US20110000941A1 - Apparatus and System for Carrying a Digital Media Player - Google Patents

Abstract

Headgear which includes a pocket for securing a media player to the interior of the headgear. The pocket defines at least one opening configured for receiving the media player. In one embodiment, the headgear includes controls for operating the media player while the headgear is being worn.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and system for carrying a media player and, more particularly, to an apparatus and system for carrying a media player atop a user's head.
BACKGROUND
• Thanks in part to digital media players such as Apple's iPod™ and Microsoft's Zune™, individuals in modern society have access to more media: music, movies, TV shows, and books, than at any other time in history. These devices store large volumes of media in digital formats on increasingly smaller devices allowing a user of the digital media player access to a wide variety of media in seemingly any location. Despite their small size, use of digital media players do create some problems for the user. For example, the digital media player may hinder the user's ability to multi-task. In operation, it is often necessary to set the digital media player on a nearby surface so that the user may perform another function that requires both hands. In doing so, the digital media player limits the user's range of motion to the radius of the headphones or speakers. In addition, the wires of the headphones may interfere with the user's other tasks. Furthermore, if the user wishes to leave the particular area in which he/she is using the digital media player, the user must pick up and carry the digital media player with a hand, further limiting the ability of the user to multitask while using the digital media player.
• Many devices have been developed to solve these problems. In one example, clothing with attachment locations for the digital media player allows the user to wear the digital media player. However, the digital media player is difficult to control through clothing. In addition, use of wired headphones with such articles of clothing necessitate that a wire travel up the user's neck to the user's ears. Users find this uncomfortable, and if the wire becomes pinched, any movement by the user will jerk the headphones from the user's ears causing the user pain and frustration.
• Other devices attempt to solve these problems by placing the digital media player in the user's headgear. Some headgear devices suffer problems in that they even permanently attach the digital media player to the headgear. Permanent attachment to the headgear makes it virtually impossible to use the digital media player without wearing the headgear. Furthermore, permanent attachment to the headgear renders it difficult to add or remove media from the digital media player. Modern headgear devices for carrying a digital media player are often also placed in a such a way as to make wearing the device uncomfortable to the user. For example, many devices of this type place the media player along the headband of the headgear, decreasing the area in which the user may place his/her head. In headgear of a fitted variety, this will cause discomfort to the user. Furthermore, it places additional pressure on the digital media player, increasing the likelihood of digital media player failure or operation of the digital media player in an undesired manner. Still other headgear devices place the digital media player along the headgear headband at the back of the user's head preventing the user from lying down while using the device. This limits the activities in which the user may participate while using the device. For example, many weightlifting exercises require the user to lay down while exercising, placing the weight of the user's head directly onto the digital media player further increasing the likelihood of digital media player failure.
• Therefore, what is needed is a system and an apparatus for carrying a media player that overcomes the problems of prior art devices.
SUMMARY
• The present invention, accordingly, provides an apparatus for carrying a media player, such as a digital media player, the apparatus comprising headgear and a pocket secured on the interior of the headgear for securing the media player. The pocket has an interior and an exterior, and a means for attaching said pocket to a head covering. The pocket also includes at least one pocket opening.
• The disclosed embodiments also provide a system for carrying a digital media player comprising a head covering having an exterior and an interior, and a digital media player. The system also includes a pocket for securing the digital media player attached to the head covering, the pocket having an exterior and an interior. The pocket includes at least one pocket opening. The system also comprises controls for operating the digital media player, the controls accessible while said head covering covers a head.
• The disclosed embodiments also provide a method for producing a digital media player carrying device comprising the steps of providing a head covering, and providing a pocket for storing a digital media player. The method continues by attaching the pocket to the head covering at a desired location.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating exemplary elements of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 2A is a plan view illustrating an alternate embodiment ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating exemplary elements of an alternative apparatus embodying the present invention;
• FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the alternative apparatus ofFIG. 3 taken along line4-4 ofFIG. 3;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level flowchart embodying exemplary steps of the present invention;
• FIG. 6 exemplifies an alternate embodiment of the invention, taken along the line6-6 ofFIG. 1; and
• FIG. 7 exemplifies a further alternate embodiment of the invention, taken along the line6-6 ofFIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The making and using of the presently preferred embodiments are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
• Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown a head covering100 exemplifying one of the disclosed embodiments. As illustrated, the head covering100 comprises a ball cap having acap102 and abill101 extending from a frontal portion of thecap102. By way of example, but not limitation, the head covering100 may include, in addition to a baseball cap, a cowboy hat, a helmet, a fez, a turban, a wig, and the like effective for covering a user's head. Thecap102 defines aninterior104 and an exterior103 (FIG. 2).
