Abstract:
A retractable storage system for a handheld electronic device has a protective housing member operative shaped and sized to bound the handheld electronic device and enable wrapping around the handheld electronic device. A charging station structured on the housing member has an aperture to arrest, dispense, charge and store an accessory item of the handheld electronic device. One or more storage chambers structured on the protective housing member to store the accessory item. An electric power transfer component provides an electrical power and is electrically connected to the charging station.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/711,735 filed May 13, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/503,467 filed Oct. 1, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,065,921, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/182,645 filed Feb. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,879,773, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/872,157 filed Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,774,446, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,968 filed Apr. 29, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0002]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/872,157 filed Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,774,446, is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/430,245 filed Aug. 23, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D698,772, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/417,184 filed Mar. 30, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D667,823, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0003]    U.S. application Ser. No. 13/872,157 filed Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,774,446, is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/038599 filed Apr. 29, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,968 filed Apr. 29, 2012 and U.S. application Ser. No. 29/430,245 filed Aug. 23, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D698,772, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates to accessory systems for handheld electronic devices, more particularly, the present invention provides a protective carrier system that houses a handheld electronic device and provides retractable earphones, earphone station and storage to the handheld electronic device. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    Handheld electronic devices are becoming more and more popular as consumer goods and are frequently used in performing our daily communication needs. Devices like the iPhone™, iPad™, iPod™, Blackberry™, cell phones, mobile video players, KINDLE™ eReaders, Android™ devices are now intimate parts of daily life. This popularity has created a desire for protective cases well as varieties of choice for aesthetic freshness that enable these devices with a look of consumer-preferred style with modest cost. Additionally these protective cases have become increasingly armored (stronger) to protect against unintended breakage. 
         [0008]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,648,027, the entire contents of which are enclosed by reference, describes a protective apparatus to accommodate a portable device, such as a cell phone, with a wire-wrap member attached at the back panel. It does not address the problem of tangled headphone/earbud cable when it is wound in such a manner. The headphone/earbud cable can not only become damaged, but tangles are inadvertently created. 
         [0009]    US Patent Pub. No. 2011/0233078, also incorporated herein by reference, describes a holder design for portable devices that also provides a storage compartment for earphones. It uses a spring loaded type rewinder which can subject the headphone/earbud cable to undue pressure. The spring loaded rewinder can create drastic, uncontrollable speed of the rotating wheel upon release of the spring loaded mechanism to rewind the cable, thereby damaging and/or shortening the life of the cable. Also of related example are U.S. Published Application No. 2011/0170732 (Parker), U.S. Pat. No. 6,731,956 (Hanna et al.), and U.S. Published Application No. 2010/0279743 (Sim), the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Each of these devices utilizes a spring loaded mechanism to retract the headphone/earbud cable. These spring loaded device can create drastic, uncontrollable speed of the rotating wheel or spring reel upon release of the spring loaded mechanism to rewind/retract the cable, thereby subjecting the cables to undue pressure, and damaging and/or shortening the life of the cable. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, the claimed invention proceeds upon the desirability of providing a storage system for handheld electronic device that safely retracts and stores items. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Proposed is a novel carrier system with built-in retractable earphone/earbud system that accommodates a variety of earphone styles and is adaptable for a variety of handheld electronic devices are disclosed. 
         [0012]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, an easy to put on carrier case, can be made of molded plastic having a wrap-around side walls, a back panel and an open front aperture for a handheld electronic device to slide into. The back panel being of monolithic construction and having an enlarged compartment built at the top area for inclusion with an earbud station. The earbud station provides secure fixed hosting seats for a pair of pullable or ejectable earbuds/earphones to sit into when not being used. Various apertures are configured in the wrap-around side walls to allow direct access to various buttons on the electronic device. 
         [0013]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a pair of bounded regions or chambers with related wire channels for containing earphone/ear bud cables are configured monolithically and directly in the back panel. Earphones/earbuds with their long cables being wrapped into the chambers, and a channel to allow the plug head to be fixedly held at the earbud station for easily plug in to the headphone jack of a handheld device. 
