U.S. patent application number 11/273233 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for electronic device case.
Invention is credited to Christopher V. Carani, Thomas Kouvelis, Alfred Rotiroti, James Scapillato, Barry Yip.
Application Number | 20070023559 11/273233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37693245 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070023559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scapillato; James ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Electronic device case
Abstract
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an
apparatus for a portable electronic device case including: a sheath
portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device, wherein
the sheath portion includes at least one window that allows a user
to interact with the portable electronic device; and a cord-winding
portion capable of being integrated with the sheath portion, the
cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord portion of an
accessory for the portable electronic device, wherein the
cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining the cord portion in
a substantially stable and a substantially tangle-free disposition,
and wherein the user may continue interaction with the portable
electronic device while the cord portion is stored in the
cord-winding portion. Thus, cord storage encasement of the
electronic device, and interaction with electronic devices are
achieved in a convenient manner, which simplifies rather than
complicates portable electronic device operation.
Inventors: |
Scapillato; James; (LaGrange
Park, IL) ; Kouvelis; Thomas; (Antioch, IL) ;
Rotiroti; Alfred; (Niles, IL) ; Yip; Barry;
(Oak Creek, WI) ; Carani; Christopher V.;
(Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
37693245 |
Appl. No.: |
11/273233 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29234952 |
Jul 26, 2005 |
|
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11273233 |
Nov 14, 2005 |
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60728150 |
Oct 19, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
242/400.1 ;
242/402; 242/405.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 75/28 20130101;
B65H 75/36 20130101; H02G 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
242/400.1 ;
242/402; 242/405.1 |
International
Class: |
B65H 75/40 20070101
B65H075/40 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for a portable electronic device case comprising: a
sheath portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device,
wherein said sheath portion comprises at least one window that
allows a user to interact with said portable electronic device; and
a cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with said sheath
portion, said cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord
portion of an accessory for said portable electronic device,
wherein said cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining said
cord portion in a substantially stable and a substantially
tangle-free disposition, and wherein said user may continue
interaction with said portable electronic device while said cord
portion is stored in said cord-winding portion.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said user may readily retrieve
said cord portion stored in said cord-winding portion.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including at least one
fastening portion capable of facilitating substantially stable and
substantially tangle-free disposition of said cord portion by
receiving a portion of said accessory.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said fastening portion is
integrated into said cord-winding portion.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises an axial portion.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said cord-winding portion
further comprises a guide portion.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said window comprises an
aperture.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an opening portion
for accommodating insertion and removal of said portable electronic
device into said electronic device case.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said portable electronic
device comprises at least one of: a digital audio player; a digital
video player; a cellular phone; and a personal digital
assistant.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said accessory comprises
headphones.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said at least one
window allows a user to interact with controls of said portable
electronic device.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one of said at least one
window allows a user to access at least one of: a data port of said
portable electronic device; an input port of said portable
electronic device; and an output port of said portable electronic
device.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises a winding mechanism.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said winding mechanism is
lockable.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said winding mechanism
comprises an automatic retraction mechanism.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said automatic retraction
mechanism is lockable.
17. An apparatus for a portable electronic device comprising: a
cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with a shell
portion of said portable electronic device, said cord-winding
portion capable of receiving a cord portion of an accessory for
said portable electronic device, wherein said cord-winding portion
is capable of maintaining said cord portion in a substantially
stable and a substantially tangle-free disposition, and wherein
said user may continue interaction with said portable electronic
device while said cord portion is stored in said cord-winding
portion.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said user may readily
retrieve said cord portion stored in said cord-winding portion.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 further including at least one
fastening portion capable of facilitating substantially stable and
substantially tangle-free disposition of said cord portion by
restricting a portion of said accessory.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said fastening portion is
integrated into said cord-winding portion.
21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises an axial portion.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises a guide portion.
23. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said portable electronic
device comprises at least one of: a digital audio player; a digital
video player; a cellular phone; and a personal digital
assistant.
24. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said accessory comprises
headphones.
25. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises a winding mechanism.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said winding mechanism is
lockable.
27. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said winding mechanism
comprises an automatic retraction mechanism.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said automatic retraction
mechanism is lockable.
