WO2025107018A1

WO2025107018A1 - A housing assembly and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2025107018A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/051211
Authority: WO
Inventors: Trent Gregory WISEMAN
Original assignee: In Charge Cases Pty Ltd
Current assignee: In Charge Cases Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-11-21
Filing date: 2024-11-15
Publication date: 2025-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-21

Abstract

The present invention relates to a housing assembly for a portable electronic device and to a method of use thereof. In one form, the assembly includes: a housing adapted to at least partially encapsulate the portable electronic device; and a data-filtering device configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device, said device having a first interface connectable to at least one interface of the portable electronic device, a second interface connectable to an external device, at least one power line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable power transfer with the portable electronic device, at least one data line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable data exchange with the portable electronic device and a switch operatively associated with the at least one data line for selectively enabling data exchange.

Description

A HOUSING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a housing assembly for a portable electronic device and to a method of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as, e.g., smartphones and digital media players, have become ubiquitous today. These devices require a constant source of power, meaning users are often seeking electrical outlets or electronic devices to charge their devices’ batteries and continue their usage.

[0003] Ordinarily, when a user uses secure and trusted power supplies, such as, e.g., their own person computer or an electrical outlet in their home, there is negligible risk of a compromise in their device’s security. However, it is common for a user to find their device has little or no battery power while out and about and away from secure and trusted power supplies. In such scenarios, a user may charge their device using the nearest electrical outlet, USB charging port, public computer or even a third party’s computer. Although the device may be charged, such practices carry an appreciable risk to the device’s security. For example, information may be transferred from or to the device and/or malicious software may be loaded onto the device without the user’s knowledge.

[0004] Earlier data-filtering devices have been developed to address such risks.

[0005] For example, US Patent Publication No. 2015/0126070 A1 discloses a portable adapter for an electronic device charging apparatus capable allowing the transfer of power but not data when charging a portable electronic device. While the disclosed portable adapter represents an effective solution, it is reliant on a user always having the portable adapter with them and therefore is not a realistic solution.

[0006] Similarly, US Patent Publication No. 2023/0185752 A1 discloses a universal serial bus (“USB”) cable including a switch for selectively disabling data transfer when using the cable to charge a portable electronic device. However, again the disclosed USB cable is reliant on a user having the cable with them to be an effective solution, which is not realistic.

[0007] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a housing assembly and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing assembly for a portable electronic device having at least one interface to transfer data and power, said assembly including: a housing adapted to at least partially encapsulate the portable electronic device; and a data-filtering device configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device, said device having a first interface connectable to the at least one interface of the portable electronic device, a second interface connectable to an external device, at least one power line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable power transfer with the portable electronic device, at least one data line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable data exchange with the portable electronic device and a switch operatively associated with the at least one data line for selectively enabling data exchange.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing for use with a data-filtering device, said housing adapted to at least partially encapsulate a portable electronic device together with a connected said data-filtering device.

[0011 ] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data-filtering device for use with a housing for a portable electronic device having at least one interface to transfer data and power, said device configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device, said device having a first interface connectable to the at least one interface of the portable electronic device, a second interface connectable to an external device, a power line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable power transfer with the portable electronic device, a data line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable data exchange with the portable electronic device and a switch operatively associated with the data line for selectively enabling data exchange.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data-filtering device for use with a housing for a portable electronic device having at least one interface to transfer data and power, said device configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device, said device having a first interface connectable to the at least one interface of the portable electronic device, a second interface connectable to an external device, a power line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable power transfer with the portable electronic device, a data line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable data exchange with the portable electronic device, a data switch circuit operatively associated with the at least one data line and configured to default to an off or interrupted state in which data exchange is disabled while still allowing power transfer, and a switch operatively associated with the data line switch for selectively enabling data exchange, wherein when the switch is actuated to selectively enable data exchange, the data switch circuit is turned on or completed and data exchange is enabled as well as power transfer with a connected portable electronic device, and wherein the data switch circuit is configured to default to an off state disabling data exchange when power is no longer provided by the at least one power line.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a housing assembly for a portable electronic device having at least one interface to transfer data and power, said assembly including: a housing adapted to at least partially encapsulate the portable electronic device; and a data-filtering device according to the third or fourth aspects configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device.