         [0014]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a middle panel, or cassette member, is configured similarly with a pair of chambers and operable wire channels for containing and guiding earphone/earbud cables. 
         [0015]    In accordance exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, one of the chambers is fixedly mounted with an exterior antenna/transmitter IC chip that provides a secondary amplification for a cell phone signal, providing a solution for limited cell phone signal amplification due to space limitation inside a cell phone (such as an iPhone™ or an iPad™). 
         [0016]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a retractable storage system for a handheld electronic device comprises a protective housing member having a back panel and plurality of side walls forming a bounding member operative shaped and sized to bound the handheld device and enable wrapping around the handheld device. An enlarged compartment is configured proximate the back panel, intersecting with a top side wall of the housing member. The top side wall forms an aperture in connecting with the compartment. An accessory station is mounted inside the compartment and forms aperture structure for arresting and dispensing an accessory item of the handheld device. A removable middle panel is removably mounted inside the housing member, in parallel to the back panel, having a top edge neighboring and below the enlarged compartment. One or more storage chambers are structured on the removable middle panel for storing the accessory item, connecting with one or more channels wherein the channels leading to the accessory station. 
         [0017]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system further comprises at least one earphone cable with a earbud and a plug head, and at least one retractable mechanism which is operably mounted inside one of the storage chamber for automatically retracting a cable for storage. The earbud is removably secured in said accessory station, the cable being removably coiled within a spring-biased spool of said retractable mechanism, and a plug head of said cable being connected to a earphone jack of the handheld device, wherein said earphone is pulled from the accessory station with the cable extending from said storage chamber when in use. 
         [0018]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable mechanism comprises a friction based braking system to reduce a rotational speed of the spring-biased spool during the retraction of the cable. 
         [0019]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid friction based braking system comprises at least one damping pad to reduce the rotational speed of the spring-biased spool during the retraction of the cable. 
         [0020]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a retraction button to control the retractable mechanism to retract the cable. 
         [0021]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retraction button is a spring loaded such that the retraction button remains in or returns to a first position unless the retraction button is moved and held at a second position to retract the cable to the storage chamber. 
         [0022]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a plug head actuation system for operably removing and connecting the plug head of the cable to the earphone of the handheld device. 
         [0023]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises an accessory button to dispense the earbud from the accessory station. 
         [0024]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid accessory button is a spring loaded such that the accessory button remains in or returns to a first position unless the accessory button is moved and held at a second position to dispense the earbud from the accessory station. 
         [0025]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a pair of earphones, each connected to a separate cable, and two retractable mechanism. Each retractable mechanism is mounted inside its respective storage chamber for automatically retracting is respective cable. Each retractable mechanism is independently controlled such that each cable is independently retractable. 
         [0026]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a first and second retraction buttons to independently control the respective retractable mechanism. 
         [0027]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, each aforesaid retraction button is a spring loaded such that each retraction button remains in or returns to a first position unless each retraction button is moved and held at a second position to retract the respective cable to the respective storage chamber. 
         [0028]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a headphone cable with an audio plug and a headphone plug, and a retractable mechanism which is operably mounted inside a storage chamber for automatically retracting the headphone cable for storage. The headphone plug is removably secured in the accessory station. The headphone cable is removably coiled within a spring-biased spool of the retractable mechanism. The audio plug head is connected to a earphone jack of the handheld device. The headphone plug is pulled from the accessory station with the cable extending from the storage chamber for use with a headphone. 
         [0029]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a retraction button to control the retractable mechanism to retract said headphone cable. 
         [0030]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a pair of earphones, each connected to a separate magnetized cable. Each magnetized cable is magnetically attracted to each other to form a single cable which can be removably coiled within the same spring-biased spool of the retractable mechanism. The earphone is pulled from the accessory station with the single cable extending from the storage chamber and peelable into two separate cables when in use. 
         [0031]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid accessory item is at least one of the following: a lip balm, a lipstick, a cigarette or a cigar. The aforesaid retractable storage system further comprises an accessory button to dispense the accessory item from the storage chamber through the accessory station. 
