WO2016113736A1

WO2016113736A1 - Keypad flip cover for mobile devices

Info

Publication number: WO2016113736A1
Application number: PCT/IL2016/050042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reuven MAZAKI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-15
Filing date: 2016-01-14
Publication date: 2016-07-21
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-15

Abstract

The present invention provides a keypad flip cover for a mobile device having a touch-screen, comprising a first portion configured to cover the touch-screen, pivotally connected with a pivotal connector to a second portion capable of accommodating the mobile device, wherein the first portion comprises a keypad comprising at least one key configured to allow an interface with the touch-screen. The present invention further provides a method for determining whether a keypad flip cover accommodating the mobile device is in an open or closed state.

Description

KEYPAD FLIP COVER FOR MOBILE DEVICES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to mobile devices interface. More particularly, the present invention relates to covers for mobile devices providing a physical interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, smart phones have dominated the cellular phone market, bringing touch-screen phones to ever ' home. Yet, with all the technological sophistication it brings, smart phones have a significant drawback when compared to old mobile "push-button^"' phones. Namely, all smart phones are flat with a button-less screen, thus lacking the finger guidance that was available with the old mobile phones where the finger of a user contacted physical buttons protruding from the mobile device. Similarly, other mobile devices (for example tablets) are equipped with a touch-screen in order to replace the physical keyboard so that the same problem applies.

There is a number of commercially available solutions in the market, with complex approaches such as Tactile Technologies™ inflating buttons (described in US Patent 8,717,326), and also other existing models, consisting of a touch-screen coupled with a flip/slide keyboard. Simpler solutions are also available such as a detachable cover with embedded physical keyboard (described in US Patent 8,531,402), or other flip cover solutions. However none of the available solutions provides an interface such that the same mobile device is used both as a touch-screen and also as a physical keypad interface while providing a cover for the mobile device at the same time, since all of these solutions require assembling something to or moving something from the mobile device in order to change the interface. There is therefore a need for a solution that can provide efficient physical interface for mobile devices such that the screen of a mobile device can be used as a touch and also non-touch physical interface. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although metliods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a keypad flip cover for a mobile device having a touch-screen, comprising a first portion configured to cover the touch-screen, pivotally connected with a pivotal connector to a second portion capable of accommodating the mobile device, wherein the first portion comprises a keypad comprising at least one key configured to allow an interface with the touch-screen.

According to one embodiment, the at least one key is configured to allow a physical interface with the touch-screen. According to another embodiment, the at least one key is configured to allow a conductive interface with the touch-screen.

According to a further embodiment, the pivotal connector has a default position.

According to yet a further embodiment, wherein the default position of the pivotal connector is an open state of the keypad flip cover. According to still a further embodiment, the pivotal connector allows a 360° turning of the first portion relative to the second portion.

According to an additional embodiment, the keypad flip cover further comprises a locking member configured to lock the first portion to the second portion when the keypad flip cover is in a closed state.

According to another embodiment, at least the first portion is transparent. According to yet another embodiment, the keypad has a phone dial layout.

According to still another embodiment, the keypad has an alphabet keyboard layout. According to yet another embodiment, the keypad has a gaming keyboard layout.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one key is indicated with more than one character.

According to yet a further embodiment, the at least one key physically protrudes from the surface of the keypad.

According to still a further embodiment, the at least one key is multifunctional.

According to an additional embodiment, the keypad flip cover further comprises a set of a plurality of changeable keypads operating different functions of the mobile device. According to yet an additional embodiment, each of the changeable keypads further comprises at least one releasable attaching member configured to attach the changeable keypad to the first portion in a releasable manner. According to another embodiment, the at least one key is rigid.

According to yet another embodiment, the at least one key if flexible. According to still another embodiment, the at least one key comprises at least one rigid area and at least one flexible area.

According to a further embodiment, the at least one key comprises a recess configured to harbor a finger of a user.

According to another embodiment, the at least one key comprises at least one conductive spot.

According to yet another embodiment, the at least one key comprises at least one conductive spot connected to an edge of the key with a conductive wire, wherein the conductive wire is configured to conduct electrical capacitance from the conductive spot to the touch-screen through the edge of the key.

According to still another embodiment, the at least one key comprises at least one conductive spot and at least one conductive spot connected to an edge of the key with a conductive wire, wherein the conductive wire is configured to conduct electrical capacitance from the conductive spot to the touch-screen through the edge of the key. According to a further embodiment, the keypad flip cover further comprises a software to be installed in the mobile device, wherein the software is configured to facilitate the coordination between the keypad flip cover and the mobile device.

According to an additional embodiment, the first portion further comprises a light transfer member in a position corresponding to the position of a light sensor and a light source of a mobile device, wherein the light transfer member is configured to transfer light from the light source to the light sensor when the first portion is in close proximity to the touch-screen of the mobile device. According to yet an additional embodiment, the light transfer member is a light tunnel comprising a set of light reflectors surrounding the light sensor and the light source.

According to still an additional embodiment, the light transfer member is a light reflecting socket.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for determining whether a keypad flip cover accommodating the mobile device is in an open or closed state, ran by a keypad flip cover-dedicated software that is installed in a mobile device, the method comprises:

checking with a proximity sensor of the mobile device whether there is an object adjacent to the touch-screen;

if no object is sensed by the proxim ity sensor, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state and there is no other object adjacent the touch-screen; if an object is sensed by the proximity sensor, emitting light from the light source;

if light is not sensed by a light sensor adjacent to the light source, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch- screen is not a first portion of the keypad flip cover;

if light is sensed by the light sensor adjacent to the light source, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state. According to one embodiment, the method for determining whether a keypad flip cover accommodating the mobile device is in an open or closed state further comprises:

after an object is sensed by the proximity sensor, emitting light having predetermined characteristics from the light source;

and after sensing light by the light sensor adjacent to the light source:

comparing the characteristics of the sensed light with the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light; if the characteristics of the sensed light are different from the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch-screen is not a first portion:

if the characteristics of the sensed light are identical to the predetermined characteri stics of the emitted light, determining that the keypad flip cover is in a closed state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

- Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a commercially available mobile device comprising a touchscreen.

- Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a frontal perspective view of a keypad flip cover in an open state.

- Figs. 3A-C schematically illustrate, according to exemplary embodiments, a keypad flip cover in three states of opening.