29. An apparatus for a portable electronic device case comprising:
a sheath portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device,
an opening portion for accommodating insertion and removal of said
portable electronic device into said electronic device case, a
cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with said sheath
portion, said cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord
portion of an accessory for said portable electronic device,
wherein said cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining said
cord portion in a substantially stable and a substantially
tangle-free disposition, and at least one fastening portion capable
of facilitating substantially stable and substantially tangle-free
disposition of said cord portion by receiving a portion of said
accessory.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said user may readily
retrieve said cord portion stored in said cord-winding portion.
31. The apparatus of claim 29 where said at least one fastening
portion is comprised of at least one notched portion.
32. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said cord-winding portion
further comprises a guide portion.
33. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein said fastening portion is
integrated into said guide portion.
34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises an axial portion.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said cord-winding portion
further comprises a guide portion.
36. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said sheath portion further
comprises at least one window.
37. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said portable electronic
device comprises at least one of: a digital audio player; a digital
video player; a cellular phone; and a personal digital
assistant.
38. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said accessory comprises
headphones.
39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein one of said at least one
window allows a user to access at least one of: a data port of said
portable electronic device; an input port of said portable
electronic device; and an output port of said portable electronic
device.
40. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said cord-winding portion
comprises a winding mechanism.
41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein said winding mechanism is
lockable.
42. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said winding mechanism
comprises an automatic retraction mechanism.
43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said automatic retraction
mechanism is lockable.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate generally to
an electronic device case. Particularly, certain embodiments relate
to a portable electronic device case capable of accommodating an
electronic cord.
[0002] In recent years, portable electronic devices have
proliferated in terms of both quantity and variety. There are
numerous portable electronic devices available to consumers, a few
of which include cellular phones, handheld computers, personal
digital assistants ("PDA"), digital audio players, digital MP3
players, digital cameras, digital video recorders, digital video
players, global positioning satellite ("GPS") devices, navigation
devices, portable video players ("PVP"), handheld video game
consoles, and the like. Of course, as data types (such as audio,
video, and text) become integrated, portable electronic devices may
include aspects of various traditional electronic devices. For
example, a cellular phone may include aspects of digital audio
players, digital video players, and digital cameras, as well as
aspects of a cellular phone.
[0003] Portable electronic devices may interface with accessories
having cords. Accessories having cords for portable electronic
devices are numerous, and include electronic-type accessories and
non-electronic-type accessories. A few examples of electronic-type
accessories include headphones, headsets, microphones, data
transfer cables (e.g. universal serial bus, RS-232, or fire-wire),
speakers, speaker cables, communication cables, power cables,
synchronization cables, and/or the like. Examples of
non-electronic-type accessories may include neck straps, wrist
straps, necklaces, arm straps, and/or the like. Accessories having
cords may either be required for normal operations, or may be
optional. For example, many portable electronic devices may
interface with headphones. On one hand, if the portable electronic
device, such as a digital audio player, does not have a built-in
speaker, the headphones may be required for a user to listen to an
audio signal generated by the portable electronic device. On the
other hand, if the portable electronic device, such as a cell
phone, has built-in speaker, the headphones may be an optional
accessory.
[0004] When a user is not in immediate need of an accessory with a
cord, it may be useful for the user to store the accessory in an
organized, and readily available fashion. Similarly, when a user
needs only a portion of an accessory with a cord, it may be useful
for the user to have the rest of the accessory disposed in an
organized, readily-available fashion. As an example, a user of a
digital audio player may wish to store headphones when the player
is not in use, yet the user may wish for the headphones to be
readily available. Further, when using the digital audio player,
the user may wish to have only a portion of the headphones freely
available for use, and to have the remaining portions of the
headphones disposed in an organized and readily available fashion.
By limiting slack in a cord portion, the cord may be less likely to
be snagged, which may lead to injury to the device, the user, or
otherwise.
[0005] Cases for portable electronic devices may be desirable for a
variety of reasons. One advantage of a case may be that once the
device is sheathed in the case, the device and the case may become
integrated. Some cases for portable electronic devices may provide
one or more pouches for storing cords. However, a pouch may tend to
store cords in a relatively unstable manner, because the cord may
be able to substantially move within the pouch. Such movement may
lead to entanglement. Additionally, pouches may be difficult to
clean. Furthermore, pouches may not promote a user to store the
cord in an organized manner. For example, a pouch may encourage a
user to stuff an accessory having a cord in an unorganized manner
into the pouch, thereby increasing the risk of entanglement and
premature failure of the accessory.