         [0032]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises at least one battery mounted inside a storage chamber for charging at least an accessory item or the handheld device. The accessory station is a charging station which is electrically connected to the battery to charge the accessory item stored within the charging station. 
         [0033]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid accessory item is a wireless earbuds or e-cigarettes. The aforesaid retractable storage system further comprises an accessory button to dispense the accessory item from the charging station. 
         [0034]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid accessory station comprises a station adapter configured with elastic material to adjust the aperture size of the accessory station. 
         [0035]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the aforesaid retractable storage system comprises a plurality of colored LEDs to display a logo, advertisement or aesthetically pleasing patterns on the back panel of the housing member. The handheld electronic device is operably connected to the LEDs to control and change the patterns, logo or advertisement displayed by the LEDs. 
         [0036]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a retractable storage system housing a handheld device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged partially cut-away view of the upper side of the compartment area for earphone/earbud station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a retractable storage system for storing earphone cables and a handheld electronic device for assembling together in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the retractable storage system of  FIG. 3 , a removable panel for storing earphone cables and a handheld device for assembling together in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of a retractable storage system for storing earphone cables in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  is a partial sectional view of the retractable storage system of  FIG. 5  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary front view of a retractable store system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  is an exemplary back view of a retractable storage system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 9  is an exemplary right side view of a retractable storage system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 10  is an exemplary left side view of a retractable storage system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 11  is an exemplary top side view of a retractable storage system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 12  is an exemplary bottom side view of a retractable storage system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0049]      FIGS. 13A-B  are exemplary illustrative views of an operative wedge-actuation system for removing and re-installing an audio jack element (3.5 mm type or other) from the electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 14  is an exemplary illustrative view of an operative lever-actuation system for removing and re-installing an audio jack element from the electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15  is an exemplary illustrative exemplary view of an operative twist-actuation system for removing and re-installing an audio jack element from the electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 16  is a partial section view of the retractable storage system with battery chambers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 17  is an exemplary perspective view of the retractable storage system for storing, charging and dispensing wireless earbuds in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 18  is an exemplary back view of the retractable storage system with a plurality of colored LEDs in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of a retractable mechanism for storing and retracting a cable in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0056]      FIGS. 20A-B  are perspective views of a retractable storage system with a retractable mechanism engaged and disengaged, respectively, for retracting a cable in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0057]      FIGS. 21A-B  are perspective views of a retractable storage system with a retractable mechanism and a friction based braking system disengaged and engaged, respectively, for controlling the speed of the spring loaded spool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 22  is an exploded perspective view of a retractable mechanism for storing and retracting a cable in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 23  is an exploded perspective view of a retractable storage system with a retractable mechanism for storing and retracting earphone cable in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0060]      FIGS. 24A-B  are exploded perspective view of the retractable mechanism for storing and housing earphone cables with a retraction button to control the retraction mechanism and an accessory button to dispense a pair of earbuds from an accessory station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; 
           [0061]      FIGS. 25A-B  are back view and perspective view of a retractable storage system for storing, charging and dispensing e-cigarette in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; and 
           [0062]      FIGS. 26A-B  are back view and perspective view of a retractable storage system for storing and dispensing a headphone plug/cable for use with a standard headphone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0063]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the claimed invention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional (up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. 
         [0064]    It will be understood that the phrases earbud and earphone, singularly or in plural form, may be used interchangeably and without limitation, such that earbud(s) or an earphone(s) system or element can be understood to operate in accordance with this inventive disclosure. 
         [0065]    For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and description and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. 
         [0066]    The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and the claims, if any, may be used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable. It is also understood, that the phrases embodiment or version may be used interchangeably and without undue limitation. There is no restriction such that an embodiment is more or less restrictive or definitive than a version of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “consisting of”, “include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, apparatus, or composition that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, apparatus, or composition. 
