PHONE CASE BY

KWANG J. OH, LOREN OH, AND AUSTIN OH

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cell phone protective case is disclosed with sound outlets located in the right and left sides and the bottom perimeters, of a cell phone create appreciable sound effects, is disclosed. The The frame interior comprises of three sectional chambers with the bottom layer mainly covering the horizontal coverage axis. The top two layers, gradually decreasing in width to modify the frequencies in piecemeal together with the bottom chamber, create a more seasonal listening experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a slightly denser case frame, where the frame is equipped with an interior "reverse- engineering" chamber. Depending on the circumstances, as noted previously, the timbre and overall intensity of the emanating sound are often baffled. This lowers the

sophistication of the devices' multiple speaker-like- qualities such as: 1) music listening, 2) real-time driving directions, 3) schedule announcements, 4) two-way dialogue, 5) videos, and 6) television. In other words, today's mobile-phone has become a multi- function media device in which sophisticated sound transmission is of central importance and high demand.

The present invention was engineered according to a basic biological analogue of the human ear. After sound starts with the vibration of some material object, or voice, the vibrations strike the eardrum and get amplified by tiny bones in the middle ear, striking the cochlea. The membrane that separates the different chambers in the cochlea varies in stiffness, causing each section to vibrate at a different frequency.

Based on the biological reality of these neural signals within one cerebrum appreciating- sound, it is an object of the present invention to reverse-engineer the otherwise entwined higher pitched frequencies en route, more in piecemeal. The frequencies are channeled en route thru the bottom sectional layer, where they are "depressed" to create lower pitched sounds. The preferred arrangement of the reverse-engineering chamber is

operatively associated with the originating speaker thru a throat piece caused an "O-ring." The "O-ring" is a circular member that clamps onto/over the originating speaker, in which the initially restricted area of the throat prevents the passage of air, thus serving as an impedance matching mechanism.

In this arrangement, as the energy of wave motion is propagated outward from the center of disturbance, or the originating speaker located on the rear panel of said mobile-phone device, the reverse-engineering chamber channels the lower frequencies a ⁿ de-press" bottom

sectional layer. The bottom section is lines with a loose membrane/material, resembling the membranes that separate the different chambers in the cochlea. The wall lining or thin "membranes" impel the lower-pitched sounds through the speakers located on the outer rims of the device . The top sectional layers, occupying a smaller area along the horizontal coverage axis, channel the higher-pitched frequencies through an area line with a stiffer membrane/material. Because most sounds are a composite of frequencies, the reverse-engineering process effectively delivers the pre-entwined lower-pitched frequency en route by piecemeal, thereby creating a more seasoned listening experience .

According to the second embodiment, the mobile device case comprises a body, a pop-up plate, an outer support plate, an inner support plate, wedge-shape bellow sound amplifier, a plurality of first magnets, and a spring device.

The body is for covering the rear face of the mobile device, and comprises a plurality of fastening portions configured to fasten the mobile device, a plurality of utility holes for exposing portions of the mobile device, a base groove, and a cut-out opening provided at a part of the base groove .

The pop-up plate has an edge hinged to a portion of the body so as to cover the cut-out opening of the body.

The outer support plate is provided on an inner surface of the pop-up plate.

The inner support plate is provided on an inner surface of the base groove so as to cover the cut-out opening, and the inner support plate comprises one or more sound-guiding holes for guiding sound from the mobile device into a gap between the inner support plate and the pop-up plate.

The wedge-shape bellow sound amplifier is provided between the outer support plate and the inner support plate configured for amplifying the sound through the one or more sound-guiding holes from the mobile device. The plurality of first magnets are provided in the pop-up plate for attracting and holding the pop-up plate to the outer support plate .

The spring device is provided between the pop-up plate and the inner support plate through a first hole provided in the outer support plate and a second hole provided through the wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier, configured for opening the wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier along with the pop-up plate.

The plurality of first magnets and the spring device are configured such that the pop-up plate is kept closed when the pop-up plate is forced to be closed against the cut-out opening and is flipped open when the pop-up plate is detached and opened by a predetermined angle with respect to the hinging edge.

The body may be made by an injection molding.

The plurality of fastening portions may be provided at four corners thereof corresponding to four corners of the mobile device.

Each of the plurality of fastening portions may comprise an elastic grasping protrusions configured to extend over and hold the corresponding corner of the mobile device .