[0006] There are winding devices which retract cords into a casing,
such as Targus.RTM. retractable cables/cords, Zip-Linq.TM.
retractable cables/cords, and ZipKORD.TM. retractable cables/cords.
These devices, however, are not integrated into either the case or
the device. Thus these devices require the user to manage an
additional accessory--a problem which the current invention seeks
to remedy. These devices create additional problems in that they
may be bulky, clumsy, and encourage entanglement. Furthermore, such
devices may not be easily stored, because they must be detached
from the electronic device and stowed in an additional location
that has not been provided. In the end, use of such devices may
complicate, rather than simplify use of an electronic device.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for cord storage that is capable of
being integrated with a portable electronic device. For example,
there is a need for cord storage that is directly integrated with a
portable electronic device. Further there is a need for cord
storage that is integrated with a case, which in turn is integrated
with a portable electronic device. Additionally, there is a need
for cord storage that is relatively stable, and promotes
tangle-free storage and removal of the cord. Furthermore, there is
a need for cord storage that is readily accessible to a user, and
simplifies, rather than complicates, portable electronic device
operation.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an
apparatus for a portable electronic device case including: a sheath
portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device, wherein
the sheath portion includes at least one window that allows a user
to interact with the portable electronic device; and a cord-winding
portion capable of being integrated with the sheath portion, the
cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord portion of an
accessory for the portable electronic device, wherein the
cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining the cord portion in
a substantially stable and a substantially tangle-free disposition,
and wherein the user may continue interaction with the portable
electronic device while the cord portion is stored in the
cord-winding portion. In an embodiment, the user may readily
retrieve the cord portion stored in the cord-winding portion. In an
embodiment, the apparatus further includes at least one fastening
portion capable of facilitating substantially stable and
substantially tangle-free disposition of the cord portion by
receiving a portion of the accessory. In an embodiment, the
fastening portion is integrated into the cord-winding portion. In
an embodiment, the cord-winding portion includes an axial portion.
In an embodiment, the cord-winding portion further includes a guide
portion. In an embodiment, the window includes an aperture. In an
embodiment, the apparatus further includes an opening portion for
accommodating insertion and removal of the portable electronic
device into the electronic device case. In an embodiment, the
portable electronic device includes at least one of: a digital
audio player; a digital video player; a cellular phone; and a
personal digital assistant. In an embodiment, the accessory
includes headphones. In an embodiment, one of the at least one
window allows a user to interact with controls of the portable
electronic device. In an embodiment, one of the at least one window
allows a user to access at least one of: a data port of the
portable electronic device; an input port of the portable
electronic device; and an output port of the portable electronic
device. In an embodiment, the cord-winding portion includes a
winding mechanism. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism is
lockable. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism includes an
automatic retraction mechanism. In an embodiment, the automatic
retraction mechanism is lockable.
[0009] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an
apparatus for a portable electronic device including: a
cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with a shell
portion of the portable electronic device, the cord-winding portion
capable of receiving a cord portion of an accessory for the
portable electronic device, wherein the cord-winding portion is
capable of maintaining the cord portion in a substantially stable
and a substantially tangle-free disposition, and wherein the user
may continue interaction with the portable electronic device while
the cord portion is stored in the cord-winding portion. In an
embodiment, the user may readily retrieve the cord portion stored
in the cord-winding portion. In an embodiment, the apparatus
further includes at least one fastening portion capable of
facilitating substantially stable and substantially tangle-free
disposition of the cord portion by restricting a portion of the
accessory. In an embodiment, the fastening portion is integrated
into the cord-winding portion. In an embodiment, the cord-winding
portion includes an axial portion. In an embodiment, the
cord-winding portion includes a guide portion. In an embodiment,
the portable electronic device includes at least one of: a digital
audio player; a digital video player; a cellular phone; and a
personal digital assistant. In an embodiment, the accessory
includes headphones. In an embodiment, the cord-winding portion
includes a winding mechanism. In an embodiment, the winding
mechanism is lockable. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism
includes an automatic retraction mechanism. In an embodiment, the
automatic retraction mechanism is lockable.
