Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DEVICES FOR REFLECTING, DEFLECTING, AND/OR ABSORBING
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION EMITTED FROM AN ELECTRONIC
DEVICE AND METHODS THEREFOR
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
[0001] Aspects of this document relate generally to mobile electronic devices.
More specific implementations involve accessories for mobile phones.
2. Background
[0002] Mobile electronic devices that have wireless communication capability
utilize radios (transceivers) that utilize electromagnetic radiation of
various frequencies to
transfer information, such as data and voice communication. The
electromagnetic radiation
is emitted and received using an antenna coupled with the radio. Some mobile
electronic
devices utilizes multiple radios and corresponding antennas to transmit using
multiple
frequencies.
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SUMMARY
[0003] Implementations of devices used with mobile electronic devices may
include: a metal-containing plate configured to be directly attached to a rear
surface of a
mobile electronic device where the metal-containing plate includes a coating.
The metal-
containing plate may be configured to deflect, absorb, or reflect
electromagnetic radio
frequency radiation emitted by the mobile electronic device away from a user
of the mobile
electronic device.
[0004] Implementations of mobile electronic devices may include one, all, or
any of
the following:
[0005] The metal-containing plate may be smaller than, substantially
coextensive
with, or the same dimension as a perimeter of the rear surface of the mobile
electronic
device.
[0006] The metal-containing plate may include a perimeter that forms any
closed
shape.
[0007] The metal-containing plate may include a non-planar surface on a
largest
surface of the metal-containing plate.
[0008] The metal-containing plate may include a material selected from the
group
consisting copper, gold, silver, platinum, nickel, aluminum, ferrite,
shungite, any radio
frequency attenuating, absorbing, or reflecting material, or any combination
thereof
[0009] The coating may be selected from the group consisting of an
electroplated
coating, an electroless plated coating, a paint including a wet or dry
carrier, a rubber
coating, a metal coating, a metal filing coating, a magnetic coating, a clear
coating, a
ceramic coating, a powder coating, or any combination thereof.
[0010] The metal-containing plate may include two or more layers where one of
the
two or more layers may be either a metallic material or a non-metallic
material and a
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second one of the two or more layers is either a non-metallic material or a
metallic
material.
[0011] The device may further include a coupling mechanism on the metal-
containing plate where the coupling mechanism is configured to couple the
metal-
containing plate directly to the rear surface of the portable electronic
device. The coupling
mechanism may be selected from the group consisting of an adhesive, hook and
loop
fasteners, screws, snaps, double sided tape, polymers, suction cups,
magnetics, or any
combination thereof
[0012] Implementations of a device used with a mobile electronic device may
include a plate configured to be directly attached to a rear surface of a
mobile electronic
device or coupled between a cover and the rear surface of the mobile
electronic device.
The plate may include at least two portions. A material of at least one of the
at least two
portions of the plate may be configured to deflect, absorb, or reflect
electromagnetic radio
frequency radiation emitted by the mobile electronic device away from a user
of the mobile
electronic device.
[0013] Implementations of devices used with a mobile electronic device may
include one, all, or any of the following:
[0014] The plate may include at least two metal-containing portions.
[0015] The at least two portions of the plate may be coupled together through
a
non-metallic portion or metallic portion.
[0016] The non-metallic portion may be selected from the group consisting of a
binder, a support, a plastic support, a rubber support, a polymer support, a
wood support, a
carbon fiber support, a resin support, a glass reinforced epoxy laminate
support, an
adhesive, a glue, a molding compound, and any combination thereof.
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[0017] The device may further include a coating which may be selected from the
group consisting of an electroplated coating, an electroless plated coating, a
paint including
a wet or dry carrier, a rubber coating, a ceramic coating, a metal coating, a
metal filing
coating, a magnetic coating, a clear coating, a powder coating, or any
combination thereof.
[0018] At least one of the at least two portions of the plate may include two
or more
layers where one of the two or more layers is either a metallic material or a
non-metallic
material and a second one of the two or more layers is either a non-metallic
material or a
metallic material.
[0019] Implementations of a device used with a mobile electronic device may
include a plate configured to be directly attached to a rear surface of a
mobile electronic
device or coupled between a cover and the rear surface of the mobile
electronic device.
The plate may include a mesh. A material of the mesh may be configured to
deflect,
absorb, or reflect electromagnetic radio frequency radiation emitted by the
mobile
electronic device away from a user of the mobile electronic device.
[0020] Implementations of devices used with a mobile electronic device may
include one, all, or any of the following:
[0021] The mesh may include a plurality of substantially perpendicularly
oriented
members.
[0022] The mesh may include a plurality of spaced closed shaped openings
through
the material.
[0023] The device may include a coupling mechanism on the plate. The coupling
mechanism may be configured to couple the plate directly to the rear surface
of the
portable electronic device. The coupling mechanism may be selected from the
group
consisting of an adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, screws, snaps, double
sided tape,
polymers, suction cups, magnetics, or any combination thereof.
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[0024] The plate may include two or more layers where one of the two or more
layers may be either a metallic material or a non-metallic material and a
second one of the
two or more layers is either a non-metallic material or a metallic material.
[0025] One of the two or more layers that is a metallic material may be the
mesh.
[0026] Implementations of device for deflecting RF radiation away from a user
of a
mobile phone may include a metallic plate configured to be positioned between
the mobile
phone and at least one of a decorative or protective cover. The metallic plate
may be
positioned over a rear surface of the mobile phone. The metallic plate may be
removable
and non-permanently attached to the mobile phone and the at least one of a
decorative or
protective cover. The metallic plate may include a copper plate and a powder
coating
formed over the copper plate.
