Compartmentalized protective case for portable handheld electronic devices

Abstract

A compartmentalized protective case houses a portable electronic device and personal care items that are organized and held securely therewithin. The compartmentalized protective case has a major compartment for receiving and housing an electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, music player, or other digital media device. At least one cell compartment constructed within the case receives and houses personal care items removably integrated therein. Personal care items include a plurality of interchangeable replacement cells containing beauty items, cosmetics, hygienic items, oral care products such as floss or breath strips, medications, vitamins, breathe fresheners and/or health care products. A second cell compartment is preferably provided as a removable pouch or restraining system for holding identification cards, currency, visa or bank cards, and/or keys.

Claims

1. A compartmentalized protective case for a portable electronic device, comprising: a. a major compartment appointed to receive and house a portable electronic device, said major compartment forming a single uninterrupted compartment, said major compartment defining two major sides of the protective case including an open major first side of the protective case, thereby enabling said portable electronic device to be viewed from an exterior of the compartmentalized protective case when housed within the major compartment, and a generally closed major second side of the protective case opposing the open major first side of the protective case, the open major first side of the protective case defined at least in part by first and second opposing sidewalls, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls defines at least a portion configured to overlie the electronic device when housed within the major compartment so as to prevent the device from falling out of the major compartment through the open major first side of the protective case; b. at least one cell compartment located in and substantially forming a side of said case housing personal items, wherein said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment are arranged parallel to and piggybacked upon one another; c. said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment being connected to one another by way of a hinge; d. said hinge operates to open and close said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment, thereby allowing access to said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment; e. said personal care items comprising a mini-makeup kit that includes internal attachment means for securing a plurality of makeup cells having mating cell attachment means, wherein said mini-makeup kit includes internal attachment means and said makeup cells include cell attachment means in mating communication for securing said plurality of makeup cells, wherein said makeup cells are replaceable cells removable from said mini-makeup kit for unique selection and interchangeability of said makeup cells; and f. a mirror or reflective material.

2. A compartmentalized protective case as recited in claim 1, wherein said personal care items comprise at least one medication.

3. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1, wherein said personal care items comprise at least one cosmetic.

4. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1, wherein said personal care items are selected from a group consisting of identification, keys, money, and business cards.

5. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1 comprising at least one applicator for delivery of said personal care item.

6. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1 comprising a second cell compartment.

7. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 6, wherein said second cell compartment is a pouch for receiving of personal items.

8. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 6, wherein said second cell compartment includes a clip.

9. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 6, wherein said second cell compartment includes a restraining system.

10. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1, wherein said major compartment is enclosed with a hinged cover.

11. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1, wherein said at least one cell compartment is enclosed with a hinged cover.

12. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1, wherein said major compartment is enclosed with a sliding cover.

13. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1, wherein said at least one cell compartment is enclosed with a sliding cover.

14. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1 comprising an opening appointed to receive a wristlet attachment.

15. A compartmentalized protective case as recited by claim 1 comprising at least two parallel openings appointed to receive a strap or chain attachment.

16. A compartmentalized protective case for a portable electronic device, comprising: a. a major compartment appointed to receive and house a portable electronic device, said major compartment forming a single uninterrupted compartment, said major compartment defining two major sides of the protective case including an open major first side of the protective case, thereby enabling said portable electronic device to be viewed from an exterior of the compartmentalized protective case when housed within the major compartment, and a generally closed major second side of the protective case opposing the open major first side of the protective case, the open major first side of the protective case defined at least in part by first and second opposing sidewalls, wherein each of the first and second sidewalls defines at least a portion configured to overlie the electronic device when housed within the major compartment so as to prevent the device from falling out of the major compartment through the open major first side of the protective case; b. at least one cell compartment located in and substantially forming a side of said case housing personal items, wherein said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment are arranged parallel to and piggybacked upon one another; c. said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment being connected to one another by way of a hinge; d. said hinge operates to open and close said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment, thereby allowing direct access to said major compartment and said at least one cell compartment; e. said major compartment consisting essentially of a durable material forming a shell so as to provide protection to said portable electronic device housed therein; f. said personal care items comprising a mini-makeup kit that includes internal attachment means for securing a plurality of makeup cells having mating cell attachment means, wherein said mini-makeup kit includes internal attachment means and said makeup cells include cell attachment means in mating communication for securing said plurality of makeup cells, wherein said makeup cells are replaceable cells removable from said mini-makeup kit for unique selection and interchangeability of said makeup cells; and g. a mirror or reflective material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is had to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case shown in the assembled, closed view;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates the embodiment of the cell compartment and closure lid with replaceable cells of FIG. 1 in a disassembled view;