The depth of the base groove may be substantially same as a thickness of the pop-up plate.

The pop-up plate may comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion for opening.

The case of Claim 1, wherein body may further comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion provided next to an edge of the base groove for opening the pop-up plate.

The outer support plate may be attached to an inner surface of the pop-up plate. The wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier may comprise fan-shaped bellows provided at both sides thereof, and the fan-shaped bellows may be configured to limit the opening of the pop-up plate to the predetermined angle.

The pop-up plate may be connected to the body by a hinge .

Each of the first magnets may be embedded in the popup plate.

The pop-up plate may further comprise a plurality of first protrusions for elevating the surface of the pop-up plate off a floor and preventing it from scratch.

Some of the plurality of protrusions may be aligned with the first magnets.

The spring device may comprise a plate spring.

The plate spring may be provided at the edge of the pop-up plate hinged to the portion of the body, by heat- treating the edge.

The body may further comprise a plurality of second protrusions for elevating the surface of the pop-up plate off a floor and preventing it from scratch.

A height of the second protrusion may be higher than a height of the first protrusion.

The case may further comprise a plurality of second magnets disposed on an outer surface of the body so as to have the case and the mobile device stick to an external metal surface.

Each of the second magnets may protrude more by a predetermined height than the first magnets.

A third embodiment of the invention provides a sound- amplifying case for a mobile device.

The body is for covering the rear face of the mobile device and comprises a plurality of fastening portions configured to fasten the mobile device, a plurality of utility holes for exposing portions of the mobile device, and a base groove .

The sound guide groove is provided under a portion of a body edge of the body and opened over the speaker of the mobile device for guiding sound from the speaker toward the pop-up plate.

The sound guide hole is provided through a portion of the base groove of the body exposing the speaker of the mobile device to the sound guide groove.

The pop-up plate with a plate edge is hinged to a portion of the body substantially along the body edge so as to cover the base groove of the body.

The blockable sound slit is provided between the body and the pop-up plate above the sound guide groove, and the blockable sound slit is configured to open when the pop-up plate is closed down and to close when the pop-up plate is opened up.

The wedge-shape bellow sound amplifier comprises first and second foldable pan-shaped plates, and each of them is installed between corresponding side edge of the base groove of the body and corresponding inner edge of the popup plate, and each of the first and second foldable pan- shaped plates engages the body through a first hinge and the pop-up plate through a second hinge, wherein each of the first and second foldable pan-shaped plates comprises two sub-plates connected to each other through a third hinge .

The plurality of first magnets are provided in the pop-up plate for attracting and holding the pop-up plate to the body. The spring device is provided between the pop-up plate and the body, configured for opening the wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier along with the pop-up plate.

The plurality of first magnets and the spring device are configured such that the pop-up plate is kept closed when the pop-up plate is forced to be closed and is flipped open when the pop-up plate is detached and opened by a predetermined angle with respect to the hinging edge.

The plurality of fastening portions may be provided at four corners thereof corresponding to four corners of the mobile device.

Each of the plurality of fastening portions may comprise an elastic grasping protrusions configured to extend over and hold the corresponding corner of the mobile device.

Each of the plurality of fastening portions may comprise an elevating protrusion for lifting a front surface of the mobile device off a floor.

The pop-up plate may comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion for opening.

The body may further comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion provided next to an edge of the base groove for opening the pop-up plate.

The sound guide groove may be opened to the base groove below an outer surface of the body edge.

The sound guide groove may comprise a tilted groove edge along an edge of the base groove .

The pop-up plate may comprise a tilted plate edge provided at a portion of the plate edge at a location corresponding to the tilted groove edge of the sound guide groove, and the tilted groove edge of the sound guide groove and the tilted plate edge form the blockable sound slit.

Each of the tilted groove edge and the tilted plate edge may be tilted inward.

The pop-up plate may be hinged with the body along the edge of the base groove through a fourth hinge, and the rotational center thereof is located in a middle depth of the base groove, such that the blockable sound slit is opened when the pop-up plate is closed down and closed when the pop-up plate is opened up.

The fourth hinge may be provided at a center of the plate edge .

The wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier may be

disposed with the base groove when folded.

The first and second hinges may be configured to fold in an inward direction only such that the two sub-plates are folded inward only at the third hinge .

