U.S. patent application number 13/074395 was filed with the patent office on 2011-08-25 for multi-mode protective device for portable video players.
This patent application is currently assigned to FAIRHAVEN GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to Shawn Deutchman.
Application Number | 20110203956 13/074395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39887645 |
Filed Date | 2011-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110203956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Deutchman; Shawn |
August 25, 2011 |
MULTI-MODE PROTECTIVE DEVICE FOR PORTABLE VIDEO PLAYERS
Abstract
A protective device for a video player comprising a video
screen, comprising a structure defining a main chamber, a support
opening, and a screen opening. The protective device operates in
first and second modes. In the first mode, at least a portion of
the video player is located within the main chamber such that the
video screen is within the main chamber. The structure protects the
video player the video screen is at least partly visible through
the screen opening when the protective device is in the first mode.
In the second mode, at least a portion of the video player extends
through the support opening such that the structure supports the
video player such that the video screen is located outside the main
chamber.
Inventors: |
Deutchman; Shawn;
(Philomath, OR) |
Assignee: |
FAIRHAVEN GROUP, INC.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
39887645 |
Appl. No.: |
13/074395 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11880364 |
Jul 19, 2007 |
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13074395 |
|
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60832103 |
Jul 20, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 1/3888 20130101;
A45C 2011/001 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 2200/15
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A method of protecting and supporting a video player comprising
a video screen, comprising the steps: providing a structure
defining a main chamber, a support opening, and a screen opening;
locating at least a portion of the video player within the main
chamber such that the video screen is within the main chamber and
at least partly visible through the screen opening, and the
structure protects the video player; and extending at least a
portion of the video player through the support opening such that
the structure supports the video player with the video screen
located outside the main chamber.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the step of providing
the structure further comprises the step of defining a main
opening; and the step of locating at least a portion of the video
player within the main chamber comprises the step of inserting at
least a portion of the video player into the main chamber.
3. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the step of providing
the structure further comprises the step of providing at least one
panel; and the step of extending at least a portion of the video
player through the support opening comprises the step of extending
the video screen at a viewing angle with respect to the at least
one panel.
4. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the video player
further comprises at least one control button; the step of
providing the structure further comprises the step of defining at
least one control opening; and the step of locating the at least a
portion of the video player within the main chamber comprises the
step of allowing access to the at least one control button through
the at least one control opening.
5. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the video player
further comprises at least one control button; the step of
providing the structure further comprises the step of defining at
least one control opening configured to allow access to the at
least one control button; and the step of extending at least a
portion of the video player through the support opening comprises
the step of locating the at least one control button outside the
main chamber.
6. A method as recited in claim 1, in which: the video player
further comprises at least one connector; and the step of providing
the structure further comprises the step of defining at least one
connector opening; and the step of locating the at least a portion
of the video player within the main chamber comprises the step of
allowing access to the at least one connector through the at least
one connector opening.
7. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the step of providing
the structure further comprises the steps of: providing a front
panel defining the screen opening; and providing a rear panel
defining the support opening.
8. A method as recited in claim 1, in which the step of providing
the structure further comprises the steps of: providing a front
panel defining the screen opening and the at least one control
opening; and providing a rear panel defining the support opening.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application (Attorney Docket No. P216334) is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/880,364, filed
Jul. 19, 2007 which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/832,103 filed Jul. 20, 2006.
[0002] The contents of the related application(s) listed above are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates to protective devices for
portable video players and, more particularly, to protective
devices that function in a first mode in which the portable video
device is carried and in a second mode in which the portable video
device is supported for hands free viewing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Many small, portable electronic devices have the ability to
display video images. In some cases, a portable electronic device
is specifically designed for the display of video images and is
physically constructed to facilitate the viewing of video images.
In other cases, the portable electronic device is very small and/or
is not specifically constructed for the purpose of displaying video
images. For example, small, portable electronic devices such as
cellular telephones and music players are provided with video
screens on which video images can be viewed but which are not
specifically designed for viewing video images. Small portable
electronic devices such as cellular telephones and music players
are typically held by hand when used and have no structural
components that support the video screen thereof at a desirable
viewing angle and location.
[0005] Additionally, small, portable electronic devices are
typically handheld and thus are susceptible to being dropped,
scratched, or otherwise damaged during normal use. Accordingly, for
most small, electronic devices, protective cases, holders, or the
like have been developed to protect the device from damage.
[0006] The need exists for improved protective systems and methods
for portable video playing devices that function in a first mode in
which the device is protected from physical damage and in a second
mode in which the portable device may be supported in a hands free
manner at a desirable viewing angle and location.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention may take the form of a protective
device for a video player comprising a video screen, comprising a
structure defining a main chamber, a support opening, and a screen
opening. The protective device operates in first and second modes.
