WO2014107702A1

WO2014107702A1 - Cover or device with a sound concentrator

Info

Publication number: WO2014107702A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/010421
Authority: WO
Inventors: III Robert B. WEAVER; Douglas DEHAAN
Original assignee: Nflukz, Llc
Priority date: 2013-01-07
Filing date: 2014-01-07
Publication date: 2014-07-10

Abstract

A cover for a hand-held sound emitting device includes a cover body, which is configured for covering at a portion of the device body and for covering a speaker of the device. The cover body forms one or more outlet openings and further includes a plenum space, such as a channel. When the cover is mounted to the hand-held sound emitting device, the plenum space is in communication with the speaker and the outlet opening for harnessing and concentrating sound waves from the speaker to the outlet opening. A protective foldable panel is mounted to the cover body, with the cover body configured to receive and engage a portion of the panel wherein when the protective panel is received and engaged by the cover body, the panel forms a stand for supporting the cover.

Description

COVER OR DEVICE WITH A SOUND CONCENTRATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The expanding use of cellular smart phones and tablet PC devices to listen to music, watching videos or movies, and playing games has given rise to a demand for better sound quality.

[0002] However, due to the extremely tight size and spatial constraints, and vital importance of the front screen face geometry, most devices have internal speaker systems that provide minimal sound quality and typically from one monophonic speaker sound source. This sound source is typically located at the back face of the device, or near the outer edge of the device. In each case, the majority of sound energy is directed away from the primary user of the device. The remaining sound energy that is directed towards the primary device user typically arrives to the user's ear as a weak monotone and asymmetrical sound source that is easily overpowered by moderate ambient perimeter noise. With the ever-expanding use of these devices to play games, listen to music, and, in some cases, to watch movies, a better sound quality would, therefore, be highly desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Accordingly, the present invention provides a sound concentrator that can be incorporated into a cover or into an electronic device itself to improve the quality of the sound emitted from the speakers or sound emitting devices of the device. Further, the cover or device housing may incorporate a recess for receiving a portion of a protective panel that may be mounted to the cover and used to protect the touch screen of the device so that the protective panel can be folded and then captured in the recess to retain its folded configuration to serve as a support for the cover.

[0004] In one form, a cover for an electronic hand-held sound emitting device (with a device body, a speaker, and a touch screen) includes a cover body, which is configured for covering at a portion of the device body and for covering the speaker (or stereo speaker pair). The cover also includes a plenum space for communication with the speaker and for directing sound waves from the speaker to an outlet opening formed by the cover body, with the plenum space for directing the sound waves to the outlet opening. The cover additionally is provided in combination with a foldable protective panel for protecting the touch screen of the sound emitting device and includes a recess for receiving a portion, such as the free edge, of the protective panel. [0005] For example, when the panel is folded and its edge is received in the recess of the cover, the panel can be configured for propping up the sound emitting device. Optionally the panel is mounted to the cover at a mounting edge, and more optionally pivotally mounted to the cover at a mounting edge.

[0006] Additionally, when the panel is folded and its edge, for example its free or folded edge, is received in the recess of the cover, the panel may form a second plenum space outside the cover and extend over the outlet opening wherein when sound waves are directed from the outlet opening the sound waves will be directed into the second plenum space.

[0007] For example, the panel may form a second outlet opening in communication with the second plenum space for directing the sound waves from the second outlet opening.

[0008] In one aspect, the cover includes a channel in communication with the plenum space for harnessing and concentrating the sound waves from the speaker to the outlet opening of the cover.

[0009] In another aspect, the channel is tapered.

[0010] In a further aspect, the cover is configured for use with an electronic hand-held sound emitting device with a device body, two speakers, and a touch screen, and includes two channels, each for communication with a respective speaker and each in communication with an outlet opening.

[0011] In yet a further aspect, the recess may be formed between the two channels.

[0012] For example, the cover body may include a base wall and a perimeter extending around the base wall, with the perimeter wall for sealing around the speaker of the device.

[0013] In yet another form, a hand-held sound emitting device includes a device body, a speaker, and a touch screen. The device body has a channel for harnessing and concentrating sound waves emitted by the speaker and for directing sound waves from the speaker to an outlet opening remote from the speaker. The device body is provided in combination with a protective panel for protecting the touch screen of the sound emitting device and includes a recess for receiving a portion of the protective panel.

[0014] For example, the panel may be foldable and when folded forms an edge that can be received in the recess of the device body. Further, when folded, the panel can be configured for propping up the hand-held sound emitting device.