The third hinge may be configured to fold in an inward direction only such that the two sub-plates are folded inward only at the first or second hinges.

Each of the first magnets may comprise a bottom metal portion fixed to and embedded in an inner surface of the pop-up plate and a cap metal portion is attached to inner surface of the pop-up plate so as to form a gap inbetween for receiving the magnet.

The body may further comprise a cap metal holder fixed to an outer surface of the base groove of the body so as to receive the cap metal portion of the magnet.

The spring device may comprise a conical coil spring having an apex end and a base end.

The base end may be fixed to the pop-up plate through a spring base holder provided on the inner surface of the pop-up plate, and the apex end is fixed to the body through a spring apex holder provided on the outer surface of the base groove .

The sound-amplifying case may further comprise a limiter and a limiter receptacle.

The limiter is provided on an edge of the base groove for preventing the foldable pan- shaped plate from bending outward .

The limiter receptacle is provided on an inner edge of the pop-up plate for receiving the limiter when the pop-up plate is closed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. la) is a perspective view of a case installed and opened in a cell phone according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. lb) is a perspective view of a membrane of a sound amplifier in Fig. la) ;

Fig. lc) is a side view of the end side of a cell phone stationary case opened;

Fig. Id) is a cross-sectional view of the case when opened;

Fig. le) is a side view of the cell phone when the case is opened;

Fig. 2a) is a perspective view of a case installed and closed;

Fig. 2b) is a cross-sectional view of the case when closed;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a mobile device case according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an outer support plate according an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier according an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an inner support plate according an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a mobile device case according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 is an exploded cross-sectional view showing the mobile device of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pop-up plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a front view of a a pop-up plate according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the pop-up plate of

Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an outer support plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a top view showing a mobile device case when the pop-up plate is opened according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a front view of the mobile device case showing paths of sound according to still another

embodiment of the invention;

Fig- 15 is a perspective view showing a wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier according an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 16 is a top plan view of a mobile device case according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 16 along line XVI I -XVII ; Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a body and magnets according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a magnet of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a side view of a plate spring that is closed according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 21 is a top view of the plate spring of Fig. 20 when closed;

Fig. 22 is another side view of the plate spring that is opened;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the plate spring of Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is a side view showing a mobile device case installed with a mobile device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a magnet embedded in a pop-up plate according to an

embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 26 is a partial perspective view showing the magnet of Fig. 25;

Fig. 27 is a front view showing a sound-amplifying case for a mobile device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 28 is a side view showing the sound-amplifying case of Fig. 27;

Fig. 29 is a front view showing a sound-amplifying case with a pop-up plate removed according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 30 is a front view showing a sound-amplifying case according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 31 is a side view of the sound-amplifying case of Fig. 29 with a pop-up plate opened; Fig. 32 is a partial cross-sectional view around a fourth hinge in Fig. 31;

Fig. 33 shows an upper portion of a body of a sound- amplifying case according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 34 shows a body of a sound-amplifying case according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 35 is a right half cross-sectional view of the sound-amplifying case along line IX- IX in Fig. 27;

Fig. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view of a magnet according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 37 is a perspective view of a magnet assembly of Fig. 36;

Fig. 38 is a pop-up plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 39 is a partial perspective view of a fourth hinge according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 40 is a perspective view showing first, second, and third hinges according to an embodiment of the

invention;

Fig. 41 is a perspective view showing a first portion of the second hinge of Fig. 40;

Fig. 42 is a perspective view showing a second portion of the second hinge of Fig. 40;

Fig. 43 is a perspective view showing an inner side of a pop-up plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 44 is a perspective view showing a first hinge part of a second hinge according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 45 is a perspective view showing a second hinge part of a second hinge according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 46 shows a foldable pan-shaped plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 47 shows a sub-plate of the foldable pan-shaped plate of Fig. 46;

Fig. 48 shows a part of a third hinge according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 49 shows a path of sound when a pop-up plate is closed according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 50 shows a path of sound when a pop-up plate is opened according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 51 shows another path of sound when a pop-up plate is closed according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 52 shows another path of sound when a pop-up plate is opened according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 53 is a perspective view showing a blockable sound slit when the pop-up plate is closed as in Fig. 51 according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 54 is a perspective view showing a pop-up plate with a foldable pan-shaped plate assembled according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 55 is a rear view showing a sound-amplifying case with a locking device according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 56(a) and (c) are a perspective cross-sectional view showing a foldable pan-shaped plate along with a limiter, and Fig. 56(b) shows a limiter receptacle

according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 57(a) and (b) show a limiter receptacle of Fig. 56 (b) ;

