WO2014147410A1

WO2014147410A1 - Cover for a personal media device having a sound-amplifying channel

Info

Publication number: WO2014147410A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/050885
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carl Venables
Original assignee: Carl Venables
Priority date: 2013-03-22
Filing date: 2014-03-20
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: EP2976688A1; GB201405018D0; GB2508566A; GB201305327D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a multi-function cover (10; 110; 210; 310) for a personal media device such as a smart phone, tablet computer, MP3 player, MP4 player, GPS device and the like. The cover has a cavity (12; 112; 212; 312) to locate the personal media device, and the cavity may have a lip to retain the device. The cover has a front (28; 128; 228; 328) and a back (24; 224; 324) and the cavity is open at the front so as to permit viewing of a display screen of the personal media device in use. The cover has a sound channel (22;122a,b; 222; 322) with an input opening (20; 120; 220) located adjacent to the loudspeaker of the personal media device and an output opening (26; 126a,b; 226; 326), the area of the output opening (26; 126a,b; 226; 326) being larger than the area of the input opening (20; 120; 220).

Description

COVER FOR A PERSONAL MEDIA DEVICE HAVING A SOUND-AMPLIFYING CHANNEL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a multi-function cover for a personal media device. The multi-function cover is suited in particular to tablet computers and mobile telephones (including smart phones), but is not limited to such applications. The cover can, for example, be alternatively used with other personal media devices such as MP3 players, MP4 players, GPS devices, "phablets" (mid-size mobile telephone/tablet hybrids) and the like.

It will be understood from the following description that certain embodiments are designed to protect the personal media device and the term "cover" is most appropriate for those embodiments. In other embodiments the function of protecting the device is less significant than the function of providing a stand or docking station for the personal media device; notwithstanding that the term "cover" is less appropriate for these embodiments it will nevertheless be used to describe them since all of the embodiments cover or enclose at least part of the fitted personal media device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is a feature of many personal media devices that their design is very basic, often comprising substantially a flat sheet. Often substantially the whole of the front surface comprises a sheet of glass or transparent plastic with a central screen surrounded by a darkened border. The screen is often a touchscreen. The only other component which is typically mounted on the front surface is a camera; the loudspeaker and all of the control buttons and sockets are mounted along the peripheral edge of the device, or on the rear surface.

The design of many personal media devices, especially tablet computers, appears to place more emphasis upon style and appearance than upon usability. For example, even small tablet computers will typically have a screen size of at least 17.5 cm (5 inches), and it is recognised that such screens are relatively heavy. Holding a small tablet computer in one hand whilst the other hand controls the device by way of the touchscreen is possible but becomes uncomfortable over time. Holding a large tablet computer such as a iPad in one hand is even more uncomfortable, and it is more usual to cradle a large tablet computer in one arm, or to rest it upon a desk or table, during periods of use.

The personal media device will often slide across a desk or table whilst the user is attempting to slide one or more fingers across the touchscreen, i.e. the frictional force generated by the user's fingers moving across the touchscreen will often exceed the frictional resistance to movement of the device upon the desktop. Even if the device is placed upon a desk or table, therefore, one-handed operation is not always possible.

Furthermore, lying a personal media device flat on a desk or table is not the most convenient or ergonomic position for use, and it is preferable to incline the screen at an angle. Even a small incline will make viewing the screen easier. Personal media devices such as tablet computers and mobile telephones are typically not supplied with a stand allowing them to rest at an incline, and attempts to lean a device against a surface such as a wall adjacent to a desk or table are often hampered by the device sliding downwards onto the desk. Often the device will be very unstable when it is inclined against a wall or the like, and any contact with the touchscreen will cause the device to slide away from its chosen position. This again almost precludes the one-handed use of the device upon a desktop.

Another problem facing the owner of a personal media device is that it is relatively easy to damage. For example, dropping a tablet computer, mobile telephone or the like will often incur irreparable damage to the touchscreen. This is especially true if a corner of the personal media device receives a significant impact, such an impact being experienced by both the screen and the back casing. Damage to the touchscreen will often result in the device having to be replaced. There are known accessories for personal media devices which avoid some of the above-stated problems. For example, protective covers and cases are known which can reduce the likelihood of damage (especially to the touchscreen) in the event that the device is dropped. The protective covers are typically made for specific devices, and have openings adjacent to the camera, microphone and for the various controls and sockets enabling most or all of the operations of the device to be carried out without removing the cover. Many of the available covers are made of leather and are relatively heavy, increasing the weight of the personal media device significantly.