[0010] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an
apparatus for a portable electronic device case including: a sheath
portion capable of sheathing a portable electronic device, an
opening portion for accommodating insertion and removal of the
portable electronic device into the electronic device case, a
cord-winding portion capable of being integrated with the sheath
portion, the cord-winding portion capable of receiving a cord
portion of an accessory for the portable electronic device, wherein
the cord-winding portion is capable of maintaining the cord portion
in a substantially stable and a substantially tangle-free
disposition, and at least one fastening portion capable of
facilitating substantially stable and substantially tangle-free
disposition of the cord portion by receiving a portion of the
accessory. In an embodiment, the user may readily retrieve the cord
portion stored in the cord-winding portion. In an embodiment, the
at least one fastening portion is included of at least one notched
portion. In an embodiment, the cord-winding portion further
includes a guide portion. In an embodiment, the fastening portion
is integrated into the guide portion. In an embodiment, the
cord-winding portion includes an axial portion. In an embodiment,
the sheath portion further includes at least one window. In an
embodiment, the portable electronic device includes at least one
of: a digital audio player; a digital video player; a cellular
phone; and a personal digital assistant. In an embodiment, the
accessory includes headphones. In an embodiment, one of the at
least one window allows a user to access at least one of: a data
port of the portable electronic device; an input port of the
portable electronic device; and an output port of the portable
electronic device. In an embodiment, the cord-winding portion
includes a winding mechanism. In an embodiment, the winding
mechanism is lockable. In an embodiment, the winding mechanism
includes an automatic retraction mechanism. In an embodiment, the
automatic retraction mechanism is lockable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a front right perspective view of an electronic
device case according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a front right perspective view of an electronic
device case according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows back left perspective view of an electronic
device case according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a left side elevation view of an electronic
device case according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 shows an arrangement of axial portions for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 shows an arrangement of axial portions for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an arrangement of axial portions for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of axial portions for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 shows a guide portion configuration for an electronic
device case in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 14 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 15 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 16 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0027] FIG. 17 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 18 shows a guide portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] FIG. 19 shows a cord-winding portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 20 shows a cord-winding portion configuration for an
electronic device case in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present application, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.
There are a variety of ornamental designs which can achieve the
function of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 show an electronic device case 100 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1
shows a front right perspective view of an electronic device case
100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2
shows a front right perspective view of an electronic device case
100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3
shows back left perspective view of an electronic device case 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a
left side elevation view of an electronic device case 100 according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] An electronic device case 100 may include a sheath portion
102, at least one window 120, an opening portion 108, a
cord-winding portion, 104, and a fastening portion 106, or a
mounting clip (not shown). Some of these portions, such as the
opening portion 108 and the fastening portion 106 may be
optional.
[0034] A sheath portion 102 may be formed from various materials
including fabrics, plastics, metals, and/or the like. The
material(s) used may either be flexible or rigid, or some
combination thereof. The sheath portion 102 may also be comprised
of a combination of a variety of materials. The material(s) used
may either be synthetic, natural, or some combination thereof. For
example, a sheath portion 102 may be formed from leather. The
sheath need not substantially envelope or enclose the entire
device; there can be openings in the sheath portion. Furthermore, a
sheath portion 102 may also include portions that promote other
aspects of the electronic device case 100. For example, a sheath
portion may include a mating fastener capable of receiving an
opposite sex fastener on the opening portion 108. In this manner,
the opening portion 108 may be fastenable to the sheath portion
102.
[0035] A window 120 may be provided to enable a user to interact
with a portable electronic device, for example. Through one or more
windows 120, a user may be able to receive information from and/or
communicate information to a portable electronic device, and may be
able to manipulate controls on the device. A window 120 may also be
provided to allow data port access, or cable access to a portable
electronic device, for example. A window 120 may be provided to
allow access to an input port, such as a data port, a power cable,
or a microphone port of the device. A window 120 may be provided to
allow access to an output port, such as a headphone jack, for
example. As a further example, a window 120 may be provided to
allow a user to access a power source of a portable electronic
device, such as battery(s) or fuel cell(s), for example. As various
portable electronic devices have various configurations and
features, so too may a designer prefer a variety of corresponding
arrangements of one or more windows 120.