[0014] Advantageously, the present invention provides a housing assembly for use with portable electronic devices, such as, e.g., smartphones. The assembly includes a housing with an integrated data-filtering device, such that a smartphone, when fitted in the housing and connected to the data-filtering device, is able to be connected to any external device, such as, e.g., a public computer or charging station for charging, with any suitable cable, adapter or cradle and without fear of the security of the smartphone being compromised by unwanted data exchange. Further, there is no need for a user to carry an additional cable, adapter or cradle with data-filtering functionality. Moreover, the data-filtering device advantageously includes a switch enabling data exchange to be selectively activated when desired.

[0015] Lastly, embodiments of the assembly provide a data-filtering device with a switch configured to be biased into a data exchange disabled mode when the smartphone is disconnected from a first external device or when the first external device ceases to charge the smartphone thereby advantageously protecting the smartphone if it is subsequently reconnected or repowered by an untrusted external device. [0016] As indicated, the housing assembly of the present invention is for use with a portable electronic device, such as, e.g., a smartphone, for selectively disabling data exchange with the portable electronic device via cable, cradle or adapter connected to the device via the data- filtering device. It will therefore be convenient to describe the housing assembly with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the housing assembly is capable of broader applications and may be used with other portable electronic devices having a memory with data stored thereon, such as, e.g., portable digital music players and computing devices.

[0017] As used herein, the term portable electronic device may include any electronic device having one or more processors, an internal memory for storing data thereon, a rechargeable battery and at least one interface to transfer data and power.

[0018] Generally, the portable electronic device may include a smartphone, such as, e.g., an iPhone™ or Android phone.

[0019] The portable electronic device may typically include a body defined by a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges.

[0020] The opposed surfaces may include a user-facing surface and an opposed rear surface.

[0021] The opposing edges may include an upper end edge, an opposed lower end edge and opposed side edges extending between the upper and lower end edges.

[0022] The device may include at least one display defined on the user-facing surface.

[0023] The at least one interface may be defined on any one of opposing edges, preferably the lower end edge.

[0024] The at least one interface may include a port for receiving power and for receiving and outputting data, generally simultaneously unless data transfer is disabled. Typically, the port may include any one of a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) port, a USB-C port, an IEEE 1394 “FireWire” port, a Lightning port, and a micro-USB port.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one interface of the portable electronic device may include a USB-C port, a micro-USB port or a Lighting port.

[0026] In some embodiments, the portable electronic device may include one or more buttons for controlling various functions of the portable electronic device, such as, e.g., volume or power. The one or more buttons may typically be provided in discrete locations on one or both of the opposed side edges and/or the upper end edge.

[0027] As indicated, the assembly includes a housing adapted to at least partially encapsulate the portable electronic device and the data-filtering device.

[0028] The housing may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. The housing may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more housing pieces, preferably the former.

[0029] The housing may be constructed or formed from any suitably durable material, such as any suitable polymer, metals, fibre composites, fibre, leather or the like.

[0030] In some embodiments, the housing may be formed from silicone, rubber or plastic, such as, e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), and may be configured to snugly and securely fit about the portable electronic device, preferably by stretching over the portable electronic device and the data-filtering device connected thereto.

[0031 ] In other embodiments, the housing may be formed from, or may include a leather or fabric external wrap.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing may include a peripheral ring configured to be fitted about the opposing edges of the portable electronic device and a connected said data- filtering device. In such embodiments, the housing may include an upper end wall, an opposed lower end wall and opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally therebetween.

[0033] In other embodiments, the housing may include a rear wall, an opposed front wall with a screen opening defined therein for viewing the screen of the portable electronic device therethrough and opposed end/sidewalls extending therebetween.

[0034] The opposed end/sidewalls may include an upper end wall, an opposed lower end wall and opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally between the upper end wall and the lower end wall.

[0035] The rear wall, the front wall, the upper end wall, the lower end wall and the opposed sidewalls may define an internal space adapted to at least partially accommodate the portable electronic device and the data-filtering device therein, preferably entirely.

[0036] In some embodiments, the rear wall may entirely cover the rear wall of the portable electronic device, optionally with a cut out defined over a camera provided in the rear wall of the portable electronic device.

[0037] In other embodiments, the rear wall may only cover a part or portion of the portable electronic device and/or the data-filtering device connected thereto. For example, the rear wall may only cover the data-filtering device connected to the portable electronic device.