Fig. 58 is a top plan view showing a foldable pan- shaped plate with a third hinge installed according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 59 shows a locking device according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 60 is a perspective view showing a sound- amplifying case with a pop-up plate opened according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 61 is a top view showing the sound-amplifying case with a pop-up plate opened of Fig. 60;

Fig. 62 is a perspective view showing a sound- amplifying case with a pop-up plate opened according to still another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 63 is a perspective view showing a sound- amplifying case with a pop-up plate opened according to still another embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 64 is a perspective view showing a sound- amplifying case with a pop-up plate opened according to still another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A cell phone protective case, which is disclosed with sound outlets located in the right and left sides and the bottom perimeters, of a cell phone create appreciable sound effects, is disclosed. The The frame interior

comprises of three sectional chambers with the bottom layer mainly covering the horizontal coverage axis. The top two layers, gradually decreasing in width to modify the

frequencies in piecemeal together with the bottom chamber, create a more seasonal listening experience.

The present invention is a slightly denser case frame, where the frame is equipped with an interior "reverse- engineering" chamber. Depending on the circumstances, as noted previously, the timbre and overall intensity of the emanating sound are often baffled. This lowers the sophistication of the devices' multiple speaker- 1ike- qualities such as: 1) music listening, 2) real-time driving directions, 3) schedule announcements, 4) two-way dialogue, 5) videos, and 6) television. In other words, today's mobile-phone has become a multi -function media device in which sophisticated sound transmission is of central importance and high demand.

The present invention was engineered according to a basic biological analogue of the human ear. After sound starts with the vibration of some material object, or voice, the vibrations strike the eardrum and get amplified by tiny bones in the middle ear, striking the cochlea. The membrane that separates the different chambers in the cochlea varies in stiffness, causing each section to vibrate at a different frequency.

Based on the biological reality of these neural signals within one cerebrum appreciating- sound, it is an object of the present invention to reverse-engineer the otherwise entwined higher pitched frequencies en route, more in piecemeal. The frequencies are channeled en route thru the bottom sectional layer, where they are "depressed" to create lower pitched sounds. The preferred arrangement of the reverse-engineering chamber is

operatively associated with the originating speaker thru a throat piece caused an "O-ring." The "O-ring" is a circular member that clamps onto/over the originating speaker, in which the initially restricted area of the throat prevents the passage of air, thus serving as an impedance matching mechanism .

In this arrangement, as the energy of wave motion is propagated outward from the center of disturbance, or the originating speaker located on the rear panel of said mobile-phone device, the reverse-engineering chamber channels the lower frequencies a "de-press" bottom

sectional layer. The bottom section is lines with a loose membrane/material, resembling the membranes that separate the different chambers in the cochlea. The wall lining or thin "membranes" impel the lower-pitched sounds through the speakers located on the outer rims of the device . The top sectional layers, occupying a smaller area along the horizontal coverage axis, channel the higher-pitched frequencies through an area line with a stiffer

membrane/material . Because most sounds are a composite of frequencies, the reverse-engineering process effectively delivers the pre-entwined lower-pitched frequency en route by piecemeal, thereby creating a more seasoned listening experience .

A ^' first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 1(a) depicts detailed drawing of the expendable and collapsible sound amplifying cellular phone case when opened. The sound amplifying vibrating membrane 505 is attached to the cell phone stationary cover case 400 . The camera lens 450 lies under the call phone stationary cover case. The spring 300 that holds the cell phone stationary case, depicted as dotted circular shaped drawing, is compressed and elongated when the case is pressed down;

Fig. 1(b) depicts enlarged drawing of the sound amplifying vibrating membrane 505 ; Fig. 1(c) depicts the side view of the end side of the cell phone stationary case when opened. The sound is emitted from the cell phone speaker attached at the end side of the cell phone., through the small gap created in between the cell phone and the cell phone case; Fig. 1(d) shows cross sectional view of the expendable and collapsible sound amplifying cellular phone case when opened. Fig. 1(e) shows side view of the cell phone of when the case is opened. In order for the sound to be properly amplified, the sound amplifying vibrating membrane 505 should be expanded from the stationary speaker case 400. Once the sound is amplified, the sound can be exited through the gap created in between the case 400 and the stationary expander case 505. This is the preferred

embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2(a) contains detailed drawing of the back of the cell phone sound amplifier foldable case when closed; Fig. 2 (b) depicts cross sectional view of the expendable and collapsible sound amplifying cellular phone case when closed.