Accessories providing stands for tablet computers are also known, one particular accessory comprising a foldable cover for the touchscreen, the cover being folded and repositioned at the rear of the tablet computer to provide a stand permitting the tablet computer to adopt a defined angle upon a desk. Some of the designs of protective covers and stands may increase the friction of the device upon a particular desk or table and thereby increase the likelihood that the device can be used one-handed. Any increase in friction is coincidental and dependent entirely upon the materials of the cover and the table or desk (and in some cases the cover can reduce the friction).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Despite the widespread use of personal media devices, and the large variety of accessories which are available, the present invention seeks to solve a problem which has apparently not been addressed before. Specifically, the present invention seeks to enhance the audio output of the personal media device.

Many personal media devices have a loudspeaker, and also typically have an audio socket to accept the jack plug of a set of headphones. As stated above the loudspeaker is typically located upon the rear surface of the device (or less typically upon the peripheral edge of the device), the location depending upon the design of the device. When listening to music or other audio by way of the loudspeaker the sound is directed substantially away from the user. The sound reaches the user partly by diffraction and partly by reflection from adjacent surfaces. The audio experience of the user is therefore variable, and the higher frequency sounds typically undergo greater attenuation than lower frequency sounds. The user may believe that the volume of a personal media device is low because of the location of the loudspeaker, and may choose to increase the volume generated by the device so as to enhance the audio experience. That does not overcome the non-uniform attenuation across the frequency range, however, and in any event is not always appropriate in public places

According to the present invention therefore, there is provided a multi-function cover for a personal media device, the cover having a cavity to locate the personal media device, the cover having a front and a back, the cavity being open at the front so as to permit viewing of the screen of the device in use, the cover having a sound channel with an input opening and an output opening, the input opening being positioned adjacent to the location of the loudspeaker of the personal media device, the cross-sectional area of the output opening being larger than the cross-sectional area of the inlet opening. Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the sound channel increases gradually from the input opening to the output opening. Such a sound channel replicates the form of a megaphone for example, and acts to maximise the sound energy reaching the user. It will be understood that the internal surfaces of the sound channel are preferably smooth and free of discontinuities, it being recognised that discontinuities will induce unwanted reflections within the sound channel which may attenuate the sound energy passing through the output opening. Tests conducted prior to filing this application have demonstrated that the volume of sound reaching the user can be increased by up to around ten times, passively without the use of powered amplification. It will also be understood that, in use, the sound channel can redirect the output of the loudspeaker from the side or back of the device towards (or more towards) the user. Preferably therefore the axis of the sound channel bends or deviates by at least around 90° between the input opening and the output opening. Often, for a tablet computer having a rear-mounted loudspeaker the sound channel bends through approximately 180°.

The user can therefore hear more of the audio output directly, and the proportion of the audio output which is heard by way of diffraction and/or by way of reflection from adjacent surfaces is reduced.

The inventor has discovered that providing a sound channel within the cover can significantly enhance the quality of the sound experienced by the user. The present invention can make listening to music or to the sound track of a film by way of the loudspeaker as easy and enjoyable as was previously available only with headphones. Also, the quality and volume of the sound heard by a person using the loudspeaker of a mobile telephone to make a (hand-free) telephone call can be significantly improved. The invention takes advantage of the large degree of commonisation in the design of personal media devices. Many different makes and models of tablet computers for example have a common location for the loudspeaker, so that one design of multi-function cover is suitable for many different tablet computers. Thus, notwithstanding that manufacturers will typically wish to provide tablet computers which are distinctive, the manufacturers recognise the advantage of commonising certain design features so that accessories such as protective covers can be made suitable for a range of tablet computers. Accordingly, the loudspeaker on many tablet computers is located in the same position as that of the iPad™ and similarly for smaller tablet computers such as the Google Nexus™. The situation is similar for smart phones, with the location of the loudspeaker being similar for many different makes and models. Desirably, a part of the sound channel is located between the cavity and the back of the cover. This enables the length of the sound channel to be increased so as to enhance the sound output. Such an arrangement is desirable for a smart phone for example, where the loudspeaker is located along the bottom edge of the device. The input opening of the sound channel is located immediately adjacent to the loudspeaker, passes behind the cavity containing the device, and preferably terminates at the output opening adjacent to the top edge of the device. In such an embodiment the sound channel bends through an angle of approximately 270°. Alternatively, the sound channel terminates at a side edge of the cover, the sound channel bending though a first angle of approximately 180°, and then through a second angle of approximately 90°, the plane of the second bend being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first bend.