[0027] Implementations of devices for deflecting RF radiation away from a user
of
a mobile phone may include one, all, or any of the following:
[0028] The copper plate may be configured to cover an entire area of the rear
surface of the mobile phone.
[0029] The metallic plate may include a clear coat formed over the powder
coating.
[0030] The metallic plate may include a slip resistant material applied to at
least
one surface of the clear coat.
[0031] The metallic plate may include indicia formed on the powder coating.
[0032] The copper plate may have undulating edges.
[0033] The copper plate may have sawtooth edges.
[0034] The copper plate may have a thickness of 1/32 to 1/8 inches.
[0035] Implementations of a device for deflecting electromagnetic RF radiation
away from a user of a mobile device may include a metallic plate configured to
be
positioned between the mobile phone and a cover portioned over a rear surface
of the
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mobile phone. The metallic plate may be removable and non-permanently attached
to the
mobile phone and the cover. The metallic plate may include a copper plate
configured to
cover the rear surface of the mobile phone where RF signals are radiating from
the mobile
phone when the mobile phone is receiving/transmitting RF signals. A powder
coating may
be formed over the copper plate.
[0036] Implementations of a device for deflecting electromagnetic RF radiation
away from a user may include one, all, or any of the following:
[0037] The metallic plate may include a clear coat formed over the powder
coating.
[0038] The metallic plate may include a slip resistant material applied to at
least
one surface of the clear coat.
[0039] The metallic plate may include indicia formed on the powder coating.
[0040] The copper plate may have undulating edges.
[0041] The copper plate may have sawtooth edges.
[0042] The copper plate may have a thickness of 1/32 to 1/8 inches.
[0043] Implementations of a device for deflecting RF radiation away from a
user of
a mobile phone may include a metallic plate configured to be positioned
between the
mobile phone and a cover portioned over a rear surface of the mobile phone,
wherein the
metallic plate is removable and non-permanently attached to the mobile phone
and the
cover. The metallic plate may include a copper plate configured to cover the
rear surface
of the mobile phone where RF signals are radiating from where the mobile phone
is
receiving/transmitting RF signals. A powder coating may be formed over the
copper plate.
A clear coat may be formed over the powder coating. A slip resistant material
may be
applied to at least one surface of the clear coat.
[0044] Implementations of a device for deflecting electromagnetic RF radiation
may include one, all or any of the following:
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[0045] The metallic plate may include indicia formed on the powder coating.
[0046] The copper plate may have undulating edges.
[0047] The copper plate may have sawtooth edges.
[0048] The copper plate may be rectangular in shape.
[0049] Implementations of a device used with a mobile electronic device may
include a metallic plate configured to be disposed between the mobile
electronic device and
a cover. The metallic plate may have a coating. The device may deflect
electromagnetic
RF radiation away from the user of the mobile electronic device.
[0050] Implementation of a device used with a mobile electronic device may
include one, all, or any of the following:
[0051] The device may be rectangular in shape.
[0052] The device may be non-rectangular in shape.
[0053] The device may be shaped like a credit card and sized to cover at least
a
portion of the rear surface of the mobile electronic device.
[0054] The device may be removably coupled to at least one of the mobile
electronic device or the cover.
[0055] The device may include at least one aperture.
[0056] The cover may be positioned over at least a portion of the device and
at least
a portion of a rear surface of the mobile electronic device.
[0057] The device may be dimensioned to cover at least a portion of an antenna
of
the mobile electronic device.
[0058] The device may be configured to cover at least a portion of a rear
surface of
the mobile electronic device adjacent to an antenna of the mobile electronic
device.
[0059] The device is positioned to cover at least a portion of an area of the
mobile
electronic device emitting electromagnetic radiation.
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[0060] The device may have an edge of a form selected from the group
consisting
of at least one of a straight, curved, wave, undulating, or sawtoothed.
[0061] The device may be sized proportional to the size of the mobile
electronic
device.
[0062] Implementations of a device used with a mobile phone may include a
metallic plate configured to be disposed between the mobile phone and a cover.
The
metallic plate may have a coating. The cover may be positioned over at least a
portion of
the device. The device may deflect electromagnetic RF radiation away from the
user of the
mobile phone.
[0063] Implementations of a device used with a mobile phone may include one,
all,
or any of the following:
[0064] The device may be rectangular in shape.
[0065] The device may be a non-rectangular shape.
[0066] The device may be shaped like a credit card and sized to cover at least
a
portion of the rear surface of the mobile phone.
[0067] The device may be removably coupled to at least one of the mobile phone
or
the cover.
[0068] The device may include at least one aperture.
[0069] The cover may be positioned over at least a portion of a rear surface
of the
mobile phone.
[0070] The device may be dimensioned to cover at least a portion of an antenna
of
the mobile phone.
[0071] The device may be positioned to cover at least a portion of an a rear
surface
of the mobile phone adjacent to an antenna of the mobile phone.
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[0072] The device may be configured to cover at least a portion of an area of
the
mobile phone emitting electromagnetic radiation.
[0073] The device may have an edge of a form selected from the group
consisting
of at least one of a straight, curved, wave, undulating and sawtoothed.
[0074] The device may be sized proportional to the size of the mobile phone.
[0075] Implementations of a device for deflecting electromagnetic radiation
away
from a user of a mobile device may include a metallic plate deflecting
electromagnetic
radiation away from the user of the mobile electronic device and a coating
covering the
metallic plate.