• Apocket105 defining at least one opening (discussed in further detail below) is preferably detachably attached to theinterior104 of the head covering100 by way of a hook and loop material, such as Velcro®, positioned between thepocket105 and theinterior104. Alternatively, the pocket may be attached to theinterior104 by other suitable means, such as fabric glue, stitching, and the like, effective for attaching thepocket105 to any type of head covering100.
• Preferably, thepocket105 is located proximate to the center of theinterior104, aligning thepocket105 over the top of a user's head when the head covering100 is worn. Thepocket105 is preferably suitably sized for holding amedia player120, such as a digital media player, such as an Apple iPod™, Microsoft Zune™, or other similar device. In addition, thepocket105 is preferably fabricated from a material resistant to water. In the illustrated embodiment, thepocket105 comprises two layers of a water-resistant material, such as water-resistant canvas or synthetics, or any suitable material effective for containing themedia player120 while resisting water or perspiration penetration into the area in which themedial player120 rests. Thepocket105 may also be fabricated from an elastic natural or synthetic material that would allow thepocket105 to stretch to accommodate varying sizes of themedia player120 while also exerting a compressive force against themedia player120, thereby securing themedia player120 within thepocket105.
• Placement of thepocket105 and themedia player120 directly over the user's head when the user wears the head covering100 provides a comfortable and protected location for wearing thedigital media player120. At this location, themedia player120 does not cause discomfort to the user or place additional pressure on the user's head at lining111 where the head covering100 secures to the user's head. In addition, placement of thepocket105 and thedigital media player120 directly over the user's head when the user wears the head covering100 places no additional pressure on themedia player120 as is the case in prior art methods. This significantly decreases the likelihood that themedia player120 will fail or operate in an undesired manner. Furthermore, placement of thepocket105 and themedia player120 directly over the user's head avoids areas of high user perspiration concentration. These areas are typically located along the lining111 where the head covering100 grips or secures to the user's head. Furthermore, placement of thepocket105 over the top of the user's head allows the user to perform tasks utilizing both hands without interference from dangling wired earphones, and it allows use of themedia player120 free from the limitations of prior art devices and methods.
• Thepocket105 defines anopening106 allowing for insertion and removal of thedigital media player120 from within thepocket105. Theopening106 optionally comprises at least onefastener114, including but not limited to Velcro®, snaps, or the like, for at least partially closing a respective opening. The at least onefastener114 provides additional stabilization and security of themedia player120 in thepocket105. Furthermore, as illustrated, the at least onefastener114 at theopening106 covers only a portion of theopening106, providing an opening for the passage of one or more wires or other device into and out of thepocket105. One skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative embodiments may not include this opening and are contemplated and incorporated by the disclosed embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, theopening106 includes the portion uncovered by thefastener allowing earphones109, including ear buds, headphones, and the like, to pass from inside of thepocket105 to outside of thepocket105. In this manner, the head covering100 may be worn with thebill101 extending over the user's face, or over the back of the user's neck without compromising the usability of the disclosed embodiments.
• Theearphones109 preferably include two earphones coupled viawires110 to themedia player120. Thewires110 are preferably positioned within the lining111 that comprises a portion of theinterior104. Thewires110 pass from theinterior104 of the head covering100 to theexterior103 of the head covering100 through at least onehole112 for each earphone. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least onehole112 comprises two holes allowing eachearphone109 to pass through aseparate hole112. Excess portions of thewires110 are optionally secured by asecuring mechanism113, such as ties, additional pockets, or Velcro® strips, located within the head covering100 or on thepocket105. One skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus may be used withalternative earphones109, including but not limited to wireless headphones, or wired headphones connected by a securing band, and the like. In alternative forms, thewires110 may or may not pass from theinterior104 of the head covering100 to theexterior103 of the head covering100 throughholes112, these alternative forms are contemplated and included herein as part of the disclosed embodiments.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of theexterior103 of head covering100 ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior103 preferably comprises an on/offbutton131, next/fast forward button132, and last/rewind button133. Placement of thecontrols131,132,133 coincides with the placement of themedia player120 within thepocket105 such that the user may operate themedia player120 utilizing thecontrols131,132,133. One skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for controlling themedia player120 from outside of thepocket105 are contemplated and included herein as part of the disclosed embodiments. In an alternative embodiment, thecontrols131,132,133 are located on thewires110 or theearphones109 and include more or fewer controls than those described herein as necessary to appropriately operate thedigital media player120. Preferably, the location of thecontrols131,132,133 comprises a location of comfort to the user. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2 thecontrols131,132,133 comprise a location near the portion of thepocket105 located at the greatest distance from thebill101.
• FIG. 2A exemplifies a head covering200 as analternative embodiment200 of the head covering100 ofFIG. 1. As depicted therein, the head covering200 is similar to the head covering100, but for the orientation of themedia player120 which oriented 180° from that shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, theopening106 is proximate to thebill101 and thewires110 preferably run from themedia player120 along the front portion of theliner111 torespective holes112.
• Referring toFIG. 3, there is shown a head covering200 exemplifying an alternative embodiment. As illustrated therein, the head covering200 comprises a fishing hat having abill201 and acap202. Thecap202 has an exterior203 (FIG. 4) and an interior204. The interior204 comprises a portion of thecap202 in contact with the object on which the head covering200 rests.