(4) FIG. 3a illustrates a schematic view of the cell compartment of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the cell compartment of FIG. 3a;

(6) FIG. 3c illustrates a top view of a replacement cell;

(7) FIG. 3d illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the replacement cell;

(8) FIG. 4a illustrates a side-sectional view of the top portion of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 4b illustrates a top-sectional view of the top portion of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(10) FIG. 4c illustrates a top-sectional view of the top portion of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(11) FIG. 5a illustrates a sectional view of the top of the cell compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(12) FIG. 5b illustrates a top planer view of the top portion of the cell compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(13) FIG. 5c illustrates a side view of the cell compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(14) FIG. 6a illustrates a sectional view of the top of the major/primary compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(15) FIG. 6b illustrates a top planer view of the major/primary compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(16) FIG. 6c illustrates a side view of the major/primary compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(17) FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the major/primary compartment of the case shown in FIG. 1;

(18) FIG. 8a illustrates an embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case wherein a second cell compartment is provided for housing an identification, currency and/or a key;

(19) FIG. 8b illustrates removable attachment of the second cell compartment;

(20) FIG. 8c illustrates the cell compartment in an open condition;

(21) FIG. 8d illustrates the cell compartment showing insertion of a makeup kit;

(22) FIG. 9a illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case;

(23) FIG. 9b illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line x-x;

(24) FIG. 10a illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case;

(25) FIG. 10b illustrates a view of an optional second cell compartment in the open configuration;

(26) FIG. 11a illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case appointed with a hand strap/wristlet attachment;

(27) FIG. 11b illustrates a back view;

(28) FIG. 12a illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case appointed with a strap attachment; and

(29) FIG. 12b illustrates a back view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(30) The present invention is directed to a compartmentalized protective case for housing a portable electronic device and personal care items that are organized and held securely within the case. The compartmentalized protective case is constructed having a major compartment appointed for receiving and housing a handheld electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, music player, or other digital media device. At least one cell compartment is constructed within the case that is appointed for receiving and housing personal care items removably integrated therein. Preferably the personal care items are provided as a plurality of interchangeable replacement cells including beauty items, cosmetics, hygienic items, oral care products such as floss or breath strips, medications, vitamins, breathe fresheners and/or health care products. A second cell compartment may be provided that is constructed as a removable pouch or restraining system for holding identification cards, currency, visa or bank cards, and/or keys.

(31) The compartmentalized protective case is appointed to house an electronic device such as cell phones and/or smart phones such as those sold under the trade names iPhone and Blackberry, media players such as those sold under the trade name iPod, and any other electronic devices. The protective case is preferably constructed of a durable material forming a shell so as to provide protection to the electronic device housed therein, including a polymeric, lightweight metal, rubber, silicone material and/or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the protective case may be constructed using less rigid materials, such as canvas, fibers and/or combinations thereof.

(32) FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case shown in the assembled, closed view, shown generally at 10. Compartmentalized protective case 10 is constructed having a front side 11, back side 12, top 13, major compartment 40 and at least one cell compartment 30. Major compartment 40 is appointed for receiving and housing an electronic device 41, including hand held electronic devices such as cell phones and/or smart phones, including those sold under the trade names Iphone and Blackberry, media players such as those sold under the trade name iPod, personal video game devices and any other handheld electronic devices. At least one cell compartment 30 is provided that is appointed for receiving and housing personal care items removably integrated therein. The cell compartment 30 is preferably provided with shallow side walls so that the compartment 30 is compact in nature. Preferably the personal care items are presented as a plurality of replacement/replaceable cells 31 that carry personal items therein. The major/primary 40 and/cell compartment 30 each include a cover 45, 35 which hingedly operates to open and close to allow access to the respective compartment 40, 30. The major compartment 40 and the cell compartment 30 are connected by way of a hinge 13 herein shown, without limitation, at top 13 that operates to provide open and close configurations for allowing access/closure to the major compartment 40 and cell compartment 30. Alternatively, the primary 40 and/cell compartment 30 are enclosed with sliding covers 45, 35, or combinations thereof. In the embodiment shown, cover 35 is a sliding cover as illustrated in FIG. 2. A mirror 50 or reflective material may be included within the cell compartment or on the cell compartment 30 as shown, or it may be located in the major compartment 40 so that a user to view herself/himself.