         [0067]    It is contemplated and intended that the operative embodiments or versions of the claimed invention may be readily modified to any suitable handheld devices of any size that provides an audio output or interconnection system and thus may take earbud/earphone jacks; for clarity reason, the examples are given based on IPOD™ or IPHONE™ but will be understood to apply to any hand-held device, cell phone, smart phone, computer, laptop, tablet, ereader or otherwise without limitations. The case shapes may be molded with metal, rubber, plastic, or of any other formable material or combination of materials having variable module(s) of elasticity. Thus a rigid plastic bottom may be co-molded with a more flexible plastic side wall, and a slick-slippery sided guide channel portions. A variety of colors and material patterns may be used for styles and fashions. 
         [0068]    In reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , handheld electronic device system  110 , for example, an IPOD™/IPHONE™ is contained inside the housing  111  of carrier case  100 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, housing  111  is made of a thin layer of plastic, leather material, rubber or other moldable and flexible durable and light material, provides a protective layer for device  110  from scratching and other damages. Housing  111  is built in variety of shapes and sizes to tightly match the various designs of handheld devices and is not limited to the shapes shown. For example, it can be rectangular and with sufficient thickness to match an iPHONE™, or it can be square to match a KINDLE™ eReader. It can also provide a personalized and customized pattern or color for a user to have a feel of fashion or personal decoration. Various apertures  103 ,  113  on the side wall or top side of the case  100  can be configured to accommodate access to various buttons of the electronic device  110 , such as power button  120 , volume control button  114 , and ports, such as USB port. 
         [0069]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, carrier case  100  does not have a front panel, allowing full direct access to the front screen  122  of device  110 . Especially for touch screen devices, this front opening is functionally convenient, yet elegant in style. The edge of side walls of housing  111  is slightly curved as a retaining lip to increase the holding grip on device  110 . Alternatively, the side walls of housing  111  is a rubberized surface to increase the holding grip on device  110 . 
         [0070]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the top area  400  of case  100  covering the earphone jack  112  area is configured with a slightly burgeon compartment or bounded region  125  for mounting earphone/earbud station  115  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, earphone or earbud station  115  can comprise one aperture or two cylindrical apertures, sized to hold a pair of earphones  117 ,  119  (e.g., a wireless earphones or earbuds) with friction, but may be monolithically formed with case  100  (not separate) and may be also co-continuous (not separate openings). Alternatively, the earphone stations  107 ,  109  can comprise one opening to receive a pair of earbuds or earphones  117 ,  119 . The material of earbud station  115  may be made of either plastic or an elastomeric or the combination of materials for elasticity. Adaptor rings may be provided (shown but not numbered) for adjusting a general opening to a reduced size for perfect fitting of a particular earbud to the station  115 . Earbud connecting cables  121 ,  123  are contained inside the carrier case housing  111  through apertures of earphone station  115  and reel in and out during use. 
         [0071]    In reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , carrier case  100  includes a middle cassette or plug-in panel  300  that is configured with one, two or more chambers  127 ,  129  for containing earphone/earbud cables  121 , 123 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, retractable mechanisms  127 A,  129 A, such as spring reels or spools  610  can be replaceably inserted into the chambers  127 ,  129  for automatic retraction of the earphone cables  121 ,  123  after use. The retraction mechanism is individually indexable (retraction, partial retraction, hold in position etc.) and each retraction mechanism is individually operable (one ear bud or both). An additional exterior antenna receiver/transmitter chip (not shown) may also be fixedly mounted inside the chambers, or proximate to the shell and body to enhance a cell phone signal receiving/sending capacity. Alternatively, the pair of earphones  117 ,  119  can be connected to a single earphone cable, thereby requiring only one chamber  127  for containing a single earphone/earbud cable  121  and only one retractable mechanism  127 A for automatic retraction of the earphone cable  121  after use. 
         [0072]    Earphone/earbud cables  121 ,  123  are guided with channels to the respective chambers  127 ,  129  where the rest of the cable length is coiled inside the chambers  127 ,  129 . Earphone/earbud plug head  105  is guided by one of the channels to the top to be in the proximity of an earphone jack of handheld device  100 . Earphone/earbud earplugs or earpieces  117 ,  119  are housed in or fit into earphone station  115 , when in use, optionally one or both, can be pulled from the station  115 , and retracted back to the station  115  after use using a continuous pull or a ratchet as is known in the electrical-power-cord-retraction-art. 
