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

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.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 409,463, filed Apr. 7, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29 / 171,089, now Design Patent D481,865, filed Nov. 15, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 438,916, filed Jan. 8, 2003, all pending applications and issued patents being incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to apparatus that secure and protect electronic devices such as a compact disc players from impacts and water damage, and which allows a user to gain limited access to the enclosure without jeopardizing the water resistant integrity of the device. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention an enclosure is provided that is adapted to secure a portable compact disc (hereinafter “CD”) player and a plurality of CDs that includes an external connection port for a user interface, such as a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a “line-out” device, wherein a user can gain access to the electronic device without substantially breaching the integrity of the enclosure. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention an aperture is integrated into the enclosure along with a protective sheath interconnected to the enclosure in the same general location. This aperture provides access to the internal portion of the enclosure while the enclosure is substantially sealed to prevent water damage, or exposure to other external elements such as sand or dirt. In one embodiment, an auxiliary hard-line may be employed to span the distance between the aperture and the electronic device's listening port. The extension may also be adapted with an end housing that has a greater diameter than the transmission line. When inserted into the aperture and at least partially covered with the sheath, the thicker end creates a seal that substantially provides a barrier to fluid. Therefore, when the enclosure is closed, maximum protection against impact and water damage is provided, while the listening port is effectively transferred to the outside of the enclosure to provide an access port for the user's headset or other listening device. This feature is especially useful for snowboarders, skiers, runners, boaters, skaters, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts who may encounter inclement weather.

[0017] In operation, the line-out device with a plurality of female ends is envisioned to be used with a protective enclosure for a DVD player. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a DVD player case that includes the line-out device with at least two female ends, wherein a plurality of users may selectively access the DVD player. This embodiment of the present invention is ideally employed in a situation wherein a portable DVD player is used on an airplane or a motor vehicle. The users, generally sitting in the rear compartment of an automobile or next to each other in the aircraft, may selectively access the DVD player with headsets such that other passengers are undisturbed by the viewing of the DVD. Alternatively, one skilled in the art will appreciate that this embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into a storage case a for music listening device such that the device may be enjoyed by a plurality of users wherein the music will not disturb other individuals in the general vicinity.

Problems solved by technology

Depending on the material of construction, many traditional enclosures provide limited protection from impacts, scratches, and fluids.

Unfortunately, in order to provide such protection from the outside elements, the enclosure must be sealed, thereby preventing or restricting access to the electronic device.

However, to gain access to connection ports on the electronic device, the enclosure must be opened thus making the contents more susceptible to damage, especially in inclement weather.

For example, a zipper on an enclosure may be opened partially to gain limited access to the electronic device, but this method may allow contents to fall out and be lost or damaged, especially during rigorous physical activity such as skiing, snow boarding, etc.

Furthermore, any opening in the enclosure provides a pathway where fluids may come in contact with the electronic device and cause damage or destroy the sensitive electronic components.

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