- Fig. 4 schematically illustrates, according to exemplary embodiments, a cross- section side view of (A) a mechanical locking member, and (B) a magnetic locking member, attached to an edge of a second portion of a keypad fl ip cover. - Fig, 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a frontal side view of a first portion of a keypad flip cover,

- Fig. 6A schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a changeable kevpad attached to a first member.

- Fig, 6B schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a releasable attaching member that may be used for attaching a changeable keypad to the first portion of the keypad flip cover.

- Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a key of a keypad flip cover, comprising rigid areas and/or flexible areas.

- Figs. 8A-N schematically illustrate, according to exemplar}- embodiments, a side view of various embodiments of a key of a keypad flip cover comprising rigid and/or elastic areas, and having various sizes and configurations.

- Fig, 9 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, (A) an upper view, (B) a side view and (C) a perspective view of a key comprising a recess.

- Fig. 10 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, (A) a side view, (B) an upper view and (C) a perspective view of various embodiments HV of a key of a keypad flip cover comprising or not comprising a conductive material .

- Fig. 10 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplar, embodiment, (A) a side view, (B) an upper view and (C) a perspective view of various embodiments 1- IV of a key 240 of a kevpad flip cover 20 comprising or not comprising a conductive material.

- Fig. 11 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a back perspective view of a keypad flip cover 20, illustrating some embodiments of the second portion.

- Fig. 12 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a back perspective view of second portion, lacking a first compartment and a second compartment.

- Fig. 13 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of the mobile device accommodated inside the keypad flip cover in an open state.

- Fig. 14 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a mobile device accommodated inside the kevpad flip cover in a closed state. - Fig. 15 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplar}' embodiment, a front view of the keypad flip cover accommodating a mobile device in a closed state.

- Fig. 16 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front view of the keypad flip cover accommodating a mobile device in an open state.

- Fig. 17 schematically illustrates, according to exemplary embodiments, (A) a top view and (B) a cross-section side view of a mechanism communicating to the mobile device whether a keypad flip cover is in a closed or open state, using a light source, a light sensor and a light tunnel.

- Fig. 18 schematically illustrates, according to exemplary embodiments, (A) a top view and (B) a cross-section side view of a mechanism communicating to the mobile device whether a keypad flip cover is in a closed or open state, using a light source, a light sensor and a light reflecting socket.

- Fig. 19 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a keypad flip cover accommodating a mobile device in a closed state, while some icons displayed on the touch-screen of the mobile device are seen through a transparent first portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the puipose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For clarity, non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.

Mobile device

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a commercially available mobile device 10 comprising a touchscreen 2, Such commercially available mobile devices 10 usually comprise a casing 3 enveloping the touch-screen 2, an audio speaker 5, at least one physical button 4 on the front side 6, at least one socket 7, for example for earphones, in the casing 3, and a power button 1 1 , sometimes positioned on the side of the casing 3 , Optionally, the mobile device 10 comprises additional features such as a front side camera, a back side camera and physical volume control buttons. It is tlierefore required that any covering for such mobile devices 10 enables access to the various features of the mobile device 10 that need to be uncovered, such as an audio speaker 5, a frontal camera lens 9, and at least one socket 7 on the front side 6 as well as on the back side 8 of the mobile device 10. Keypad flip cover

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a frontal perspective view of a keypad flip cover 20 in an open state. According to one embodiment, the keypad flip cover 20 comprises a first portion 21a, pivotally connected with a pivotal connector 23 to a second portion 21b, wherein the first portion 21a further comprises a keypad 24 and is configured to cover a touch-screen 2 of a mobile device. The second portion 21b is configured to accommodate a mobile device 10, while being in contact with the back side 8 of the mobile device 10. The first portion 2 la is configured to cover the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 while accommodated in the second portion 21b.

Pivotal connector of the keypad flip cover

The pivotal connector 23 is configured to pivotally connect the first portion 21a with the second portion 21b. According to one embodiment, the pivotal connector 23 is further configured to allow flipping of the keypad flip cover 20 between an open state, illustrated in Fig. 3A, and a closed state, illustrated in Fig. 3C. Thus, the pivotal connector 23 allows the rotation of the first portion 21 a relative to the second portion 21b while the pivotal connector 23 serves as a rotation axis.

Figs. 3A-C schematically illustrate, according to exemplary embodiments, a keypad flip cover 20 in three states of opening. According to this embodiment the pivotal connector 23 is configured to allow flipping of the keypad flip cover 20 between a closed state as illustrated in Fig. 3A, a partially open state as illustrated in Fig. 3B, and a full open state as illustrated in Fig. 3C. In other words, the pivotal connector 23 allows a 360° turning of the first portion 21a relative to the second- portion 21b, as indicated with arrows 500.

According to a further embodiment, the pivotal connector 23 has a default position. According to yet a further embodiment, the pivotal connector 23 has a default position that is an open state of the keypad flip cover 20. In other words, according to these embodiments, the pivotal connector 23 is retractable and tends to keep the keypad flip cover 20 in an open state. According to a preferred embodiment, the pivotal connector 23 allows a 360° turning of the first portion 21 a relative to the second portion 2 lb, and has a default position that is an open state of the keypad cover 20, tending to keep the keypad flip cover 20 in a full open state, as indicated in Fig. 3C.

According to some embodiments, the pivotal connector 23 may be made of any flexible material known in the art, for example fabric, leather and plastic, or alternatively comprise any pivotal member known in the art, for example a hinge-like member. According to other embodiments, the pivotal connector 23 may be made of any retractable material known in the art, for example rubber and elastic plastic, or comprise a retractable member, for example a spring. Preferably, the retractable material or member, of which the pivotal connector 23 is made, tends to keep the keypad flip cover 20 in a full open state. Furthermore, the pivotal connector 23 may connect any one of the edges of the first portion 21a with any one of the edges of the second portion 21b. In addition, the pivotal connector 23 may be connected to the entire length of the connected edges of the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b, or alternatively be connected partially to the connected edges of the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b, in at least one location.