[0038] The screen opening may be sized and shaped to provide unobstructed access to an entire screen of the portable electronic device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the front wall may only cover a part or portion of the electronic device and/or the data-filtering device connected thereto. For example, the front wall may only cover the data-filtering device connected to the portable electronic device.

[0039] The housing may include one or more port coverings, cutouts and/or buttons on the opposed end/sidewalls for covering, providing access to and/or interfacing with buttons of the portable electronic device, respectively.

[0040] In some embodiments, the housing may define a portion for snugly accommodating the data-filtering device connected to the portable electronic device, preferably a lower end portion extending from the lower end wall at least partially towards the upper end wall for snugly receiving and covering the data-filtering device connected to the at least one interface defined in the lower end edge of the portable electronic device.

[0041 ] The lower end portion may be defined by at least a portion of the rear wall, portions of the opposed sidewalls, at least a portion of the front wall and the lower end wall.

[0042] Preferably, the lower end portion may entirely accommodate a data-filtering device connected to the portable electronic device.

[0043] The lower end wall of the housing may include at least one cutout defined therein and configured to overlie the second interface of a data-filtering device for connection of a cable, cradle or adapter thereto.

[0044] As indicated, the assembly includes the data-filtering device for selectively disabling data exchange between the portable electronic device and an external device connected to the portable electronic device via a cable, cradle or adapter connected to the data-filtering device.

[0045] The data-filtering device includes a first interface connectable to the at least one interface of the portable electronic device, a second interface connectable to an external device, at least one power line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable power transfer between with the portable electronic device, at least one data line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable data exchange with the portable electronic device and a switch operatively associated with the at least one data line and moveable between the first and second positions.

[0046] The device may include a body for at least partially housing the various device components. The body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction.

[0047] Generally, the body may be formed from metal and/or plastic materials, typically plastic. The body may be formed from two or more body pieces, preferably two body half pieces connectable together in an edge-to-edge connection.

[0048] The body may preferably be sized and shaped to be snugly received in the lower end portion of the housing. The body may be elongate and configured to longitudinally extend at least partially across the housing in the lower end portion.

[0049] The body may include a front wall and an opposed rear wall interconnected by opposing side and end walls.

[0050] The opposing side and end walls may include an upper end wall, an opposed lower end wall and opposed side walls extending therebetween. The upper end wall and the lower end wall may extend longitudinally between the opposed side walls.

[0051 ] The body may include rounded corners extending between the opposed side walls and the lower end wall.

[0052] Similarly, the body may include rounded edges between the front and rear walls and the opposing side and end walls.

[0053] The front wall and the rear wall may coincide with the front and rear walls of the housing, respectively, especially the lower end portion. Similarly, the upper end wall, the lower end wall and the opposed side walls may coincide with the respective upper end wall, the lower end wall and the opposed sidewalls of the housing.

[0054] The first interface may be located in, or on, the upper end wall of the body for connection to the at least one interface of the portable electronic device, preferably centrally located on the upper end wall.

[0055] The first interface may preferably include at least one plug for connecting with a port of the at least one interface of the portable electronic device. The at least one plug may extend from the upper end wall. [0056] The at least one plug may include any suitable plug for connecting with a corresponding port of the portable electronic device. For example, the plug may include any one of a USB plug, a USB-C plug, a FireWire plug, a Lightning plug or a micro-USB plug. Preferably, the at least one plug may include a USB-C plug, a micro-USB plug or a Lightning plug.

[0057] In some embodiments, the at least one plug may be interchangeable with other plug types. For example, the at least one plug may be detachably connected to the device so that it may be readily interchanged with other plug types.

[0058] In such embodiments, the at least one plug and the device may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or parts thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with the device and the at least one plug.

[0059] The connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with a part of the at least one plug and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the device.

[0060] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) type connection or a bayonet-type connection.

[0061 ] In some embodiments, the at least one plug and the device may be connectable together by a quick change snap in connector enabling different plug types to be readily interchanged.

[0062] Advantageously, by having more than one plug type or interchangeable plug types, the data-filtering device may be connectable to a broader range of portable electronic devices.