(33) Major compartment/first compartment 40 is configured for receiving and housing the electronic device. First compartment/major compartment 40 has two major sides 42 and 43 including an open major first side 42a allowing the electronic device to be viewed from an exterior of the protective case when housed within the first compartment and a generally closed major second side 43a of the protective case opposing the open major first side 42a of the protective case. The open major first side 42a of the protective case is defined at least in part by first and second opposing sidewalls 45a and 45b. Each of the first and second sidewalls 45a, 45b defines at least a portion 46a, 46b configured to overlie the electronic device when housed within the first compartment/major compartment 40 so as to prevent the device from falling out of the open major first side 42a. A major side is defined as a side of the protective case having a larger surface area than a rest of the sides defined by the protective case.

(34) The cell compartment 30 preferably includes internal attachment means and the personal care items are integrated within replaceable cells 31 including cell attachment means in mating communication for interchangeability and securing the replaceable cells within the cell compartment 30. Personal items may comprise a mini-makeup kit 32 including internal attachment means for securing a plurality of makeup cells (replacement cells) having mating cell attachment means as shown. The mini-makeup kit 32 preferably includes internal attachment means and the makeup cells 31 include cell attachment means in mating communication for securing the plurality of makeup cells 31. The makeup cells 31 may include a plethora of beauty supplies and may be readily mixed and matched depending on the user's needs, for example, the makeup cells may include items selected from a group consisting of foundation, concealed, lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara and blush and/or combinations thereof. At least one applicator 60 may be provided for applying the makeup products.

(35) Alternatively, the personal care items may comprise a mini-health care product kit. The mini-health care product kit in turn may include oral hygienic items comprising dental floss. For example a replaceable floss wheel with a typical cutting portion may be provided, such as those currently sold, but in smaller configuration so as to fit within the compact case. Conversely, instead of a floss wheel, floss pieces may simply be provided as precut floss pieces having a length ranging between two to four inches. Optionally, the mini-health care product kit may be made-up of hygienic items consisting of lotions, serums, sun screens and anti-aging creams. In this manner the cells are provided as shallow trays wherein the lotion or serums are injected into the trays and allowed to set for packaging. Other personal care items may be provided including a mini-health care product kit comprising items such as breath strips, breath mints, gum, and candies. Still alternatively, the optional mini-health care product kit may include cells for pill medication, cold medication, vitamins, eye drops, ointment, adhesive strips for cuts, bandages and hand sanitizer.

(36) FIGS. 2 and 3a-3d illustrate the embodiment of the cell compartment and closure lid with replaceable cells of FIG. 1 in a disassembled view. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3a-3d, cell compartment 30 is shown disassembled. Cell compartment 30 is appointed for receiving and housing personal care items removably integrated therein, preferably constructed as a plurality of replacement/replaceable cells 31 that carry personal items therein. Cell compartment 30 includes a cover 35 which, in this embodiment, is slideabley mounted on cell compartment 30. Cell compartment 30 includes internal attachment means herein shown as tracks/rails including side rails 231a and a center rail 231b that mate with replacement cells 31 by way of communication with mating cell attachment means 234 provided as corresponding grooves 235 adapted to receive rails 231a, 231b. In this manner, replacement cells 31 are slid onto and mounted within cell compartment 30 so that the cells 31 do not fall from the device when cover 35 is slid open. This also prevents the cells 31 from shifting around within compartment 30. Alternatively, the internal attachment means may instead comprise low bond adhesive, mating clip, magnetic portions, or hook and loop fasteners mechanisms such as those sold under the trade name VELCRO. For sliding of cover 35, cell compartment 30 further includes outer rails 236 appointed to mate with corresponding grooves 237 located on walls 238 of cover 35.

(37) FIG. 4a-4c illustrate views of the top portion 13 of the device which is constructed to provide slidablity of the compartments and/or rotation and pivoting of the covers to access the compartments. Particularly, FIG. 4a illustrates a side-sectional view of the top portion of the case shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4b illustrates a top-sectional view of the top portion of the case shown in FIG. 1; and FIG. 4c illustrates a top-sectional view of the top portion of the case shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5a-5c illustrate view of the cell compartment. FIGS. 6a-6c illustrate a sectional view of the top of the major/primary compartment of the case. FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the major/primary compartment of the case shown in FIGS. 6a-6c.