• Thepocket105, defining at least oneopening106, is attached to the interior204 near a center of the interior204. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least oneopening106 is oriented toward the rear of thehead covering200. The rear of the head covering200 comprises that portion of the head covering200 intended to cover the back of a user's head. Theopening106 comprises thefastener114, such as Velcro® or snaps for at least partially closing the opening. One skilled in the art will understand that thefastener114 on theopening106 is optional and may or may not be incorporated in any one embodiment. Thefastener114 provides additional stabilization and security of themedia player120 in thepocket105. Furthermore, as illustrated, the fastener at thefirst opening106 covers only a portion of thefirst opening106, providing an opening for the passage of a wire or other device into thepocket105. One skilled in the art will understand that alternative embodiments do not include this opening, and are contemplated by the disclosed embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst opening106 includes the portion uncovered by thefastener114 allowingearphones109 to pass from inside of thepocket105 to outside of thepocket105.
• In one embodiment, theearphones109 are coupled viawires110 to themedia player120. Thewires110 are placed within a lining211 that comprises a portion of the interior204. Thewires110 preferably pass from the interior204 of the head covering200 to the exterior203 of the head covering200 through at least onehole212. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least onehole212 is depicted as three holes, one located at the rear of the head covering200, and one each located at each side of thehead covering200. The side of the head covering200 comprises those portions intended to coincide with a wearer's ear when a user wears thehead covering200. The threeholes212 allow thewires110 to pass from the interior204 of the head covering200 to the exterior203 of the head covering200, and then pass from the exterior203 of the head covering to the interior204 of the head covering, allowing each of theearphones109 to be proximate to each of a user's ears. Excess portions of thewires110 are preferably secured by asecuring mechanism213, such as ties, or additional pockets located within thehead covering200.
• Referring now toFIG. 4, there is shown an elevation view of the exterior203 of head covering200 taken along line4-4 ofFIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the exterior203 comprises on/offbutton231, next/fast forward button232, and last/rewind button233, collectively controls230. Placement of the controls230 coincides with the placement of themedia player120 such that the user may operate thedigital media player120 utilizing the controls230. One skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable means for controlling themedia player120 from outside of thepocket105 are contemplated and included herein as part of the disclosed embodiments.
• Referring now toFIG. 5, there is shown a flow chart illustrating operative steps of a method for producing a device for carrying a digital media player. The process begins atstep505, wherein the method provides a suitable head covering as described above with respect toFIG. 1. Instep510, a pocket, such thepocket105, is provided for storing amedia player120. The process concludes atstep515 where the pocket is attached to the head covering by any suitable means, as described above with respect toFIG. 1. In this manner a user may produce a device for carrying a digital media player as described herein utilizing any head covering the user desires.
• In alternative embodiments, thepocket105 may be sized to accommodate different types and sizes of media players. By way of example, with reference toFIG. 6, at least one first strip ofVelcro®602 is secured to theinterior104 of the head covering102, themedia player120 is suitably positioned on thefirst strip602, and a complementary (i.e., hook or loop) second piece ofVelcro®604 is laid overfirst strip602, thereby securing the media player between the first and second strips of Velcro®, the space occupied by themedia player120 forming apocket605 analogous to the pocket105 (FIG. 1). In this manner, thepocket105 may accommodate varying sizes of thedigital media player120. Alternatively, thestrip602 secured to the interior of the head covering102 may comprise a single swatch of Velcro® which may or may not define an opening for themedia player120.
• By way of a further example of an alternative embodiment, and with reference toFIG. 7, awrap702 is secured to theinterior104 of thehead covering102. Thewrap702 includes Velcro® hook material on afirst side702aand a complementary Velcro® loop material on asecond side702b. Themedia player120 is positioned on thewrap702 and the wrap is wrapped to envelope the media player, and secured thereto via the hook and loop material.
• Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide numerous benefits over prior art methods of carrying a digital media player. For example, the disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus for carrying a digital media player that allows independent use of a user's headphones or ear buds free from attachment to a head covering. In addition, the disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus for carrying a digital media player that may be used while the user is sweaty, the user is multi-tasking, or the user is lying down. Finally, the disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus for carrying a digital media player such that the digital media player may easily be controlled while in operation, and easily removed at the user's leisure.
• It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the pocket may be located on the interior or exterior of the head covering, the pocket may be located near the center of the head covering or off of center of the head covering, and/or, when the head covering is a “baseball cap” style of head covering, as exemplified inFIGS. 1-2A, the pocket may be located on the bill of the head covering. Still further, a pocket may be formed on a shirt of a user, the pocket being located, for example, proximate to the front or back side of the neckline of the shirt, and being configured as described above for receiving a media player. In addition, a wide variety of listening devices, such as wireless headphones, wired headphones joined by a securing band, wireless speakers, or Bluetooth™ supported car stereo equipment may be used with the apparatus. Still further, the controls may comprise buttons, a clear plastic window, an opening exposing the digital media player's controls, or other controlling mechanism.
• Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus for carrying a media player, the apparatus comprising:

a pocket configured for receiving and securing a media player; and

means for attaching said pocket to a head covering.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising said head covering to which said pocket is attached.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising said head covering to which said pocket is attached, said head covering including at least one control for operating said media player, said at least one control being accessible while said head covering covers a head.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said head covering to which said pocket is attached, said head covering including at least one control for operating said media player, said at least one control being accessible while said head covering covers a head, said at least one control further including buttons located on the exterior of said head covering, said buttons corresponding to at least one control on said media player.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said head covering to which said pocket is attached, said head covering including at least one control for operating said media player, said at least one control being accessible while said head covering covers a head, said at least one control comprising an opening in said head covering exposing at least one control of said media player.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

said head covering, said pocket being affixed to the interior of said head covering;

at least one earphone;

wires coupling said at least one earphone to said media player; and

wherein said head covering defines at least one opening through which said wires pass from said media player positioned within the interior of said head covering to said at least one earphone located externally of said head covering.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said pocket is fabricated from a water resistant material.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said pocket is fabricated from an elastic material capable effective for stretching to accommodate said media player.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said pocket comprises a wrap configured for enveloping said media player, said wrap further including a hook and loop material for securing said wrap about said media player.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one pocket opening comprises securing means for securing said media player in said pocket, said securing means defining an opening for the passage of wires extending from said media player secured within said pocket to earphones located externally of said pocket.

11. A system for carrying a media player comprising:

a head covering;

a media player;

a pocket configured for securing said media player to the interior of said head covering; and

at least one control for operating said media player, said at least one control being accessible from an exterior side of said head covering while said head covering covers a head.

12. The system ofclaim 11 further comprising:

at least one earphone;

wires for coupling said at least one earphone to said media player; and

wherein said head covering defines at least one opening for allowing said wires to pass from said media player positioned within the interior of said head covering to said earphones located externally of said head covering.

13. The system ofclaim 11 further comprising:

at least one earphone; and

wires for coupling said at least one earphone to said media player, said at least one control for operating said media player being positioned on said wires.

14. The system ofclaim 11 further comprising:

at least one earphone;

wires for coupling said at least one earphone to said media player; and

wherein said head covering defines at least one opening for allowing said wires to pass from said media player positioned within the interior of said head covering to said earphones located externally of said head covering.

15. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said at least one control comprises buttons positioned on said head covering, said buttons corresponding to an operating mechanism on said media player.

16. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said at least one control defines an opening in said head covering exposing an operating mechanism on said media player.

17. The system ofclaim 11, wherein said pocket comprises am elastic material effective for stretching to accommodate said digital media player.

18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one pocket opening comprises securing means for securing said media player in said pocket, said securing means defining an opening for the passage of wires extending from said media player secured within said pocket to earphones located externally of said pocket.

19. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said pocket comprises a wrap configured for enveloping said media player, said wrap further including a hook and loop material for securing said wrap about said media player.

20. A method for producing a device for carrying a media player, the method comprising a step of attaching a pocket to an interior portion of a head covering, said pocket being sized for receiving said media player and securing said media player to said interior portion of a head covering.

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