         [0073]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, panel  300  is configured to be easily assembled with and into the exterior housing  111  and held by friction or a slight protrusion configured inside housing  111 , and may be optionally sonically fixed (welded) or otherwise fixed in place. Similarly, the earbud station  201  can be assembled removably or in a fixed manner. As exemplary shown in  FIG. 23 , the carrier case  200  comprises a hinged cover  203  to open and close the aperture of the earbud station  201  or charging station  510 . 
         [0074]    As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the outer housing thickness of  111  may also be formed with openings or transparent portions to show a brand region on the electronic device. Similarly, such openings or portions may be provided to receive retraction mechanisms  127 A,  129 A as a stylized configuration. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the carrier case  200  comprises multiple colored light emitting diodes (LEDs)  550  to display a logo, advertisement or aesthetically pleasing patterns on the back of the case. Preferably, the LED lights  550  are connected to electronic device via wire or wirelessly such that the electronic device can control and change the patterns, logo or advertisement displayed by the LEDs  550 . 
         [0075]    The back panel of housing  111  is configured with a slightly enlarged bounding region or compartment  125  for mounting earphone/earbud station  115 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIG. 5 , earbud/earphone station  201  is structured to be an elongated tubular structure with two or more apertures  203 ,  205  shaped to match an earplug head and can be removably positioned or can be fixed in place. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the station holder  201  can be monolithically molded into the backing of the case  100 ,  200 . The apertures of the earbud station  201  can be configured slightly bigger than most of the earplug heads but puffed with rubber like material, to able to fit an O-ring or other adaptive structures for elasticity and tight fitness. Panel  300  may be replaced with other types of configurations suitable for the particular electronic device. It is appreciated that the panel  300  can include openings or regions that allow use of any electronic-device camera/video, aperture, or brand indicia. 
         [0076]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the chamber structure and channels can be monolithically, directly molded on the middle cassette or plug-in panel  300  or back panel of housing  211 . In reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the handheld device carrier case  200  comprises a housing  211  and one or more storage chambers  605  to removably house one or more accessories, such as earbud cables, wireless headbuds, headphone cables, e-cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, lipsticks, lip balms, and like. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the chambers  605  can house one or more retractable mechanism  600 . Chamber structure  605  with one or more guiding channels  213 ,  215 ,  216  can be configured on the interior side of the back panel of housing  211  or on the plug-in panel  300 . Earphone station  201  can be mounted at the top ends of the channels  213 ,  215 . Channel  216  is configured for holding earphone plug head  225  to be plug into the earphone jack of a handheld device  110 . Channels  213 ,  215  guide the earphone cables  229 ,  231  when they are pulled out for use and retracted into the respective retracting mechanism  600  for storage. 
         [0077]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, a spring box can be mounted inside each retractable mechanism  600  for automatic and independent retraction of the cables  229 ,  231  after use. As exemplary shown in  FIG. 19 , the retractable mechanism  600  comprises a spool  610  to store the cable, a motor spring  620  and a spool contact disc  630  to electrically connect the cables  231 ,  229  to an audio jack element or earphone plug  225  which connects to the handheld electronic device  110 . To retract the cables  231 ,  229 , the retractable mechanism  600  releases the motor spring  620  which rotates the spool  610  to roll or wrap the cables onto the spool. One or both cables  231 ,  229  are unwound from its respective spring-biased spool  610  by the user and the cables are wound on the spring biased spool  610  by the retractable mechanism  600  after use. Alternatively, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 22-23 , the retractable mechanism  600  can comprise a washer  625  that abuts against the back panel of the housing  211 , the motor spring  620 , the spool  610 , a spool contact disc  630  fasted or connected onto the spool  610  and a contact film  635 , preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), which is fixed to the plug-in panel  300 . The contacts on the spool contact disc  630  permits the cables  231 ,  229  on the rotating spool  610  to remain in electrical connection with the contact film  635 . The contact film is electrically connected to the plug head  225 . 