In addition to enhancing the audio experience, the present invention also seeks to solve several other problems associated with personal media devices, some of which are described above. Preferably, the multi-function cover also provides impact protection for the personal media device. Preferably also the cover provides a stand for the personal media device. Desirably the cover increases the frictional resistance to movement of the personal media device, thereby facilitating one-handed operation. Desirably also the cover has at least one hand-grip increasing the ability of, and especially the comfort for, a user to hold the device in one hand. Preferably, the cover can have compartments for the storage of desktop or other items. Impact protection for the personal media device is preferably provided by arranging for the cover to surround the personal media device, and in particular to extend beyond the cavity (and thereby beyond the fitted personal media device) in all directions. Accordingly, if the personal media device is dropped to the ground it will be the cover which impacts the ground rather than the device itself. Preferably, the cover is made of silicone rubber, which is a naturally resilient material chosen to provide some shock absorption and to dissipate impact shocks to the device. Preferably also the cover contains hollow compartments and/or voids which provide cushioning and therefore impact protection. Desirably, when designed for a tablet computer the cover has two hand grips located at opposed sides of the cavity. The hand grips desirably extend from the front to the back of the cover. Preferably the hand grips have flat portions upon which the cover (and fitted tablet computer) can rest whereby to provide a stand for the tablet computer. Preferably the hand grips are tapered whereby the tablet computer adopts an inclined position when the back of the cover is laid upon a flat surface such as a desk or table. The provision of a cover made from silicone rubber provides the further advantage of increasing the friction between the device and the surface of a desk for example. The personal media device when located within the cover is therefore less likely to move across the desk when used with one hand. Also, the device and cover can be leaned against a wall or other surface at a much greater angle than would be possible without the cover.

Desirably, a peripheral lip surrounds all (or at least a large proportion of) the cavity, the lip overlying the device in use and thereby retaining the device in position within the cavity. Such embodiments can be used to transport the device, with the user gripping the cover directly and thereby gripping the device indirectly.

Also, the cover may include a mounting frame by which it may be temporarily secured to a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being fixed in a suitable location, such as upon the handlebars of a bicycle for example. There is preferably a quick-release connection between the mounting frame and the mounting bracket whereby the cover and device can quickly be mounted upon the bracket, and quickly demounted from the bracket, as desired.

Notwithstanding that this description refers to a "multi-function" cover, it will be understood that primary embodiments of the present invention can provide only a single function, namely the sound channel. Secondary embodiments can provide the sound channel and one or more of the above additional features whereby to solve or reduce other of the above-stated problems. Embodiments having any combination of the above-stated features, or features described in the following specific description, are within the scope of the present invention, even if those embodiments are not all described explicitly. Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention the cover can exclude the sound channel and provide any combination of one or more of the additional features described above or set out below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig.1 shows a view from the front of a first embodiment of multi-function cover according to the present invention;

Fig.2 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig.1 ;

Fig.3 shows a side view of the cover of Fig.1 ;

Fig.4 shows a sectional view along the line C-C of Fig.3;

Fig.5 shows a top view of the cover of Fig.1 ;

Fig.6 shows a sectional view along the line B-B of Fig.5;

Fig.7 shows a view from the front of a second embodiment of multi-function cover according to the present invention;

Fig.8 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig.1 ;

Fig.9 shows a side view of the cover of Fig.7; Fig.10 shows a sectional view along the line B-B of Fig.9;

Fig.1 1 shows a top view of the cover of Fig.7; Fig.12 shows a sectional view along the line C-C of Fig.1 1 ;

Fig.13 shows a sectional view along the line D-D of Fig. 1 ;

Fig.14 shows a view from the front of a third embodiment of multi-function cover according to the present invention;

Fig.15 shows a sectional view along the line F-F of Fig.14;

Fig.16 shows a top view of the cover of Fig.14;

Fig.17 shows a sectional view along the line H-H of Fig.6;

Fig.18 shows a side view of the cover of Fig.14; Fig.19 shows a sectional view along the line D-D of Fig.18;

Fig.20 shows a view from the front of a fourth embodiment of multi-function cover according to the present invention; Fig.21 shows a top view of the cover of Fig.20;

Fig.22 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig.20;

Fig.23 shows a sectional view along the line C-C of Fig.21 ;

Fig.24 shows a sectional view along the line D-D of Fig.21 ; shows a perspective view from the rear of a fifth embodiment of multifunction cover according to the present invention;

Fig.26 shows a side view of the cover of Fig.25; Fig.27 shows a front view of the cover of Fig.25; and

Fig.28 shows a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig.27..