[0015] Additionally, when the panel is folded and its edge is received in the recess of the cover, the panel may form a second plenum space outside the cover and which extends over the outlet opening wherein when sound waves are directed from the outlet opening the sound waves will be directed into the second plenum space.

[0016] For example, the panel may form additional outlet openings in communication with the second plenum space for directing the sound waves from the outlet openings. [0017] Accordingly, when mounted to or in a hand-held sound emitting device with one or more speakers, the plenum space or channels can provide improved sound volume and/or quality to the device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cover shown mounted to a hand-held device in the form of an electronic tablet with a protective panel overlying the touch screen of the device;

[0019] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the cover with the protective panel lifted and folded away from the touch screen with its free edge inserted into a recess provided in the back of the cover to prop up the device;

[0020] FIG. 2A is an enlarged partial side view of the cover with the protective panel folded in a generally trapezoidal shape and inserted into the recess provided in the back of the cover;

[0021] FIG. 2B is an enlarged partial side view of the cover with the protective panel folded into a generally triangular shape and with its folded edge bearing against the back of the cover;

[0022] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective of the mounting details of the protective panel to the cover;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cover with the device and panel removed to show the internal structures of the cover;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 4;

[0025] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 5;

[0026] FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the cover with the device and panel removed to show the internal structures of the cover

[0027] FIG. 8 is a third perspective view of another embodiment of the cover of the cover;

[0028] FIG. 9 is a side view of the cover of FIG. 5;

[0029] FIG. 10 is another side view of the cover of FIG. 5;

[0030] FIG. 11 is an end view of the cover of FIG. 5;

[0031] FIG. 12 is another end view of the cover of FIG. 5;

[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the cover;

[0033] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the cover of FIG. 13;

[0034] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the cover of FIG. 12;

[0035] FIG. 16 is a second perspective view of the cover of FIG. 12;

[0036] FIG. 17 is an elevation view of a side of the cover of FIG. 12;

[0037] FIG. 18 is an elevation view of a second side of the cover of FIG. 12; [0038] FIG. 19 is an end view of the cover of FIG. 12; and

[0039] FIG. 20 is another end view of the cover of FIG. 12.

[0040] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1 , the number 10 generally designates a cover for a hand-held sound emitting device D, which is configured to harness the sound emitted from one or more the speakers of the device and, further, to direct the sound to one or more outlet locations remote from the speaker. Further, cover 10 may be adapted to mount a protective panel P, such as those sold under the trademark SmartCover by Apple, to the cover and may be configured to provide one or more recesses or structures to allow the panel to be folded into and/or received by the cover so that panel can be used to then prop up the cover (and the device contained in the cover). Alternately, the panel may be integrally mounted to the cover by an integral hinge. For example, the hinge may comprise a simple hinge, or a flexible plastic, rubber, or highbred fabric flexible hinge mechanism formed, for example, from a flap or strip of flexible material (plastic, rubber, or highbred fabric) which is then encapsulated in a plastic that is joined or formed on the cover on one side or edge and then joined or formed on the other side or edge with the panel. Alternately, it could be formed from a plastic strip, and may comprise a living hinge where the strip has a reduce thickness along a line to create the hinge. Additionally, depending on where the outlets or outlet openings are located, the panel may also form part of the sound path and also form sound outlets.

[0042] While hereinafter reference will be made to a "speaker," it should be understood that the term "speaker" is used broadly and is intended to cover any component that emits audible sound waves from a hand-held device to convey, for example, music sounds, sound effects, voice sounds or the like. In addition though the hand-held sound emitting device D is illustrated as an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet, it should be understood that the cover or features of the present invention may be used on other types of hand-held devices, such as a phone or an iPod device, for example.

[0043] As best understood from the FIGS. 1 and 4-10, cover 10 is configured to cover at least a

