Protective enclosure with a line-out device adapted for use with electronic componentry

• US 20050023186A1
• Filed: 07/30/2004
• Published: 02/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Case Logic (Thule Group AB)
• Original Assignee: Case Logic (Thule Group AB)
• Inventors: Hassett, Eric S.
• Application Number:
  US10/903,086
• Publication Number:
  US 20050023186A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/589
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/008 for making water- or air-tight
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/001 for portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or MP3-players
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/002 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/002 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of a single strap passing around the neck
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2005/006 comprising a suspension strap or lanyard
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2200/0508 Portable audio devices, e.g. walkman, discman, radio, MP3 player, headphones
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/00 Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/02 Fastening articles to the garment
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/021 to the belt
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/025 Portable cases

Abstract

A protective enclosure capable of storing an electronic device while protecting it from damage emanating from impacts, impingements, dust and moisture is provided herein. More specifically, the present invention allows a user to use a portable electronic device without requiring the user to open the enclosure and expose the contents to inclement weather.

Claims

1. An enclosure adapted for holding and protecting an electronic device, comprising:

a front portion selectively interconnected to a rear portion wherein said enclosure may be selectively opened and closed;

an electronic device storage area positioned between said front portion and said rear portion;

an aperture in said enclosure adapted to receive an auxiliary cord, said auxiliary cord having a first end and a second end;

a male end interconnected to said first end of said auxiliary cord that is adapted for interconnection to the electronic device;

a female end interconnected to said second end of said auxiliary cord, wherein said female end is substantially encapsulated by a housing; and

wherein said housing is interconnected to the enclosure such that the auxiliary cord is adapted to access the inside of the enclosure.

2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a flange substantially positioned around a bottom surface of the housing that is adapted for interconnection to the enclosure.

3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said female end is positioned at an angle relative to the enclosure.

4. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said female end is integrally interconnected to said housing.

5. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a second female end that is operably interconnected to said second end of said auxiliary cord.

6. The enclosure of claim 5, wherein said first female end and said second female second end are integrally interconnected to said housing.

7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein at least one of said housing and said flange are comprised of rubber.

8. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said flange is stitched to said enclosure.

9. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein said housing and said flange are substantially impermeable to water.

10. An electronic device carrying case with externally exposed line-out jacks adapted for selective interconnection to a headphone cable, comprising:

an enclosure adapted for holding an electronic device, said enclosure having at least one opening that can be selectively opened and closed to receive and remove the electronic device;

an aperture positioned on said enclosure that is adapted to receive a conductive wire auxiliary cord;

a line-out jack positioned over said aperture and operably interconnected to said enclosure, said line-out jack comprising a water resistant housing that substantially encloses a conductive female coupling which is adapted to receive a male portion of a headphone cable, wherein a user can obtain operable communication with the electronic device without opening said enclosure.

11. The electronic carrying device of claim 10, wherein said line-out jack water resistant housing is comprised of at least one of a rubber, a plastic, a nylon and a polypropylene material.

12. The electronic carrying device of claim 10, wherein said at least one opening in said enclosure is comprised of a zipper positioned between a front surface and a rear surface.

13. The electronic carrying device of claim 10, wherein said line out jack is interconnected to said enclosure with at least one of an adhesive, a stitching material and a welding process.

14. The electronic carrying device of claim 10, wherein said electronic device carrying case further comprises a plurality of internal pockets.

15. The electronic carrying device of claim 10, wherein said line out device conductive female coupling is comprised of a metallic material.

16. The electronic carrying device of claim 10, wherein said enclosure is comprised of at least partially with a water resistant material.