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first embodiment of cover 10 shown in the drawings is designed for use with a smart phone (not shown). The cover has a cavity 12 which is sized to accommodate a particular smart phone, in this case an iPhone™. The cavity 12 therefore has a width W of approximately 58 mm and a height H of approximately 120 mm. Adjacent to the bottom edge of the cavity 12 there is a small lip 14 (see Fig.2) which overlies the bottom edge of the fitted device in use, and acts to retain the device within the cavity 12.

It will be understood that a cover 10 with these dimensions will be suitable for several other makes and models of smart phone, and a cover similar to the cover 10 but having differing dimensions can be suitable for other makes and models of smart phone.

The depth D of the cavity 12 is approximately 3 mm. It will be understood that the iPhone™ is slightly thicker than 3 mm and therefore projects slightly from the front of the cavity 12. This slight projection assists the user in grasping the device when it is desired to remove it from the cover.

Importantly, the cover 10 has openings 16 and 18 which connect to the cavity 12, the opening 16 allowing the user to access the power socket whereby to fit a power or data cable. The opening 8 is provided to expose the microphone of the device.

Importantly also, the cover 10 has an inlet opening 20 which lies adjacent to the loudspeaker of the fitted device. The inlet opening 20 provides one end of a sound channel 22 which is located within the body of the cover 10, part of the sound channel 22 lying between the cavity 12 and the back 24 of the cover 10. The sound channel 22 terminates at outlet opening 26 which in this embodiment faces the front 28 of the cover 10.

The cross-sectional area of the sound channel 22 increases progressively from the input opening 20 to the outlet opening 26. Also, the internal surface of the sound channel is smooth and free from discontinuities. The bends in the sound channel are shallow and smooth. These features all help to ensure that little of the sound energy is attenuated within the sound channel 22, and the frequency range and volume of the sound leaving the outlet opening (and being directed substantially towards the user) is maximised.

In tests conducted prior to the filing of this application an iPhone™ was positioned with the touchscreen directly facing a microphone. The same iPhone was then located within the cavity 12 of a cover 0 with the touchscreen again facing directly towards, and at the same distance from, the microphone. The volume measured by the microphone increased by a factor of approximately ten when using the cover 10, and the frequency range was more uniformly transmitted.

It will be observed that the loudspeaker of a fitted device (not shown) is positioned to direct the majority of the emitted sound energy substantially in the direction shown by the arrow 30. The sound channel 22 firstly bends through approximately 180° and passes between the back 24 of the cover and the cavity 12. The sound channel finally bends though slightly less than 90°, the majority of the sound energy being emitted in the approximate direction of the arrow 32. The sound channel 22 therefore bends though an angle of slightly less than 270° in this embodiment. This first embodiment of cover 10 is designed more as a "docking unit" for the personal media device, rather than as a protective cover. Thus, the lip 14 is located only along the bottom edge of the cavity 12 and it is relatively easy to remove the device from the cavity 12. Nevertheless, the cover 10 extends beyond the cavity 12 is all directions, and therefore projects beyond a fitted device in all directions also, and thereby provides some impact protection to the device. The cover 10 is made from silicone rubber, and has many air pockets and voids 34, 36, 38. The silicone rubber is relatively flexible and resilient, and with the addition of the air pockets provides significant cushioning against impacts upon the fitted device.

In addition, it will be understood that silicone rubber provides significant frictional resistance to movement, for example across the surface of a desk. When a device is fitted into the cavity 2 it can readily be used with one hand, with little or no tendency to slide across the table or desk.

Furthermore, it will be understood that the screen of the fitted device is inclined at an angle a to the back 24, the angle a in this embodiment being approximately 15°. This inclination provides a useful benefit in angling the screen of the device towards the user, enhancing viewing of the screen of the fitted device when the back 24 of the cover 10 is resting upon a desk or table. It is not expected that the user will wish to lean the cover 10 against a wall or the like whereby to increase the angle of inclination of the screen, but the increased friction of the cover 10 makes this possible if it is desired.