1) A cell phone protective case, with expander of sound outlet located on the right and left side and the bottom perimeters, of a cell phone, wherein the frame interior is comprised of a circular throat member for sound impedance, matching to create an improved coupling effect between the original speaker, and the air, where the frame interior is comprised of sectional chambers covering both the horizontal and vertical coverage axis' to change the directional characteristics of sound waves to amplify and channel the sound en route towards the outer perimeters of the device, wherein expendable and collapsible stationary speaker case pops up when pressed down, as the spring sustaining the expander is compressed and expanded.

2) The cell phone protective case in 1) is used as a stand when the case is slightly opened and laid across the table. 3) The cell phone protective case in 1) is used as a video viewing stand when the case is slightly opened and laid across the table.

The cell phone protective case, with expander of sound outlet located on the right and left sides and the bottom perimeters, of a cell phone is invented. The frame interior is comprised of a circular throat member for sound

impedance, matching to create an improved coupling effect between the original speaker, and the air, where the frame interior is comprised of sectional chambers covering both the horizontal and vertical coverage axis' to change the directional characteristics of sound waves to amplify and channel the sound en route towards the outer perimeters of the device.

A second embodiment ofthe invention provides an expendable and collapsible sound amplifying mobile device case 100 as shown in Figs. 3-26.

A case 100 is for a mobile device 90 with a front face, a rear face, a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, a camera lens, and a speaker.

The mobile device case 100 comprises a body 10, a popup plate 20, an outer support plate 30, an inner support plate 40, a wedge-shape bellow sound amplifier 50, a

plurality of first magnets 60, and a spring device 70.

The body 10 is for covering the rear face of the mobile device 90, and comprises a plurality of fastening portions 12 configured to fasten the mobile device 90, a plurality of utility holes 14 for exposing portions of the mobile device 90, a base groove 16, and a cut-out opening 18 provided at a part of the base groove 16. The pop-up plate 20 has an edge 22 hinged to a portion of the body 10 so as to cover the cut-out opening 18 of the body 10.

The outer support plate 30 is provided on an inner surface of the pop-up plate 20 as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.

The inner support plate 40 is provided on an inner surface of the base groove 16 so as to cover the cut-out opening 18, and the inner support plate 40 comprises one or more sound-guiding holes 42 for guiding sound from the mobile device 90 into a gap between the inner support plate 40 and the pop-up plate 20 as shown in Fig. 6.

The wedge -shape bellow sound amplifier 50 is provided between the outer support plate 30 and the inner support plate 40 configured for amplifying the sound through the one or more sound-guiding holes 42 from the mobile device 90.

The plurality of first magnets 60 are provided in the pop-up plate 20 for attracting and holding the pop-up plate 20 to the outer support plate 30.

The spring device 70 is provided between the pop-up plate 20 and the inner support plate 40, configured for opening the wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier 50 along with the pop-up plate.

The plurality of first magnets 60 and the spring device 70 are configured such that the pop-up plate 20 is kept closed when the pop-up plate 20 is forced to be closed against the cut-out opening 18 and is flipped open when the pop-up plate 20 is detached and opened by a predetermined angle with respect to the hinging edge 22.

The body 10 may be made by an injection molding. The plurality of fastening portions 12 may be provided at four corners thereof corresponding to four corners of the mobile device 90 as shown in Fig. 1.

Each of the plurality of fastening portions 12 may comprise an elastic grasping protrusions configured to extend over and hold the corresponding corner of the mobile device 90.

Each of the plurality of fastening portions 12 may further comprise an elevating protrusion 13 for lifting a front surface of the mobile device 90 off a floor as shown in Figs. 1(c) and 24.

The depth of the base groove 16 may be substantially same as a thickness of the pop-up plate 20. The base groove 16 may be located anywhere around the edge of the cut-out opening 18 to facilitate access of a finger or fingernail of the user for opening the pop-up plate 20.

The pop-up plate 20 may comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion 24 for opening. The base groove 16 may be below and around such a thumbnail cut-out portion 24 so as to prevent the pop-up plate 20 from being flipped in.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the thumbnail cut-out portion 24 for opening may be provided at other portion such as sides of the pop-up plate 20.