         [0078]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the automatic retraction of the cables  229 ,  231  can be triggered by a gentle pull of the respective cable  229 ,  231  or by engaging a respective retraction or spool button  650 , as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . The retraction button  650  can be a push on/off button or a slidable retraction button moveable to the first and second positions. Each retracting mechanism  600  can be independently operated and controlled by the respective retraction button  650 . As exemplary shown in  FIG. 20A , the slidable retraction button  650  is moved to the second position (or moved towards the top end of the case) to engage the retractable mechanism  600  to retract the cables. As exemplary shown in  FIG. 20B , the slidable retraction button  650  is moved to the first position (or moved towards the bottom end of the case) to prevent the retractable mechanism  600  from retracting the cables into the spool  610  but permitting the user to pull out more cable. 
         [0079]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 21A-B , the slidable retraction button  650  is spring loaded such that it remains in the first position until the retraction button  650  is moved to second position to retract the cables  229 ,  231  and returns automatically to the first position when the retraction button  650  is released. That is, the retraction button  650  must be held in the second position to retract the cables  229 ,  231 , otherwise the retraction button  650  returns to the first position. The user moves the retraction button  600  to the second or “retract” position by sliding the button towards the bottom end of the case and holds the retraction button  650  to retract the respective cables  229 ,  231  onto their respective spool or reel  610 , and the release of the retraction button  650  stops or disengages the retractable mechanism  600 . That is, two cables  229 ,  231  can be pulled independently from its respective spool  610  to pull out a different cable length, e.g., 1 foot of cable  231  is pulled out and 2 foot of cable  229  is pulled out. Additionally, for example, cable  231  can be retracted independent of cable  229 , such that the earbud  221  connected to cable  231  is completely retracted into the earphone/earbud station  201  while the earbud  223  connected to cable  229  remains outside of the earphone/earbud station  201 . 
         [0080]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the earbuds  221  and  223  can be attached to the same cable, thereby requiring only one retracting mechanism  600 , as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 20A-B  and  24 A-B. The earbuds  221 ,  223  docketed or stored in the earbud station  201  when not in use can be retrieved or ejected from the earbud station  201 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the carrier case  200  comprises an accessory button  655  to slide out the earbuds  221 ,  223  from the earbud station  201 , as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 24A-B . The accessory button  655  is moved towards the earbud station  201  to slide out the earbuds  221 ,  223  and is moved away from the earbud station  201  to slide the earbuds  221 ,  223  into the earbud station  201 . Alternatively, the accessory button  655  can be spring loaded, similar to the retraction button  650 , so that the accessory button  655  remains in or returns to the first position (as exemplary shown in  FIG. 24A ) unless the accessory button  655  is moved to and held at the second position to eject or slide out the earbuds  221 ,  223  from the earbud station  201  (as exemplary shown in  FIG. 24B ). 
         [0081]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 21A-21B , each retractable mechanism  600  comprises a friction based braking system  640  to control and reduce the speed of the spring reel or spool  610  when the cables  229 ,  231  are being retracted into the retractable mechanism  600 . The motor spring  620  of the spring loaded retractable mechanism  600  can rotate the spring reel or spool  610  at drastic, uncontrollable speed upon release of the spring loaded mechanism  600  to retract the cable, thereby potentially stretching or even damaging the cables  229 ,  231 . In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the friction based braking system  640  comprises one or more damping pads  660  to slow down the spring reel or spool  610 . For example, when the spring loaded retractable mechanism  600  is in retraction mode (the retraction button  650  is in the second or retract position, as exemplary shown in  FIG. 21B ), the damping pads  660  are engaged to apply pressure to the spool  610  to slow its rotational speed. 