[0076] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be
apparent
to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and
DRAWINGS, and
from the CLAIMS.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0077] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the
appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
[0078] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an implementation of an RF shielding
device
positioned within a decorative and/or protective case for a mobile phone;
[0079] FIG. 2 is a front view of another implementation of an RF shielding
device positioned within a decorative and/or protective case for a mobile
phone;
[0080] FIG. 3 is a front view of another implementation of an RF shielding
device positioned within a decorative and/or protective case for a mobile
phone;
[0081] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an implementation of an RF
shielding
device for a mobile phone;
[0082] FIG. 5 is a front view of a first implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0083] FIG. 6 is a front view of a second implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0084] FIG. 7 is a front view of a third implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0085] FIG. 8 is a front view of a fourth implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0086] FIG. 9 is a front view of a fifth implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0087] FIG. 10 is a front view of a sixth implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0088] FIG. 11 is a front view of a seventh implementation of an RF shielding
device coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
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[0089] FIG. 12 is a front view of an eighth implementation of an RF shielding
device coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0090] FIG. 13 is a front view of a ninth implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0091] FIG. 14 is a front view of a tenth implementation of an RF shielding
device
coupled directly to a portable electronic device;
[0092] FIG. 15 is a front view of an eleventh implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
[0093] FIG. 16 is a front view of a twelfth implementation of an RF shielding
device;
[0094] FIG. 17 is a front view of a thirteenth implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
[0095] FIG. 18 is a front view of a first mesh implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
[0096] FIG. 19 is a front view of a second mesh implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
[0097] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view of a fourteenth implementation of an
RF
shielding device;
[0098] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of a fifteenth implementation of an
RF
shielding device;
[0099] FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of a sixteenth implementation of an
RF
shielding device;
[00100] FIG. 23 is a side view of a seventeenth implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
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[00101] FIG. 24 is a side view of an eighteenth implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
[00102] FIG. 25 is a side view of a nineteenth implementation of an RF
shielding
device;
[00103] FIG. 26 is a side view of a first implementation of an RF shielding
device,
a case, and a portable electronic device;
[00104] FIG. 27 is a side view of a second implementation of an RF shielding
device, a case, and a portable electronic device;
[00105] FIG. 28 is a side view of a third implementation of an RF shielding
device,
a case, and a portable electronic device;
[00106] FIG. 29 is a side view of a fourth implementation of an RF shielding
device, a case, and a portable electronic device;
[00107] FIG. 30 is a first cross sectional view of an implementation of an RF
shielding device;
[00108] FIG. 31 is a second cross sectional view of an implementation of an RF
shielding device;
[00109] FIG. 32 is a front view of a twentieth implementation of an RF
shielding
device directly coupled with a portable electronic device;
[00110] FIG. 33 is a front view of a twenty-first implementation of an RF
shielding
device directly coupled with a portable electronic device;
[00111] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an implementation of a case coupled
with
a portable electronic device having two RF shielding devices;
[00112] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another implementation of a case
coupled
with a portable electronic device with an RF shielding device embedded
therein; and
[00113] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a flap of an implementation of a
cover.
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DESCRIPTION
[00114] This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to
the
specific components, assembly procedures or method elements disclosed herein.
Many
additional components, assembly procedures and/or method elements known in the
art
consistent with the intended devices for reflecting, deflecting, and/or
absorbing
electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile electronic device and related
methods will
become apparent for use with particular implementations from this disclosure.
Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed,
such
implementations and implementing components may comprise any shape, size,
style, type,
model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, method
element, step,
and/or the like as is known in the art for such devices for reflecting,
deflecting, and/or
absorbing electromagnetic radiation emitted from a mobile electronic device
and related
methods, and implementing components and methods, consistent with the intended
operation and methods.
[00115] Mobile phones transmit and receive data wirelessly through
communication networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area
network (WAN), and/or a public network. To communicate with these networks,
antennas within these mobile phones receive and radiate Radio Frequency (RF)
signals. Once the mobile phone is activated, the mobile phone is constantly
transmitting and receiving RF electromagnetic frequency signals.
[00116] Many mobile phones are held close to the user's bodies and/or heads
when in use. For example, when talking on a mobile phone, the user may hold
the
mobile phone close to the user's head/ear/brain/eyes. Many users store and
hold their
mobile phones in their pocket next to their body. Thus, the antennas of the
mobile
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phones that radiate the RF electromagnetic frequency signals may lead to
greater
exposure and absorption of radiation by the users head and body.
[00117] Studies have been conducted and continue to be conducted regarding
the health concerns of RF electromagnetic frequency signals being radiated
from
mobile phones. These studies have focused on the negative long term effects of
radiation on people and its medical complications. Some study results have
shown that
the penetration level of radiation is more dangerous and has more negative
health
effects in children than adults. Children's nervous systems are still
developing and,
therefore, more vulnerable to factors that may be possibly carcinogenic. Their
heads
are smaller than those of adults and they have thinner brain tissues and bones
and
consequently have a greater proportional exposure to the field of
radiofrequency
radiation that is emitted by mobile phones. Children also have the potential
of
accumulating more years of mobile phone exposure than adults. Several studies
are
currently being conducted regarding the potential health effects of radiation
on brain
electrical activity, joint pain, heart rate, blood pressure, immune system,
possible
carcinogenic affects. The World Health Organization has classified mobile
phone
radiation as a Class 2B Possible Carcinogen.
[00118] Because of the potential effect of radiation from mobile phones, the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires limiting the radiation from a
portable communication device (such as a mobile or cellular telephone) that is
directed
towards a user's head (Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR). Further, warnings
are
placed inside the boxes of all mobile phone instruction booklets warning users
to keep
mobile phones certain distances away from the users' head and bodies due to
the
harmful effects of the electromagnetic RF radiation.