(38) FIGS. 8a-8d illustrate the compartmentalized protective case having a second cell compartment, and with the case in the open configurations (FIGS. 8a and 8b show a second cell compartment and the major compartment while FIGS. 8c and 8d show the cell compartment); and FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate the compartmentalized protective case schematically illustrated in FIGS. 8a-8d, however shown in the closed condition, depicting a top plane view and a cross-sectional view taken along line x-x. Compartmentalized protective case 8110 comprises a major compartment 8140 appointed for receiving and housing a handheld electronic device, herein shown as a smart phone 8141. As discussed hereinabove, the handheld electronic device can be a plethora of different heretofore known or otherwise later invented handheld electronic devices. Compartmentalized protective case 8110 further comprises at least one cell compartment appointed for receiving and housing at least one personal item, herein case 8110 includes two cell compartments hereinafter referred to as a first cell compartment 8120 and a second cell compartment 8130 preferably piggybacked upon one another, both of which are shown in the open configuration in FIGS. 8a-8d and in the closed configuration in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

(39) Cell compartments 8120, 8130 are enclosed with either a hinge or sliding cover. Cell compartments 8120, 8130 form containments for receiving replaceable cells 8121, 8131 held in place with adhesives, magnets, mechanical or adhesive means (such as hook and loop fasteners) so that the cells 8121, 8131 enclosed within the cell compartments 8120, 8130 can be replaced and visa via the personal care products integrated within the cells are replaceable. Cell 8131 includes individually replaceable components/personal care items. Herein, the replaceable cell 8131 comprises a mini-makeup kit 8132. The mini-makeup kit 8132 includes a mirror 8133, eye makeup 8134, eyeliner 8135 and an applicator 8136, for example. These personal care products are replaceable components within cell 8131. The mirror 8133, applicators 8136, each individual lip gloss color/eye makeup 8124, etc., are each individual personal care product cells that can be replaced in different configurations. This way each person can setup their own personalized personal care kit to carry exactly what they want, when they want. All replaceable parts (parts 8133-8135) can be popped in and out of the compartment 8130. This would include any part used as a tray to secure the personal care products. Replaceable cells 8133-8135 may include a plethora of personal items including a plethora of different health care items, oral hygienic items, beauty supplies such as eye makeup, lip gloss, powder, concealer, foundation, blush, and/or combinations thereof so that a user can refresh her look throughout the day or evening.

(40) Preferably second cell compartment 8120 is appointed to receive a replaceable cell 8121 which comprises a pouch 8122 that is held in place within the first cell compartment 8120 with a magnet, hook and loop fasteners (such as that sold under the trade name VELCRO) or adhesive. Pouch 8122 is adapted to receive and house personal items such as identification cards (ID), credit cards, bank cards, currency, keys, business cards, etc. As shown in FIG. 8b, replaceable cell 8121 comprising pouch 8122 is received within first cell compartment 8120.

(41) FIGS. 9a and 9b show a top plane view and a cross-sectional view taken along line x-x. Compartmentalized protective case 8110 comprises a major compartment 8140 appointed for receiving and housing handheld electronic device, smart phone 8141. Compartmentalized protective case 8110 further comprises two cell compartments 8120 and 8130, both of which are shown in the closed configuration herein. Cell compartments 8120, 8130 are enclosed with either a hinge or sliding cover. Cell compartments 8120, 8130 form containments for receiving replaceable cells 8121, 8131 that can be replaced and/or include replaceable cells or compartments therein for personal care products. Second cell compartment 8120 is appointed to receive a replaceable cell 8121 which comprises a pouch 8122 adapted to receive and house personal items such as identification cards (ID), credit cards, bank cards, currency, keys, business cards, etc. First cell compartment 8130 is appointed to receive replaceable cell 8131 which comprises a mini-makeup kit 8132. Second cell compartment 8120 is preferably located on the top side of the case, just under the first cell compartment 8130 storing the personal care items. Second cell compartment 8120 is preferably hinged and opens to reveal the face of the electronic device 8141. Both the wallet portion (second cell compartment 8120), and the personal care item storage compartments (first cell compartment 8130) are contained in the top side of the case 8110. (This will allow a variety of back plate styles to be sold to the consumer).

