein, and an interposal
`171 and 172, for example, may be a magnet 171 disposed on
`portion 115 interposed betweenthe cover portion 111 and the
`the second portion 120, and a metal (refer to 172 of FIG. 1)
`portable terminal 10 when the casing 100 is coupled to the
`disposed on the portable terminal 10. Depending on a mag-
`portable terminal 10. The cover portion 111 maybereferred
`netic attraction between the fixing portions 171 and 172, the
`to as a battery cover portion in terms of being coupledto the
`second portion 120 can be kept in a state of being in contact
`portable terminal10 so as to cover the powersupplying unit or
`with the front case 11 ofthe portable terminal 10 in the folded
`battery 22 (see FIG. 2). The battery cover portion 111 has a
`state of the casing 100.
`communication opening or image opening 112 to allow the
`second image input unit (refer to 27 of FIG.2) or the like to
`[0045] While this exemplary embodiment of the present
`communicate with the exterior. Also, power source holes 113
`invention showsthe power holes 113 and data hole 114 pro-
`and a data hole 114 may be formed at one portion of the
`vided on a bottom edge to correspondto the bottom edge of
`battery cover portion 111 to correspond with the power
`portable terminal 10, the holes 113 and 114 can be provided
`source terminals andthe data terminal(refer to 26a and 266 in
`on any edge depending on the location of the power supply
`terminals 26a and the data terminal 266.
`FIG.2). Corresponding with the powersource holes 113 and
`the data hole 114, the power source terminals 151 andthe data
`terminal 152 maybe disposedin the interposal portion 115 to
`be connectable to the power source terminals and the data
`terminal, respectively. The power source terminals 151 and
`the data terminal 152 may beelectrically connected to the
`electronic component 130 so as to perform power exchange
`and data exchange therewith.
`[0041] The interposal portion 115 may extend along an
`outer circumference ofthe battery cover portion 111, so as to
`have a substantially annular (ring) shape. If the interposal
`portion 115 is formed of the same material as the second
`portion 120, such as leather, it can further enhance the aes-
`thetic effect of the casing 100, as well as advantageously
`decrease the level of shock provided to the main bodyof the
`portable terminal 10 if the portable terminal 10 is dropped or
`struck. The interposal portion 115 maybefurther coated with
`a glossy material such as chrome,thereby allowingthe inter-
`posal portion 115 to be more visually distinguished from the
`main body ofthe portable terminal 10.
`[0042] The second portion 120 of the casing 100 may be
`provided with the electronic component 130. As one example
`of the electronic component 130, a QWERTYtype keypadis
`shownin the drawing. A plurality of keys having a similar
`
`FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view taken alongtheline
`[0046]
`IV-IV of FIG. 3. As shownin FIG.4, a free end ofthe battery
`cover portion 111 may include a second coupling portion
`1114 in the form ofa protrusion that is connectable with the
`first coupling portion (refer to 30 of FIG. 1) of the portable
`terminal 10. The second coupling portion 111a@ may be one
`continuous member that cooperates with the first coupling
`portion 30 or a series of small projections 111a as shown in
`FIG.3A.Thefirst and second coupling portions 30 and 111a
`may also be implemented using other configurations, for
`example, the combination ofa magnet and conductor, so long
`as they can couple the casing 100 to the portable terminal 10
`with a certain level of coupling force and additionally allow
`the casing 100 to be separated from the portable terminal 10.
`A supporting portion 1116 may protrude from an outer sur-
`face of the battery cover portion 111. The interposal portion
`115 maybe disposed at a spacing limited by the supporting
`portion 1115 and the battery cover portion 111. The interposal
`portion 115 mayalso be fixedly coupledto the battery cover
`portion 111 in a manner of applying an adhesive onto the
`supporting portion 1116 or thelike.