[0063] The second interface may be located in or on the lower end wall of the body for connection to an external device, such as, e.g., an external processing device or an electrical outlet, via a cable, cradle or adapter extending through the at least one cutout defined in the lower end wall of the housing. The second interface may preferably be centrally located in the lower end wall of the body.

[0064] The second interface may preferably include at least one port for at least partially receiving a connector of the cable, cradle or adapter, preferably a male connector. The at least one port may include any one of a USB port, a USB-C port, a FireWire port, a Lightning port, and a micro-USB port. Preferably, the at least one port may include a USB port, a USB-C port, a micro-USB port or a Lightning port. [0065] The at least one data line or circuit, hereinafter referred to solely as “the at least one data line”, and the at least one power line or circuit, hereinafter referred to solely as “the at least one power line”, may extend within the body between the first interface and the second interface. Generally, the at least one data line and the at least one power line may be electrically connected to the various electrical components of the respective interfaces, specifically the various electrical components of the respective plug and port of the first interface and the second interface.

[0066] As indicated, the data-filtering device includes a switch operatively associated with the at least one data line and moveable between the first and second positions for disabling and enabling data exchange with a connected portable electronic device, respectively.

[0067] In some embodiments, the switch may be a mechanical switch. In other embodiments, the switch may be an electronic switch.

[0068] The switch may be integrated into an outer surface of the body.

[0069] The switch may be a toggle, a rocker, a push-button, a slider, a rotating dial, a knob, a touch sensor, a key switch or any other type of mechanical linkage.

[0070] In some embodiments, the switch may be mechanically moveable between first and second positions. The first position corresponding to a data exchange disabled mode and the second position corresponding to a data exchange enabled mode.

[0071 ] In the first position the switch may interrupt the at least one data line thereby disabling data exchange with a connected portable electronic device while still allowing power transfer. Conversely, when in the second position, the switch completes the data line enabling data exchange as well as power transfer with a connected portable electronic device.

[0072] In other embodiments, the switch may be a spring-loaded switch and may be configured to be mechanically moved against a biasing force of the spring to selectively activate data exchange mode, preferably the switch may be spring-loaded slide switch.

[0073] In such embodiments, the device may further include a data switch circuit operatively associated with the at least one data line and the switch.

[0074] In some such embodiments, the data switch circuit may be configured to default to an off or interrupted state in which data exchange is disabled while still allowing power transfer. When the switch is mechanically moved, the data switch circuit may be turned on or completed and data exchange may be enabled as well as power transfer with a connected portable electronic device.

[0075] Generally, the switch may be located in an externally accessibly location on the body so that the switch may be readily toggled without removing the portable electronic device and/or data-filtering device from the housing.

[0076] Typically, the switch may be located on the lower end wall of the body, preferably adjacent the second interface.

[0077] In some such embodiments, the switch may be accessible through the at least one cutout defined in the housing overlaying the second interface of the data-filtering device.

[0078] In other such embodiments, the housing may include a second cut out defined in the lower end wall of the housing adjacent to, and for providing external access to, the switch.

[0079] In preferred embodiments, the switch and/or the data switch circuit may be configured to default to an off state disabling data exchange when power is no longer provided by the at least one power line, such as, e.g., when a connected external device no longer provides power and/or when a cable, cradle adapter connecting the data-filtering device to the external device is disengaged from one of the external device and the data-filtering device.

[0080] In some such embodiments, an interruption of power to the data switch circuit, such as, e.g., when power is no longer provided by the at least one power line, may cause the data switch circuit to revert to a default off or interrupted state in which data exchange is disabled.

[0081 ] In other such embodiments, the device may further include a processing device, such as, e.g., a microprocessor, operatively connected to the data switch circuit and the switch and configured to listen to the switch and the at least one power line and activate the data switch circuit when the switch is actuated and the at least one power line is powered thereby enabling data exchange and disable the data switch circuit when the at least one power line is nonpowered thereby disabling data exchange.

[0082] In such embodiments, the switch may be actuated when it is mechanically moved against the biasing force of the spring. In other such embodiment, the switch may be actuated when it is mechanically moved against the biasing force of the spring and held for a period of time, such as, e.g., 1 s, 2s, 3s, 4s, or even 5s.

[0083] In such embodiments, and responsive to the processing device determining the at least one power line is no longer powered, the processing device may disable the data switch circuit thereby disabling data exchange. [0084] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the activation of the data switch circuit need not necessarily include a mechanical switching function but may also include electronically activating the data switch circuit.

