Abstract:
A protective case for a portable electronic device which incorporates a spool assembly containing a user dispensable and retractable Industry standard or OEM charge/sync cable. The case provides the user with the utility of always having a charge/sync cable available when needed while being discreetly housed in a low-profile ergonomically pleasing package. The case and spool assembly provide the user with up to 3 Ft or more of cable available for dispensing from the case while allowing the portable electronic device to be charged/synced at any desired dispensed length of cable, and can be manufactured using any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite. The dispensed cable and connector can be rewound onto the spool manually using the spool finger pockets.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/453,818 filed on Aug. 7, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Today&#39;s society has adopted technology on a broad scale. This includes the adoption of personal hand held electronics for use in playing music, playing games, making phone calls, navigating the Internet, tracking your exact location, checking the weather, etc. These electronic devices have taken the form of iPods®, iPhones®, iPads®, OEM Cell Phones, Personal Data Assistants (PDA&#39;s), handheld GPS navigation devices, portable music players, and the like. All of these handheld portable devices are battery powered and require charging with an external charge/sync cable specific to the OEMs charging and interconnect requirements. Today&#39;s increased use of video streaming and GPS navigation on the latest smartphones have put a strain on battery capacity and uninterrupted device use. This battery demand has required the device user to charge their devices more frequently. However, to be able to charge the device, the user must possess the charge/sync cable. In addition, the cable must be compatible with the specific OEM requirements, such as USB micro, USB mini, Lightning®, JAE 30-pin, etc. All popular electronic devices such as those listed above use a charging/sync cable that has a common distal end connector, currently at the time of filing, this distal connector is the industry standard USB Type A 4-pin shrouded male/plug connector, however the scope of this invention covers any type or gender of OEM proprietary or industry standard distal connector. This invention solves the problem of the user not having a charging/sync cable on their person when needed to recharge the portable electronic device. In addition to always physically being attached to the device and always electrically connected to the device, the distal connector is dispensable up to 3 Ft or more from the device, allowing the portable electronic device to be used as designed during the charging/sync time duration. Once charged or the sync is complete, the user can quickly and conveniently manually recoil the cable back into its low profile storage position on the portable electronic device by radially spinning the spool assembly top clockwise with the users finger placed into one or more of the spool finger pockets. This invention performs this utility in the form of two protective case assembly halves either of which may house a coiled and spooled device compatible charge/sync cable, which can be dispensed from the case assembly and returned to the case assembly using only ones fingers. 
     Others have devised methods to address the need for more battery power as is referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,698 Chen et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,531,833 whereby a protective case is fitted with an external additional battery. While this does extend battery life and thus usage time, once that time has expired, the user must find the appropriate charge/sync cable and plug the distal connector into a power and/or data source. With no cable, there is no additional/recharge power, regardless of the battery presence in the case. With this invention, the user is never without a charge/sync cable physically and electrically connected to the portable electronic device, and the user is never without the ability to plug the distal connector into a USB Type A or equivalent power source receptacle. In other prior art such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,978 Zoller, a means is provided to “coil” a charge/sync cable around a protruding spool feature coupled to the back of the device. While the patent covers the retraction of the spool back into the housing/case, the OEM end of the cable is not always connected/mated to the device, and the cable must be fully removed from the spool and manually connected to the portable electronic device before charging/sync. With the present invention, the charge/sync cable is always physically and electrically connected at the OEM connector end and is ready for use once the distal connector is dispensed and connected to a USB Type A or equivalent power source receptacle. U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,172 Monaco et al., provides several utilities in its case design such as drop protection, a belt clip, bottle opener, and earphone storage and dispensing, however it does not provide an integrated charge/sync cable. 