portion of the device and, further, form an outlet opening at one or more selected, discrete locations through which the sound from the speaker is directed. In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet openings are provided at the back of the device. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, two outlet openings 12 are provided at the back of cover 10 so that sound will be directed from the back of device D when the cover is mounted to the device. Further, outlet openings 12 are generally commensurate in size and shape, and further may be substantially identical. However, as described in copending applications entitled COVER FOR HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE; COVER OR DEVICE WITH A SOUND CONCENTRATOR; and COVER OR DEVICE WITH A SOUND CONCENTRATOR filed April 28, 2011 , April 9, 2012 and August 28, 2102 having Serial Nos. 61/480,206 (now 13/385,588); 61/621 ,757; and 61/694, 153 (Attorney Docket Nos. WEA02- P104, WEA02-P104A, and WEA02-P104B), respectively, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein, it should be understood that the outlet openings may be formed at different locations around the device and have different shapes and sizes, depending on the device configuration, the number and location of the speakers, and/or the preference of sound direction. With the outlet openings oriented at the back of the device, cover 10 can direct the sound waves laterally outwardly from the long sides of the device and, further, as will more fully described below, in a manner that gives the perception of increased volume.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, cover 10 includes a cover body with a base wall 14, which when mounted to the device is spaced from the back of the device body, and upstanding perimeter side walls 16 which extend around the device and optionally mount the cover to the device. It should be understood that the use of terms up, down, front or back, for example, are for reference only and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, one or more of the perimeter side walls (for example depending on how many speakers are present in the device) may be configured and arranged to seal against the device body around the speaker (or speakers) so that essentially all of the potential audible sound energy developed by the speaker (or speakers) of the device can be harnessed and concentrated, as more fully described below, by the cover so that the sound waves can be emitted from the cover in a manner to increase the perceived sound output of the device to which it is mounted. [0045] Referring again to FIGS.4-8, base wall 14 is configured to form one or more chambers or plenum spaces between the cover and the back of the device, which are in communication with the speakers of the device and which harness and concentrate the sound waves and direct the sounds waves to outlet openings 12. In the illustrated embodiment, plenum spaces 20 are provided by channels 22, which extend from adjacent the speakers across the back of device and to the outlet openings 12. Channels 22 may be formed by upstanding or recessed side walls 22a, 22b that are spaced apart to thereby form the channels there between.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, each channel 22 has an open side for facing the back of the device and three closed sides (side walls 22a, 22b and 14) so that when the cover is mounted to the device, the device back and the channels together form closed sound ducts that extend from the speaker to the outlet openings. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, channels 22 are tapered from their first proximal ends adjacent the speakers and increase in cross-section so that the sound waves can create a standing wave as they travel along the channel (and sound duct) to simulate an increase in volume from the speaker(s). It should be understood that the channels may also be closed so that they themselves form the sound duct. However, to reduce material and hence the weight of the cover, it may be desirable to use the back of the device cover as one of the boundaries of the sound duct.

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 4, channels 22 may be generally linear and extend inwardly from the speakers (e.g. edge of the device) toward the central portion of the cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer side wall 22a of each channel 22 tapers and terminates before the end of the respective channel to so that each channel opens to and is in communication with a respective outlet opening. Optionally, the channel 22 may extend along the side of the respective opening so that sound is directed laterally from the cover through the openings (12). Further, each outlet opening 12 by openings in back wall 14 so that the outlet openings do not project outside of the plane or surface of the back wall to form a stream lined cover. Further, openings 12 may be recessed below the outer surface of the cover.

[0048] As noted, channels 22 may be formed by recessed or upstanding side walls, which are

optionally integrally formed in or with base wall 14 of cover 10, such as by molding or by being post applied using an adhesive, so that the channels are bounded by the side walls and base wall 14. Further, where the channels have an open side facing the device, the side walls are sized such that the upper distal edge of the respective side wall extends to and optionally seals against the back of the device body (when the cover is mounted to the device) so that substantially all of the sound waves emitted from the speaker are directed along the channel. Thus essentially all of the sounds waves emitted from a speaker will travel up its respective channel 22 from its proximal end (adjacent to the speaker) to its distal end adjacent outlet opening 12.

[0049] Optionally, channels 22 may be configured to operate like internalized megaphones. In the illustrated embodiment, as noted, base wall 14 forms the base wall of the channels. For example, base wall 14 may be flat or may be rounded and further have a slope, such as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, to thereby form a generally cone or horn shaped channel. In addition, the walls forming the channels 22 may be curved to reduce interference with the sound waves. In the illustrated embodiment, the base wall of each channel 22 includes a first angle portion 22c and a generally flat or horizontal portion 22d (the use of "horizontal" in this context is in reference to the cover when lying flat on a horizontal surface). Further, side walls 22a and 22b diverge to thereby increase the cross-section of the channel in the direction of the outlet openings. Additionally, the side walls 22a and 22b are generally linear to form generally linear channels, though portions of the inner side walls 22b may be curved to accommodate projecting device structures. Thus, essentially all of the sounds waves emitted from a speaker will travel up its respective channel 22 from the channel's proximal end (adjacent to the speaker) to its other end. The sound waves will then be directed to each of the outlet openings. By directing the sound ways through channels with increasing cross- sections, the sound output at the outlet openings will appear to increase in volume or appear to be amplified.