`[0047]
`FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken alongthe line
`V-V of FIG. 3, where the casing 100 has been laid flat. As
`14
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`14
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`

`

`US 2009/0124308 Al
`
`May14, 2009
`
`shown in FIG. 5, the connecting portion 140 mayinclude a
`first member 141 and a second member 142. The first and
`
`second members 141 and 142 may be twosheets of leather
`connected to the second portion 120 and the interposal por-
`tion 115. The twosheets of leather may be backstitched to
`each other using thread, and a reinforcing member 143 may
`be disposed between the two sheets of leather before back-
`stitching them together. The reinforcing member 143 may be
`implemented as paper, such as hardboard. The provision of
`the reinforcing member 143 is advantageous in reducing the
`chance of or preventing a collapse (deformation) of the con-
`necting portion 140 due to the weight of the casing 100, even
`when the user operates the electronic component 130 while
`grabbing the second portion 120 in the unfolded state of the
`casing 100.
`[0048]
`FIG. 6 is aperspective view showingthe foldedstate
`of the second portion 120 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG.6, the
`second portion 120 foldedat the connecting portion 140 to be
`positioned substantially parallel
`to the first portion 110,
`thereby covering the frontside ofthe portable terminal 10. An
`auxiliary display 180 may additionally be provided on an
`outer surface ofthe second portion 120. The auxiliary display
`180 is small in size to occupy a relatively small area of the
`second portion 120. The auxiliary display 180 may be
`employed to display small amounts of information, for
`example, wave transmission/reception state, battery charge
`(level) information, current time, andthe like.
`[0049] Operation of the casing 100 according to thefirst
`exemplary embodiment will now be described. The user
`couples the casing 100 to the portable terminal 10 to allow the
`user to conveniently use the input function of the portable
`terminal 10. For example, when the electronic component
`130 is a QWERTYtype keypad, the user can easily compose
`emails or text messages.
`[0050] Because the casing 100 is coupled to cover the
`powersupplying unit 22, replacing a rear cover ofthe portable
`terminal 10 with the casing 100 and the exchange ofthe power
`supplying unit 22 may be done simultaneously, whereby the
`user is not inconvenienced with the process. The powerter-
`minals 26a and 151 are connected to each other and the data
`terminals 265 and 152 are connected to each other when the
`
`casing 100 is coupled to the portable terminal 10. Accord-
`ingly, the exchange of power and data therebetween can be
`achieved without any additional operation.
`[0051] When the user desires to place a call, the user may
`select a telephone numberdisplayed on the display 13 in a
`touching manneror, if in the unfolded state, input the tele-
`phone numberusing the electronic component 130. After the
`successful call connection, the audio output unit 14 and the
`audio input unit 16 are accessible to the user via the commu-
`nication openings 124 and 126 whenthe casing 100 is in the
`folded state. While the portable terminal 10 is usedfor the call
`communication in the folded state of the casing 130, the
`folded state may be stably maintained by the fixing portions
`171 and 172.
`
`FIG. 7 is an explodedperspective view ofthe casing
`[0052]
`100 of FIG.3, having the electronic component 130 separated
`therefrom. As shownin FIG.7,the electronic component 130
`may be detachably mounted to the second portion 120. The
`second portion 120 may include an accommodating portion
`121 in which the electronic component 130 is mounted and an
`outer circumferential portion 122 having an annular shape to
`surround the accommodating portion 121. The accommodat-
`ing portion 121 may berecessed to a certain depth such that
`
`whenthe electronic component 130 is mounted therein, the
`electronic component 130 is flush with the outer circumfer-
`ential portion 122.
`[0053] On aninnerwall ofthe outer circumferential portion
`122 defining the accommodating portion 121, power source
`terminals 156 and a data terminal 157 may be formed. The
`power source terminals 156 andthe data terminal 157 may be
`electrically connected to the power source terminals 151 and
`the data terminal 152 of the first portion 110, respectively.
`Corresponding with the power source terminals 156 and the
`data terminal 157, power source terminals 136 and a data
`terminal 137 may be formed on onesurface ofthe electronic
`component 130. In this manner, power maybetransferred or
`exchanged from the powersupplying unit 22 to the electronic
`component 130 sequentially via the power source terminals
`26a, 151, 156 and 136. In addition, data may be exchanged
`between the portable terminal 10 and the electronic compo-
`nent 130 sequentially via the data terminals 265, 152, 157 and
`137.
