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Portable digital media player caseRelated Patent Categories: Receptacles, Sidewall Structure, Apertured Sidewall (e.g., Hole, Slot, Etc.)Portable digital media player case description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070164036, Portable digital media player case. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a case for a portable digital media player, such as an Apple iPod. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Ever since the introduction of the first generation iPod portable digital media player into the marketplace, accessories of many types have been developed. Among those accessories are cases which protect the iPod from shock and make it easier to grip. [0005] One such case produced by Marware is formed of neoprene and has a large opening for the display screen and click wheel and a flip-top. Another neoprene case produced by Incase has separate openings for the display screen and click wheel and a zipper closure. Neoprene fits loosely around the iPod and does not follow the contour thereof. [0006] A case which is manufactured by Speck is formed of KRATON.RTM. and has a dimpled exterior and an opening for various ports on the iPod. Silicone rubber cases made by iSkin, Xtreme Mac and Elecom fit tightly over the iPod and have separate openings for the display screen and the click wheel. The Elecom case has a region at the side for winding an earbud headphone cord. [0007] None of the prior art cases provides a winding region for the earbud headphone cord which is soft, does not substantially enlarge the dimensions of the case and which is unobtrusive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a portable digital media player case, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which provides a storage location for an earbud headphone cord which is unobtrusive for the user. [0009] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a case for a portable digital media player. The case comprises a front surface having at least one viewing window, a rear surface opposite the front surface, side surfaces and top and bottom surfaces. A projection protrudes from one of the surfaces to define a region between the projection and the one surface for receiving a cord. The projection is shaped and sufficiently soft and flexible to at least partially close the region and collapse onto the one surface under application of pressure applied to the projection. This makes the projection unobtrusive to a user. [0010] In accordance with another feature of the invention, pressure applied to the projection when being held by a user, being placed into a confined space or being placed on a surface with the projection facing down, is sufficient to at least partially close the region and collapse the projection onto the one surface. Thus, the projection almost disappears when under sufficient pressure as is normally applied under use or when placed in the user's pocket. [0011] In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the surfaces and the projection are formed of silicone rubber. This material is sufficiently soft and flexible to collapse at the winding region. [0012] In accordance with an added feature of the invention, the projection preferably protrudes from the rear surface, but a side projection is also contemplated. Both locations prevent the winding region from interfering with operation of the device. In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, a pedestal connects the projection to the rear surface. Not only the surfaces, but the pedestal and the projection as well are formed of silicone rubber. [0013] In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, the projection has a substantially flat outer surface parallel to the rear surface and tapered outer edges. These features permit the projection to almost completely disappear when in normal use. [0014] In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, the projection has a slot formed therein for retaining the cord. This prevents the cord from unraveling. [0015] In accordance with yet an added feature of the invention, the surfaces have openings formed therein for accessing ports of the portable digital media player. In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the at least one viewing window in the front surface includes a cutout and a translucent region. Thus, all of the features of the media player can be accessed. [0016] Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. [0017] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a portable digital media player case, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. [0018] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic, front-elevational view of a portable digital media player case according to the invention; [0020] FIG. 2 is a top-plan view of the case of the invention; [0021] FIG. 3 is a bottom-plan view of the case according to the invention; Continue reading about Portable digital media player case... Full patent description for Portable digital media player case Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Portable digital media player case patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Portable digital media player case or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Contour fit pan liner for a food service pan Next Patent Application: Drinking vessel Industry Class: Receptacles ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Portable digital media player case patent info. 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