(42) FIGS. 10a and 10b illustrate another embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case, shown generally at 1000. Compartmentalized protective case 1010 comprises a major compartment 1040 appointed for receiving and housing a handheld electronic device, herein shown as a smart phone 1041. Compartmentalized protective case 1010 further comprises at least one cell compartment appointed for receiving and housing at least one personal item, herein case 1010 includes two cell compartments hereinafter referred to as a second cell compartment 1020 and a first cell compartment 1030 preferably piggybacked upon one another, both of which are shown in the open configuration in FIGS. 10a and 10b, respectively. Cell 1020 is herein shown flipped open via pivoting motion from the major compartment 1040, and includes a pouch for housing an ID or the like. Cell 1030 includes a slidable cell cover 1031 that is slidabley mounted on cell 1020, and is best illustrated in FIG. 10b.

(43) Preferably, cell 1030 comprises grooves 1051 for mating with rails 1052 integrated within side edges of the rear of cell compartment 1020 so that cell cover 1031 slides open and shut. Secondary rails 1041 are integrated within cell compartment 1030 appointed for mating with secondary grooves 1042 correspondingly integrated on the backside of individual replaceable cells 1061 including cosmetics integrated therein, forming a mini-makeup kit 1032. In this manner, individual replaceable cells 1061 can be readily interchanged and a user can select her unique color palette or cosmetic needs. Further, a mirror 1033 is slidably mounted on the secondary rails 1041. These individual replaceable cells 1061 are replaceable components and may include lip gloss color/eye makeup, powder, concealer, foundation, blush, and/or combinations thereof so that a user can refresh her look throughout the day or evening.

(44) FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate overviews of an embodiment of the compartmentalized protective case with a hand strap/wristlet attachment; FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate overviews of the compartmentalized protective case with a larger strap/clutch type of strap attachment. In referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b and FIGS. 12a and 12b, the compartmentalized protective case 1110 includes a front side 1111 and a back side 1112, a primary compartment 1140 and a cell compartment 1120. The case 1110 as shown in FIGS. 11a, 11b, 12a and 12b, is in the closed condition. The case 1110 in FIGS. 11a and 11b includes an opening 1113a appointed to receive a wristlet attachment 1113 for portability. The case 1110 in FIGS. 12a and 12b includes at least two parallel openings 1116a appointed to receive a strap or chain attachment 1116 for portability via optional clutch strap attachment means 1117 integrated within the front side 1111 of case 1110.

(45) In a first embodiment, the compartmentalized protective case comprises: (i) a major compartment appointed for receiving and housing a handheld electronic device; and (ii) at least one cell compartment appointed for receiving and housing at least one personal item. The personal care item preferably comprises a cosmetic panel. Preferably, the cosmetic panel comprises at least one individual interchangeable cosmetic component, such as eye shadow, lipstick, pressed powder, etc. The individual components may be popped out of the cell compartment and replaced with another component.

(46) In a second embodiment, the compartmentalized protective case comprises: (i) a major compartment appointed for receiving and housing a handheld electronic device; (ii) at least one cell compartment appointed for receiving and housing at least one cosmetic panel; and (iii) at least one cell compartment appointed for receiving and housing an identification card or ID. Preferably, the ID cell compartment is a removable pouch, sleek in nature, and appointed to be released from the case. Alternatively, the ID cell compartment is a sleek shallow segment which either pivots from the case, or alternatively slides from the case.

(47) Key features of the compartmentalized protective case for a portable electronic device and method include: 1. a protective case for portable electronic devices, such as cell phones, smart phones, iPhones, iPods, Blackberry devices, media players, etc; 2. providing compartments that contain personal care products integrated therein, and/or applicators; 3. the personal care products are contained in replaceable cells; 4. the replaceable cells can be held in place with adhesives, clips, magnets, mechanically, or by materials that create adhesion; 5. compartments are enclosed with either a hinged or sliding cover; 6. one or more compartments can hold a mirror or reflective material; 7. a replaceable pouch or restraining system may be integrated within the case appointed for use a wallet or storage for an ID, credit cards, money, a key, etc.; 8. the replaceable pouch may be held in place with adhesives or hook and loop fasteners; 9. an opening on the body of the case may be provided to attach a wristlet; 10. parallel openings on the body of the case may be provided to attach a strap or chain.

(48) The compartmentalized protective case and method of use disclosed herein can be modified in numerous ways without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different materials or attachment fasteners and a variety of personal products may be used. These and other modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the subjoined claims.

(49) Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will be understood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but that additional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to one skilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the subjoined claims.