     While U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,001 Wu, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,255,595 Lo, is a transmission line wire winding device which is pulled at one end, it is not integrated into a protective portable electronic device case, nor does its fixed end constantly remain mated to the portable electronic device during the storage and use cycle. In addition, the present invention utilizes electrical contacts that are significantly different than those shown by Wu and Lo, and in the present invention, these contacts are applied in a manner that allows for the deflection of the contact beams within the thickness of the PCB to which they are soldered. U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,868 O&#39;Dowd et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 8,634,887 Hu et al., show means of applying a protective case or cover to a portable device, however, the present invention utilizes different geometry to that shown in the above referenced patents to temporarily connect the 2 case halves together. More specifically, latch geometry was specifically designed in this invention that allows the two case assembly halves to be snapped together relatively easily, while remaining fairly difficult to disconnect, which provides case integrity and functionality during normal use and abuse of the portable electronic device, however allows easy de-attachment of the lower case assembly half to allow unrestricted device “docking” to 3 rd  party accessory devices. U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,887 Fischer, shows a manual earphone retraction apparatus, which is not a charge/sync cable, which could be incorporated into a portable electronic device case. The embodiment and claims therein show a retraction spool with one or more “spherical” depressions for the acceptance of one&#39;s finger to wind. The present invention incorporates a similar spool, however incorporates “conical” depressions, (not “spherical” depressions as depicted and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,365,887 Fischer, featuring steep side walls and flat depression bottoms which provide better finger retention in the case spool assembly during the radial winding operation. In U.S. Pat. No. 8,123,552 Hsu et al., a portable storage box is presented which is also similar to the present invention, however it is designed for external portable hard drives specifically. It also requires the device/portable hard drive to be permanently mounted to the case assembly and does not allow easy case assembly removal for device maintenance or device “docking”. In US Application 2013/0020425 Grassi et al., a protective case for electronic devices is proposed which incorporates storage for earphones and a charge/sync cable. However, Grassi requires the user to remove both ends of the charge/sync cable and earphone cables from the case and then plug both ends of the charge/sync cable or earphone cable into their respective device port locations for charging and/or sync, or headphone use to occur. The present invention provides a constant mating condition to the device regardless of the length of cable dispensed, while the case assembly is attached to the portable electronic device, and allows for cable dispensing to occur from the distal end only to connect the portable electronic device to the power/sync source. In addition, due to the always connected/mated nature of the case/connector in the present invention, the life of the OEM device integrated female connector is significantly extended by reducing the number of device/cable mates required for the lifespan of the device, and reducing the portable electronic device OEM connector to exposure of moisture and debris. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is a primary objective of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems and limitations by providing a protective case for a portable electronic device which incorporates a spool assembly containing an integrated user dispensable and retractable OEM or industry standard charge/sync cable. 
     To achieve the aforementioned objectives the present invention provides a protective case which is comprised of 2 case housing sub-assemblies. The 2 case housing halves/assemblies are defined as 1) the nosecone housing assembly, and 2) the lower housing assembly. These 2 complimentary housing assemblies encase and protect a portable electronic device whereby the electronic device slides into a constraining pocket available on each of the case assembly halves which have flat inner back surfaces, device curve following side walls and integrated top retaining lip features. The retaining lips are optimally sized to provide reliable device retention, while also providing enough “slip-fit” clearance to allow the user to easily assemble and dis-assemble the case from the portable electronic device. The lower housing assembly includes a fixed and terminated OEM proprietary, or industry standard proximal connector which mates with the portable electronic device upon the 2 case housing halves latching together. The 2 case housing halves are joined together by an interconnecting latch with boss and pocket features that are built into each case assembly housing. The “beam” latches are symmetrical to the longitudinal or y-axis of the device, and are designed to allow easy assembly and latching of the 2 halves, while providing a higher retraction or dis-assembly force to provide case integrity during normal assembled/latched use and abuse. The dis-assembly force is such that dis-assembly is still relatively easy with a moderate tug which allows for the lower housing assembly to be removed for device maintenance, cleaning, or docking to 3 rd  party accessories. 
     The nosecone housing assembly contains geometric features that allow for the uninhibited and unrestricted use of the device interfaces, such as the on/off switch and the up and down volume buttons. The nosecone housing also has a recessed camera viewport for unrestricted and unaltered photo/video functionality of the device. In addition, the nosecone housing has optional geometric features that allow for the viewing of a device OEM logo. The nosecone housing is designed to be compatible with injection molding manufacturing and has been designed to be compatible with industry standard mold design and/or machining processes. The nosecone housing can be made using any commercially available thermoplastic such as ABS® or any metal, wood, or composite. The nosecone housing has several shallow pockets on its surface designed to accept thin protective and anti-slip elastomeric decals, each with adhesive on one side. 