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[00119] In this document, various devices and methods are described that
deflect, absorb and/or reflect RF radiation away from the body of a mobile
phone user
through the use of a plate or other structure as a shield. Such devices may
significantly
reduce the absorption by the user of a portable electronic device of
electromagnetic RF
radiation emitted by the portable electronic device. In some implementations,
the device
fits between the mobile phone and a decorative and/or protective case. In
other
implementations, the device couples directly to the portable electronic
device. In still other
implementations, the device couples directly to the case or forms a portion of
the case
itself. In other implementations, the device may couple into a sleeve coupled
to a case or
directly to the portable electronic device itself.
[00120] Referring to FIG. 1, an implementation of an RF shielding device 10 is
illustrated. The RF shielding device 10 may include a plate 12. The plate 12
may be
formed of a sheet of metallic material. Different metallic materials may be
used. For
example, aluminum, pre-tin plated steel, alloy 770, or like materials may be
used to form
the plate 12 of the RF shielding device 10. In various implementations, the
plate 12 may
be formed of copper. Copper is highly effective in attenuating magnetic and
electrical
waves thereby allowing the RF shielding device 10 to reduce the
electromagnetic
radiation emitted from the mobile phone 30.
[00121] The RF shielding device 10 may be formed in different sizes. The size
of the RF shielding device 10 may be based on the size of the mobile phone 30
and the
location of antennas within the mobile phone 30. For example, some mobile
phones
30 may have one or more antennas located only in one area such as in the top
or
bottom of the mobile phone 30. Thus, the RF shielding device 10, and hence the
plate 12, may be sized to cover a lower and/or upper area of the mobile phone
30. In
the implementation illustrated, the plate 12 may be sized and dimensioned
similarly
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to the shape of a credit card. However, some mobile phones 30 may have
multiple
antennas located at the top and bottom of the mobile phone 30. For example,
some
mobile phones have four antennas, where one antenna is located in each comer
(upper
left, upper right, lower left and lower right comers). For these types of
mobile phones
30, the plate 12 may be sized to cover the entire rear surface of the mobile
phone 30.
The above sizings and dimensions are given as non-limiting examples. Other
configurations may be developed using the principles disclosed herein. For
example,
a small cut out may be formed on the RF shielding device 10 to prevent the RF
shielding device 10 from obscuring a camera lens opening formed in the mobile
phone 30.
[00122] When copper is used for forming the plate 12, the copper plate 12 may
have a tendency to corrode. Copper corrosion may occur when the copper plate
12 is
exposure to the atmosphere/air. Copper oxidization may cause the copper plate
12 to
tarnish. After some time, the copper plate 12 may tum to a dark brown or black
color, and finally to green. The oxidation of the copper plate 12 may cause
the RF
shielding device 10 to disfigure/damage the mobile phone 30.
[00123] Referring to FIG. 4, because of the oxidization issue, the plate 12
may be powder coated. Powder coating is a process wherein a coating 14 may be
electrostatically applied to the plate 12 and then cured under heat forming
the
coating 14 over the plate 12. The coating 14 may be a thermoplastic or a
thermoset
polymer and may come in any color. The coating 14 may create a hard finish on
the
plate 12 that is tougher and more effective in preventing corrosion than
conventional
paint.
[00124] Different text, design and/or other indicia 16 (FIG. 1) may be formed
on the plate 12 after the coating 14 has been applied. The text, design and/or
other
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indicia 16 may allow one to personalize the RF shielding device 10. A clear
coat 18
may be applied over the coating 14.
[00125] A slip resistant material 20 may be applied to the clear coat 18. The
slip resistant material 20 may keep the RF shielding device 10 from sliding
and
moving as may be disclosed below.
[00126] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the RF shielding device 10 may be formed in
different sizes, shapes and configurations. FIG. 1 illustrates an
implementation where
the RF shielding device 10 may be rectangular in shape and may have a
sufficient
thickness to keep the RF shielding device 10 positioned between the mobile
phone 30
and a decorative and/or protective cover 22 as will be discussed below. In
accordance
with one embodiment, the RF shielding device 10 may have a thickness of about
1/128th to about 1/8th of an inch. The device may also be formed of a foil or
a metal
tape in various implementations. In accordance with one embodiment, the RF
shielding device 10 may have a thickness of around 1/32 to 1/8 of an inch. In
such
implementations, the thickness of the material may be between about 0.001 mm
to
about 6.5 mm. In some implementations the thickness of the material may be
thicker
than 6.5 mm.
[00127] The RF shielding device 10 may be formed to have a wave
configuration 24 formed on the edges 10A (top, bottom, left and right side
edges) of
the RF shielding device 10 as may be seen in FIG. 2. The RF shielding device
10
may be formed to have a saw tooth configuration 26 formed on the edges 10A
(top,
bottom, left and right side edges) of the RF shielding device 10 as may be
seen in
FIG. 3. The wave configuration 24 and the saw tooth configuration 26 formed on
the
edges 10A may affect the levels of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from
the
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mobile phone 30. The wave configuration may be present on one or more sides of
the
device in various implementations.
[00128] In operation, for those implementations where the RF shielding device
is placed between the cover and a mobile phone, a user wishing to reduce
electromagnetic radiation emitted from the user's mobile phone 30 may need to
determine the location of the one or more antennas within the mobile phone 30.
When the user determines the location of the antennas, the user may position
the RF
shielding device 10 on a rear surface of the mobile phone 30 such that the RF
shielding device 10 is positioned over the area where the antennas may be
located.
The user may position the RF shielding device 10 so that the slip resistant
material 20
is placed against the rear surface of the mobile phone 30. This may prevent
the RF
shielding device 10 from shifting and moving around. The decorative and/or
protective cover 22 may then be placed onto the mobile phone 30 securing the
RF
shielding device 10 between the mobile phone 30 and the decorative and/or
protective
cover 22.