Locking member

According to some embodiments, the keypad flip cover 20 further comprises a locking member 30 configured to lock the first portion 2 la to the second portion 21b, when the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state, especially in cases where the pivotal connector 23 is retractable and tends to keep the keypad flip cover 20 in a full open state, as indicated in Fig. 3C. Thus, after a user brings the keypad flip cover 20 to a closed state, as indicated in Fig, 3A, the locking member 30 avoids spontaneous opening to the first portion 21a due to the retractable pivotal connector 23,

When a user wishes to open the first portion 2 la he simply unlocks the locking member 30 and due to the retractable pivotal connector 23 the first portion 21a automatically opens. This embodiment allows handling and opening the keypad flip co ver 20 only with one hand, thus increasing the simplicity of usage of the keypad flip cover 20. According to one embodiment, the locking member 30 is attached to the first portion 21a and is configured to grasp the second portion 21b. According to a preferred embodiment, the locking member 30 is attached to the second portion 21b and is configured to grasp the first portion 21a. According to a further embodiment, the locking member 30 is attached to an edge of either the first portion 21a or the second portion 21b that is different from the edge to which the pivotal connector 23 is attached. According to a further preferred embodiment, the locking member 30 is attached to an edge that is opposite to the edge to which the pivotal connector 23 is attached. Figs. 3A-C illustrate a preferred embodiment, according to which the locking member 30 is attached to an edge of the second portion 21b that is opposite to the edge that is attached to the pivotal connector 23. Any locking member 30 known in the art, configured to lock the first portion 21a with the second portion 21b when the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed position, is under the scope of the present invention. Exemplary locking members 30 include a mechanical locking member 300 and a magnetic locking member 350.

Fig, 4 schematically illustrates, according to exemplary embodiments, a cross- section side view of (A) a mechanical locking member 300, and (B) a magnetic locking member 350, attached to an edge of a second portion 21b of a keypad flip cover 20. According to some embodiments, the mechanical locking member 300, illustrated in Fig. 4A, comprises a grasping member 302 flexibly attached to an edge of a second portion 21b in one side and configured to grasp the first portion 21a with another side. When the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state, the grasping member 302 grasps the first portion 21a and the keypad flip cover 20 is locked in a closed state. The mechanical locking member 300 further comprises an elastic member 304, preferably in a shape of an arc, positioned between the grasping member 302 and the mobile device 10 accommodated in the second portion 21b. Additionally, the mechanical locking member 300 comprises a release button attached to the elastic member 304 and protrudes through a hole in the grasping member 302. Pushing the release button 306 presses the elastic member 304 and triggers a change in the orientation of the elastic member 304 in a manner that pushes the grasping member 302 and releases the locking of the keypad flip cover 20. According to other embodiments, the magnetic locking member 350, illustrated in Fig. 4B, compri ses a magnet 352 attached to an edge of a second portion 21b. Additionally, a magnet attracting member 354, made for example of iron, is attached to an edge of a second portion 21a. When the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state the magnet attracting member 354 is attracted to the magnet 352 and the keypad flip cover is in a locked state. Pushing apart the first portion 21a from the second portion 21b releases the locking.

First portion of the keypad flip cover

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a frontal side view of a first portion 2 la of a keypad flip cover 20. It should be noted that even though Fig. 5 illustrates only the first portion 21a, according to embodiments of the present invention the first portion 21a is connected to the second portion 2ib with a pivotal connector 23. The first portion 21a is configured to cover the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 while accommodated in the second portion 21b. According to one embodiment, the first portion 21a comprises a keypad 24 comprising at least one key 240. According to yet another embodiment, the first portion 21a further comprises a window 22. According to a further embodiment, the first portion 21a further comprises at least one opening 25, corresponding to a component of the mobile device 10 that needs to be uncovered, for example an audio speaker 5, a frontal camera lens 9, a physical button 4, and power button 11 (shown in Fig. 1). According to one embodiment, the window 22 provides visual and physical access to the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 when the mobile device 10 is accommodated mside the keypad flip cover 20 in a closed state (further described hereinafter). Thus, the window 22 may be made of a material allowing visual and physical access to the touch-screen 2, for example a thin transparent membrane. According to another embodiment, the window 22 comprises a transparent physical barrier, made for example of plastic or glass, so that only visual access to the touchscreen 2 may be provided. According to yet another embodiment, the first portion 21a, including the keys 240 and the space 26 between the keys 240 is made of a transparent material, for example a transparent plastic polymer, thus rendering the entire first portion 21a a window 22.

Turning now back to Fig. 2, according to a further embodiment, the first portion 21a further comprises a protruding segment 33 configured to facilitate flipping of the first portion 2 la by a user, by gripping the protruding segment 33 by hand .

Keypad of the keypad flip cover

The term "keypad^" 24, as used herein, refers to a set of at least one key 240 configured to allow a physical interface with a touch-screen 2. The keypad 24 comprises at least one key 240, configured to allow a physical interface with the touch-screen 2 of a mobile device 10 (shown in Fig. 1) when the mobile device 10 is accommodated inside the keypad flip cover 20 in a closed state (further described hereinafter), when pressing or touching a key 240 of the keypad 24 is sensed by the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10.

According to one embodiment, each of the at least one key 240 of the keys 240 physically protrude from the surface of the keypad 24, similarly to standard keypads where each key protrudes from the surface. According to another embodiment, the at least one key 240 of the keypad 24 is indicated separately, for example in the shape of a rectangle, on a flat surface, while there is no physical separation between the at least one keys 240, in contrast to standard keypads where each key protrudes from the surface and is physically separated from the other keys. According to this embodiment each key 240 may activate a different command as each key 240 is sensed by a different area in the touch-screen 2 when pressed or touched by the user.

According to one embodiment, the keypad 24 has a phone dial layout, According to this embodiment, the keypad 24 comprises at least ten numbered keys 240 corresponding to standard dial tone phone keys together with at least one phone call operation key 240, for example a "cai V'disconnect" key 240 that may start and/or stop a phone call, respectively, as illustrated in Fig. 5. According to another embodiment, the keypad 24 has an alphabet keyboard layout, for example a Latin alphabet layout, also known as QWERTY layout. It should be noted though, that a keypad 24 having any keyboard layout corresponding to any language known in the art is under the scope of the present invention. According to another embodiment, the keypad 24 has a gaming keyboard layout, configured to allow a user to play games with a mobile device 10 that is accommodated in and covered with the keypad flip cover 20.

According to another embodiment, an at least one key 240 of the keypad 24 may be configured by a user for a specific feature.