     The lower housing assembly is comprised of an upper and lower housing half, a spool assembly comprised of a stator PCB assembly, an Industry standard USB Type A connectorized and terminated pigtail assembly, a rotor PCB and contact assembly, an OEM Industry standard connector pigtail assembly, and protective/anti-slip elastomeric decals, each with adhesive on one side. The lower housing assembly upper and lower housing halves have been designed to be compatible with injection molding manufacturing and have been designed to be compatible with industry standard mold design. The lower housing upper and lower housing halves can be made using any commercially available thermoplastic such as ABS®, any metal, wood, or composite. The lower housing upper &amp; lower housing halves have several shallow pockets on their surfaces which are designed to accept thin protective and anti-slip decals of rubber, each with a PSA adhesive on one side. 
     The present invention allows the user to dispense the USB Type A charge/sync connector by pulling at only one end, with more than 3 ft. of charge cable being potentially pulled from the case assembly. This allows the user to fully use the features and capabilities of the electronic device while the device is charging or syncing. Once charging or syncing is complete, the present invention allows the user to quickly and easily retract or recoil the USB Type A connector and attached cable by spinning/winding the spool assembly using a finger pressed into one of the circular conical depressions on the spool top surface, or by use of a recoil spring, the cable can be automatically rewound onto the spool assembly. The present invention by means of the PCBs and electrical contacts allows the user to charge/sync the portable electronic device in any dispensed/extracted length position of USB Type A connector. The present invention can be manufactured using industry standard tooling and techniques, no special assembly tooling is required. The present invention also is manufactured using industry standard OEM cable assemblies so as to be compatible with all current and future OEM portable electronic devices such as the ever evolving designs of cell phones. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1 . Is a top left ISO view of the invention in its assembled condition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its stored condition. 
         FIG. 2 . Is a bottom right ISO view of the invention in its assembled condition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its stored condition. 
         FIG. 3 . Is a top left ISO view of the invention in its assembled condition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its partially dispensed position. 
         FIG. 4 . Is a bottom right ISO view of the invention in its assembled condition with the USB Type A charge/sync connector in its partially dispensed position. Some of the elastomeric decals are highlighted in this view. 
         FIG. 5 . Is a top left ISO view of the device with the nosecone assembly and lower housing assembly shown in their unmated condition. All relevant device features are defined in this view. 
         FIG. 6 . Is a top left ISO view of the lower housing assembly shown in its exploded state. 
         FIG. 7 . Is a top left ISO view of the stator PCB, rotor PCB and spool assembly shown in an exploded state. 
         FIG. 8 . Is a bottom left ISO view of the stator PCB, rotor PCB and spool assembly shown in an exploded state. 
         FIG. 9 . Is a bottom left ISO view of the rotor PCB and coiled USB Type A cable assembly shown in an exploded state. 
         FIG. 10 . Is a bottom left ISO view of the rotor PCB and coiled USB Type A cable assembly shown in an assembled state. 
         FIG. 11 . Is a combination Plan, Section, and Detail view of the Stator PCB, Rotor PCB, and Spool Assembly shown in the assembled condition. This view is meant to highlight the electrical contact and its normal force deflection condition, and that the deflection occurs in plane with the thickness of the rotor PCB to which it is soldered. 
         FIG. 12 . Is a back left ISO view of the case assembly only with the nosecone assembly and lower housing assembly slightly unmated to highlight the interlocking features of both assemblies. 
         FIG. 13 . Is a top right ISO of the lower housing lower half to highlight the lower housing lower half features. 
         FIG. 14 . Is a back right ISO of the lower housing lower half to highlight the lower housing lower half features. 
         FIG. 15 . Is a bottom left ISO of the lower housing upper half to highlight the lower housing upper half features. 
         FIG. 16 . Is a top left ISO of the lower housing upper half to highlight the lower housing upper half features. 
         FIG. 17 . Is a top right ISO of the nosecone to highlight the nosecone features. 
         FIG. 18 . Is a bottom left ISO of the nosecone to highlight the nosecone features. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1 . Is a top left ISO view of the 2 protective case housing halves, nosecone housing assembly  110  and lower housing assembly  120  fully mated and assembled for use with a known portable electronic device  100 . The coordinate system shown in  FIG. 1 ., identifies the directions and axis referenced in this embodiment. 