Alternatively, the body 10, instead of the pop-up plate 20, may further comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion (not shown) provided next to an edge of the base groove 16 for opening the pop-up plate 20.

The outer support plate 30 may be attached to an inner surface of the pop-up plate 20. In certain embodiments, they may be glued to each other .

The wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier 50 may

comprise fan- shaped bellows 52 provided at both sides thereof as shown in Figs. 5, 13, 15, and the fan- shaped bellows 52 may be configured to limit the opening of the pop-up plate 20 to the predetermined angle.

The pop-up plate 20 may be connected to the body 10 by a hinge .

Each of the first magnets 60 may be embedded in the pop-up plate 20 as shown in Figs. 7, 18, 19.

In certain embodiments, each of the first magnets 60 may be covered by a metal cap 62 provided between the popup plate 20 and the first magnet 60 so as to reduce leaking of magnetic field outward as shown in Figs. 25 and 26.

Thereby the chance to mess up information in a magnetic tape of credit cards and the like.

The metal cap 62 may have a shape of a disc with an open end as shown in Fig. 26. The magnet 60 may be attached to the metal cap 62 by gluing or other appropriate means .

The combination of the magnet 60 and the metal cap 62 may be plugged in and fixed in a receiving groove 26

provided in the pop-up plate 20 as shown in Figs. 25 and 26.

The pop-up plate 20 may further comprise a plurality of first protrusions (not shown) for elevating the surface of the pop-up plate 20 off a floor and preventing it from scratch .

Some of the plurality of protrusions may be formed alike and aligned with the first magnets 60.

The spring device 70 may comprise a plate spring as shown in Figs. 20-23.

The plate spring may be provided at the edge 22 of the pop-up plate 20 hinged to the portion of the body 10, by heat-treating the edge 22. The body 10 may further comprise a plurality of second protrusions (not shown) for elevating the surface of the pop-up plate 20 off a floor and preventing it from scratch.

A height of the second protrusion may be higher than a height of the first protrusion.

The case may further comprise a plurality of second magnets 80 disposed on an outer surface of the body 10 so as to have the case and the mobile device stick to an external metal surface. In certain embodiments, the second protrusions may look like the second magnets 80.

Each of the second magnets 80 may protrude more by a predetermined height than the first magnets 60.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the wedge- shape bellow sound amplifier 50 may comprise two bellows portions 52, each of which covering side wedge-shape gap between the pop-up plate 20 and the body 10 with

substantially right angle with respect to each of the popup plate 20 and the body 10, wherein each bellow 52

comprises a plurality of radial creases 54 as shown in Figs. 5, 13, and 15.

Each bellow 52 may be fixed to either the pop-up plate 20 or the body 10 through gluing or other mechanical fasteners (not shown) .

In these embodiments, the outer support plate 30 may not be needed.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the spring device 70 may comprise a pin spring 72 provided between the pop-up plate 20 and the body 10 as shown in Figs. 20-24.

The pin spring 72 may comprise a pop-up portion 73, a base portion 74, and a cut-out portion 75 provided in the base portion 74. The pop-up portion 73 is flipped up or opened and remained so under no external force applied, as shown in Figs. 22 and 23. Under pressure or external force, the pin spring 72 is closed down with the pop-up portion 73 back in the cut-out portion 75 as shown in Figs. 20 and 21.

The pin spring 72 may be installed by fixing the base portion 74 to the inner surface of the pop-up plate 20. In an embodiment, the base portion 74 may be fixed by gluing .

The pop-up portion 73 may be bent slightly as shown in Figs. 22 and 23, so as to touch and slide freely over the inner support plate 40 in opening and closing the pop-up plate 20 as shown in Fig. 24.

In Fig. 24, the elevating protrusion 13 is shown as a pointed protrusion extending one small portion of edge thereof. However, in certain embodiments, the elevating protrusion 13 may be provided as extended protrusion 13' as shown in Fig. 24.

In certain embodiments, the inner support plate 40 may further comprise a plurality of fastening holes 44 as shown in Fig. 6. These holes 44 may be fitted and fastened to corresponding bumps 19 provided in the inner surface of the body 10 as shown in Fig. 8.

Alternatively, the inner support plate 40 may be fixed to the body 10 through gluing of course.