The wedge-shape of the cover 10 is also beneficial in permitting a user to cradle the cover and fitted device between a shoulder and his or her head, so that the telephone function of the device can be used without having to be held by hand against the user's ear.

In addition, the shaping of the cover 10 allows it to rest upon its side, so that the screen of the device can be viewed in landscape mode when desired. The pocket 34 is additionally sufficiently large to be usable as storage for desk-top items such as paper-clips, for small coins and the like, or for a charging cable for the device.

Figs. 7-13 show a second embodiment of cover 10, which cover is suited to a small tablet computer such as an iPad Mini™ (although again the cover 1 10 will be suitable for other small tablet computers having a common configuration). A small lip 1 4 surrounds the whole of the cavity 1 12 and overlies the edge of the fitted device in use. The lip 1 14 thereby retains the device within the cavity 1 12, and provides a more secure retention than in the first embodiment for example. The lip 1 14 and cover 1 10 are nevertheless sufficiently flexible to permit a fitted device to be removed when desired. The form of the lip 1 14 reflects the fact that this embodiment of cover 110 is designed more as a protective cover than a docking unit.

Notwithstanding that the lip 1 14 is continuous, it will be understood that a personal media device can be retained by a lip which extends around the cavity but which is not continuous. The lip may for example contains gaps at the corners or along one or more of the edges. A gap in the lip can make it easier to remove a fitted device.

The cover 1 10 has openings 16 and 1 18 which connect to the cavity, the opening 1 16 allowing the user to access the power socket whereby to fit a power or data cable. The opening 1 18 is provided to expose the microphone of the device. The cover 1 10 has a region 40 which overlies the on/off button of the device, the region 40 being a relatively thin and flexible layer of silicone rubber through which the on/off button can be depressed.

The cover 1 10 has an inlet opening 120 which lies adjacent to the loudspeaker of the fitted device. The inlet opening 120 provides one end of a bifurcated sound channel 122a,b, which is located within a hand-grip 42. Another hand-grip 44 is also provided, the hand-grips 42, 44 providing the opposed side edges of the cover 1 10. Each part of the sound channel 122a, b terminates at a respective outlet opening 26a, 126b, the outlet openings 126a, b facing the front 128 of the cover 10.

The cross-sectional area of the sound channels 122a,b increase progressively from the input opening 20 to the respective outlet opening 126a,b. Also, the internal surface of the sound channels 122a,b are smooth and free from discontinuities. The bends in the sound channel are shallow and smooth. These features all help to ensure that little of the sound energy is attenuated within the sound channels 122a, b, and the frequency range and volume of the sound leaving the outlet openings 126 a,b (and being directed substantially towards the user) are maximised. It will be observed that the loudspeaker of a fitted device (not shown) is positioned to direct the majority of the emitted sound energy substantially in the direction shown by the arrow 130. The sound channels 122a,b bend through approximately 90° in this embodiment, the majority of the sound energy being emitted in the direction of the arrows 132, i.e. generally towards the user facing the display screen of a fitted device..

It will be apparent that the cover 1 10 (and in particular the hand-grips 42, 44) extends beyond the cavity 1 12 is all directions, and therefore projects beyond a fitted device in all directions also. The cover 10 is made from silicone rubber, and has many air pockets and voids 134, 136, 138. The silicone rubber is relatively flexible and resilient, and with the addition of the air pockets provides significant cushioning against impacts upon the fitted device. In particular, the lip 1 14 has been designed to retain a fitted device in the event that the cover and fitted device are dropped by the user. In such circumstances, it is expected that one or other of the hand-grips 42, 44 will impact the ground first, and will provide sufficient cushioning to prevent damage to the fitted device. In addition, it will be understood that silicone rubber provides significant frictional resistance to movement, for example across the surface of a desk. When a device is fitted into the cavity 1 12 it can readily be used with one hand. The hand-grips 42, 44 also enable the device to be held in one hand, including during use. The enlarged form of the hand-grips 42, 44 has been ergonomically designed to provide comfort during long term use, reducing the likelihood that a user will need to rest the cover 1 10 upon a desk or table. The cover 1 10 can nevertheless rest upon a desk or table if desired. It will be seen that there is a small angle β between the front 128 and back 124 of the cover 1 10. When laid upon a desk, therefore, the screen of the fitted device is inclined at the angle β, providing a better viewing experience for the user. Furthermore, the larger ends of the hand-grips 42, 44 are flattened to provide feet 46 upon which the cover and fitted device can rest. The cover 110 thereby provides a stand for the device enabling the screen to be viewed substantially vertically, as may be suitable for viewing films and the like. It will be seen that the feet 46 are angled slightly relative to the front 128, whereby the screen of the device will be inclined slightly to the vertical, which is believed to improve the viewing experience.