       FIG. 2 . Is a back left ISO view of the 2 protective case housing halves, nosecone housing assembly  110  and lower housing assembly  120  fully mated and assembled for use with a known portable electronic device  100 . As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the protective case allows for the full and uninhibited use of the device functionality through the nosecone housing assembly viewport  115  and nosecone housing assembly mute pocket  117  and lower housing assembly speaker/microphone Port A  324  and lower housing assembly speaker/microphone Port B  325 . The present invention applies to all forms and manufacturers of portable electronic devices, and therefore different variations may include various “windows” or “ports” in various geometric positions on the protective case housing halves such as to highlight a manufacturer&#39;s logo, as is shown in the nosecone housing assembly core window  116 .  FIG. 2 . Additionally highlights the lower housing assembly spool assembly  500  which is used to hold the industry standard charge/sync cable pigtail assembly  800  and the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130 . The lower housing assembly USB Type A access port  326  is used to allow for the containment and protection of the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130 , and to allow for the dispensing and retracting/rewinding of the industry standard charge/sync cable pigtail assembly  800  and the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130  through the body of the lower housing assembly  120 . In addition,  FIG. 2 . Shows the elastomeric decal (such as rubber)—lower housing assembly—lower bottom  402 . This rubber decal and others that will be described later in this embodiment are designed for 3 main purposes, 1) drop and bump damage protection, 2) anti-slip properties in one&#39;s hands and on hard surfaces, 3) aesthetic beautification and style. In addition, the use of adhesive backed rubber decals allows for the maintenance and repair of the functionality described above. The decals can be made of any elastomeric material such as rubber, and can be of any color, or have any design or image imprinted on their top surface. The decals can be of smooth texture, or any other rougher texture or 3D profile/contour, and can be of any practical or varying thickness and not be limited to the 0.032″ constant thickness shown in the invention drawings. In both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130  is shown in its fully retracted and stored condition. 
       FIG. 3 . Again shows a top-left ISO view of the 2 protective case housing halves, nosecone housing assembly  110  and lower housing assembly  120  assembled for use with a known portable electronic device  100 .  FIG. 3 ., also shows the industry standard charge/sync cable pigtail assembly  800  and its associated Overmold USB type A  134  and connector USB Type A  133  shown in a partially dispensed position. The invention may include any nominal full length of cable that will fit onto a spool assembly and is not limited to any specific fully dispensed/extracted length. For the present invention, the spool holds approximately 3 Ft of extendable cable. This 3 Ft length allows the user to fully utilize the portable electronic device  100  while the device is plugged into a charge/sync port such as those found on laptop and desktop computers and more recently being integrated into vehicle cabins and wall electrical outlets.  FIG. 3  also shows the “butt-out”  150  of the housing  120  which extends a minimum of 0.21 inches from the device charge/sync port face to provide a surface area for one-handed holding of the electronic device without obscuring the device screen. The bump-out  150  also provides the housing space to accommodate the proximal device connector and its associated 180 degree bend of the cable. The bump-out also creates a corresponding “nook”  151 . This nook provides the user with a tactile way to discern the orientation of the portable device in one&#39;s pocket, or in poorly lit or visually obscured conditions. 
       FIG. 5 . Shows the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120  dis-assembled from the portable electronic device  100 . This dis-assembly of the nosecone housing assembly  110  is performed by the user by applying a Y-axial force that is sufficient to overcome the latching force imparted by latching features  117 ,  118 ,  302 ,  303  shown in  FIG. 12 . The complete removal of the nosecone housing assembly  110  is accomplished by overcoming the friction forces of the volume up button  203  and volume down button  202  shown in  FIG. 17 . Dis-assembly of the lower housing assembly  120  from the portable electronic device  100  is performed by the user by applying a Y-axial force that is sufficient to overcome the latching force imparted by latching features  117 ,  118 ,  302 ,  303  shown in  FIG. 12 . For purposes of “docking” the portable electronic device  100  with 3 rd  party accessories such as a with a portable music player/speakers, the nosecone housing assembly  110  can be left in the assembled state on the portable electronic device  100  while only the lower housing assembly  120  is easily and temporarily removed.  FIG. 5 ., also shows typical features found on a portable electronic device such as the electronic device on/off switch  103 , the electronic device top camera  109 A, the electronic device bottom camera  109 B, the electronic device screen  107 , the electronic device interface button  104 , the electronic device speaker/microphone A  101 A, the electronic device speaker/microphone B  101 B, the electronic device charge/sync port  102 , the electronic device headphone port  105 , the electronic device volume down button  106 A, the electronic device volume up button  106 B, and the electronic device mute switch  108 . 