[00129] The RF shielding device 10 is designed to reflect and/or deflect
electromagnetic radiation emitted from the mobile phone 30. As theRF shielding
device 10 fits between the mobile phone 30 and the decorative and/or
protective cover 22 and
is easily transferable. This may allow a user of the RF shielding device 10 to
change
out and use any decorative and/or protective cover 22 he/she may want with the
RF
shielding device 10 in order to be able to deflect the electromagnetic
radiation from
the mobile phone 30.
[00130] Various implementations of RF shielding devices have been disclosed
in this document up to this point. These implementations and the additional
implementations disclosed in this document show plates where no part, piece,
or
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portion of the plate is located within a case of the portable electronic
device itself As
previously discussed, these devices may be dimensioned to fit between a cover
and a
portable electronic device, may couple to the portable electronic device
itself, or may
be a part of a cover design. The electronic devices that the devices disclosed
herein
may be employed with may be, by non-limiting example, mobile electronic
devices,
cell phones, mobile phones, phablets, tables, laptops, smart watches, heart
monitors,
movable medical devices, and any other movable electronic device which
involves
RF radiation. In the remaining portions of this document, various RF shielding
device designs will be discussed. While they may be discussed in the context
of
being coupled directly to a portable electronic device or to a cover, it must
be
understood that these device designs could also be utilized between a cover
and
portable electronic device as well.
[00131] Referring to FIG. 5, a first implementation of an RF shielding device
32 is illustrated coupled to a portable electronic device 34 (which in this
case is a
mobile phone). In the implementation illustrated, the RF shielding device 32
is
directly coupled to the surface of the portable electronic device 34 which
does not
include a cover in this implementation (though one could be used if desired).
As
illustrated, the RF shielding device 32 is positioned to cover at least one
antenna of
the portable electronic device 34 but is smaller than the perimeter of the
portable
electronic device 34 itself In this implementation of an RF shielding device
(as in all
other RF shielding device implementations disclosed herein), the material of
the RF
shielding device may be any material that is capable of deflecting, absorbing,
or
reflecting electromagnetic radio frequency radiation emitted and received by
the
portable electronic device. In particular implementations, the material of the
RF
shielding device may be, by non-limiting example, a metal, copper, gold,
silver,
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platinum, nickel, aluminum, ferrite, any alloy of the foregoing, and any
combination
of the foregoing. The RF shielding device takes the form of a plate in the
implementation illustrated in FIG. 5. In other implementations, non-metallic/
non-
metal compounds like ceramics, composites, graphene, carbon fiber, shungite,
plastics, polymers, and any other non-metallic materials capable of
deflecting,
absorbing, or reflecting electromagnetic radio frequency radiation emitted by
the
portable electronic device may be used in various implementations. For those
materials that are metals or non-metals, particular crystallographic
orientations and/or
planes of the material may be utilized to maximize or otherwise create the
desired
deflecting, absorbing, or reflecting effect for the RF radiation.
[00132] The implementation illustrated in FIG. 5 may be coupled to the rear
surface of the portable electronic device through a wide variety of coupling
mechanisms. Non-limiting examples of coupling mechanisms that may be used in
various implementations include adhesives, hook and loop fasteners, screws,
snaps,
double sided tape, polymers, suction cups, magnetics, glue, or any other
coupling system
or material capable of holding two pieces together. The RF shielding device 32
may not
be coated in some implementations. In other implementations, the device 32 may
include
any coating disclosed in this document, including, by non-limiting example, an
electroplated coating, a ceramic coating, an electroless plated coating, a
paint utilizing a
wet or dry carrier, a rubber coating, a metal coating, a metal filing coating,
a magnetic
coating, a clear coating, or a powder coating. As previously discussed in this
document,
multiple layers of one or any of the coatings disclosed in this document may
be utilized in
various implementations. Also, metals and other RF shielding materials may be
applied
as coatings, such as, by non-limiting example, metal on metal coatings, metal
filings
incorporated in a coating, conductive paints, non-conductive paints, and a
coating of any
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other material type disclosed herein that has an RF deflecting, absorbing, or
reflecting
effect. Fabrics and other woven materials could also be used as coatings in
various
implementations.
[00133] The design of the particular plate used as the RF shielding device 32
may
take many forms in various implementations. Referring to FIG. 6, an
implementation of a
RF shielding device/plate 36 is illustrated that has a perimeter size close to
the same size
as, or coextensive with, the perimeter of the rear surface of the portable
electronic device
34. In other implementations, the shape of the plate may be the same size as
the perimeter
of the rear surface of the portable electronic device. In other
implementations, the plate
may actually overlap and extend around the rear surface onto the side surfaces
of the
portable electronic device. In some implementations, the plate may wrap around
to the
front side of the portable electronic device across one or more sides of the
portable
electronic device. The actual shape of the perimeter of the plate may be any
closed shape,
including any disclosed in this document. FIGS. 8 and 13 illustrate plate
designs that are
not polygonal and include protruding sections (in the case of plate 42 in FIG.
8) and
irregular shapes in the case of plate 54 of FIG. 13. The plate may include one
or more
apertures therethrough. In some implementations the one or more apertures may
accommodate cameras, fingerprint readers, power buttons or other portions of
the portable
electronic device.
[00134] Plate implementations used in RF shielding devices may include more
than one portion/section. Referring to FIG. 7, a plate with two sections 38,
40 is
illustrated. While the two sections 38, 40 are illustrated as being the same
size, or
substantially the same size, in various implementations the relative size of
the two or
more portions of the plate may differ. FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 illustrate
various multiple
portion plate implementations, demonstrating that the portions may include
curved
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sections/portions 44, 46 and that the various portions may be arranged on the
rear surface
of the portable electronic device 34 in various orientations vertically
(portions 48) and
horizontally (portions 50 and 52). Also, while in the figures the portions are
arrange
symmetrically about an axis of the portable electronic device, in other
implementations,
the portions may not be arranged symmetrically.