[0050] As noted above, cover 10 includes one or more recesses to receive a portion of the protective cover, for example, either the free edge or a folded edge of protective panel P. Referring again to FIG. 1 , cover 10 may also be adapted to removably mount the protective panel to the cover, for example, along one side of the cover. Referring to FIG. 4, cover 10 may include releasable mounting mechanisms incorporated therein, such as receptacles or hinge structures 28, including pins, sockets, or magnets for example, at one of its sides (e.g. in side walls 16) to mount the panel to the cover so that when panel P is deployed to its protective position (overlaying the touch screen), the mounted edge of the panel aligns generally along the side and in between the opposed ends of cover 10(see FIG. 1 ). Alternately, panel P may be intergrally mounted to cover 12 by hinges integral to the cover and to the panel.

[0051] When panel P is lifted off the touch screen, it can be pivoted about its mounted edge and be folded into a generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape with its distal, free edge inserted into recess 30 formed between the two channels 22 (see e.g. FIGS. 2, 2A). When so inserted, the panel may form a support for the device. Alternately, the panel P may be folded into a generally rectangular shape with its folded edge trapped against the channel closest to the mounted edge of the panel. In both instances, the panel can be used to prop up the device and, further, form an additional plenum space or sound duct, for example, in the space formed between the cover and the panel.

[0052] Optionally, recess 130 is sized to frictionally engage the panel, so that when, for example, the free edge of the panel is inserted in recess 130, the panel may now form a gripping surface so that the device and cover can be held by gripping the folded cover. Alternately, the panel may be held in place by positive mechanical interaction with fasteners or other structures, including toggle structures, straps, snaps, hook and loop patches (VELCRO patches) or the like.

[0053] Additionally, with these orientations (e.g. when the free edge panel is inserted into recess 30 formed between the two channels 22 (see e.g. FIGS. 2, 2A) or when the folded edge is trapped by the channel (see FIG. 2B)), the panel's plenum space (e.g. second plenum space) may overlay one of the outlet openings 12 so that sound waves emitted from the outlet opening(s) are directed into the second plenum space or sound duct formed by the panel. The sound waves thereafter may exit at both ends of the folded panel, which has been found to further enhance the sound emitted by the device and further deaden the tenor end of the sound to provide a fuller sound.

[0054] Similarly to the covers in the referenced and incorporated pending US applications, the cover may be formed out of a semi-flexible or flexible material that will allow the device to be placed inside of the case by way of stretching and flexing the perimeter of the case around the perimeter of the device, and creating a secure post-stressed tensioned fit between the case and device.

Additionally as noted in the referenced and incorporated pending US applications, the space between the cover and the device may be used as storage space. For example, earphones may be stored in any of the channels.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 13-20, the numeral 110 generally designates another embodiment of a cover of the present invention. Cover 110 is similar to cover 10 and includes a plurality of outlet openings 112 and a plenum space 120 that is in communication with a speaker and each of the outlet openings to direct sounds waves from the speaker to each of the outlet openings 1 12. In the illustrated embodiment, opening 1 12a is configured as a primary outlet opening, while openings 112b and 112c and 112d are configured as secondary channels.

[0056] A portion of the plenum space (120) is formed by a channel 122, which may be formed by side walls, for example, recessed or upwardly standing side walls, which are optionally integrally formed in or with base wall 114 of cover 110, such as by molding or by being post applied using an adhesive, similar to cover 10. Further, the side walls are sized such that the upper distal edge of the respective side wall extends to and optionally seals against the back of the device body (when the cover is mounted to the device) so that substantially all of the sound waves emitted from the speaker are directed along the channel. Thus, essentially all of the sounds waves emitted from a speaker will travel up its respective channel 122 from its proximal end (adjacent to the speaker) to its distal end into plenum space 120. The sound waves will then be directed to each of the outlet openings, optionally to a greater degree to primary outlet opening 112a.

[0057] Outlet openings 1 12d are formed at the ends of a plurality of channels 122d, with each channel being defined by side walls (recessed or upstanding) that define there between the channels, which may optionally have rounded or semi-circular cross-sections. Channels 122d are in communication with plenum space 120 so that at least some of the sound waves are directed by channels 122d to openings 112d.