       FIG. 6 ., Shows a top left ISO exploded view of the lower housing assembly  120 . The lower housing assembly lower half  301  can be made of any thermoplastic, metal, wood or composite, and forms the base of the lower housing assy. The lower housing assembly upper half  320  can be made of any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite, and is permanently glued or bonded to the lower housing assembly lower half  301  using the housing latching features  311  and  308  shown in  FIG. 13 ., latching feature  314  shown in  FIG. 14 ., and interlock lips  327  and alignment posts  321  shown in  FIG. 15 . The lower housing assy OEM connector pigtail assy  190  is shown in an exploded position in  FIG. 6 . and is not modified from its vendor or OEM supplied condition, however the cable  800  has been cut approximately 3 inches from the connector shown in  FIG. 6  to allow the pigtail assy  190  to be electrically terminated to the lower housing stator PCB  180 . The lower housing assembly spool assembly  500 , and lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130 , is shown in its exploded position in  FIG. 6 ., and interacts with the lower housing halves  301  and  320 , and lower housing assembly stator PCB  180 . Also shown in  FIG. 6 . are various rubber decals used to provide protection and anti-slip functionality as well as aesthetic beautification of the protective case. These decals are the lower housing assembly top trim  413 , lower housing assembly top thumb rest  412 , lower housing assembly left side  404 , and lower housing assembly back  410 . 
       FIG. 7 ., is a top left ISO view of the following isolated main components, the lower housing stator PCB  180 , the lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly  190 , and the lower housing assembly spool assembly  500 . Looking at the lower housing and assembly stator PCB  180  in more detail, it can be seen that there are several alignment/mounting holes  183  which are used to align and mount the stator PCB  180  to the lower housing assembly lower half  301 . Also shown are the stator PCB via holes  183  which are used to connect the PCB top and bottom traces together electrically. The stator PCB center hub hole  181  is used to form a radial bearing surface for the lower housing spool assembly  500 . The lower housing assembly rotor PCB  510  is shown in  FIG. 7 ., and radially interacts with the lower housing assembly stator PCB to provide continuous electrical connections between the lower housing assembly OEM connector pigtail assembly  190  and the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  at any length of extraction from the protective case. Looking at the rotor PCB  510  in more detail, the rotor PCB anti-rotation slot  513  can be seen. This anti-rotation slot mates with and is glued/bonded to the spool top anti-rotation boss  521  and once mated creates the spool assembly  500 . The width of the spool assembly that is used to accommodate the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  is determined by the spool top cable width boss  522 . The rotor PCB contact heel mount  515  is used to locate, align and electrically terminate the rotor PCB contact  700  shown in  FIG. 11 . The rotor PCB contact deflection slot  514  is used to locate, align, and provide a z-axis space for the PCB contact  700  to deflect upon assembly and provide a sufficient normal force to the stator PCB constant contact pads  184 ,  185 ,  186 ,  187 , and  188  shown in  FIG. 8 . The rotor PCB center hub hole  516  is used to allow the rotor PCB center hub  525  to pass through it and interact with the stator PCB center hub hole  181 . Also shown in  FIG. 7 . is the overmold USB Type A  134  and connector USB Type A  133  which are used to interface with the power source or computer for syncing. 
       FIG. 8 ., is a bottom left ISO view of the following isolated main components, the lower housing stator PCB  180 , the lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly  190 , and the lower housing assembly spool assembly  500 . A closer look at the spool top  520  shows at least one radially spaced spool top finger depression  524  used to retain the users finger during the rewinding/recoiling process of retrieving and storing the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130  into the case assembly. Other features of the spool top finger depression  524  are the spool top finger depression floor  527  which serves at the bottom of the depression, and the spool top finger depression conical wall  528  which is used to retain the users finger in the depression during the rewinding process of retrieving and storing the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130  into the case assembly. The spool top rewind direction arrow  523  is shown in  FIG. 8 ., and is provided as a visual aid for proper rewinding/recoiling operation. The spool top rotation bearing surface  526  is used to retain the spool assy  500  in the lower housing assembly  120  by bearing on the lower housing lower half spool pocket  307  shown in  FIG. 13 . Also shown in  FIG. 8 . Is the spool assembly epoxy strain relief ring  600  which is potted in place over the solder terminations of the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  to provide axial strain relief of the cable assembly when the cable is fully extracted and experiences an y-axis pull force from the user. 