[00135] For those plate implementations where multiple portions are utilized,
the
multiple portions may be coupled individually to the rear surface of the
portable
electronic device using any coupling system disclosed herein. In other
implementations,
the portions may be coupled together using other portions. Referring to FIG.
14, and
implementation of a plate 56 is illustrated where the plate 56 is formed of
three sections
58, 60, and 62 coupled together. In this implementation, sections 58 and 60
are metallic
and section 62 is made of a non-metallic material that acts to couple the two
sections 58
and 60 together. In particular implementations, the sections may be made of
any
combination of metallic and/or non-metallic materials. In various
implementations, the
non-metallic portion may include a variety of structures made of various
materials, such
as, by non-limiting example, a binder, a support, a plastic support/portion, a
rubber
support, a polymer support, a wood support, a carbon fiber support, a resin
support, a
glass reinforced epoxy laminate support (FR-4), an adhesive, a glue, a molding
compound, or any other material or structure capable of coupling the multiple
sections of
the plate together. In various implementations, the portions may be joined
together using
a wide variety of methods including molding, forming, gluing, joining,
injection molding,
and any other technique for coupling the sections with the material of the non-
metallic
portion. In various implementations, the non-metallic portion may actually
include some
metal components, like metal filings or metal layers as disclosed herein.
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[00136] In various implementations where multiple sections are used, all of
the
sections may be made of metal-containing materials. In these implementations
the metal-
containing sections may be joined together using, by non-limiting example,
gluing,
welding, bonding, or any other technique for bonding metal-containing
materials.
[00137] The various plate designs disclosed in this document may also include
fully planar portions substantially parallel with the back surface of the
portable electronic
device. In other implementations, however, a wide variety of non-planar shapes
may be
incorporated into one or more surfaces of the plate. Referring to FIG. 15, a
plate 64 with
a plurality of raised waved projections 66 in the material of the plate is
illustrated. In
various implementations, the waved projections may be, by non-limiting
example, lines,
diagonals, partial lines, individual projections, irregular arranged
projections and any of
the foregoing may have any type of surface finish including, by non-limiting
example,
smooth, rough, jagged, angled, alternating, and any other surface shape, The
waved
projections 66 may be formed through molding, casting, milling, stamping,
punching, or
otherwise forming the surface of the plate 64. Referring to FIG. 16, a plate
68 is
illustrated with two zig zag depressions 70 formed therein using any of the
previously
mentioned techniques. The depressions may take the shape of any of the shapes
of the
projections mentioned herein and may include any of the surface finish types
of the
projections mentioned herein. The size and arrangement and other
characteristics of the
projections and depressions may be designed to aid in
attenuation/absorption/reflection of
the RF radiation. However, in other implementations, like the one illustrated
in FIG. 17,
the projections 72 may serve simply to raise the surface of the plate 74 above
any surface
on which the plate is resting to prevent scratching of the plate 74 and/or
surface in contact
with the plate. In other implementations, projections like those illustrated
in FIG. 17 may
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be on both sides of the plate to allow air or other circulation to occur
beneath the plate
between the portable electronic device and the plate.
[00138] FIGS. 20-25 illustrate various other non-planar shapes that may be
incorporated into plate designs. FIG. 20 illustrates a concave shape 76
incorporated
into/across the cross section of the plate 78. FIG. 21 illustrates a convex
shape 80
incorporated into the cross section of the plate 82. FIG. 22 illustrates an
alternating shape
84 incorporated into the cross section of the plate 86. The particular
dimensions of the
shapes 76, 80, and 84 incorporated into the cross section of the plate may aid
in the
attenuation/absorption/reflection of the RF radiation from the portable
electronic device.
FIGS. 23-25 illustrate other non-planar shapes incorporated into a longest
dimension of
the plate (longitudinal dimension of the plate). FIG. 23 illustrates a concave
shape 88
incorporated into the longitudinal dimension of the plate 90. FIG. 24
illustrates a waved
shape 92 incorporated into the longitudinal dimension of the plate 94. FIG. 25
illustrates
a valley shape 96 incorporated into the longitudinal dimension of the plate
98. In various
implementations, any combination of cross sectional shapes and longitudinal
shapes may
be combined or used in various plate and plate portion designs. The particular
dimensions
of the various cross sectional and longitudinal shapes may be
determined/calculated by
the degree of attenuation/absorption/reflection desired of the RF radiation
from the plate
for the portable electronic device. The various shapes of the plates disclosed
in this
document can be made via, by non-limiting example, stamping, punching,
casting,
forming, and any other method of shaping a metallic or non-metallic material.
The shapes
in various implementations of plates may be functional in that they may affect
RF
radiation, or parts of the shapes may be decorative or ornamental, or both
functional and
decorative/ornamental.
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[00139] Many of the various plate implementations disclosed in this document
are
made of a single unitary material (such as a piece of metal). Various coatings
have been
disclosed that may be used to coat the plate. In various implementations,
however, the
plate itself may be made of various layered materials separate from the
coatings applied to
the plate. Referring to FIG. 30, a cross sectional view of an implementation
of a plate 100
is illustrated. As illustrated, in this implementation, the plate 100 includes
an inner layer
102 that is made of a non-metal/non-metallic material, such as any non-metal
material
disclosed in this document. Two layers 104, 106 of metal or metal-containing
material
(which may be any metal or metal-containing material disclosed in this
document)
sandwich the inner layer 102. The two layers 102, 106 may be, by non-limiting
example,
glued, plated, spray painted, spray coated, deposited, painted, dipped,
brushed,
electrostatically coated, or otherwise coupled to the inner layer 102. The use
of the two
discrete metal layers 102, 106 may assist with
attenuation/reflection/absorption of RF
radiation from the portable electronic device in various implementations.