`
`Ifpower terminals and data terminal corresponding
`[0054]
`to the power terminals 156 and the data terminal 157 are
`provided, the electronic component may be configured to
`provide additional and/or different functions. For example,
`the electronic component maybe or may includeat least one
`of a biometric information detecting sensor, an auxiliary bat-
`tery for extending a power supply function of the power
`supplying unit 22, and an auxiliary antenna for extending a
`radio transmission/reception functionofthe portable terminal
`10. The casing 100 may be configured such that only the
`electronic component 130 is replaced without replacing the
`first and second portions 110 and 120, so as to enable the
`portable terminal 10 to be reconfigured in various designs.
`[0055] As described above, the data terminals 152, 157, and
`137 are providedfor direct contact with the data terminal 265
`and are electrically connected together so as to allow data
`exchange between the portable terminal 10 and the casing
`100. However, the data exchange betweenthe portable termi-
`nal 10 and the casing 100 can also be achieved by allowing a
`local radio communication module disposed atthe casing 100
`to wirelessly communicate with the interface 25 of the por-
`table terminal 10. Whetherthe portable terminal includes the
`data terminals 152, 157, and 137, or are provided by a local
`radio communication module, they may be referred to as
`casing interface. In addition, the casing interface may further
`include the power source terminals 26a, 151, 156 and 136.
`Accordingly, the casing interface can be used as a compre-
`hensive term to also include a device for allowing power and
`data exchange betweenthe portable terminal 10 and the cas-
`ing 100.
`FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing exemplary cas-
`[0056]
`ings 200 to 500 in accordance with other exemplary embodi-
`ments of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a casing 200
`having a gaming keypad 230 as the electronic component, and
`is appropriate for users who desire to simply play a game
`using the portable terminal 40.
`[0057]
`FIG. 9 shows an exemplary casing 300 having an
`auxiliary speaker 330 as the electronic component. The aux-
`iliary speaker 330 may be appropriate for users who want to
`listen to music using the portable terminal 10. The auxiliary
`speaker 330 may implementa stereo function by cooperating
`with the first audio output unit 14.
`[0058]
`FIG. 10 shows an exemplary casing 400 having a
`keypad 430 for listening to music as the electronic compo-
`nent. Since the keypad 430 may allow music controls, such as
`15
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`15
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`US 2009/0124308 Al
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`May14, 2009
`
`playing, stopping, without needing to see display 13, the
`keypad 430 may be arranged on an outer surface of a second
`portion 420. A connecting portion 440 by whicha first portion
`410 is connected to the second portion 420 allows the second
`portion 420 to be folded centering on an axis in a widthwise
`direction of the portable terminal 10, thereby exposing a
`second manipulating portion 24 and the like. The second
`manipulating portion 24 allowsa user, for example, to change
`his portable terminal 10 into a call communication mode
`upon receiving a call.
`[0059]
`FIG. 11 shows an exemplary casing 500 with a strap
`540. An interposal portion 515 maybeattached in an annular
`shape along an outer circumference of the battery cover por-
`tion 511. The strap 540 may be detachably mounted to one
`portion of the interposal portion 515. The strap 540 may be
`positioned outside the portable terminal 10, such that a user
`can easily grip the whole portable terminal 10 just by holding
`the strap 540. In addition, the strap 540 may be useful for
`hanging the portable terminal 10 from a ring of a bag or the
`like. Hence, the strap 540 can be provided to assist in the
`gripping or holding of the portable terminal 10.
`[0060]
`FIG. 12 is an exemplary block diagram ofa portable
`terminal related to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12,
`a portable terminal in accordance with any of the foregoing
`exemplary embodimentsofthe present invention may include
`a radio communication module 41, manipulating portions 12
`and 24, image input units 15 and 27, an audio input unit 16, a
`display 13, an audio output unit 14, a sensing unit 46, an
`interface 25, a broadcast receiving module 45, a memory 44,
`a power supplying unit 22, a casing interface 150, a state
`detecting unit 160, a electronic component 140, 240, 340 or
`