According to a further embodiment, the keys 240 in the keypad 24 are indicated with more than one character. For example, each key 240 may be indicated with at least one number, at least one alphabetic letter and at least one symbol. According to yet a further embodiment, the keys 240 of the keypad 24 are indicated with a number, and at least one alphabetical letter or a symbol, similarly to standard dial tone phone keys, so as to allow inputting a text, for example for sending a short message, also known as SMS, with the keypad 24 by using these keys 240. This option may be particularly useful if the touch-screen^' s 2 keyboard provided on the mobile device 10 (shown in Fig. 1) cannot be easily operated due to a visually impaired user (having trouble identifying small icons on the screen) or due to direct sunlight reflecting from the touch-screen 2 and thus obscuring viewing the screen. According to a further embodiment, the keys 240 on the keypad 24 are multifunctional and may activate different commands at different states of usage. For example, at a phone call state the keys 240 function as number keys 240, and at a text writing state the keys 240 function as alphabetical letter keys 240.

According to yet further embodiments, the keys 240 on the keypad 24 are configured to operate different functions of the mobile device 10. The keypad 24 may be configured to operate, for example but not limited to, as: a QWERTY keyboard, a multimedia keyboard, a virtual game control and a remote control, for example TV remote control.

According to another embodiment, the keypad flip cover 20 comprises a set of a plurality of changeable keypads 24. According to a preferred embodiment the changeable keypads 24 operate different functions of the mobile device 10 as detailed above.

Fig. 6A schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a changeable keypad 24 attached to a first member 21a. According to one embodiment, the changeable keypad 24 comprises at least one releasabie attaching member 250, configured to attach the changeable keypad 24 to the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20 in a releasabie manner. The releasabie attaching member 250 is any member known in the art enabling the easy attachment of objects one to the other and easy releasing the attached objects one from, the other. Fig. 6B schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a releasabie attaching member 250 that may be used for attaching a changeable keypad 24 to the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20. According to one embodiment, the releasabie attaching member 250 comprises a male member 252 and a female member 254, configured to engage one with the other and easily separate one from the other. According to one embodiment, the male member 252 is attached to the changeable keypad 24 and the female member 254 is attached to the first portion 21a in a corresponding location. According to another embodiment, the female member 254 is attached to the changeable keypad 24 and the male member 252 is attached to the first portion 21a in a corresponding location. It should be noted though, that the attaching member 250 disclosed herein is only an exemplary embodiment of a member configured to attaching a changeable keypad 24 to the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20, and that any member suitable for attaching a changeable keypad 24 to the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20 is under the scope of the present invention. In addition,

According to one embodiment, the keypad flip cover 20 further comprises a software to be installed in the mobile device 10, the software is configured to facilitate the coordination between the keypad flip cover 20 and the mobile device 10. According to a another embodiment, the dedicated software of the keypad fl ip cover 20 may be recalibrated by the user to correspond to the display of the mobile device 10, for example after updating the software of the mobile device 10 (sometime causing changes in display). According to yet another embodiment, the dedicated software may display in the touch-screen 2 the character (number or alphabetical letter) that corresponds to each key 240, according to the different states of usage of the keys 240.

Keys of the keypad flip cover

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a key 240 of a keypad flip cover 20, comprising rigid areas and/or flexible areas. According to one embodiment, the key 240 comprises a key surface 242 and a key edge 244 surrounding the key surface 242. The key surface is configured to the pressed or touched by a user, and the key edge 244 is configured to attach the key 240 to the surface of the first portion 21a. In some embodiments, the key edge 244 has a height that allows protrusion of the key 240 above the surface of the keypad 24.

Figs. 8A-N schematically illustrate, according to exemplary embodiments, a side view of various embodiments of a key 240 of a keypad flip cover 20 comprising rigid and/or elastic areas, and having various sizes and configurations. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 8A-N are only exemplary embodiments, and that other sizes or configurations of a key 240 of a keypad flip cover 20 are within the scope of the present invention.

According to one embodiment, a key 240 comprises at least one flexible area, illustrated in Fig. 8 as a dark area. According to another embodiment, a key 240 comprises at least one rigid area, illustrated in Fig. 8 as a pale area. According to one embodiment, the entire key 240, including the key surface 242 and the key edge 244, is rigid (not shown). According to another embodiment, the entire key 240, including the key surface 242 and key edge 244, is flexible, as illustrated in Fig. 8M. According to yet another embodiment, the key surface 242 is rigid and the key edge 244 is flexible, as illustrated for example in Figs 8A-D. According to a further embodiment, the key surface 242 is rigid and the key edge 244 comprises an elastic area and a rigid area, as illustrated for example in Figs. 8E, 8H and 8K. According to a yet a further embodiment, the key surface 242 is flexible and the key edge 244 is rigid, as illustrated for example in Fig. 8N. According to another embodiment, a key 240 comprises at least one rigid area and at least one flexible area.

Tire arrangement of flexible areas and rigid areas in the key 240 allows engagement of the key surface 242 with a touch-screen 2 of a mobile device 10 accommodated in a keypad flip cover 20, when the key surface 242 is pressed by a user.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, (A) an upper view, (B) a side view and (C) a perspective view of a key 240 comprising a recess 249. According to a preferred embodiment, some or all the keys 240 of the keypad flip cover 20 comprise a recess 249 configured to harbor a finger of a user. This embodiment facilitates a smooth and easy touching of the keys 240 by a user.

According to another preferred embodiment, various keys 240 comprise recesses 249 in different shapes and sizes in order to allow a user to discriminate between the various keys 240 only by touching the keys 240 without the need of looking at them. Fig. 10 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplar}' embodiment, (A) a side view, (B) an upper view and (C) a perspective view of various embodiments I-TV of a key 240 of a keypad flip cover 20 comprising or not comprising a conductive material.

According to one embodiment, a key 240 does not comprise a conductive material, as illustrated in Figs. 7, 7A-N and embodiment I in Fig. 10. According to this embodiment, a user presses the key surface 242 in order to directly engage the key surface 242 with the touch-screen 2 of a mobile device 10 accommodated in a keypad flip cover 20. Thus, the pressing of the key surface 242 is sensed by the touch-screen 2 and elicits a function according to the display on the touch-screen 2. This embodiment requires that at least part of the key 240 is flexible in order to bend towards the touch screen 2 when the key 240 is pressed by a user. Accordingly, the material of which the key 240 is made and its thickness should allow bending of the key 240 when pressed by a user. Furthermore, a key pad flip cover 20 comprising at least one key 240 without conductive materials is suitable for accommodating a mobile device 10 comprising a resistive touch-screen 2, the display of which relies solely on direct touching of the touch-screen 2. Nevertheless, a key pad flip cover 20 comprising at least one key 240 without conductive materials is suitable also for accommodating a mobile device 10 comprising a capacitive touch-screen 2, given that the sensitivity of the capacitive touch-screen 2 is high enough to enable sensing of changes in the electrical capacitance elicited by the user's touch on a ley 240, and on the width of the at least one key 240, which should be low enough. According to other embodiments, a key 240 comprises a conductive material, as illustrated in Fig. 10 - embodiments fl-FV. A conductive material may facilitate the sensing by the touch-screen 2 of pressing or touching of the key 240 by a user.