       FIG. 9 ., is a bottom left ISO view of the lower housing spool assembly  500  shown in an exploded state. The rotor PCB contact  700  is shown assembled to the rotor PCB  510  by means of surface mount soldering techniques. The contact  700  is constrained to the PCB by means of a solder joint to the corresponding PCB wire termination pad  512 , and by the solder surrounding the “heel” of the contact  700  and wetted to the PCB plated thru hole  515 . 
       FIG. 10 ., is a top left ISO view of the lower housing spool assembly  500  shown in an assembled state. The industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  is shown in its soldered position to the rotor PCB  510 , and encapsulated in the epoxy strain relief ring  600 . The encapsulation material may be of any suitable potting material such as but not limited to, glue, epoxy, thermoplastic resin, etc. The encapsulate is designed to adhere to the rotor PCB  510 , and to the conductors and jacket material of the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  to provide y-axis strain relief during user extraction of the USB connector assembly  130 . The axial strain relief performance shall be sufficient to provide damage protection during normal use and abuse by the user. 
       FIG. 11 ., shows a top plan view of the isolated components the lower housing stator PCB  180 , the lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly  190 , and the lower housing assembly spool assembly  500 . The lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly  190  is soldered to the stator PCB  180  by means of the stator PCB wire solder pads  186  and stator PCB ground solder pad  187 .  FIG. 11 ., section A-A shows the section view of the isolated components the lower housing stator PCB  180 , the lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly  190 , and the lower housing assembly spool assembly  500  used to identify Detail F.  FIG. 11 ., shows a 5:1 scale view of the lower housing assembly stator PCB  180 , the lower housing assembly rotor PCB  510 , the rotor PCB contact  700 , and the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  shown in the assembled condition. Detail F shows a cross section view of the assembly and highlights the rotor PCB contact deflection slot  514  which allows the rotor PCB contact  700  to deflect upon spool assembly creating a contact bearing normal force sufficient to create a reliable and constant electrical connection between the rotor PCB  510 , and the stator PCB  180  which completes the electrical connections of the industry standard charge/sync pigtail assembly  800  and the lower housing OEM connector pigtail assembly  190 , which when in the assembled state shown in  FIG. 1 , will allow for the charging and/or syncing of the portable electronic device  100  when the lower housing assembly USB Type A connector assembly  130  is extracted from the case by the users finger and is plugged into a USB Type A power source or computer USB port. The rotor PCB contact  700  utilizes 2 deflection beams for redundant 2 point contact with the stator PCB  180  constant contact pads  184 ,  185 ,  186 ,  187 , and  188  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 12 ., is a bottom left ISO view of the protective case assembly with the lower housing assembly  120  shown slightly disengaged from the nosecone housing assembly  110 . The lower housing assembly  120  is connected and retained to the nosecone housing assembly  110  by means of the symmetrically opposed latching features comprised of the nosecone latching pocket  117  and the corresponding lower housing latching boss  304 . The resultant latching force shall be sufficient to retain the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120  together during normal device usage, and thereby protectively encasing the portable electronic device  100 . The nosecone latch lead-in ramp  118 , is designed in such a manner as to have the lead-in angle be shallow with respect to the steeper ramp angle of the lower housing latching ramp  303 . This design intent results in a smaller y-axis force being required to mate/latch the lower housing assembly  120  to the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and a relatively higher y-axis force being required to un-mate/de-latch the lower housing assembly  120  from the nosecone housing assembly  110 . This assures that the 2 housing halves do not inadvertently become de-latched during normal use of the portable electronic device  100 . The latching of the two housing halves is accomplished by the beam deflection of the symmetrical lower housing latching bosses  304 , and the subsequent relaxing of those bosses to nest into the corresponding symmetrically opposed nosecone housing latching pockets  117 . The magnitude of the mating/latching force of the 2 housing halves is controlled by the lead-in angle of the nosecone housing latch lead-in ramp  118 , the height of the lower housing latching bosses  304 , and the depth of the lower nosecone latching pockets  117 . All nosecone housing latch features are designed to be compatible with current industry standard injection molding and machining techniques. Also shown in  FIG. 12 ., are more adhesive backed rubber decals such as the rubber decal nosecone assy front  406 , the rubber decal lower housing assembly left side  411 , and the rubber decal lower housing assembly lower bottom  402 . These rubber decals are designed to mount in shallow conformal pockets in the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120 , and by design of the depth of the pockets and the thickness of the adhesive backed rubber decals, the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120 , which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality. 