In the first mode, at least a portion of the video player is
located within the main chamber such that the video screen is
within the main chamber. The structure protects the video player
the video screen is at least partly visible through the screen
opening when the protective device is in the first mode. In the
second mode, at least a portion of the video player extends through
the support opening such that the structure supports the video
player such that the video screen is located outside the main
chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view illustrating the
insertion of a first example portable video player into a first
example multi-mode protective device of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the protective device of
FIG. 1 carrying the first example video player in a first, carrying
mode;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first example protective
device;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the first example
protective device;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the first example protective
device;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view taken along lines 6-6 in FIG.
4;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side cutaway view of the first example
protective device supporting the first example video player in a
second, support mode;
[0015] FIG. 7A is a partial side cutaway view of an alternate
configuration of the first example protective device operating in
the second mode, where an engaging layer is formed on the
protective device;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of a second example
multi-mode protective device of the present invention in a support
mode, with a second example portable video player depicted in
broken lines;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side cutaway view taken along lines 9-9 in FIG.
8; and
[0018] FIG. 10 is a side cutaway view of the second example
protective device supporting the second example video player in the
support mode;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of a third example
multi-mode protective device of the present invention in a support
mode, with the second example portable video player depicted in
broken lines; and
[0020] FIG. 12 is a side cutaway view taken along lines 12-12 in
FIG. 11 illustrating the third example protective device supporting
the second example video player in the support mode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-7 of the drawing, depicted at
20 therein is a first example of a multi-mode protective device
constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of
the present invention. The protective device 20 is adapted to carry
a first example portable video player 22 in a first or carrying
mode as shown in FIG. 2 and in a second or support mode as shown in
FIG. 7. The protective device 20 is thus a multi-mode device that
allows the portable video player 22 to be carried in the first mode
and supported for hands-free viewing in the second mode.
[0022] Referring initially to the example portable video player 22,
the video player 22 is not per se part of the present invention. As
will become apparent from the following discussion, the present
invention may be used in connection with portable video players in
other configurations and with other controls, features, and
input/output devices.
[0023] The first example portable video player 22 is an iPod
digital audio and video player comprising a housing 24 defining a
front wall 26, a rear wall 28, first and second side walls 30 and
32, and first and second end walls 34 and 36. The first example
portable video player 22 comprises a screen 40, first control 42,
second control 44, first connector 46, and second connector 48. The
screen 40 conventionally displays a user interface, graphics, and
video. The first control 42 allows the user to enter commands in
response to the user interface. The second control 44 is an ON/OFF
slide switch. The first connector 46 allows the transfer of data
between the video player 22 and another device such as a computer,
docking station, digital camera, or the like. The second connector
48 is configured to allow an audio signal to be transmitted to a
playback system such as headphones, amplifier, or the like.
[0024] In the model of iPod used as the first example digital video
player, the screen 40 and first control 42 are mounted on the front
wall 26, the second connector 48 is mounted on the second end wall
36, and the second control 44 and the first connector 46 are
mounted on the first end wall 34. The construction and operation of
the first example video player 22 is not essential to an
understanding of the present invention and will be described herein
only to the extent necessary for a complete understanding of the
present invention.
[0025] When the protective device 20 is used in the first mode, the
portable video player 22 is at least partly surrounded by the
protective device 20 to inhibit damage to the video player 22
during transportation and normal use. In this first mode, screen 40
is visible and the first and second controls 42 and 44 and first
and second connectors 46 and 48 are accessible. When the protective
device 20 is used in the second mode, the portable video player 22
is supported in an upright orientation with the screen 40 at a
desirable angle and orientation for viewing. In this second mode,
the first and second controls 42 and 44 and the first connector 46
are accessible.
[0026] The details of the example protective device 20 will now be
described in further detail. The protective device 20 comprises a
front panel 50, a rear panel 52, a first side panel 54, a second
side panel 56, and an end panel 58. The panels 50-58 define a
player chamber 60. One end of the protective device 20 defines a
main opening 62. A screen opening 64 and a control opening 66 are
formed in the front panel 50. A support opening 68 is formed in the
rear panel 52. A connector opening 70 is formed in the end panel
58. First and second corner openings 72 and 74 are formed in the
end panel 58, while first and second corner notches 76 and 78 are
formed in the first and second side panels 54 and 56, respectively.
First and second support edges 80 and 82 are defined by the rear
panel 52 on opposite sides of the support opening 68.
[0027] As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the protective
device 20 is used in its first, carrying mode, the example video
player 22 is inserted into the player chamber 60 through the main
opening 62 such that the front wall 26 engages the front panel 50
and the second end wall 36 engages the end panel 58. In this first
mode of using the device 20, the screen 40 is visible through the
screen opening 64, the first control 42 is accessible through the
control opening 66, the second control 44 and first connector 46
are accessible through the main opening 62, and the second
connector 48 is accessible through the connector opening 70.