According to one embodiment, the key 240 comprises at least one conductive spot 246 on the key surface 242, as illustrated in Fig. 10 - embodiment Π. Even though engagement of the key surface 242 with the touch-screen 2 is still necessary in order to elicit a function according to the display on the touch-screen 2, the extent of engagement may be lower compared to a key 240 without a conductive material. Therefore, for example, the flexibility of the key surface 242 comprising at least one conductive spot 246 (Fig. 10 - embodiment II) may be lower compared to a key surface 242 without a conductive material (Fig. 10 - embodiment 1), and/or the width of the key surface 242 comprising at least one conductive spot 246 (Fig. 10, 5 embodiment II) may be higher compared to a key surface 242 without a conductive material (Fig. 10 - embodiment I).

According to another embodiment, the key 240 comprises at least one conductive spot 246 on the key surface 242, connected to the key edge 244 with a 10 conductive wire 248, as illustrated in Fig. 10 - embodiment III. According to this embodiment, an electrical capacitance is conducted from the conductive spot 246 to the touch-screen 2 through the conductive wire 248 and the key edge 244. Therefore, the key surface 242 does not have to directly engage with the touch-screen 2 in order to elicit a function according to the display on the touch-screen 2. Touching the key- i s surface 242 is enough to be sensed by the touch screen. Thus, the key 240 may be made of entirely a rigid material.

According to yet another embodiment, the key 240 comprises a mixture of at least one conductive spot 246 and at least one conductive spot 246 connected to the 20 key edge 244 with a conductive wire, 248, as illustrated in Fig. 10 - embodiment IV.

Furthermore, a keypad flip cover 20 comprising conductive materials is suitable for accommodating a mobile device 10 comprising a capacitive touch-screen 2, the display of which relies on changes in the electrical capacitance of the touch- 25 screen 2.

Second portion of the keypad flip cover

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a back perspecti ve view of a keypad flip cover 20, illustrating some embodiments of the 30 second portion 21b. The second portion 21b is configured to accommodate a mobile device 10, while being in contact with the back side 8 of the mobile device. According to one embodiment, the second portion 21b comprises at least one opening 25 corresponding to a component of the mobile device 10 that needs to be uncovered, for example a camera lens and a flash of a camera at the back side 8 of the mobile device 10, and a power button on the side of the mobile device.

According to another embodiment, the second portion 21b further comprises a first compartment 27 configured to allow housing of at least one hardware component (not shown), and a wiring 29 embedded inside the second portion 21b in order to allow signal transmission between the at least hardware component housed in the first compartment 27 and the first portion 21 a.

According to yet another embodiment, the second portion 21b further comprises a second compartment 28, configured to allow housing of a power storage element, for example a batter ', (not shown) capable of powering different sections in the keypad flip cover 20 through electrical wiring, similarly to a standard electrical battery in a mobile phone.

According to a further embodiment, the second compartment 28 is accessible. According to this embodiment the second compartment 28 may be accessed by the user, for example in order to replace the power storage element of the keypad flip cover 20 once emptied. Since the keypad flip cover 20 requires a power supply only for signal transmission, a small battery may be housed inside the second compartment 28 (while keeping same thickness of the cover) and replaced when required, for example once a year. Optionally, the power storage element of the keypad flip cover 20 may be rechargeable. Thus, the keypad flip cover 10 may further comprise a power outlet for recharging of the power storage element while housed in the second compartment 28.

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a back perspective view of second portion 21b, lacking a first compartment 27 and a second compartment 28. It should be noted that even though Fig. 12 illustrates only the second portion 21b, according to embodiments of the present invention the second portion 21b is connected to the first portion 21a with a pivotal connector 23. According to this embodiment, the second portion 21b comprises an embedded hardware and power storage element, or alternatively being charged by the power storage element of the mobile device 10, thus negating the need for a first compartment 27 and a second compartment 28.

According to one embodiment, the keypad flip cover 20 uses a power storage element, for example a battery, of the mobile device 10 as a power source. According to this embodiment, the user may connect a dedicated wire from the power storage element of the mobile device 10 to the keypad flip cover 20 prior to inserting the mobile device into the second portion 21b. Such wire may allow only low power supply to the second portion 2,1b, whereby this may be sufficient in order to provide continuous operation of the keypad flip cover 20 without a need for a power storage element dedicated for the keypad flip cover 20. Optionally, the dedicated wire is a flexible extension of an electric circuit, comprising, for example, four conducting wires printed on it (as the number of connectors of a standard battery). This circuit extension may be folded at the edge to be inserted onto the gap between the power storage element of the mobile device 10 and the power storage element slot in the mobile device 10, allowing electricity to pass between the power storage element of the mobile device 10 and the mobile device 10, and thus providing the circuit with some small amount of energy '^"stolen" from the power storage element of the mobile device 10 and transferred to the keypad flip cover 20.

According to another embodiment, the keypad flip cover 20 comprises a wireless charging unit based on electromagnetic induction (currently in use in many mobile devices) embedded for example in the second portion 21b. Thus, the keypad flip cover 20 may be charged from the power storage element of the mobile device 10 without the need for additional cables. According to some embodiments, a switch 55 located at the cente of the keypad flip cover 20 is connecting between the first portion 21a and the second portion 21b with corresponding wiring.

According to some embodiments, the keypad flip cover 20 is provided with an embedded power storage element. According to one embodiment, the embedded power storage element is rechargeable. Thus, the keypad flip cover 10 may further comprise a power outlet for recharging of the embedded power storage element. According to another embodiment, the embedded power storage element is disposable, for single use. Thus, preferably the disposable embedded power storage element lasts for a long period of time, for example at least two years. Accordingly, when the embedded power storage element is emptied the keypad flip cover 20 is discarded and replace with a new key pad flip cover 20.

Accommodation of a mobile device in a keypad flip cover and operation thereof

Fig, 13 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of the mobile device 10 accommodated inside the keypad flip cover 20 in an open state. According to one embodiment, once contact is enabled between the first portion 21a and the touch-screen 2, a signal is transmitted from an at least one hardware component, either housed or embedded in the second portion 21b, to initiate the operation of a dedicated software accompanying the keypad flip cover 10 and compatible for use with the keypad flip cover 20. Thus the touch-screen 2 interface is replaced by a preinstalled software with a physical keypad interface.

