Removalbe customizable inserts and faceplate for electronic devices

• US 20070161421A1
• Filed: 03/09/2007
• Published: 07/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Tahoe Research Limited (f/k/a Learndale Limited) (Vector Capital Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Tahoe Research Limited (f/k/a Learndale Limited) (Vector Capital Corporation)
• Inventors: Diebel, Markus, Bradley, Paul, Latto, Antonio, Simpson, Isaac
• Application Number:
  US11/716,087
• Publication Number:
  US 20070161421A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/575.800
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/56 Accessories carrying-cases A45C11/38
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0283 for providing a decorative aspect, e.g. customization of casings, exchangeable faceplate
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72427 for supporting games or graphical animations
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0243 for decorative purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/03 Covers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53 Means to assemble or disassemble

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed for the customization of electronic equipment of which portable audio players, portable disc players, portable digital games and laptop computers are representative. The electronic equipment may be fitted with a substantially transparent faceplate that may cover removable inserts. These inserts may be customizable to provide unique decorative appearances to the electronic equipment upon which they may be fitted. Decorative designs may either be preprinted on the inserts or a user may produce a customized design.

Claims

1. a method comprising:

providing a user with a sheet precut to a shape suitable for use as the insert for a faceplate of an electronic device;

providing software to enable the user to select one of a plurality of designs to print on said sheet; and

providing software to enable the user to print the selected design on the sheet to make an insert for a faceplate for an electronic device.

2. The method of claim 1 including providing the user with a sheet that is cut to enable the user to punch out a shape suitable for use as an insert for the faceplate for an electronic device.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein providing the user with a sheet includes providing the user with a paper-based material.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein providing the user with a sheet includes providing the user with mylar.