In Fig. 9, the pop-up plate 20 may further comprise a groove in central portion thereof. Alternatively, the popup plate 20 may have a flat bottom (not shown) .

Fig. 14 shows a front view of the mobile device case 100 showing paths of sound through the amplifier 50.

A third embodiment of the invention provides sound- amplifying cases as shown in Figs. 27 through 64.

Figs. 27-64 show sound-amplifying cases and their components according to embodiments of the invention An object of the invention is to provide a sound- amplifying case for a mobile device.

An aspect of the invention provides a sound-amplifying case 100 for a mobile device 290 as shown in Fig. 28.

The case 100 is for the mobile device 290 with its regular parts such as a front face, a rear face, a top edge, a bottom edge, two side edges, and a speaker.

The sound-amplifying case 100 comprises a body 10, a sound guide groove 20, a sound guide hole 30, a pop-up plate 40, a blockable sound slit 50, a wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier 60, a plurality of first magnets 70, and a spring device 80.

The body 10 is for covering the rear face of the mobile device 290 and comprises a plurality of fastening portions 12 (refer to Fig. 61) configured to fasten the mobile device 290, a plurality of utility holes for

exposing portions of the mobile device 290, and a base groove 14 (refer to Figs. 33 and 34) .

The sound guide groove 20 (refer to Figs. 27, 29, 30, 51, 52) is provided under a portion of a body edge 11 of the body 10 and opened over the speaker 292 (refer to Fig. 30) of the mobile device 290 for guiding sound from the speaker 292 toward the pop-up plate 40.

The sound guide hole 30 is provided through a portion of the base groove 14 of the body 10 exposing the speaker 292 of the mobile device 290 to the sound guide groove 20 as shown in Figs. 33, 34, 51, 52.

The pop-up plate 40 with a plate edge is hinged to a portion of the body 10 substantially along the body edge 11 so as to cover the base groove 14 of the body 10.

The blockable sound slit 50 is provided between the body 10 and the pop-up plate 40 above the sound guide groove 20, and the blockable sound slit 50 is configured to open when the pop-up plate 40 is closed down and to close when the pop-up plate 40 is opened up.

The wedge-shape bellow sound amplifier 60 comprises first and second foldable pan- shaped plates 62, 64, and each of them is installed between corresponding side edge of the base groove 14 of the body 10 and corresponding inner edge of the pop-up plate 40, and each of the first and second foldable pan- shaped plates 62, 64 engages the body 10 through a first hinge 92 and the pop-up plate 40 through a second hinge 94, wherein each of the first and second foldable pan- shaped plates 62, 64 comprises two sub- plates 66 connected to each other through a third hinge 96.

The plurality of first magnets 70 are provided in the pop-up plate 40 for attracting and holding the pop-up plate 40 to the body 10.

The spring device 80 is provided between the pop-up plate 40 and the body 10, configured for opening the wedge- shaped bellow sound amplifier 60 along with the pop-up plate 40.

The plurality of first magnets 70 and the spring device 80 are configured such that the pop-up plate 40 is kept closed when the pop-up plate 40 is forced to be closed and is flipped open when the pop-up plate 40 is detached and opened by a predetermined angle with respect to the hinging edge, which may be from about 12 degrees to about 30 degrees, preferably about 22 degrees.

The plurality of fastening portions 12 may be provided at four corners thereof corresponding to four corners of the mobile device 290. Alternatively, the plurality of fastening portions 12 may be provided along four side edges as shown in Figs. 60 and 61. Each of the plurality of fastening portions 12 may comprise an elastic grasping protrusions configured to extend over and hold the corresponding corner of the mobile device 290 .

Each of the plurality of fastening portions 12 may comprise an elevating protrusion 13 for lifting a front surface of the mobile device 290 off a floor.

The pop-up plate 40 may comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion 42 for opening.

The body 10 may further comprise a thumbnail cut-out portion provided next to an edge of the base groove for opening the pop-up plate 40 .

The sound guide groove 20 may be opened to the base groove 14 below an outer surface of the body edge .

The sound guide groove 20 may comprise a tilted groove edge 22 along an edge of the base groove as shown in Figs. 51 and 52.

The pop-up plate 40 may comprise a tilted plate edge 42 provided at a portion of the plate edge at a location corresponding to the tilted groove edge 22 of the sound guide groove 20 , and the tilted groove edge of the sound guide groove 20 and the tilted plate edge 42 form the blockable sound slit 50 as shown in Figs. 51 and 52.

