Retrievable headset storage case for a portable electronic device

• US 8,996,075 B2
• Filed: 11/08/2012
• Issued: 03/31/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Silverchord, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Silverchord, Inc.
• Inventors: Bunton, Jaleel
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, PABLO N
• Application Number:
  US13/672,666
• Publication Number:
  US 20140128128A1
• Time in Patent Office: 873 Days
• Field of Search: 455/569.1, 455/575.1, 455/575.3, 455/575.6, 455/575.8, 455/90.3, 455/550.1, 455/348, 455/347
• US Class Current: 455/569.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/24 with receiving set
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/15 Protecting or guiding telephone cords
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/185 Improving the rigidity of the casing or resistance to shocks

Abstract

A case is provided for accommodating a portable electronic device and at least one accessory of the portable electronic device. The case provides a holder configured for holding a portable electronic device, the holder having a front panel and a back panel; a retraction system for allowing at least part of a cable portion an accessory to be retracted. Further provided is an ultra thin winding mechanism contained in a enclosure within the case where the audio output is connected via contacts on the back of the spool and contacts on the lining of the case, a button located on the case which engages audio by being adjacent to and in contact with the portable electronic device'"'"'s audio button, a second button which operates to simultaneously disengage audio and retract the cable, and a microphone installed within the accessory.

Claims

1. A portable electronic device case comprising:

(a) a housing,

(b) a back plate,

(c) a headset having a retractable cable

(d) an audio connection switch, and

(e) a headset cable retraction switch

wherein the housing is configured to fit a portable electronic device and the headset cable retraction switch disengages the audio connection switch without terminating audio play.

2. The portable electronic device case of claim 1 wherein the headset further comprises a microphone.

3. The portable electronic device case of claim 1 wherein the retractable cable is wound upon a spool.

4. The portable electronic device case of claim 3 wherein the spool is powered by a power spring.

5. The portable electronic device case of claim 1 wherein the headset cable retraction switch releases tension on the retractable cable when engaged.

6. The portable electronic device case of claim 1 wherein the retractable headset is a pair of earbuds.

7. A mobile phone case comprising:

(a) a housing for a mobile phone,

(b) a back plate,

(c) a headset having a retractable cable

(d) an audio connection switch, and

(e) a headset cable retraction switch

wherein the housing is configured to fit a portable electronic device and the headset cable retraction switch disengages the audio connection switch without terminating audio play.

8. The portable electronic device case of claim 7 wherein the headset further comprises a microphone.

9. The portable electronic device case of claim 7 wherein the retractable cable is wound upon a spool.

10. The portable electronic device case of claim 9 wherein the spool is powered by a power spring.

11. The portable electronic device case of claim 7 wherein the headset cable retraction switch releases tension on the retractable cable when engaged.

12. The portable electronic device case of claim 7 wherein the retractable headset is a pair of earbuds.