According to another embodiment, the first portion 21a further comprises a blocking section 36 (for example made of metal) configured to allow blocking the operation of the physical button 4 and any adjacent touch keys of the mobile device 10 that are not directly on the touch-screen 2, when the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state. Such blocking of these keys is earned out in order to preserve the keypad flip cover 20 dedicated software running at the front while in a closed state, so that other operations may not interfere with that software.

Additionally, as some mobile devices 10 require sliding a finger across the touch-screen 2 or entering a password, the dedicated software for to the keypad flip cover 20 may be configured dedicate at least one key 240 for this feature. It should be noted that when a mobile device is accommodated in die second portion 21b, and the keypad flip cover 20 is in open state, the mobile device is operated using the touch-screen 2 interface. In this sense, the keypad flip cover 20 is similar to other types of flip covers for mobile devices that only protect the mobile device from physical damage. However, when the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state, the keypad 2/4 of the keypad flip cover 2,0 provides a physical interface with the mobile device 10, Thus, the keypad flip cover 20 provides a user the opportunity to switch the operation mode of a mobile device 10 accommodated in the second portion 21b between a touch-screen interface and a physical interface simply by flipping the keypad flip cover 20 between an open state and a closed state, respectively.

Fig. 14 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a side view of a mobile device 10 accommodated inside the keypad flip cover 20 in a closed state. According to one embodiment, in the closed state the keypad 24 protrudes from the frontal surface of the keypad flip cover 20, and therefore the keypad 24 enables finger guidance with physical keys 240 so that a clear visual view of the screen of the mobile device is no longer required. Additionally, the size of the keypad 24 is configured to allow contact with the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 once a key 240 is pressed or touched by the user. According to another embodiment, some of the keys 240 in the keypad 24 comprise a shape distinctively different from other keys 240 so that it may be possible to find the correct key 240 simply by guiding the finger and touching the required key 240 shape, without the need for direct eye contact.

Fig. 15 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front view of the keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 in a closed state. According to one embodiment, when the first portion 21a contacts the touchscreen 2 then a corresponding signal may be sent to the hardware components housed or embedded in the second portion 21b. The signal may be transmitted in the following exemplary methods:

• Using a Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol: By using the NFC protocol a radio communication may be established between the mobile device 10 and the keypad flip cover 20 by bringing them into close proximity. In mobile devices 10 which support NFC, an open/closed circuit detects the existence of an NFC unit in the second portion 21b of the keypad flip cover 20, in sufficient proximity to the NFC antenna of the mobile device 10. ® Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): In mobile devices 10 where BLE is supported instead of NFC, the same mechanism may be applied, such that an open/closed circuit detects the existence of a BLE unit in the second portion 21b of the cover based on signal intensity, in sufficient proximitv' to the BLE antenna of mobile device 10.

* Using a magnetometer: in a preferred embodiment, by employing built-in magnetic field sensors of the mobile device 10, the dedicated software may sample the surrounding magnetic field in a relatively high rate, for example 300 per second. Thus, when the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open or closed state, the circuit may emit a predetermined pulse pattern, as a signal. This pattern may then be recognized by the software.

• Using built-in cover sensors: as flip covers have become popular recently, some mobile devices 10 are provided with built in sensors that may detect when the cover is in a closed state. The functionality employed by these sensors is to typically switch the mobile device to "sleep mode" when the cover is in a closed state.

Another method for communicating to the cell phone 10 whether the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed or open position, is by using a proximity sensor present preferably in the front side 6 of some mobile devices 10. The proximity sensor is configured to communicate to the mobile device 10 whether there is an object near, or in a certain proximity to, the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10.

According to one embodiment, the proximity sensor of the mobile device 1 is used for detecting whether the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20 attaches the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10. However, one drawback of this embodiment is that the light sensor is not capable of discriminating between different objects, for example between the first portion 21 of the keypad flip cover 20 when in closed state and the cheek of a user while talking with the mobile device 10.

Therefore, according to another embodiment, another mechanism for detecting whether the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20 attaches the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 employs a light source and a light sensor that are positioned adjacent to each other on the front side 6 of some mobile devices 10.

Fig. 16 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a front view of the keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 in an open state. According to some embodiments illustrated in Fig. 16, the front size 6 of some mobile devices 10 comprises a light source 64, for example a notification light- emitting diode (LED); and a light sensor 62, for example a light sensor that is intended for detecting the light intensity in the proximity of the mobile device 10 in order to accordingly adjust the light intensity of touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10.

According to some embodiments, the mechanism for detecting whether the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20 attaches the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 comprises a light transfer member 66 positioned on the first portion 21b of the keypad flip cover 20 in a location that enables transfer of light from the light source 64 to the light sensor 62, when the first portion 21a of the keypad flip co ver 20 attaches the touch-screen 2. When the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state, light is not transferred from the light source 64 to the light sensor 62. Therefore, when light from the light source 64 is sensed by the light sensor 62, the software dedicated to the keypad flip cover 20 determines that the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state. On the other hand, when light from the light source 64 is not sensed by the light sensor 62, the software determines that the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state.

According to one embodiment, the light transfer member 66 is a light tunnel 67. According to another embodiment, the light transfer member 66 is a light reflecting socket 68. It should be noted that the light tunnel 67 and the light reflecting socket 68, that will be described in detail hereinafter, are only exemplar}' embodiments of the light transfer member 66 as disclosed herein, and that any member that is attached to the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20 and configured to transfer light from a light source 64 to a light sensor 62 that are positioned on the front side 6 of a mobile device 10 is under the scope of the present invention. Fig, 17 schematically illustrates, according to exemplary embodiments, (A) a top view and (B) a cross-section side view of a mechanism, communicating to the mobile device 10 whether a keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed or open state, using a light source 64, a light sensor 62 and a light tunnel 67. According to one embodiment, the first portion 21b comprises a light tunnel 67 in a position corresponding to the position of the light sensor 62 and the light source 64 in the front side 6 of a mobile device 10. The light tunnel 67 comprises a set of light reflectors surrounding the light sensor 62 and the light source 64, configured to tunnel light from the light source 64 to the light sensor 62 only when the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state, the first portion 21a is in close proximity to the touch-screen 2, and the light tunnel 67 is adjacent to the light sensor 62 and the light source 64. According to an exemplar}⁷ embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 17, the light tunnel 67 comprises four light reflectors 671 arranged in a rectangular surrounding and configured to surround the light sensor 62 and the light source 64 of the mobile device 10, when the first portion 21a of the keypad fl ip cover 20 is in close proximity to the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device. It should be noted that any number, shape and orientation of light reflectors forming a light tunnel 67 that is part of the first portion 21a and tunnels light from a light source 64 to a light sensor 62 of a mobile device 10 is under the scope of the present invention.