       FIG. 13 ., is a top right ISO view of the lower housing lower half  301 , which can be made of any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite, and can either be manufactured by means of injection molding or machining. The lower housing lower half  301 , is designed to mate and be permanently bonded to the lower housing upper half  320  shown in  FIG. 15 . The intent of having a lower housing lower half  301  and a lower housing upper half  320  is to allow each half to be easily manufactured by means of injection molding or machining. The lower housing lower half alignment mating holes  305 , are used in combination with the lower housing lower half alignment/mating posts  308 , to align the lower housing lower half  301  to the lower housing upper half  320  during the manufacturing bonding process of the two halves to each other. In addition, to add strength to the lower housing assembly, the symmetrically opposed lower housing lower half interlock pockets  311 A and  311 B, mate and are permanently bonded with the corresponding lower housing upper half interlocking lips  327 A, and  327 B. The lower housing lower half OEM pigtail strain relief pocket  306  is used to provide a space for the excess cable to “live” after assembly/bonding of the stator PCB  180  to the lower housing assembly lower half  301 . The lower housing lower half spool pocket is designed to constrain the spool assembly  500  as the lower housing connector assembly  130  is extracted and retrieved by means of rotation about the z-axis. The lower housing lower half cable restricting slot  309  is designed to orient the OEM pigtail cable assembly  800  with the orientation of same cable assembly as it is wound onto spool assembly  500 . This rectangular aperture/slot matches the profile of the pigtail cable assembly  800 , and assures that the cable will not get twisted on the spool and assures consistent reliable operation of the spool assembly  500 . The lower housing lower half core pocket  310  provides no functional or aesthetic function to the invention, however provides a more consistent wall thickness of the lower housing lower half component  301 , and prevents unwanted defects in the injection molding process such as sinks or unwanted warping. The lower housing lower half USB port pocket  318 , is designed to guide and constrain the lower housing connector assembly  130 , as it engages/enters/exits the lower housing assembly  120 . 
       FIG. 14 ., is a bottom right ISO view of the lower housing lower half  301 , where the lower housing lower half USB Type A dispensing pocket  317  is designed to allow user to advance the lower housing connector assembly  130  sufficiently past the entry/exit face of the lower housing assembly  120 , such that the user can grab the lower housing connector assembly  130 , with one&#39;s fingers to extract a desired length of the OEM cable assembly  800 , to reach the external power source and/or data port. Also shown in  FIG. 14 ., are several shallow rubber decal pockets, such as the lower housing lower half upper bottom decal pocket  312 , the lower housing lower half left side decal pocket  314 , the lower housing lower half back decal pocket  315 , and the lower housing lower half lower bottom decal pocket  313 , which are designed to accept the thickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120 , which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality. 
     The lower housing lower half OEM pigtail strain relief pocket  316 , is designed to provide a minimum of 0.21 inches of y-axis space where the OEM pigtail assembly  190  can make a 180 degree transition during assembly. 