Each of the tilted groove edge 22 and the tilted plate edge 42 may be tilted inward as shown in Figs. 51 and 52.

The pop-up plate 40 may be hinged with the body 10 along the edge of the base groove 14 through a fourth hinge 98 , and the rotational center thereof is located in a middle depth of the base groove 14 , such that the blockable sound slit 50 is opened when the pop-up plate 40 is closed down and closed when the pop-up plate 40 is opened up. The fourth hinge 98 may be provided at a center of the plate edge.

The wedge-shaped bellow sound amplifier 60 may be disposed with the base groove when folded.

The first and second hinges 92, 94 may be configured to fold in an inward direction only such that the two sub- plates 66 are folded inward only at the third hinge 96.

The third hinge 96 may be configured to fold in an inward direction only such that the two sub-plates 66 are folded inward only at the first or second hinges 92, 94.

Each of the first magnets 70 may comprise a bottom metal portion 72 fixed to and embedded in an inner surface of the pop-up plate 40 and a cap metal portion 74 is attached to inner surface of the pop-up plate 40 so as to form a gap inbetween for receiving the magnet 70 as shown in Figs. 36 and 37. The bottom metal portion 72 may be enclosed by a bottom metal holder 46 provided on the inner surface of the pop-up plate 40 as shown in Fig. 36.

The body 10 may further comprise a cap metal holder 76 fixed to an outer surface of the base groove 14 of the body 10 so as to receive the cap metal portion 74 of the magnet 70.

The spring device 80 may comprise a conical coil spring having an apex end 80' and a base end 80" as shown in Figs. 54 and 55.

The base end may be fixed to the pop-up plate 40

through a spring base holder 80" provided on the inner surface of the pop-up plate 40, and the apex end is fixed to the body 10 through a spring, apex holder 80' provided on the outer surface of the base groove 14 as shown in Figs . 54 and 55. The sound-amplifying case 100 may further comprise a limiter 18 and a limiter receptacle 48 .

The limiter 18 is provided on an edge of the base groove 14 for preventing the foldable pan-shaped plate 62 , 64 from bending outward as shown in Figs. 56(a) and 56(c) .

The limiter receptacle 48 is provided on an inner edge of the pop-up plate 40 for receiving the limiter 18 when the pop-up plate 40 is closed as shown in Figs. 56(B), 57 (a) , and 57 (b) .

The limiter 18 and the limiter receptacle 48 are configured to prevent the foldable pan- shaped plate 62 , 64 from bending outward.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the sound- amplifying case 100 may further comprise a locking device 110 as shown in Figs. 55 and 60.

The locking device 110 may include a pair of axle groove 112 and a pair of fasteners 114. The pair of axle groove 112 provides an axle support for the fourth hinge 98 . And, the pair of fasteners 114 provide its fastening to the body 10 .

Referring to Fig. 27, the sound guide groove 20 may function as a resonance chamber for the sound from the speaker 292 of the mobile device 290 even when the pop-up plate 40 is closed. Therefore, in an embodiment, the blockable sound slit 50 may be omitted.

Referring to Fig. 28, the number and locations of the magnets 70 may be adjusted according to the detailed structure of the case 100 . Also, the hinges 92 , 94 , 96 are not limited to the illustrated ones, but can be of any type of hinges . Referring to Fig. 31, the foldable pan- shaped plates 62, 64 and the spring device 80 are omitted for emphasis of the pop-up plate 40.

Referring to Figs. 30 and 33, the shape and the size of the sound guide groove 20 may be similar to that of the sound guide hole 30. Of course, their relative sizes can be adjusted for better performance.

Referring to Figs. 49 and 50, the sound may be guided out from the blockable sound slit 50. However, as discussed in the above, the blockable sound slit 50 may be omitted in certain embodiments. When the pop-up plate 40 is opened, most of the sound is guided through the sound amplifier 60 as illustrated.

Referring to Figs. 51-53, the blockable sound slit 50 may be provided by find adjusting of the tilted groove edge 22, the tilted plate edge 42, and the fourth hinge 98. The sound path (S) is shown in the figures. Also, the relative locations and shapes and sizes of the sound guide groove 20 and the sound guide hole 30 may be adjusted accordingly, too.