[0036] A window 120 may include an aperture or opening, for
example. A window 120 may also include a material capable of
passing at least some light. For example, a window 120 may include
a transparent, translucent, or partially opaque material. A window
120 may include a combination of materials and/or apertures. For
example, a window 120 may have a transparent material for covering
a display of a portable electronic device, and the window 120 may
also have apertures for providing direct contact access to controls
of the device. A window 120 may be openable and closeable, for
example. A window 120 may have a flap that is moveable or
fastenable to the sheath 102, for example.
[0037] An opening portion 108 may enable a user to insert and/or
remove an electronic device into the electronic device case 100,
for example. While numerous configurations are conceivable for an
opening portion 108, one possible arrangement may be for the
opening portion 108 to include at least one flap. The flap may be
connectable on one end to the sheath 102. In an embodiment, the
flap is the same material as the sheath 102, and is an extension of
the sheath 102. The other end of the flap may have a fastener, such
as a snap, hook and loop (e.g. VELCRO.RTM.), and/or the like. The
fastenable end of the flap may be fastenable to the sheath 102. As
an alternative arrangements, both ends of the flap may be
fastenable to the sheath 102. As another arrangement, the flap may
be insertable into a receiving portion on the sheath 102, such as a
slot or loop.
[0038] A fastening portion 106 may include any of a variety of
means capable of receiving a portion of an accessory for storage.
Examples of fastening portions 106 may include fasteners, such as
clips, hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VELCRO.RTM.), magnets,
adhesive, latches, snaps, and/or the like. For example, a fastening
portion 106 may be capable of receiving a cord portion of an
accessory. A fastening portion 106 may, as another example, be
capable of receiving an earpiece portion of a headphone. A
fastening portion may be located on the sheath 102, or on the
cord-winding portion 104, for example. A fastening portion 106 may
be formed by plastic or metal, for example, in such a manner that
the fastening portion 106 has a spring-like quality that
facilitates clipping. A fastening portion 106 may also include a
notched portion capable of receiving and substantially stably
storing an accessory, such as an accessory having a cord, for
example.
[0039] A cord-winding portion 104 may include a guide portion 110
and an axial portion 112, as can be seen in FIG. 4. The axial
portion 112 may be integratable with the sheath portion 102, for
example. The axial portion 112 may be formed from the same material
(e.g. plastic) as the sheath portion 102, or may be otherwise
connected to the sheath portion 102. The axial portion 112 may also
be removably attachable with the sheath portion 102, through
fasteners, gums, glues, epoxies, and/or the like. The cord-winding
portion 104 may be on the interior or exterior of a case 100 or
shell or housing of the portable electronic device itself, for
example. The cord-winding portion may be embedded within the case,
or within the shell or housing of the portable electronic device
itself, for example. As an illustrative example, a cord-winding
portion 104 may be substantially housed by the shell or housing of
the portable electronic device. As another illustrative example, a
cord-winding portion 104 may be substantially sheathed by case
100.
[0040] The axial portion 112 may be solid or hollowed. The axial
portion 112 may be arranged for allowing a user to store an
accessory. For example, the axial portion 112 may be arranged to
receive an accessory having a cord, such as headphones, or a
windable strap. The cord portion of an accessory may be rotatably
windable around the axial portion 112. The axial portion 112 may
include one or more grooves that may assist in receiving an
accessory, such as an accessory having a cord, for example. In an
embodiment, an axial portion 112 may include a portable electronic
device itself. For example, the device may have a groove on its
perimeter for receiving a cord portion of an accessory.
[0041] Once received for storage by the axial portion 112, an
accessory, such as an accessory having a cord, may remain in a
substantially stable and substantially tangle-free disposition.
Substantially stable and substantially tangle-free disposition may
be facilitated by other portions of the case 100, such as a
fastening portion 106 and a guide portion 110. A user may, with
relative ease, retrieve either the entire accessory or only a
portion thereof by removing it from the axial portion 112. For
example, a user may desire to have a particular amount of headphone
cord available, and the user may correspondingly unwind the needed
portion of headphone cord from the axial portion 112. To regulate
slack, the user may wish to attach a portion of the cord to a
fastening portion 106.