The light reflectors 671 are any light reflectors known in the art that are configured to reflect a light beam impacting the light reflector. For example, the light reflectors 671 are made of any transparent material known in the art, preferably plastic, wrapped by any non-transparent material known in the art, preferably plastic.

Fig. 18 schematically illustrates, according to exemplary embodiments, (A) a top view and (B) a cross-section side view of a mechanism communicating to the mobile device 10 w hether a keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed or open state, using a light source 64, a light sensor 62 and a light reflecting socket 68. The light reflecting socket 68 is a socket-like structure positioned on the first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover 20, covered with a light reflecting material. The light reflecting socket 68 is positioned in a location corresponding to the location of the light source 64 and the light sensor 62, in a manner that allows transfer of light from the light source 64 to the light sensor 62 when the first portion 21a is in a closed state, as shown in Fig, 18B. When the first portion 21a is in a closed state, the Sight reflecting socket 68 is positioned adjacent to both the light source 64 and the light sensor 62. Light rays, illustrated in Fig. 18B as arrows, that are emitted from the light source 64 are reflected by the light reflecting socket 68 towards the light sensor 62. According to some embodiments, light that is reflected from the light reflecting socket towards the touchscreen 2 portion which lies between the light source 64 and the light sensor 62, is reflected back to the light reflecting socket 68, due to the light reflecting properties of the touch-screen 2, and further towards the light sensor 62,

Turning now back to Fig. 16, yet another mechanism and method for communicating to the cell phone 10 whether the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed or open position, is by using a proximity sensor 70, a light sensor 62 and a light source 64 of a mobile device 10, and the light transfer member 66 of the first portion 21a located in a position corresponding to the position of the light sensor 62 and the light source 64.

When the keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 is in an open state and there is no other object adjacent to the touch-screen 2, the proximity sensor 70 does not detect any object adjacent to the touch-screen, and the software dedicated to the keypad flip cover 20 determines that there is no object close to the touch-screen 2.

When the keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 is in an open state, and there is another object adjacent to the touch-screen 2, the proximity sensor 70 detects an object adjacent to the touch screen 2, As a result, the software dedicated to the keypad flip cover 20 operates the light source 64. The light emitted from the light source 64 is not tranferred to the light sensor 62, thus no light is sensed by the light sensor 62, and the software determines that the keypad flip cover 21a is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch-screen 2 is not a first portion 21 a, When the keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 is in a closed state and the first portion 21a is adjacent to the touch-screen 2, the proximity sensor 70 detects an object adjacent to the touch screen 2. As a result, the software operates the light source 64. The light emitted from the light source 64 is transferred towards the light sensor 62 through the light transfer member 66 and sensed by the light sensor 62. As a result, the software determines that the keypad flip cover is in a closed state.

According to another embodiment, the light that is emitted from the light source 64 has predetermined characteristics, for example pattern of emission, color and a combination thereof. Once the light transferred through the light transfer member 66 is sensed by the light sensor 62, characteristics of the light sensed by the light sensor 62 are compared by the keypad flip cover 20-dedicated software to the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, if both characteristics are identical - the software determines that the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state. If the characteristics of the sensed light are different from the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, then the software deteimines that an object different from the first portion 21a is adjacent to the touch-screen 2.

A method, ran by a keypad flip cover 20-dedicated software that is installed in a mobile device 10, for determining whether a keypad flip cover 20 accommodating the mobile device 1 0 is in an open or closed state, is provided. According to one embodiment the method comprises:

emitting light from a light source 64 of a mobile device 10;

if light is not sensed by a light sensor 62 adjacent to the light source 64, determining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state;

if light is sensed by a light sensor 62 adjacent to the light source 64, determ ining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state.

According to another embodiment, the method run by a keypad flip cover 20- dedicated software that is installed in a mobile device 10, for determining whether a keypad flip cover 20 accommodating the mobile device 10 is in an open or closed state, comprises: checking with a proximity sensor of the mobile device 10 whether there is an object adjacent to the touch-screen 2:

if no object is sensed by the proximity sensor, determining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state and there is no other object adjacent the touch- screen 2;

if an object is sensed by the proximity sensor, emitting light from the Sight source 64:

if light is not sensed by a lighi sensor 62 adjacent to the light source 64, determining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch -screen 2 is not a first portion 21a of the keypad flip cover

20;

if light is sensed by the light sensor 62 adjacent to the light source 64, determining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state. According to a preferred embodiment, the method for determining whether a keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 is in an open or closed state, further comprises:

after an object is sensed by the proximity sensor, emitting light having predetermined characteristics from the light source 64;

and after sensing light by the light sensor 62 adjacent to the light source 64:

comparing the characteristics of the sensed light with the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light;

if the characteristics of the sensed Sight are different from the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, determining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch-screen 2 is not a first portion 21a;

if the characteristics of the sensed Sight are identical to the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, determining that the keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state.

Fig. 19 schematically illustrates, according to an exemplary embodiment, a perspective view of a keypad flip cover 20 accommodating a mobile device 10 in a closed state, while some icons displayed on the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 are seen through a transparent first portion 21a. According to one embodiment, in the closed state, each key 240 of the keypad 24 corresponds to a single area in the touchscreen 2, but can perform different functions depending on the requirements of the software, such that different icons are displayed for different configurations of the software.

According to one embodiment, a dedicated software in preinstalled in the mobile device 10 prior to the use of a keypad flip cover 209. This software allows operation of the mobile device 10 when accommodated in the second portion 21b of the keypad flip cover 20, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The software may provide several features, for example:

• Monitoring of the first portion 21a: The first portion 21a is continuously monitored in the background and the keypad software is activated if a signal is received from the switch 55 that the first portion 21a contacts the touch-screen 2 for a predetermined period of time, for example for two seconds. Similarly, if a signal from, the switch 55 indicates that the first portion 21a no longer contacts the touch-screen 2 for a predetermined period of time then the keypad software may be deactivated for the touch-screen 2 interface.