The third embodiment of cover 210 shown in the drawings is designed for use with a tablet computer such as an iPad™ (not shown). The cover has a cavity 212 which is sized to accommodate the particular tablet computer (and other tablet computers having a common configuration).

A small lip 214 surrounds the cavity and overlies the edge of the fitted device in use, and thereby retains the device within the cavity 212. As with the first embodiment, the cover 210 has been designed more as a docking unit than a protective cover, so that the lip is not designed to retain a fitted device if the cover and fitted device are dropped (although similar embodiments could have a larger or thicker lip suited to that purpose if desired). As seen in Fig.19, the cover 210 has openings 216 and 218 which connect to the cavity, the opening 216 allowing the user to access the power socket whereby to fit a power or data cable. The opening 218 is provided to expose the microphone of the device.

The cover has an inlet opening 220 which lies adjacent to the loudspeaker of the fitted device. The inlet opening 220 provides one end of a sound channel 222 which is located within the body of the cover 210. The sound channel 222 terminates at the outlet opening 226 which faces the front 228 of the cover 210.

The cross-sectional area of the sound channel 222 increases progressively from the input opening 220 to the outlet opening 226. Also, the internal surface of the sound channel is smooth and free from discontinuities. The bends in the sound channel are shallow and smooth. These features all help to ensure that little of the sound energy is attenuated within the sound channel 222, and the frequency range and volume of the sound leaving the outlet opening (and being directed substantially towards the user) are maximised. It will be observed that the loudspeaker of a fitted device (not shown) is positioned to direct the majority of the emitted sound energy substantially in the direction shown by the arrow 230. The sound channel 222 firstly bends through approximately 90° and passes along the side of the cover 210. The sound channel then bends again though slightly more than 90°, the majority of the sound energy being emitted in the direction of the arrow 232.

Notwithstanding its design more as a docking unit, the cover 210 extends beyond the cavity 212 is all directions, and therefore projects beyond a fitted device in all directions also whereby to provide impact protection. The cover 210 is made from silicone rubber enabling a fitted device to be used with one hand whilst the back 224 of the cover rests upon a desk or table. Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the front 228 (and similarly the screen of the fitted device) is inclined at an angle γ to the back 224.

The bottom edge of the cover 210 is flattened to form a foot 246 upon which the cover and fitted device can rest (the lip 214 being sufficient to retain a fitted device in this orientation). The cover 210 thereby provides a stand for the device suitable for viewing films and the like with the screen substantially vertical. It will be seen that the foot 246 is angled slightly relative to the front 228, whereby the screen of the device will be inclined slightly to the vertical so as to improve the viewing experience.

Underneath the cavity 212 are located three large pockets 234, 236 and 238. The pockets 234, 236 and 238 are sufficiently large to be usable as storage for desktop items such as paper-clips, coins and the like, so that the cover 210 can also function as a desk-tidy. The pockets 234, 236, 238, and also the sound channel 222, provide voids within the cover 210 which also provide significant cushioning against impacts upon the fitted device.

Figs. 20-24 show a fourth embodiment of cover 310, which cover is also suited to a tablet computer such as an iPad™ (and common designs).

A lip 314 surrounds the cavity and overlies the edge of the fitted device in use, and thereby retains the device within the cavity 312. As with the second embodiment described above, the cover 310 is designed more as a protective casing than a docking unit, and so the lip 314 is designed to retain a fitted device even if the cover and fitted device are dropped.

The cover 310 has openings 316 and 318 which connect to the cavity, the opening 316 allowing the user to access the power socket whereby to fit a power or data cable. The opening 318 is provided to expose the microphone of the device. The cover 310 has a region 340 positioned to overlie the on/off button of the fitted device. The cover 340 has an inlet opening (not seen) which lies adjacent to the loudspeaker of the fitted device. The inlet opening provides one end of a sound channel 322 which is located within the hand-grip 342. Another hand-grip 344 is also provided, the hand-grips 342, 344 providing the opposed side edges of the cover 310. The sound channel terminates at an outlet opening 326, the outlet opening 326 facing the front 328 of the cover 310.