[0085] In some embodiments, the data-filtering device may include at least one visual indicator for indicating an operational status of the device. The at least one visual indicator may be operationally associated with the at least one power line and/or the at least one data line for emitting a visual signal concerning the operational status of the device, such as, e.g., when data exchange is enabled/disabled, preferably enabled.

[0086] In some such embodiments, the at least one visual indicator may be controlled by the processing device and may be activated to emit the visual signal when the processing device activates the data switch circuit.

[0087] In some such embodiments, the visual indicator may include at least one display operatively connected to the at least one data line and the at least one power line for displaying the operational status.

[0088] The at least one display may be a liquid-crystal display (“LCD”) or a light emitting diode (“LED”) display.

[0089] The at least one display may be located on an externally visible area of the device, such as, e.g., the lower end wall.

[0090] In yet other such embodiments, the at least one visual indicator may include at least one LED capable of emitting one or more flashing lights, constant lights, coloured lights or any combination thereof in order to display operational information.

[0091 ] For example, in some such embodiments the at least one LED may flash a red light when data exchange is enabled. Again, the at least one LED may be located on an externally visible area of the device, such as, e.g., adjacent one of the switch and the second interface.

[0092] In preferred such embodiments, the at least one LED may include a ring-shaped LED positioned around, or about, the second interface and configured to flash a red light when data exchange is enabled.

[0093] In some embodiments, the device may further include one or more speakers and microphones and associated circuitry configured to port to the portable electronic device when connected. Advantageously, the one or more speakers and microphones may operatively connect to the one or more speakers and microphone of the portable electronic device when connected so that the device when connected does not impair the functionality of the portable electronic device.

[0094] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of enabling data exchange over a cable, cradle or adapter connected to a portable electronic device via a housing assembly according to the first or fifth aspects, said method including: activating a switch operatively associated with at least one data line of a data-filtering device to selectively enable data exchange.

[0095] The methods may include one or more features or characteristics of the housing assembly, the housing and the data-filtering device as hereinbefore described.

[0096] The activating may include toggling a mechanical switch.

[0097] The activating may include toggling an electronic switch.

[0098] The activating may include sliding a spring-loaded slide switch against a biasing force of the spring. In some embodiments, the activating may further include holding the spring- loaded slide switch against the biasing force for a period of time, such as, e.g., 1 s, 2s, 3s, 4s or even 5s.

[0099] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00100] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00101] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00102] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective of a housing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a housing and a data-filtration device;

[00103] Figure 2 is perspective view of the housing assembly as shown in Figure 1 fitted to a portable electronic device; [00104] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the data-filtration device as shown in Figure 1 ; and

[00105] Figure 4 is an end view of the data-filtration device as shown in Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00106] Figures 1 to 4 show a housing assembly (100) and parts thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention for use with a smartphone (900; a portable electronic device; shown only in Figure 2) in disabling data exchange when connected and drawing power from an external device, such as, e.g., a personal computer, via a cable (800) unless selectively enabled.

[00107] Referring to Figure 1 , the assembly (100) includes a housing (110) adapted to at least partially encapsulate the smartphone (900; not shown) and a data-filtering device (130) configured to be housed within the housing (1 10) with the smartphone (900; not shown).

[00108] The data-filtering device (130) includes: a plug (140; a first interface) connectable to the primary port (i.e., at least one interface) of the smartphone (900; not shown); a receiving port (150; i.e., second interface) connectable to an external device, such as, e.g., a personal computer via cable (800); at least one power line extending between the receiving port (150) and the plug (140) and configured to enable power transfer with the smartphone (900; not shown); at least one data line extending between the receiving port (150) and the plug (140) and configured to enable data exchange with the smartphone (900; not shown) and a switch (160) operatively associated with the at least one data line for selectively enabling data exchange.

[00109] The housing (110) is of unitary construction and formed from a plastic material.

[00110] The housing (110) includes a rear wall (112), an opposed front wall (1 14) with a screen opening (115) defined therein for viewing the screen of the smartphone (900; not shown) therethrough and opposed end/sidewalls extending therebetween.