• Coupling the physical keypad with the operating system of the mobile device:

The keypad software operates only when die keypad flip cover 20 is in a closed state. Such coupling may provide diverse functionality with the operating system, for example coupling to the existing touch-screen 2 dialer or to a TV remote control, wherein the position of the physical keys 240 in the keypad 24 corresponds to an area in the touch-screen 2 with a different functionality.

According to some embodiments, the material of which the at least the keys 240 are made is transparent so that once the keypad software detects that a certain key 240 has been pressed or touched, the area in the touch-screen 2 corresponding to that key 240 may be illuminated (in a predetermined color) so that the light beam travels through the transparent key 240 and the pressed or touched key 240 appears to be illuminated. According to another embodiment, the keypad 24 of the first portion may not align with the keypad appearing on the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 due to limitations set by the manufacturer of the mobile device 10. According to this embodiment, a Bluetooth unit is embedded into the keypad flip cover 20 in order to bypass this problem . Instead of controlling the operating system from within the mobile device 10, the dedicated software corresponds to the Bluetooth unit embedded into the keypad flip cover 20. Once a certain key 240, that is not aligned with the operating system keypad displayed in the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10, is pressed or touched, the touch is detected by the touch-screen 2 of the mobile device 10 and a signal with an information about the touched area is transmitted to the second portion 21b, for example via NFC. The received signal is then transmitted back via a coupled Bluetooth signal activating the desired functionality of the keypad displayed in the touch-screen 2, thereby overriding (or overlapping) the dialing function of the operating system of the mobile device 10, so that the keypad displayed in the touch - screen 2 is aligned with the keypad 24 of the keypad flip cover 20. In this way the keypad flip cover 20 may operate independently from the operating system of the mobile device 10.

Such combinations of the keypad flip cover with the dedicated software provide an optimal solution for mobile device interfaces, wherein this combination enables different features using the same mobile device.

It should be noted that in contrast to the commercially available solutions, the keypad flip cover 20 has the following features and/or advantages:

* The keypad flip cover 20 can be easily assembled onto (or removed from) existing mobile devices 10, such that there is no need to provide the keypad flip cover 20 together with the mobile device 10.

* The keypad flip cover 20 is adjustable, such that different types of interfaces are used with the same mobile device 10 using a simple flipping (in contrast to attachable keyboards).

* The keypad flip cover 20 provides physical protection and cover to the mobile device 10 (in contrast to built-in keyboards). * The keypad flip cover 20 has adjustable functioning keys 240 (in contrast to solutions with keys having only predetermined functions).

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A keypad flip cover for a mobile device having a touch-screen, comprising a first portion configured to cover the touch-screen, pivotally connected with a pivotal connector to a second portion capable of accommodating the mobile device, wherein the first portion comprises a keypad comprising at least one key configured to allow an interface with the touch-screen.

2. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key is configured to allow a physical interface with the touch-screen.

3. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key is configured to allow a conductive interface with the touch-screen.

4. The keypad flip cover of claim i, wherein the pivotal connector has a default position.

5. The keypad flip cover of claim 4, wherein the default position is an open state of the keypad flip cover.

6. The keypad flip cover of any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, wherein the pivotal connector allows a 360° turning of the first portion relative to the second portion.

7. The keypad flip cover of claim i, further comprising a locking member configured to lock the first portion to the second portion when the keypad flip cover is in a closed state.

8. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein at least the first portion is transparent.

9. The keypad flip cover of claim i, wherein the keypad has a phone dial layout.

10. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the keypad has an alphabet keyboard layout.

1 1. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the keypad has a gaming keyboard layout.

12. The keypad flip cover of claim 1 , wherein the at least one key is indicated with more than one character.

13. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key physically protrudes from the surface of the keypad.

14. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key is multifimctional. s

15. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, further comprising a set of a plurality of changeable keypads operating different functions of the mobile device.

16. The keypad flip cover of claim 15, wherein each of the changeable keypads further comprises at least one releasable attaching member configured to attach the changeable keypad to the first portion in a releasable manner.

17. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key is rigid.

18. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key if flexible.

19. The keypad flip cover of claim I, wherein the at least one key comprises at least one rigid area and at least one flexible area.

0

20. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key comprises a recess configured to harbor a finger of a user.

21. The keypad flip cover of claim I, wherein the at least one key comprises at least one conductive spot.

22. The keypad flip cover of claim I, wherein the at least one key comprises at least one conductive spot connected to an edge of the key with a conductive wire, wherein the conductive wire is configured to conduct electrical capacitance from the conductive spot to the touch-screen through the edge of the key.

23. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one key comprises at least one conductive spot and at least one conductive spot connected to an edge of the key with a conductive wire, wherein the conductive wire is configured to conduct electrical capacitance from the conductive spot to the touch-screen through the edge of the key,

24. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, further comprising a software to be installed in the mobile device, wherein the software is configured to facilitate the coordination between the keypad flip cover and the mobile device.

25. The keypad flip cover of claim 1, wherein the first portion further comprises a light transfer member in a position corresponding to the position of a light sensor and a light source of a mobile device, wherein the light transfer member is configured to transfer light from the light source to the light sensor when the first portion is in close proximity to the touch-screen of the mobile device.

26. The keypad flip cover of claim 25, wherein the light transfer member is a light tunnel comprising a set of light reflectors surrounding the light sensor and the light source.

27. The keypad flip cover of claim 25, wherein the light transfer member is a light reflecting socket.

28. A method for determining whether a keypad flip cover accommodating the mobile device is in an open or closed state, run by a keypad flip cover-dedicated software that is installed in a mobile device, the method comprises:

if no object is sensed by the proximity sensor, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state and there is no other object adjacent the touch-screen; if an object is sensed by the proximity sensor, emitting light from the light source; if light is not sensed by a light sensor adjacent to the light source, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch-screen is not a first portion of the keypad flip cover;

if light is sensed by the light sensor adjacent to the light source, determining s that the keypad flip cover is in an open state.

29. The method of claim 28 further comprising:

and after sensing light by the light sensor adjacent to the light source:

if the characteristics of the sensed light are different from the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, determining that the keypad flip cover is in an open state and that the object adjacent to the touch-screen is not a first portion;

if the characteristics of the sensed light are identical to the predetermined characteristics of the emitted light, determining that the keypad flip cover is in a closed state.