[0058] In a similar manner to the first embodiment, cover 1 10 includes a base wall 114 with a recess 130 formed at its back adjacent the plenum space. Recess 130 is similarly sized to receive and optionally frictionally receive the free edge or a folded edge of protective panel P, which may also be removably and pivotally mounted to cover 1 10 by way of mounting mechanisms incorporated into cover 1 10.

[0059] With these configurations (e.g. when the free edge panel is inserted into recess 130 or when the folded edge is trapped adjacent the back wall 132 forming the plenum space), the panel's second plenum space may overlay outlet openings 112d so that sound waves emitted from the outlet openings 1 12d are directed into the second plenum space formed by the panel. The sound waves thereafter may exit at both ends of the folded panel, which has been found to further enhance the sound emitted by the device and further deaden the tenor range of the sound to provide a fuller sound.

[0060] As noted in reference to cover 10, all the walls forming the respective channels of the covers of the present invention optionally extend to and optionally contact the rearward facing surface of the device to thereby seal the respective channels to the back side of the device. Alternately, as noted, the channels may have an open side facing the cover (e.g. they may be provided by an insert between the device and the cover or may be formed on the back of the device) or they may be closed. In any case, essentially all the sound waves that are emitted from the speaker are directed into the plenum space(s) formed by the respective channel(s) and thereafter to the outlet opening. Again, to minimize sound leakage the cover may be sealed against the device body around each of the access openings (not numbered but shown in most of the figures and which correspond to cameras, logos, power ports, etc.) as well as the walls forming the plenum spaces and channels.

[0061] In an alternate embodiment, as noted, the plenum space and/or channels for sound harnessing and concentrating the sound of the covers may be incorporated into a separate insert that is inserted between the cover and the device body or interiorly of the device itself. Further, as described below, the plenum space and/or channels may be incorporated into the device body itself. They also may be closed or have one or more open sides for facing the device and/or the cover. For example, the inside of the device body or the device body wall itself may incorporate a plenum and /or internal channels that are in communication with the speaker(s) and with one or more outlet chambers formed in the device body, for example, formed at the corners and/or sides of the device body and/or at the back side of the device body.

[0062] In each of the above covers or inserts or panels, the covers or inserts or panels may be formed from a variety of different materials, including multiple materials. For example, the covers or inserts or panels or parts of the covers or inserts or panels may be molded from a plastic, wood, metal, polymers, rubber, including clear or translucent material, such as clear or translucent plastics. Further, each of the covers or inserts or panels may be formed from injection molding, rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, thermoforming, multishot molding, stamping, die casting, machining, or forging, including an insert molding process where one or more portions of the cover is preformed from one material, and another portion of the cover is molded over the preformed part(s) from another material.

[0063] Alternately, the covers may be molded using two shot molding with one or more portions of the covers being molded with a first material and another or other portions of the covers being molded from a second material. In this manner, the covers may be formed using materials that can optimize it for the desired function. For example, at least a portion of the covers may be formed from a flexible elastic material to provide a more energy absorbing characteristic for the covers, while, for example, the base wall or at least the inwardly facing side of the base wall may be formed from a more rigid material to direct the sound waves and limit the absorption of the sound waves into the cover. Additionally, portions of the channels may be selectively formed from materials with more sound absorbing characteristics, such as less dense material or rubber or rubberized material, to absorb selected frequencies (or frequency) of the sound waves to adjust the tone emitted by the covers, inserts, and panels and thereby filter out one or more desired frequencies. For example, the respective base walls or side walls of the channels may be formed from materials that absorb some of the high frequency range sound waves thereby reduce the tininess of the sound waves emitted from the respective chambers or openings of the covers, inserts, and panels. Alternately, the base wall or side walls of the respective channels may be formed from material that absorb some of the low frequency sounds of the sound waves to reduce the base sounds of the sound waves emitted by covers, inserts, and panels. In addition to concentrating the sound waves, the respective covers, inserts, and panels may be configured by way of material selection or geometric selection (e.g. forming the channel from thin, flexible walls) to enhance or suppress certain frequencies of the sound waves emitted by the speaker. Further, a sound absorbing material may be applied thereto, for example, by dipping, spraying, or by way of an adhesive.