[0011 1] The opposed end/sidewalls include an upper end wall (116), an opposed lower end wall (1 18) and opposed sidewalls (1 19) extending longitudinally between the upper end wall (1 16) and the lower end wall (118).

[00112] Referring to Figure 2, the rear wall (1 12), the front wall (114), upper end wall (1 16), the lower end wall (1 18) and the opposed sidewalls (1 19) define an internal space adapted to accommodate a smartphone (900) therein connected to the data-filtering device (120).

[00113] The housing (1 10) includes one or more cutouts (1 13) on the opposed end/sidewalls for providing access to and/or interfacing with buttons of the smartphone (900).

[00114] The housing (110) defines a lower end portion (120) for snugly accommodating the data-filtering device (130). The lower end portion (120) extends from the lower end wall (118) at least partially towards the upper end wall (116) for snugly receiving and covering the data- filtering device (130).

[00115] The lower end portion (120) is defined by at least a portion of the rear wall (112), portions of the opposed sidewalls (119), at least a portion of the front wall (114) and the lower end wall (118).

[00116] The lower end wall (118) of the housing (110) includes a first central cutout (113A) for providing access to the underlying receiving port (150) for receiving a connecter end of a cable (800) at least partially therethrough.

[00117] The housing (110) further includes a second cutout (113B) adjacent the first cutout (113A) on the lowed end wall (118) for providing access to the underlying switch (160) of the data-filtering device (130).

[00118] The housing (110) further includes a plurality of speaker cutouts (113C) defined across the front wall (114) of the housing (110) configure to overlie speaker openings defined in the device (130).

[00119] Referring to Figure 3, and as indicated, the assembly (100) includes the data-filtering device (130) for disabling data exchange when connected and drawing power from an external device, such as, e.g., a personal computer, via a cable (800; not shown) unless selectively enabled with the switch (160).

[00120] The device (130) includes a body (310) for at least partially housing the various device components.

[00121] The body (310) is formed from plastic materials from two body pieces connectable together in an edge-to-edge connection.

[00122] As shown in Figure 1 , the body (310; not visible) is sized and shaped to be snugly received in the lower end portion (120) of the housing (110).

[00123] The body (310; not visible) is elongate and configured to extend laterally across the housing (110) in the lower end portion (120).

[00124] Referring back to Figure 3, the body (310) includes a front wall (312) and an opposed rear wall (314) interconnected by opposing side and end walls.

[00125] The opposing side and end walls include an upper end wall (316), an opposed lower end wall (318) and opposed side walls (319) extending therebetween. The upper end wall (316) and the lower end wall (318) extend longitudinally between the opposed side walls (319).

[00126] The body (310) includes rounded corners extending between the opposed side walls (319) and the lower end wall (318).

[00127] Similarly, the body (310) includes rounded edges between the front and rear walls (312, 314) and the opposing side and end walls (316, 318, 319).

[00128] In use, the front wall (312) and the rear wall (314) coincide with the front and rear walls (114, 1 12; not visible) of the housing (110), respectively, especially the lower end portion (120; not visible). Similarly, the upper end wall (316), the lower end wall (318) and the opposed side walls (319) coincide with the respective upper end wall (1 16), the lower end wall (118) and the opposed sidewalls (119) of the housing (110).

[00129] The plug (140) centrally extends from the upper end wall (316) for connection to the primary port of a smartphone (900; not shown).

[00130] The plug (140) includes a USB-C plug, a micro-USB plug or a Lightning plug, depending on the type of smartphone (900; not shown).

[00131] The receiving port (150) is defined in a central location of the lower end wall (318) of the body (310) of the data-filtering device (130).

[00132] The receiving port (150) includes a USB port, a USB-C port, a micro-USB port or a Lightning port depending on the type of cable (800; not shown) used to connect the data-filtering device (130) to an external device.

[00133] The at least one data line and the at least one power line are electrically connected to the various electrical components of the respective plug (140) and the receiving port (150) of the device (130).