Additional
numbers of metal and non-metal layers (or additional metal layers may be used
in various
implementations. For example, referring to FIG. 31, five layers of metal 108,
110, 112,
114, and 116 are illustrated stacked in a cross section of plate 118. Each
layer may be the
same type of metal or a different type of metal or metal-containing material,
depending on
the attenuation/reflection/absorption effect desired from the plate 118. More
than five
layers of metal could be used in various implementations. Also, in various
implementations, various stacked and sandwiched non-metal layers may be
included in
the cross section of various plate implementations. Any of the metal, metal-
containing,
and non-metal materials disclosed herein may be utilized in such
implementations. For
example, a layer of ferrite filings may be painted on either side of the non-
metal inner
layer, or a layer of metallic tape may be applied on either side of the inner
layer.
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[00140] FIG. 30 illustrates the case where the inner layer is a non-metal
material.
In other implementations, the inner layer may be a metal material instead and
the outer
two layers may be formed of any of the coating materials disclosed in this
document. In
some implementations, both layers may be made of non-metal materials. Two or
more
layers of metals, non-metals, and any combination thereof may be used in some
implementations.
[00141] The use of various coating types and layers of coatings has been
disclosed
in this document. In various plate implementations the coatings may cover only
a portion
of the plate, like the plate 120 illustrated in FIG. 32. Plate 120 has only a
portion of the
plate covered by coating 122. Partially coated plates may be useful where only
a part of
the plate needs protection from corrosion or where the coating material itself
has an
independent effect on RF radiation from the portable electronic device 124 to
which the
plate 120 is coupled (either inside a cover, or directly coupled). In some
implementations,
the use of multiple coatings that are not layered may be used, as illustrated
in FIG. 33,
where the plate 126 has a first coating 128 and a second coating 130 covering
separate
portions of the plate 126. Like the implementation in FIG. 31, this technique
may be used
where the coatings have different purposes or different effects on RF
radiation from the
portable electronic device 132 to which the plate 126 is coupled.
[00142] The various plate implementations and RF shielding devices disclosed
in
this document have been illustrated to be used between a cover and a back
surface of a
portable electronic device or directly coupled to the back surface of a
portable electronic
device. In particular implementations, a plate 134 may be coupled directly to
cover 136
coupled with the portable electronic device 138, as illustrated in FIG. 26.
The coupling
may take place using any of the coupling system and methods disclosed in this
document.
In other implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 27, a plate 140 may be
slidably coupled
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into a recess in a cover 142 which is then coupled over the rear surface of a
portable
electronic device 144. When slid in, the plate 140 may be held in position
through, by
non-limiting example, latches, snaps, fasteners, clips, flaps, or any
mechanism to hold a
structure in a pocket permanently or non-permanently. Such implementations may
provide flexibility for the user to identify the particular degree of RF
shielding effect they
desire and use the corresponding plate. While the cover 142 in FIG. 27 is
illustrated as
being larger than the portable electronic device 138, in other implementations
it may be
smaller and attach to the portable electronic device with the plate slid into
the cover 142.
In other implementations, however, the plate may not be slid into the cover
142 but may
be positioned between the smaller cover and the phone similar to other
implementations
disclosed herein. In these implementations the cover may take the form of a
plastic clip
that hold the plate against the rear surface of the portable electronic device
as the clip
engages over the edges of the portable electronic device.
[00143] In still other implementations, no cover may be used, but instead a
sleeve
146 may be coupled directly to the back surface of the portable electronic
device 148 as
illustrated in FIG. 28. A plate 150 is then slidably coupled into the sleeve
146 (from any
orientation relative to the portable electronic device (top, bottom, left,
right, or
diagonally). In some implementations, the plate 158 may be thereafter
permanently
attached to the sleeve 152, leaving at least a portion of the plate 150
exposed. In other
implementations, the plate 150 may not be exposed after being slid into the
sleeve 146. In
a similar way, a sleeve 152 can be coupled directly to a cover 154 coupled to
a portable
electronic device 156 as illustrated in FIG. 29. A plate 158 is then slidably
coupled into
the sleeve 152 from any orientation relative to the portable electronic device
(top, bottom,
left, right, or diagonally). In some implementations, the plate 158 may be
thereafter
permanently attached to the sleeve 152. Any of the plate implementations
disclosed in
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this document could be used in the implementations illustrated in FIGS. 26-29.
A wide
variety of materials may be employed for the various sleeve implementations,
including,
by non-limiting example, plastic, leather, cloth, rubber, metal-containing,
and any other
material that can slidably hold the plate therein.
[00144] In various implementations of covers, certain covers have been devised
that allow a flap portion of the cover to rest over a front surface of a
portable electronic
device while the device is in use or not in use. The flap portion can be
rotated away from
the front surface when desired. FIG. 34 illustrates an implementation of such
a cover,
where flap 160 is hingedly coupled via hinge 162 to the portion 164 of the
cover that is
coupled over the rear surface of the portable electronic device 166. As
illustrated, in
various implementations, a plate 168 may be slidably coupled into the flap 160
to provide
RF shielding from the front side of the portable electronic device 166 during
use. In other
implementations, the plate 168 may be sewn, glued, or formed into the flap
160. Also as
illustrated, a plate 170 may be coupled directly to the back of the portion
164 of the cover
that is over the rear surface of the portable electronic device (or inside the
cover or
between the cover and the rear surface of the portable electronic device).