         [0082]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 26A-B , the storage chamber  501 ,  605  and retraction mechanism  600  retracts and stores the headphone plug/cable  550  for use with a standard headphone (not shown). The retractable mechanism  600 , preferably comprising the friction based braking system  640 , automatically retracts the headphone plug/cable  550  after use. Similar to the earbud cables  229 ,  231 , the automatic retraction of the headphone plug/cable  550  can be triggered by a gentle pull on the cable  550  or by engaging the retraction button  650 . The headphone plug  550  docketed or stored in the earbud station  201  when not in use can be retrieved or ejected from the earbud station  201 . Similar to the earbuds  221 ,  223 , the station  201  is configured to accommodate the headphone plug  550  and the accessory button  655  slides the headphone plug  550  in and out of the station  201 , as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 26A-B . The accessory button  655  is moved towards the station  201  to slide out the headphone plug  550  and is moved away from the station  201  to slide the headphone plug  550  into the station  201 . Alternatively, the accessory button  655  can be spring loaded such that the accessory button  655  remains in or returns to the first or “rest” position until the accessory button  655  is moved to second position to eject or slide out the headphone plug  550  from the station  201 . The headphone plug  500  can be used with the headphone by inserting the pulled out headphone plug  550  into an audio port on the headphone or headset (not shown). 
         [0083]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the cables  231 ,  229  can be magnetized such that two cables  231 ,  229  act as a single cable. A magnetic compound powder can be added to the molten rubber/plastic coating to the first cable  231  and a ferrous metal powder can be added to the molten rubber/plastic coating the second cable  229 . Once cured and molded, these two separable cables  231 ,  229  are magnetically attracted to each other to form a single cable but allowing the user to peal apart into two cables. Depending on the application of the claimed invention, the magnetized cables  231 ,  229  can operate with a dual retractable mechanism  600  or a single retractable mechanism  600 . In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  are independently retracted by the respective dual retractable mechanism  600 . Channels  213 ,  215  separates the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  and guide the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  when they are pulled out and retracted into the respective dual retractable mechanism  600 . When two earbuds  221 ,  223  attached to the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  are pulled out from the earphone station  201 , the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  are magnetically attracted to each other to form a single cable and the user can peel apart a section of the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  to separate the earbuds  221 ,  223 . 
         [0084]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  are magnetically attached to form a single cable and retracted into the same retractable mechanism. That is, one of the channel  213 ,  215  guides both magnetized cables  231 ,  229  when they are pulled out and retracted into the same retractable mechanism  600 . When two earbuds  221 ,  223  attached to the two magnetized cables  231 ,  229  are pulled out, the user can separate the two magnetically attached cables  231 ,  229  into two separate cables  231 ,  229  of desired length. 
         [0085]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIGS. 16-17 , the back panel of carrier case  200  or one side of the plug-in panel  300  can comprise one or more storage chambers  501  to house one or more batteries  500  instead of the retractable mechanisms  600 . Although, the storage chambers  501  are shown as circular in  FIG. 16 , it is appreciated that the storage chamber  501  can be shaped to house a different shaped battery  500 , such as a square or rectangular shaped battery  500 . The battery  500  is operable to extend the battery life of the electronic device and/or charge the wireless earbuds  520 , preferably Bluetooth™ earbuds  520 , when it is placed in the charging station  510 . The wireless earbuds  520  click in and out of the charging station  510 . The wireless earbuds  520  communicates wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth, with the electronic device  110 . Preferably, the accessory button  655  can be used to dispense or pushed out the wireless earbuds  520  from the charging station  510 , as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 24A-B  with wired earbuds  221 ,  223 . The battery chambers  501  are in electrical connection with the electronic device and the charging station  510 . In accordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the guides  213 ,  215  houses wires connecting the earbud station  510  and guide  216  can be used to house wires connecting the battery  500  to the electronic device. Accordingly, the claimed system provides protection, storage and battery management to wireless Bluetooth earphones and smartphones. Although two storage chambers  501  and two batteries  500  are shown in  FIG. 16 , it is appreciated that the carrier case  200  can comprise one storage chamber  501  to house one battery  500 . 
         [0086]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as exemplary shown in  FIG. 25A-B , the back panel of carrier case  200  or one side of the plug-in panel  300  can be monolithically, directly molded with chambers and/or channels to house one or more accessories  530 , such as lipsticks, lip protection balm, cigarettes, cigars or electronic cigarettes (or e-cigarettes). The ejection button  655  can be used to retrieve, push out or eject an accessory from the storage chambers  501 . It is appreciated that although the storage chamber  501  is illustrated as being circular in  FIG. 16 , it can be molded into any shape to accommodate different shaped accessories, such as a tubular shaped storage chamber to store e-cigarette, cigar, cigarette, lip balm or lipstick, as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 25A-B . As with the wireless earbuds  520 , the charging station  510  charges the e-cigarette  530  using the internal battery  500  when it is stored in the storage chamber  501  and can be ejected from the storage chamber  501  by the retraction button  650 , as exemplary shown in  FIG. 25B . 