The cross-sectional area of the sound channel 322 increases progressively from the input opening to the outlet opening 326. Also, the internal surface of the sound channel 322 is smooth and free from discontinuities. The bend in the sound channel is shallow and smooth. These features all help to ensure that little of the sound energy is attenuated within the sound channel, and the frequency range and volume of the sound leaving the outlet opening 326 (and being directed substantially towards the user) are maximised.

The loudspeaker of a fitted device (not shown) is positioned to direct the majority of the emitted sound energy substantially in the direction shown by the arrow 330. The sound channel bends through approximately 90° in this embodiment, the majority of the sound energy being emitted in the direction of the arrow 332.

It will be apparent that the cover 310 (and in particular the hand-grips 342, 344) extends beyond the cavity 312 is all directions, and therefore projects beyond a fitted device in all directions also. The cover 310 is made from silicone rubber, which is relatively flexible and resilient. The hand-grips 342, 344 contain air pockets and voids, and provide significant cushioning against impacts upon the fitted device

In addition, it will be understood that silicone rubber provides significant frictional resistance to movement, for example across the surface of a desk. Notwithstanding its design more as a protective casing, the cover 310 can nevertheless be used on a desk or table, and permits one-handed use of fitted device. The hand-grips 342, 344 also enable the device to be held in one hand, including during use when not resting upon a desk or table. The enlarged form of the handgrips 342, 344 has been ergonomically designed to provide comfort during long periods of use.

It will be seen that there is a small angle δ between the front 328 and back 324 of the cover 310. When laid upon a desk, therefore, the screen of the fitted device is inclined at the angle δ. Furthermore, the larger ends of the hand-grips 342, 344 are flattened to provide feet 346 upon which the cover and fitted device can rest. The cover 310 thereby provides a stand for the device suitable for viewing films and the like. It will be seen that the feet 346 are angled slightly relative to the front 328, whereby the screen of the device will be inclined slightly to the vertical, which is believed to improve the viewing experience.

The fifth embodiment of cover 410 shown in the drawings is somewhat similar to the first embodiment in being designed for use with a smart phone (not shown). The fifth embodiment shares many features and benefits with the first embodiment, which for brevity are not repeated. The following description therefore relates primarily to the distinguishing features of the fifth embodiment.

The cover has a cavity 412 which is sized to accommodate a particular smart phone. Surrounding the cavity 412 there is a lip 414 which in this embodiment is continuous and overlies the peripheral edge of the fitted device in use, and acts to retain the device within the cavity 412. It will be understood that the cavity 412 is therefore slightly deeper than the cavity of the first embodiment, so that the device can be fully enclosed by the cover. In common with the other embodiments the cover 410 has an inlet opening (not seen) which lies adjacent to the loudspeaker of the fitted device, the inlet opening providing one end of a sound channel 422 which is located within the body of the cover 410, the majority of the sound channel 422 lying between the cavity 412 and the back 424 of the cover 410. Unlike the other embodiments the sound channel 422 in this embodiment terminates at outlet opening 426 in the side of the cover 410. As with the first embodiment described above, the loudspeaker of a fitted device (not shown) is positioned to direct the majority of the emitted sound energy substantially in the direction shown by the arrow 430. The sound channel 422 firstly bends through approximately 180° (the plane of the bend being approximately parallel with the section line A-A in Fig.28) and passes between the back 424 of the cover and the cavity 412. The sound channel then bends though approximately 90° (the plane of the second bend being approximately parallel to the back 424 of the cover 410), the majority of the sound energy being emitted in the approximate direction of the arrow 432. The cover 410 can be used in "portrait" orientation as shown in the drawings, or in "landscape" orientation. When the fitted device is used to display video for example, landscape orientation may be more suitable, and it will ideally be arranged that the outlet opening 426 faces upwardly when the cover is used in landscape orientation. It will be seen from Fig.25 that the sides of the cover 410 taper inwards slightly so that the cover 410 will readily rest upon the side opposite to the outlet opening 426, with the screen of the fitted device facing upwardly at a small angle.