[0042] The axial portion 112 may have a consistent dimension along
a radial direction, or may be tapered, for example. An axial
portion 112 that is tapered may assist in receipt of an accessory,
such as an accessory having a cord, for example. An axial portion
112 may be generally rounded, and/or may have one or more edges,
such as a rectangular shape or any other type of polygon (e.g.
octagonal shape), for example. Additionally, an axial portion 112
may be substantially straight in an axial direction, or an axial
portion 112 in an axial direction may be curved, bent, zigzagged,
looped, and/or the like.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5-8, there may be a variety of
arrangements for one or more axial portions 112. For example, there
may be two, three, or four axial portions 112, as shown in FIGS.
5-7. Furthermore, axial portions 112 may be arrangeable with
respect to the sheath 102, and other axial portions 112. For
example, as shown in FIG. 8, axial portions 112 may be arranged on
a lateral portion of the sheath 102. As described above, a cord
portion of an accessory may be rotatably, or otherwise windable
around one or more of the axial portions 112. For example, a cord
portion of an accessory may be wound into a figure eight pattern
around two axial portions 112.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 19-20, an axial portion 112 may be
rotatable. For example, the entire axial portion 112 may be
rotatable with respect to the case 100. Also, the axial portion 112
may be rotatable with respect to itself--i.e. a portion may be
rotatable, and a portion may be static. The axial portion may be
rotatable to facilitate removal of an accessory, as discussed in
greater detail below. The rotation motion of the axial portion 112
may operate in conjunction with a spring. In this manner, an axial
portion 112 may have an automatic winding and/or unwinding aspect,
as facilitated by a spring.
[0045] Turning back to FIGS. 1-4, at least one guide portion 110
may optionally be attachable, connectable, and/or fastenable to the
axial portion(s) 112. A guide portion 110 may facilitate
substantially stable and substantially tangle-free storage of an
accessory, such as an accessory having a cord, for example. The
guide portion 110 may promote a user to wind a cord portion of an
accessory around an axial portion 112 in a consistent manner. For
example, the space between the guide portion 110 and the sheath 102
may be sufficiently narrow such that only one cord width may fit
between the guide portion 110 and the sheath 102 at a time. This
provides a desired sleek design and may promote substantially
tangle-free storage. The guide portion 110 may also prevent a
stored accessory from unintentionally slipping off the axial
portion 112 along an axial direction.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7-18, a variety of guide portion 110
shapes and configurations are possible. Examples of cases with a
singular shield-type guide portion 110 are shown in FIGS. 3, and
9-18. For example, the guide portion 110 may be rounded (FIG. 3),
triangular (FIGS. 9-10), rectangular (FIGS. 11-12), octagonal
(FIGS. 13-14), hexagonal (FIGS. 15-16), and/or the like. FIGS.
17-18 show a guide portion 110 incorporating fastening portion(s)
106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
While all of these shield-type examples achieve a similar overall
visual impression, there are numerous other possible designs.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 17, one or more fastening portions 106 may
be integrally formed or otherwise connected or fastened with the
guide portion 110. As shown in FIG. 17, the fastening portions 106
may have a narrow notch that allows a portion of an accessory, such
as a cord portion, to pass through upon specific application of
force. For example, a cord portion of an accessory may be
relatively compressible along a radial dimension, and when pushed,
may fit through the notched portion. Once past the narrowest part
of the notched portion, the cord may expand such that it may not
readily pass again through the notched portion without the specific
application of force, for example. A notched portion may also be
designed such that it receives other parts of the accessory, such
as earpieces.
[0048] Turning to FIGS. 19-20, a guide portion 110 may also be
rotatable with respect to the sheath 102. For example, a guide
portion 110 may be rotatable with respect to a static axial portion
112. As another example, a portion of the axial portion 112 may be
rotatable (either with respect to the sheath 102 or with respect to
itself), causing the attached guide portion 110 to be rotatable. As
another example, a portion of the guide portion 110 may be
rotatable with respect to the other portion of the guide portion
110. As seen in FIG. 19, when the guide portions 110 are in a
particular position, an accessory having a cord may be storable in
a substantially stable and tangle-free disposition. Turning to FIG.
20, the guide portions 110 may be rotatable in either a clockwise
or counterclockwise fashion to facilitate rapid retrieval and
storage of an accessory having a cord.
[0049] A cord-winding portion 104 may include a winding mechanism.