         [0087]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, an exterior antenna transmitter/receiver maybe fixedly mounted into the chamber structures  605  to enhance the signal reception of the handheld electronic device, such as a cellular or WI-FI reception for a cell phone. 
         [0088]    In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the carrier case  200  comprises multiple colored LED lights  550  to display a logo, advertisement or aesthetically pleasing patterns on the back of the case. Preferably, the LED lights  550  are connected to electronic device via wire or wirelessly such that the electronic device can control and change the patterns, logo or advertisement displayed by the LED lights  550 . 
         [0089]    Other features exterior look may be configured as described in  FIGS. 7-12  for matching a handheld device, with sufficient apertures configured on the sides for accessing the buttons of the device. These views are provided for non-limiting illustrative purposes. As will be noted in  FIG. 13 , the upper lip region is slightly larger to encompass the particular audio jack (3.5 mm type) in these versions, but should jack-access be on the bottom region, the larger region in the case would be optionally positioned to allow insertion and removal appropriate to the electronic device. Although,  FIGS. 7-12  show the carrier case for use with a cell phone or smart phone, it is appreciated that the inventive carrier case can be applied to any hand held electronic device, such as a tablet, e-reader, MP3 device and a remote control device for controlling operating an electronic device, such as TVs, blu-ray players, video-streaming players, etc. 
         [0090]    Regarding  FIGS. 13-15 , illustrative exemplary actuation systems  301 ,  302 ,  303  in accordance with embodiments of the claimed invention are provided. In actuation system  301  as exemplary shown in  FIGS. 13A-B , an audio jack element or earphone plug (e.g.,  105 , or  225 ) can be removed and inserted using a wedge member  310  by the moving or sliding the plug button  315  towards the jack element  225  (as exemplary shown in  FIG. 13A ) to drive wedge  310  under and thus lift the jack element  225  out of the receiving hole  112  (e.g., an audio port) in the handheld electronic device  110 . Thereafter, the plug button  315  is moved away from the jack element  225  (as exemplary shown in  FIG. 13B ) and the jack element  225  is pushed downwardly into the receiving hold  112  to reinstall the jack for desired use. In this way, a user can easily (and one-handedly) remove and reinsert the jack element  225  and thus activate and deactivate the earbud system. 
         [0091]    As exemplary shown in  FIG. 14 , a lever member  314  has a projecting portion  315  through a case opening and a fixed position  316  allowing member  314  to operate as a pivot lever. Lever member  314  is configured to capture the jack element or earphone plug  105 ,  225  and control its movement relative to the insertion axis, and thus similarly lifting or removing the earphone plug  105 ,  225  in direction A from the receiving hole  112  of the electronic device and inserting the earphone plug  105 ,  225  in direction B into the receiving hole  112  of the electronic device. 
         [0092]    As exemplary shown in  FIG. 15 , a pivot member  320  is captively pivotable within case  100 ,  200  to operably secure the jack member or earphone plug  105 ,  225  to the electronic device. The pivot member  320  is operable in pivot motion A to remove earphone plug  105 ,  225  from the receiving hole  112  of the electronic device and operable in pivot motion B to insert the earphone plug  105 ,  225  into the receiving hole  112  of the electronic device. Such pivoting may be threaded (both pivot and rising/lowering), or may be a pivot-wedge system (pivot-driving-a-wedge for lifting with press-return) without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, each of these alternative and operative mechanisms, or means, are insertion-removal means and are not limited to the present alternative illustrations, but instead include all related variations that accomplish a similar function. 
         [0093]    In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures. 
         [0094]    Having described at least one of the embodiments of the claimed invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the presently disclosed system without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.