[0028] In the first mode, the protective device 20 protects the
video player 22 and also allows the player 22 to be used in a
conventional manner. The video player 22 may be removed from the
protective device 20 by gripping the first and/or second side walls
30 and 32 through the corner notches 76 and/or 78 and/or by pushing
up on the second end wall 36 through one or both of the corner
openings 72 and 74.
[0029] When the protective device 20 is used in the second mode,
the second end wall 36 of the player 22 is displaced through the
support opening 68 in the rear panel 52 until the second end wall
36 engages the front panel 50 as shown in FIG. 7. At this point,
the video player 22 is released such that the front and rear walls
26 and 28 thereof engage the support edges 80 and 82 of the rear
panel 52.
[0030] With the video player engaging the front panel 50 and the
support edges 80 and 82 in this second mode, the video player 22 is
held at a desirable viewing angle with respect to the rear panel
52. The protective device 20 may be placed on a support surface or
otherwise supported in a horizontal manner as shown in FIG. 7 to
allow hands-free viewing of the screen 40. In addition, the first
control 42, the second control 44, and the first connector 46 are
all accessible in this second mode, as generally indicated in FIG.
7.
[0031] Referring now for a moment to FIG. 7A of the drawing,
depicted therein is an optional support layer 90 that may be
applied to an inner surface 92 of the front wall 50. The example
support layer 90 is formed from a relatively high friction material
that will not damage the finish of the video player 22. A rubber,
rubber-like, or gel-like material, perhaps with a tacky or gummy
surface, may be used to increase friction between the video player
22 and the inner surface 92 of the front wall 50 while also not
damaging the finish of the video player 22. The increased friction
provided by the example support layer 90 may allow more control of
the viewing angle between the video player 22 and the rear surface
52. Other examples of support layers, perhaps including notches or
seats that correspond to different viewing angles, may be used in
place of the example support layer 90.
[0032] Turning now to FIGS. 8-10 of the drawing, depicted at 120
therein is a second example of a multi-mode protective device
constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of
the present invention. The second example protective device 120 is
adapted to carry a second example portable video player 122 in a
first or carrying mode (similar to FIGS. 2 and 5 above) and in a
second or support mode as represented in FIGS. 8 and 10. The
protective device 120 is thus also a multi-mode device that allows
the portable video player 122 to be carried in the first mode and
supported for hands-free viewing in the second mode.
[0033] Referring initially to the example portable video player
122, the video player 122 is not per se part of the present
invention. As with the first example protective device 20, the
present invention may be used in connection with portable video
players in other configurations and with other controls, features,
and input/output devices.
[0034] The first example portable video player 122 is an iPod
digital audio and video player comprising a housing 124 defining a
front wall 126, a rear wall 128, first and second side walls 130
and 132, and first and second end walls 134 and 136. The first
example portable video player 122 comprises a screen 140 and one or
more controls and/or connectors (not shown). The example screen 140
conventionally displays a user interface, graphics, and video. In
the second example video player 122, the screen 140 extends along
almost the entire front wall 126 and is touch sensitive to form a
control that allows user input in response to the user interface.
The exact configuration of the controls and connectors is not
important to the principles of the present invention except as will
be described below.
[0035] In the model of iPod used as the second example digital
video player 122, the screen 140 is mounted on the front wall 126.
The screen is typically viewed with its long dimension horizontally
arranged. The first side wall 130 thus lies under the screen 140,
while the second side wall 132 is above the screen 140. The
construction and operation of the second example video player 122
is not essential to an understanding of the present invention and
will be described herein only to the extent necessary for a
complete understanding of the present invention.
[0036] When the protective device 120 is used in the first mode,
the portable video player 122 is at least partly surrounded by the
protective device 120 to inhibit damage to the video player 122
during transportation and normal use. In this first mode, screen
140 is visible. When the protective device 120 is used in the
second mode, the portable video player 122 is supported in an
upright orientation with the screen 140 at a desirable angle and
orientation for viewing. In the first and second modes, any other
controls and connectors defined by the portable video player 122
should be accessible as necessary to operate the video player in
that mode.
[0037] The details of the second example protective device 120 will
now be described in further detail. The protective device 120
comprises a front panel 150, a rear panel 152, a first side panel
154, a second side panel 156, and an end panel 158. The panels
150-158 define a player chamber 160. One end of the protective
device 120 defines a main opening 162. A screen opening 164 is
formed in the front panel 150. A support opening 168 is formed in
the rear panel 152. A connector opening 170 is formed in the end
panel 158. First and second corner openings 172 and 174 are formed
in the end panel 158. First and second corner notches 176 and 178
are formed in the side panels 154 and 156. First and second support
edges 180 and 182 are defined by the rear panel 152 on opposite
sides of the support opening 168. First and second side notches 190
and 192 are formed in the side panels 154 and 156, respectively.