[00134] Referring to Figure 4, and as indicated, the data-filtering device (130) includes a switch (160) integrated into the lower end wall (318) of the body (310) of the data-filtering device (130). The switch (160) is a spring-loaded slide switch configured to be mechanically moved against a biasing force of the spring to selectively activate data exchange with a connected smartphone (900; not shown). [00135] The device (130) further includes a data switch circuit operatively associated with the at least one data line and the switch (160) and a processing device, such as, e.g., a microprocessor, operatively connected to the data switch circuit and the switch (160) and configured to listen to the switch (160) and the at least one power line and activate the data switch circuit when the switch (160) is actuated and the at least one power line is powered (i.e., when drawing power from the external device) thereby enabling data exchange. Further, the processing device is configured to disable, or turn off, the data switch circuit when the at least one power line is non-powered (i.e., when a connected external device no longer provides power and/or when a cable, cradle or adapter connecting the data-filtering device (130) is disengaged from one of the external device and the data-filtering device (130)) thereby disabling data exchange.

[00136] The switch (160) is actuated when it is mechanically moved against the biasing force of the spring and held for 3s.

[00137] The data-filtering device (130) further includes a visual indicator in the form of a ringshaped LED (410) located around, or about, the receiving port (150) and configured to flash a red light when data exchange is enabled between a connected smartphone (900; not shown) and an external device. The ring-shaped LED (410) is controlled by the processing device and is activated to flash the red light when the processing device activated the data switch circuit responsive to the switch (160) being actuated.

[00138] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00139] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00140] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1 . A data-f iltering device for use with a housing for a portable electronic device having at least one interface to transfer data and power, said device configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device, said device having a first interface connectable to the at least one interface of the portable electronic device, a second interface connectable to an external device, a power line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable power transfer with the portable electronic device, a data line extending between the first interface and the second interface and configured to enable data exchange with the portable electronic device, a data switch circuit operatively associated with the at least one data line and configured to default to an off or interrupted state in which data exchange is disabled while still allowing power transfer, and a switch operatively associated with the data line switch for selectively enabling data exchange, wherein when the switch is actuated to selectively enable data exchange, the data switch circuit is turned on or completed and data exchange is enabled as well as power transfer with a connected portable electronic device, and wherein the data switch circuit is configured to default to an off state disabling data exchange when power is no longer provided by the at least one power line.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the switch is moveable between a first position for disabling data exchange and a second position for enabling database with a connected portable electronic device.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the switch is a mechanical switch.

4. The device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switch is an electronic switch.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein in the first position the switch interrupts the at least one data line thereby disabling data exchange with a connected portable electronic device while still allowing power transfer.

6. The device of claim 2, wherein in the second position the switch completes the data line enabling data exchange as well as power transfer with a connected portable electronic device.

7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch is a spring-loaded switch and configured to be actuated against a biasing force of a spring to selectively activate data exchange.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the switch is a spring-loaded slide switch.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, further including a processing device operatively connected to the data switch circuit and the switch and configured to listen to the switch and the at least one power line and activate the data switch circuit when the switch is actuated and the at least one power line is powered thereby enabling data exchange, and disable the data switch circuit when the at least one power line is non-powered thereby disabling data exchange.

10. The device of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the switch is actuated when it is mechanically moved against the biasing force of the spring.

11. The device of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the switch is actuated when it is mechanically moved against the biasing force of the spring and held for a period of time.

12. The device of any one of claims 1 to 11 , further including at least one visual indicator operatively associated with the at least one power line and the at least one data line for emitting a visual signal concerning the operational status of the device.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least one visual indicator includes at least one LED configured to flash a red light when data exchange is enabled.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the at least one visual indicator is a ring-shaped LED positioned around, or about, the second interface and configured to flash a red light when data exchange is enabled.

15. A housing assembly for a portable electronic device having at least one interface to transfer data and power, said assembly including: a housing adapted to at least partially encapsulate the portable electronic device; and a data-filtering device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 configured to be housed within the housing with the portable electronic device.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the housing defines a portion for snugly accommodating the data-filtering device connected to the portable electronic device.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the portion is a lower end portion extending from a lower end wall of the housing at least partially towards an opposed upper end wall of the housing for entirely accommodating the device connected to the at least one interface defined in a lower end edge of the portable electronic device.

18. A method of enabling data exchange over a cable, cradle or adapter connected to a portable electronic device via the housing assembly according to any one of claims 15 to 17, said method including: activating the switch operatively associated with the at least one data line of the data- filtering device to selectively enable data exchange.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the activating includes sliding a spring-loaded slide switch against a biasing force of a spring.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the activating further includes holding the switch against the biasing force for a period of time.