A winding mechanism may be a manually driven mechanism, or may be
an automatic mechanism. For example, a winding mechanism may be a
spring-loaded device, similar to a tape measure. A winding
mechanism may also be a manually driven mechanism, such as, for
example, a spool having a means for driving the rotation of the
spool--e.g. a lever or indentation wheel. The winding mechanism may
also have a separate casing for receiving a cord portion.
Furthermore, the winding mechanism may be lockable so as not to
permit unwinding of the cord.
[0050] A cord-winding portion 104 may also be integratable directly
with a shell or housing of a portable electronic device in a
similar manner as shown in FIGS. 1-20, and as discussed above. In
other words, the cord-winding portion 104 may be provided as a
portion of and/or integrated into the portable electronic device,
thereby reducing the need for a case. Here the case is the shell or
housing that encases the interior component of the electronic
device. For example, a cord-winding portion 104 may be attachable
directly to the shell of a portable electronic device. Furthermore,
a cord-winding portion 104 may be rotatable with respect to the
attached shell of the portable electronic device. Aside from
integrating a cord-winding portion 104 with the shell of a portable
electronic device (rather than with sheath 102), all other aspects
of cord-winding portion 104 may be similar as discussed in this
application. When the cord-winding portion 104 is part of the shell
or housing of the portable electronic device itself, said device
can me designed such that input and output ports are positioned
within, at, or near the cord-winding portion.
[0051] Case 100 may also include a mounting clip, such as a belt
clip, a pants clip, stand clip, and/or the like. A mounting clip
may be used for mounting the case 100 and/or a portable electronic
device integrated with the case 100 to external structure, such as
clothing of a human, for example. The mounting clip may also be
integratable into the shell or housing of a portable electronic
device. A mounting clip may be a one-piece device, or may include
one or more moving parts connectable together. A mounting clip may
include a spring (either an external part, or due a material
chosen, such as plastic having a memory and sufficient
elasticity).
[0052] The case 100 may be adaptable for nesting, docking, and/or
the like. For example, an opening portion 108 may be configured to
allow docking through a lower portion of the case to a docking
station. For example, case 100 may be adapted by allowing mounting
structure and/ communications structure of a portable electronic
device to mate with complementary structure of a docking station.
As another example case 100 may be adaptable for nesting within
external structure, such as mounting hardware for use, for example,
in an automobile. Nesting, docking, and/or the like may enable
external powering and electronic communications with the portable
electronic device, as well as restriction of movement and/or
stability of the portable electronic device.
[0053] The case 100 may also include a material with increased
coefficient of friction so as to prevent slipping. For example, a
rubber-like material may be included in various locations on a case
100 to encourage stability of the case 100 and integrated portable
electronic device when the case 100 is placed on an external
surface, such as the dashboard of an automobile, for example.
[0054] The case 100 may also include a pouch for storage.
Accessories of a portable electronic device may be stored and/or
retrieved from a pouch, for example. As an illustrative example, a
radio transmitter accessory may be stored and/or retrieved from a
pouch.
[0055] The following is an illustrative example of how case 100 may
operate. A user listens to a portable digital audio player (e.g.
IPOD.RTM.) that is sheathed by case 100. The user increases the
volume on the portable digital audio player through a window 120.
The user listens to the music through headphones having a cord.
After a song is finished, the user decides to stop listening, and
to store the headphones. The user accesses the rear panel of the
sheath 102, and finds the cord-winding portion 104. The user winds
the cord around the axial portion 112 of the cord-winding portion
104. The guide portion assists in retaining the cord in a stable
and tangle-free disposition, and from coming off of the axial
portion 112. The user then inserts the earpieces of the headphones
into fastening portions 106. In this manner, the cord of the
headphones is stored in a substantially stable and substantially
tangle-free disposition. At the same time, the user may still
interact with the digital audio player through the front of the
device. When the user is ready to listen to music through the
headphones again, the user removes the earpieces from the fastening
portions 106, and uncoils the cord from the axial portion 112.
[0056] Thus, embodiments of the present application provide cord
storage that is capable of being integrated with a portable
electronic device. Additionally, embodiments of the present
application provide cord storage that is relatively stable, and
promotes tangle-free storage and removal of the cord. Moreover,
embodiments of the present application provide cord storage that is
readily accessible to a user, and simplifies, rather than
complicates, portable electronic device operation.
[0057] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
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