The cover 410 also has a mounting frame 450 which is substantially rigid and is mounted into a moulded recess in the back 424 of the cover 410. The mounting frame 450 is adapted to be readily mountable upon (and readily demountable from) a mounting bracket (not shown). The mounting bracket may, for example, be rigidly secured to the handlebars of a bicycle for example, allowing the user to securely mount the cover 410 (and thereby the smart phone) to the handlebars as desired. The mounting frame 450 has a recess 452 to receive a cooperating part of the mounting bracket. In a simple embodiment the recess 452 could have a screw thread to accommodate a similar screw thread upon a projection of the mounting bracket. Preferably, however, the recess 452 is undercut and the mounting bracket has at least one movable clip which can locate under the rim or lip of the undercut so as to temporarily secure the mounting bracket and mounting frame together.

All of the embodiments take advantage of the fact that most portable media devices have sensors to determine the orientation of the device. The image on the screen therefore rotates so as to remain correctly oriented as the device is moved. The position and orientation of the covers can therefore be altered without having to remove and refit the device, the image upon the screen changing as required to match the orientation of the cover and fitted device.

Claims

1 . A multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) for a personal media device, the cover having a cavity (12; 1 12; 212; 312; 412) to locate the personal media device, the cover having a front (28; 128; 228; 328) and a back (24;

224; 324; 424), the cavity being open at the front so as to permit viewing of a display screen of the device in use, the cover having a sound channel (22; 122a, b; 222; 322; 422) with an input opening (20; 120; 220) and an output opening (26; 126a,b; 226; 326; 426), the area of the output opening (26; 26a,b; 226; 326; 426) being larger than the area of the input opening (20;

120; 220).

2. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of claim 1 in which the cross-sectional area of the sound channel (22; 122a,b; 222; 322; 422) increases gradually from the input opening (20; 120; 220) to the output opening (26; 126a,b; 226; 326; 426).

3. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of claim 1 in which the output opening (26; 126a,b; 226; 326) is located at the front of the cover.

4. The multi-function cover (10; 1 1 0; 210; 310; 41 0) of any one of claims 1 -3 in which the internal surface(s) of the sound channel (22; 122a,b; 222; 322; 422) is free of discontinuities.

5. The multi-function cover (10; 1 1 0; 210; 310; 41 0) of any one of claims 1 -4 in which the axis of the sound channel (22; 122a, b; 222; 322; 422) bends by at least around 90° between the input opening (20; 120; 220) and the output opening (26; 126a,b; 226; 326; 426).

6. The multi-function cover (210; 410) of claim 5 in which the axis of the sound channel (222; 422) bends through a first angle and through a second angle, the plane of the first angle being substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second angle.

7. The multi-function cover (210; 410) of claim 5 or claim 6 in which the axis of the sound channel (222; 422) bends through approximately 180°.

5 8. The multi-function cover (210; 410) of claim 5 or claim 6 in which the axis of the sound channel (222; 422) bends through approximately 270°.

9. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of any one of claims 1 -8 in which a part of the sound channel (22; 122; 222; 322; 422) is located

10 between the cavity (12; 1 12; 212; 312; 412) and the back (24; 224; 324; 424) of the cover (10).

10. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of any one of claims 1 -9 adapted to surround a personal media device in use, in which respective

15 parts of the cover extend beyond the cavity (12; 1 12; 212; 312; 412) in all directions.

1 1. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of any one of claims 1 -10 in which the cavity (12; 1 12; 212; 312; 412) has a lip (14; 1 14; 214; 314;

20 414) to retain a personal media device in use.

12. The multi-function cover (1 10; 210; 310; 410) of claim 1 1 in which the lip (114; 214; 314; 414) extends around the cavity (1 12; 212; 312; 412).

25 13. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of any one of claims 1 -12 having at least one void (34, 36, 38; 134, 136; 234, 236, 238).

14. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of any one of claims 1 -13 in which the front (28; 128; 228; 328) and back (24; 224; 324; 424) of the 30 cover are not parallel and are inclined at an angle (α; β; γ; δ) relative to one another.

15. The multi-function cover (1 0; 210; 310) of any one of claims 1 -14 having at least one hand-grip (42, 44; 342, 344).

16. The multi-function cover (1 10; 210; 310) of claim 15 in which the hand-grip (42, 44; 342, 344) has a substantially flat end wall upon which the cover can rest whereby to provide a stand for the fitted personal media device.

17. The multi-function cover (1 10; 210; 310) of claim 15 or claim 16 in which the hand-grip (42, 44; 342, 344) is tapered.

18. The multi-function cover (10; 1 10; 210; 310; 410) of any one of claims 1 -17 made from silicone rubber.