13 patents in this list

Updated:

Tracker-equipped mobile phone cases give mobile devices an extra layer of security. These cases enable real-time tracking of the phone's whereabouts in the unfortunate event that it is misplaced or lost.

 

A phone case with a tracker can help retrieve the phone and stop unwanted access to personal data, especially with the increase in phone theft incidents. This page examines some phone covers that have tracking built right in.

1. Cellular Phone Cases with Integrated Critical Distance Monitoring System

Clifford Spotts, 2022

A critical distance monitoring system for cellular phones that alerts when separated from important items. The system involves attaching RF transmitters to both the phone and the item. An alarm is triggered if the RF signal strength falls below a threshold. This can be audible, visual, or tactile. In some embodiments, both devices transmit signals and receive them to confirm separation. In others, they exchange location data from GPS-enabled transmitters.

2. Protective Mobile Device Cases with Integrated Tracking and Locking Mechanisms

Armani Williams, 2021

Protective case for mobile phones and tablets with a built-in locking mechanism and integrated tracking device to prevent theft and aid in the recovery of lost devices. The case has two sections that can be locked together, sealing the device inside. The case has a GPS or other tracking device inside. If the device is lost or stolen, the user can activate the tracking feature remotely to find its location. The locking mechanism prevents unauthorized access to the device.

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3. Detachable Mobile Phone Case with Silent Alarm and Tracking Capability for Personal Safety

Diane Camp, 2019

A detachable personal safety device that can be attached to a mobile phone and secretly detached to be carried separately. It contains an undetectable silent alarm that can be activated in case of emergency. When activated, the device sends an alarm notice to a dispatching service and also initiates a tracking signal to locate the user. This allows the user to quickly and furtively detach the device from the phone and carry it separately if forced to give up the phone. The detachable design allows the user to still have the alarm and tracking functionality if they are separated from their phone.

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4. Mobile Device Case Featuring Integrated Distance Measurement Technology

INCIPIO, LLC, 2019

This mobile device case has a built-in distance marker that can be used to measure distances using the mobile device's camera and measurement application. The case has a pocket or storage compartment for a removable distance marker. The marker has an image that can be detected by the mobile device's camera. When the marker image is captured in a photo or video, the measurement app calculates the distance based on the marker image size.

5. Secure Mobile Phone Case with Integrated Locator for Tracking When Powered Off

Armani Williams, 2018

This is a case for portable electronic devices that allows them to be located even when powered off. The case has a lockable compartment and an integrated locator device to secure the device. The locator device inside the locked case can still be activated to track the device's location if it is lost or stolen, even if the device itself is powered off.

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6. Mobile Device Case with Integrated Distance Measurement Capability

INCIPIO, LLC, 2018

This is a mobile device case with an integrated distance marker that enables distance measurement using the device's camera and image processing capabilities. The case has a pocket or slot to store a distance marker image that can be detected by the device's measurement app. The app calculates the distance from the device to the marker by analyzing images of the marker captured by the device's camera.

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7. Protective Case with Integrated Locator for Enhanced Device Security and Tracking

Armani Williams, 2018

This protective case for portable electronic devices like phones and tablets enables location tracking even when the device is turned off. The case has a lockable housing to prevent access to the device. Inside the housing is a separate locator device. This allows the device to be tracked if lost or stolen even if powered down. The case can also have features like encrypted communications and IP masking to protect the device.

8. Anti-Theft Cellphone Casing with Remote-Activated Alarm and Magnetic Sensor Technology

AARON MONTEJO ARCAYA, 2018

Cellphone casing that automatically produces a loud sound/alarm through a manual or wireless remote control on/off switch when the magnetic sensor inside the cellphone casing is detached from the magnetic stick beyond 10 millimeters to signal that the cellphone has been taken away from the individual/owner. This will warn anyone around and frighten off possible thieves/attackers.

9. Protective Phone Cases with NFC Tags for Loss Prevention and Device Management

Incipio, LLC, 2017

Protective cases for electronic devices like phones with built-in NFC tags that can help return lost devices. The cases have NFC tags containing contact info or instructions to direct finders to return the device. Visual markers indicate tag location. The tags can also program devices to perform tasks like silence, call home, etc. Additional tags can be added. A ledger correlates tags to functions.

10. Protective Smartphone Case with Embedded Security Chip for Identity Protection

Lindsay E. White, Sharon White, 2017

A protective case for electronic devices like smartphones that has a built-in security chip to prevent unauthorized access to the device's identity data. The chip is embedded in the case and connects to the device's communication network. It inhibits others from electronically stealing identity information when the device is in the case. The case also has a strap to grip the device and a space between the strap and case for fingers to pass through.

11. Mobile Phone Case with Integrated Device Recovery and Tracking Features

Apple Inc., 2017

Protecting lost or stolen devices by allowing restricted guest account use that performs actions specified by the device owner. When a lost device is found by someone, they can still use it normally in guest mode. But in the background, the device can perform actions like locating the device, capturing an image of the user, displaying a message asking for return, erasing data, etc. This encourages the finder to keep using the device, which helps recovery. The guest account can also have network access enabled automatically, so the device can communicate with a server to receive notifications of unauthorized use. This can lock user accounts or force a restricted guest boot.

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12. Innovative Audio Signal-Based Locking Mechanism for Mobile Device Security

ROM AG, 2015

Securing an electronic device like a tablet or smartphone against theft when used in public places without needing physical tethers. The method involves using the device's own audio output and input to generate a unique signal when prompted. A locking mechanism on the carrying device compares the input signal to a target and unlocks if they match. This allows the device to be securely presented or mounted without cables or chains.

13. Automated Anti-Theft Mobile Device Cases with Built-in Tracking and Recovery Technology

ZTE CORPORATION, 2015

Anti-theft method for mobile devices that automatically alerts the user if the device is lost and helps recover it. When a device enters an "anti-theft" mode, like if it's missing, a module automatically acquires a security number from sources like SIM card, contacts, or service records. Another module uses that number to send alerts like texts or calls to the user. This allows the user to remotely lock and find the device after theft. The automatic number acquisition avoids manual setup errors and lost numbers.

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Many approaches to overcoming the challenges of embedding tracking devices in phone cases are provided by these patented technologies. Silent alarms, detachable designs, and critical distance monitoring are a few of these features that boost security.