       FIG. 15 ., is a bottom left ISO view of the lower housing upper half  320  showing the lower housing upper half alignment/mounting posts  321 , which are used during alignment and permanent bonding to the lower housing assembly lower half  301  and its alignment/mating holes  305 . The lower housing upper half OEM pigtail pocket  322 , is designed to provide a space where the OEM pigtail assembly  190  can make a 180 degree transition during assembly. The lower housing upper half USB Type A pocket  319 , is complimentary to feature  318 , and is designed to allow the user to advance the lower housing connector assembly  130  sufficiently past the entry/exit face of the lower housing assembly  120 , such that the user can grab the lower housing connector assembly  130 , with one&#39;s fingers to extract a desired length of the OEM cable assembly  800  to reach the external power supply or sync port. Both the lower housing lower half  301 , and the lower housing upper half  320 , have been designed to be compatible with current industry standard injection molding and machining techniques. The lower housing upper half speaker/microphone Port A  324 , and the lower housing upper half speaker/microphone Port B  325 , are designed to allow for the undisturbed sound access and egress to the portable electronic device speaker/microphone Ports  101 A and  101 B. The symmetrically opposed lower housing upper half interlocking lips  327 A and  327 B are designed to mate and be permanently bonded with the lower housing lower half interlock pockets  327 A and  327 B to add mechanical strength and stability to the lower housing assembly  120 . The lower housing upper half device retaining lip  326  is designed to retain the portable electronic device  100  in the z-axis when assembled into the lower housing assembly  120 , and to provide a surface to accommodate the top trim decal pocket  329  shown in  FIG. 16 . The lower housing upper half side decal pockets  326  and  327  have depths of the pockets designed to accept the thickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120 , which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality. 
       FIG. 16 ., is a top left ISO view of the lower housing upper half  320 , where the lower housing upper half top trim decal pocket  329 , the lower housing upper half back decal pocket  331 , and the lower housing upper half top thumb rest decal pocket  332 , are designed to accept the thickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone assembly  110 , and the lower housing assembly  120 , which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality. The lower housing upper half top mic ports  330 A and  330 B are designed to allow for sound access and egress from the portable electronic device speaker/mic ports  101 A and  101 B. 
       FIG. 17 ., is a top right ISO view of the nosecone housing component  111 , which can be manufactured using any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite material using any standard manufacturing process such as injection molding or machining.  FIG. 17 ., also highlights the nosecone housing volume down button  203 , and the nosecone housing volume up button  204  which are sub-components of the nosecone housing assembly  110  and may be manufactured from any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite using any standard manufacturing process such as injection molding or machining. Buttons  203  and  204  are designed to provide an extension of the portable electronic device volume down button  106 , and volume up button  107  through the nosecone housing volume up port aperture  112 , and nosecone housing volume down port aperture  113 . The nosecone housing volume button relief pocket  125 , is incorporated into the nosecone housing  111 , to provide space for the retaining lip of the nosecone housing buttons  202  and  203 . In a similar manner, the nosecone housing on/off button  201 , may be manufactured from any thermoplastic, metal, wood, or composite using any standard manufacturing process such as injection molding or machining. Nosecone housing on/off button  201 , is designed to provide an extension of the portable electronic device on/off button  103  through the nosecone housing on/off button port  114 , allowing the user uninhibited use of the device functionality. The nosecone housing mute pocket  117  is provided to allow the user unrestricted access and use of the electronic device mute switch  108 . The nosecone housing top trim decal pocket  126 , and the nosecone housing right side decal pocket  124 , are designed to accept the thickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone housing assembly  110 , which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality.  FIG. 17 ., also highlights the nosecone housing retaining lip  115 , which is designed to retain the portable electronic device  100  in the z-axis when assembled into the nosecone housing assembly  110 , and to provide a surface to accommodate the nosecone housing top trim decal pocket  126 . The nosecone housing device retaining lip  115 , in combination with the lower housing upper half device retaining lip  326  when fully assembled and interlocked with the electronic device  100 , form an unobstructed viewing port for the electronic device screen  100 , the electronic device top camera  109 A, and the electronic device interface button  104 . 
       FIG. 18 ., is a bottom left ISO view of the nosecone component  111 , and highlights the nosecone housing core window  116 , which is designed to allow viewing of an OEM electronic device logo, and prevents unwanted defects in the injection molding process such as sinks or unwanted warping. The nosecone housing viewport  115  is incorporated into the nosecone housing  111  to allow unaltered access to the electronic device bottom camera  109 B, without imparting any unwanted image distortion or artifacts of the device imaging during normal use. The nosecone housing bottom decal pocket  119 , nosecone housing front decal pocket  120 , and the nosecone housing left side decal pocket  122 , are designed to accept the thickness of the corresponding adhesive backed rubber decals, whereas the exposed top surface of the decals shall protrude some distance beyond the top surfaces of the nosecone housing assembly  110 , which adds non-slip functionality of the case assembly, as well as shock absorbing drop or bump protection functionality and aesthetic beautification.