[0064] Thus, the covers described herein may provide a protective cover and/or a channel that forms a sound duct that is configured to improved sound output from the device to which is it is mounted. The output is provided at one or more outlet openings that may be located within the outer perimeter or footprint of the device so that the cover can still offer a stream lined cover that allows the device and cover to generally maintain the overall dimensions of a conventional cover at least around the perimeter of the face of the device (e.g. touch screen in the case of smartphones). While the thickness of the phone may be increased (depending on the size of the desired plenum space), the device and cover may still be inserted into pockets, for example, clothes pockets or bag pockets.

[0065] While the covers are illustrated with a unitary construction, as described, the covers may be formed with a split construction. Further, the channels, plenum spaces, outlet openings and recess (es) may be formed in a device housing or body so that the features described herein may be integrated into a device itself.

[0066] Accordingly, when mounted to or formed in a hand-held device with one or more speakers, the plenum space and/or channels of the present invention provide improved sound volume (perceived volume) and/or quality.

[0067] While several forms of the invention have been shown and described, other changes and modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. For example, in some devices the speakers may be provided at other locations, therefore, the number, size, shape and locations of the outlet openings, channels and access openings may vary from device to device. Therefore, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims which follow as interpreted under the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "the," is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property right or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A cover for a hand-held sound emitting device, the hand-held sound emitting device having a device body and a speaker, said cover comprising:

a cover body, said cover body configured for covering at a portion of the device body and for covering the speaker, and said cover body forming an outlet opening; and

a plenum space, such as a channel, when said cover is mounted to the hand-held sound emitting device said plenum space in communication with the speaker and said outlet opening for harnessing and concentrating sound waves from the speaker to said outlet opening; and

a protective foldable panel mounted to said cover body, said protective foldable panel having a portion, and said cover body configured to receive and engage said portion wherein when said protective panel is received and engaged by said cover body, said panel forms a stand for supporting said cover.

2. The cover according to claim 1 , wherein said plenum space comprising a channel, said channel comprising a generally linear channel and optionally being tapered from its proximal end to at least adjacent its distal end.

3. The cover according to claim 1 , wherein said cover body includes a back wall and a perimeter wall, said perimeter wall extending around and from said back wall, and said back wall having said outlet opening therein.

4. The cover according to claim 2, wherein said channel is formed by a pair of spaced side walls.

5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein said spaced side walls diverge along the channel in the direction of said outlet opening.

6. The cover according to claim 1 , further comprising a second channel, said second channel in communication with a second plenum space and a second outlet opening provided in said back wall for directing the sound waves from a second speaker of the device to said second outlet opening when the cover is mounted to the hand-held sound emitting device.

7. The cover according to claim 6, wherein said second channel is formed by a pair of side walls, said side walls diverging along said second channel in the direction of said second outlet opening.

8. The cover according to any preceding claim, wherein said cover body forms a storage space.

9. The cover according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein said portion comprises an edge of said panel.

10. The cover according to claim 9, wherein said edge comprises a folded edge of said panel.

1 1. The cover according to any one of claims 1-7, said panel forming a second plenum space in communication with said outlet opening.

12. The cover according to any one of claims 1-7, said cover body having a base wall, said base wall forming part of said channel, and said outlet opening comprising an opening in said base wall wherein said outlet opening lies in a plane or surface of the cover and does not project from said cover.

13. The cover according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a hand-held sound emitting device having a front and a back, said cover mounted to said hand-held sound emitting device, and said channel closed by said back to form an closed sound duct.

14. An electronic hand-held sound emitting device comprising:

a device body, said device body having a touch screen and an outer perimeter around said touch screen defining a footprint;

a speaker;

a channel in communication with said speaker; and

an outlet opening remote from the speaker, said channel forming a sound duct extending from said speaker to said outlet opening for directing sound waves from the speaker to the outlet opening; and

a protective panel for protecting the touch screen of the sound emitting device, said panel mounted to said cover.

15. The electronic hand-held sound emitting device according to claim 14, wherein said cover includes a recess for receiving a portion of the protective panel.

16. The electronic hand-held sound emitting device according to claim 15, wherein said panel is foldable and is hinged to said cover at one edge and has a second edge.

17. The electronic hand-held sound emitting device according to claim 16, wherein said portion comprises said second edge, and optionally said second edge comprises a folded edge or a free edge of said panel.

18. The electronic hand-held sound emitting device according to claim 17, wherein when said panel is folded, said panel forms a bearing surface to prop up the hand-held sound emitting device.

19. The electronic hand-held sound emitting device according to claim 18, wherein when said panel is folded about said cover and said edge is received in said recess, said panel forms a plenum space in communication with said outlet opening.