While the use of
the plate 170 is illustrated in FIG. 34, in other implementations, the plate
170 may be
omitted, and the function of that plate duplicated by allowing the flap 160
(and the plate
168) to rotate over the rear surface of the portion 164 of the cover while the
portable
electronic device is in use or not in use. In this way, the flexibility of use
of the plate may
be increased.
[00145] In other cover implementations, the design of the flap 172 (as
illustrated
in FIG. 35) may take more the form of a shell which encloses at least a
portion of the front
and the side surfaces of the portable electronic device 174 when the flap 172
is closed
over the front surface of the device 174. As illustrated, a plate 176 may be
included
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inside the structure of the flap 172 (or slidably coupled as in the
implementation
illustrated in FIG. 34). In some implementations, the RF shielding material of
the plate
176 may extend into one or more the sides of the shell, thus providing an RF
shielding
effect over at least a portion of the sides of the portable electronic device
174. While the
use of a closed, fixed shell design for the flap 172 is illustrated in FIG.
35, in other
implementations, the shell may be formed by one or more additional curved
flaps 178
that extend from the main flap 180 as illustrated in FIG. 36. The one or more
additional
curved flaps 178 may have openings in them. When the main flap 180 is closed
over the
front face of the portable electronic device, the curved flaps 178 then close
over at least a
portion of the sides of the portable electronic device. As RF shielding
materials may be
included in the curved flaps 178, the effect of the curved flaps 178 may be
similar to the
flap 172. In some implementations, the hinge of the flap 172 may also include
RF
shielding materials. A plate 182 is included in the structure of the main flap
180. Any of
the plate implementations disclosed in this document may be utilized in cover
implementations illustrated in FIGS. 34-36. In some implementations, the
material of the
entire flap 172 may be made of a metal-containing material. In other
implementations, no
separate plate may be used where the entire flap 172 is made of a metal-
containing
material, but the flap 172 acts as the plate. In other implementations, a
front face opposite
the side of the flap that faces the front face of the portable electronic
device may be made
of, by non-limiting example plastic, glass, or any other optically
transmissive material. In
these implementations, the optically transmissive material may include a metal-
containing
portion as well.
[00146] The flaps in FIG. 34 and 35 may be held over the front face of the
portable electronic device using a magnetic coupler or other fastener type.
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[00147] Various plate implementations like those disclosed herein may be
attached to the rear surface of any portable electronic device using bendable
or fixed form
clips or projections on the plate itself which couple around the sides of the
portable
electrical device. In these implementations as in other implementations
disclosed herein,
a padding material may be coupled to the plate itself between the portable
electronic
device and the plate or on the outer surface of the plate.
[00148] While the use of continuously distributed materials in the form of
plates
and various supports has been disclosed thus far in this document, RF
shielding devices
like those disclosed herein may utilize dispersed material designs. Referring
to FIG. 18,
an example of such a dispersed material design in the form of a mesh 184 is
illustrated.
As illustrated, mesh 184 is composed of a plurality of perpendicularly
oriented members
186, 188 coupled together through, by non-limiting example, interweaving,
gluing,
welding, soldering, or any other method of coupling two substantially
perpendicularly
arranged materials together. In various implementations, the plurality of
perpendicularly
oriented members 186, 188 may include a metal or metal-containing material
like any
disclosed herein. In some implementations, the perpendicularly oriented
members 186,
188 may made of the same material; in others, one set of similarly oriented
members may
be made of a different material than the other perpendicularly aligned set,
including non-
metal materials. In some implementations, some of each set of similarly
aligned members
may be made of two or more different materials, including non-metal materials.
In some
implementations, the ends of the perpendicularly oriented members may be left
free (like
the implementation illustrated in FIG. 18). In others, an edging, frame, or
edge bar may
be used to secure the ends of the perpendicularly oriented members. In various
implementations, the members may not be perpendicularly or substantially
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perpendicularly oriented but may be oriented in a wide variety of angles
relative to each
other.
[00149] FIG. 19 illustrates a mesh 190 that is formed by a plurality of spaced
closed shaped openings 192 formed through a sheet of material 194. In the case
illustrated in FIG. 19, the openings are hexagons, though the openings may be
any closed
shape in various implementations, nor need they all be the same size or area
in the sheet in
various implementations. The sheet 194 of material may be any metal or metal-
containing material disclosed in this document or other material affecting RF
radiation
from a portable electronic device disclosed in this document. The sizing of
the openings
formed in the various mesh implementations disclosed in this document may be
determined by the desired degree of deflection, absorption, or reflection of
RF radiation
from the portable electronic device desired.
[00150] The various mesh implementations disclosed in this document may be
used in place of any of the plate and cover implementations disclosed in this
document.
In some implementations, a mesh implementation may be used in combination with
a
plate implementation, depending on the desired effect on the RF radiation from
the
portable electronic device. Also, mesh implementations may be employed that
are
incorporated into any of the coating implementations disclosed herein as well
in various
implementations. A wide variety of possible applications for various meshes
may be
constructed using the principles disclosed in this document. Multiple meshes
of the same
type or different types disclosed herein may be used in concert in any of the
implementations disclosed herein including with one or more plates.
[00151] In places where the description above refers to particular
implementations
of devices for reflecting, deflecting, and/or absorbing electromagnetic
radiation emitted
from an portable electronic device and related methods and implementing
components,
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sub-components, methods and sub-methods, it should be readily apparent that a
number of
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that
these
implementations, implementing components, sub-components, methods and sub-
methods
may be applied to other devices for reflecting, deflecting, and/or absorbing
electromagnetic
radiation emitted from a portable electronic device and other related methods.
32