First and second support surfaces 194 and 196 are formed by the
first and second side panels 154 and 156 at the first and second
side notches 190 and 192, respectively.
[0038] The protective device 120 is used in its first, carrying
mode with the front wall 126 engaging the front panel 150 and the
second end wall 136 engaging the end panel 158. In this first mode
of using the device 120, the screen 140 is visible through the
screen opening 164. Additionally, any other controls or connectors
formed on or defined by the video player are accessible as
desirable when operating the video player 122 with the protective
device 120 in this first mode. In the first mode, the protective
device 120 protects the video player 122 and also allows the player
122 to be used in a conventional manner.
[0039] When the protective device 120 is used in the second mode,
the first side wall 130 thereof is displaced through the support
opening 168 in the rear panel 152 until the first side wall 130
engages the side panels 154 and 156 as shown in FIG. 10. At this
point, the video player 122 is released such that the front and
rear walls 126 and 128 thereof engage the first and second support
edges 180 and 182 of the rear panel 152 and the first side edge 130
engages the first and second support surfaces 194 and 196.
[0040] With the video player engaging the front panel 150 and side
panels 154 and 156 in this second mode, the video player 122 is
held at a desirable viewing angle with respect to the rear surface
152. The protective device 120 may be placed on a support surface
or otherwise supported in a horizontal manner to allow hands-free
viewing of the screen 140. In addition, any controls or connectors
should be accessible in this second mode.
[0041] Turning now to FIGS. 11 and 12 of the drawing, depicted at
220 therein is a third example of a multi-mode protective device
constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of
the present invention. The third example protective device 220 is
adapted to carry the second example portable video player 122
described above in a first or carrying mode and in a second or
support mode as represented in FIGS. 11 and 12. The protective
device 220 is thus also a multi-mode device that allows the
portable video player 222 to be carried in the first mode and
supported for hands-free viewing in the second mode.
[0042] When the protective device 220 is used in the first mode,
the portable video player 122 is at least partly surrounded by the
protective device 220 to inhibit damage to the video player 122
during transportation and normal use. In this first mode, screen
140 is visible. When the protective device 220 is used in the
second mode, the portable video player 122 is supported in an
upright orientation with the screen 140 at a desirable angle and
orientation for viewing. In the first and second modes, any other
controls and connectors defined by the portable video player 122
should be accessible as necessary to operate the video player in
that mode.
[0043] The details of the second example protective device 220 will
now be described in further detail. The protective device 220
comprises a front panel 250, a rear panel 252, a first side panel
254, a second side panel 256, and an end panel 258. The panels
250-258 define a player chamber 260. One end of the protective
device 220 defines a main opening 262. A screen opening 264 is
formed in the front panel 250. A support opening 268 is formed in
the rear panel 252. A connector opening 270 is formed in the end
panel 258. First and second corner openings 272 and 274 are formed
in the end panel 258. First and second corner notches 276 and 278
are formed in the side panels 254 and 256. First and second support
edges 280 and 282 are defined by the rear panel 252 on opposite
sides of the support opening 268.
[0044] The protective device 220 is used in its first, carrying
mode with the front wall 126 engaging the front panel 250 and the
second end wall 136 engaging the end panel 258. In this first mode
of using the device 220, the screen 140 is visible through the
screen opening 264. Additionally, any other controls or connectors
formed on or defined by the video player are accessible as
desirable when operating the video player 122 with the protective
device 220 in this first mode. In the first mode, the protective
device 220 protects the video player 122 and also allows the player
122 to be used in a conventional manner.
[0045] When the protective device 220 is used in the second mode,
the first side wall 130 thereof is displaced through the support
opening 268 in the rear panel 252 until the first side wall 130
engages the front panel 250 as shown in FIG. 12. At this point, the
video player 122 is released such that the front and rear walls 126
and 128 thereof engage the first and second support edges 280 and
282 of the rear panel 252.
[0046] With the video player engaging the front panel 250 and rear
panel 252 this second mode, the video player 122 is held at a
desirable viewing angle with respect to the rear surface 252. The
protective device 220 may be placed on a support surface or
otherwise supported in a horizontal manner to allow hands-free
viewing of the screen 140. In addition, any controls or connectors
should be accessible in this second mode.
[0047] As generally indicated above, a protective device of the
present invention may be configured based on the particular form
factor and control and connector layout of a particular video
player.
* * * * *