Patent Publication Number: US-2015060129-A1

Title: Portable Electromagnetic Interference Shield

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/923,255, file on Jun. 20, 2013, entitled “Portable Electromagnetic Interference Shield with Flexible Cavity,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/471,246, filed May 14, 2012, entitled “Portable Electromagnetic Interference Shield,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/486,124, entitled “Portable EMI Shield,” filed May 13, 2011. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/923,255 also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/824,317, filed May 16, 2013, entitled “Portable Electromagnetic Interference Shield with Flexible Cavity.” Each of the foregoing applications are incorporated in their entirety here by this reference. 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to electromagnetic interference (EMI) enclosures, and more specifically relates to portable EMI enclosures for use in shielding electronics from EMI and wireless communication signals. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     EMI shields are useful for many purposes, specifically for protecting forensic evidence. If a portable wireless device is taken from its owner it is important to ensure that the data on the device is not altered in any way from the point of seizure. One method of ensuring this is to shield the device from incoming or outgoing wireless signals using a portable EMI enclosure. It is often desirable to access the device inside of the EMI enclosure to forensically analyze the data it contains while keeping the evidence shielded from EMI signals. It may also be desirable to charge the device while inside of the EMI enclosure. 
     Prior to this invention, portable EMI enclosures did not provide a method for maintaining EMI shielding while accessing the device inside via cable for either data acquisition, charging, or both. Thus, there is a need for a method of accessing and connecting to a portable wireless device via cable while it is inside of a portable EMI enclosure, without compromising the shielding. 
     It is also desirable, or sometimes necessary, to manually operate a device inside of a portable EMI enclosure. Portable wireless devices with touchscreens are particularly problematic to operate inside of portable EMI enclosures. Thus, there is also a need for a method of operating portable wireless devices with touchscreens inside of portable EMI enclosures. 
     Portable EMI shields that allow one to preview devices contained therein shield EMI signals less effectively than portable EMI enclosures that do not allow one to preview the devices contained inside. This is most often noticed when transporting wireless devices inside of EMI enclosures. The reason why this is most often noticed during transport is because it is at this time that a portable wireless device could come close to a signal tower. The closer a wireless device is to a signal tower, the better chance it will have of connecting with the signal from that tower, rendering the EMI enclosure useless. 
     EMI enclosures that allow access to a device within the enclosure and shield signals effectively exist but they are not portable. They are heavy, metal-lined enclosures as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,200 to Ramsey. 
     Many prior art portable EMI enclosures do not allow cable access to a device inside without compromising their shielding. When operated correctly, they are bags that become a sealed container as in U.S. Pat. No. 7,601,921 to Shroader. 
     Also, prior art portable EMI enclosures do not allow a human to operate a touchscreen device inside, and prior art portable EMI enclosures that allow a preview of devices inside shield less effectively than portable EMI enclosures that do not allow preview. 
     Usage of touch screen devices inside of Faraday bags or other portable radio frequency shielding enclosures is difficult. The Faraday material (metalized fabric) is capacitive, therefore emulating the touch of a finger and contacting the device screen at multiple points. Solutions exist that provide methods of usage, but they are generally not efficient. 
     For example, one device includes a block of foam surrounding a touch screen device, which holds the Faraday material above the screen. A finger is pushed into the center of the foam, against the Faraday material, which contacts the screen at a single point. However, sliding a finger or another device across such an interface would be difficult. 
     In another device, a hard-sided RF shielding enclosure categorized as “non-portable” device is used. Although efficient, these methods are cumbersome. For example, a hard-sided RF shielding isolation box mated with two gloves allows the user to place his hands inside of the gloves, and is able to operate a device inside of the box. However, the gloves are double-layered, and form-fitting to a hand. They are not efficient to use on touch screens due to the one-size-fits-all glove format, which leaves loose fabric at fingertips for smaller hands. When extra fabric bunches at the fingertips, multiple points of contact are made on the device screen. The double layer of fabric adds to the problem by reducing the ability to accurately contact the screen. 
     In another device a user can place her hands inside of the Faraday box through a sleeve. Sleeves formed from Faraday material contact the user&#39;s arms directly. However, this system is not ideal as it offers the potential for radio frequencies to enter the box when the user&#39;s arms are removed from the sleeves. 
     Furthermore, none of the existing devices address the ability to open and close the RF shielding device to insert or remove additional devices to the shielding device without compromising an existing electronic device already in the shielding device. Current RF shielding enclosures, both portable and non-portable, are built with a single cavity. Devices placed inside of the cavity will no longer be shielded from signals when the cavity is reopened. This limits the ability of the operator to place other devices inside of the cavity, such as a stylus to operate the device more effectively, a battery to provide auxiliary power, or a forensic product that can extract information from the device. 
     Finally, current RF shielding enclosures, both portable and non-portable, are designed with a static form-factor. Non-portable enclosures are typically made with rigid materials, which are neither flexible nor expandable. Portable enclosures typically have two or three sides, which may be flexible, but not expandable. If an irregularly shaped object is placed inside of the enclosure, it may not fit correctly. Examples of these types of objects may be a phone with a power source connected to it, a router with antenna, or a tablet with a bulky case. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an EMI shield comprised of a main enclosure and an auxiliary enclosure, both of which are properly constructed to shield an electronic device from EMI. The auxiliary enclosure is made from elastic material that possesses shielding properties to prevent EMI from reaching an electronic device in the main enclosure or auxiliary enclosure. In the preferred embodiment, the auxiliary enclosure is in the form of a pouch. The pouch configuration provides a cost-effective design that is easy to use and provides the most versatility of features. 
     The auxiliary enclosure is also fastened to the main enclosure in a way that prevents EMI from entering the main enclosure through the seams used to attach the auxiliary enclosure to the main enclosure. In some embodiments, the auxiliary enclosure may be integrally formed with the main enclosure. 
     Both the main enclosure and the auxiliary enclosure are made of flexible material to accommodate electronic devices of irregular shapes or particularly large for bulky items. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the EMI shield according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is the EMI shield in  FIG. 1A  with a portion of the protective layer and the shielding layer lifted up and/or removed for clarity. 
         FIG. 2A  is a view of the back side of the sleeve of an EMI enclosure according of the present invention, the sleeve terminating with a metallic unit that may connect with the inner layer(s) of metalized fabric as well as the outer layer(s) of protective fabric. The metallic unit may have a hole through it through which an auxiliary cable may protrude. As shown, a USB connection protrudes from the hole. 
         FIG. 2B  is a view of the front side of the sleeve of an EMI enclosure according to the present invention with the metallic unit removed, the sleeve having a hole through which an end connection of an auxiliary cable protrudes. As shown, a USB connection protrudes from the hole. 
         FIG. 2C  is a view of the front side of the sleeve of an EMI enclosure according to the present invention with a portion of a connection removed for clarity of the internal structure, the sleeve having a hole through which an auxiliary cable may protrude. As shown, the auxiliary cable includes metalized shielding or an EMI filter which may be spliced at the end and connected with the metallic unit, which in turn contacts the entire EMI enclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a view of the front side of a portion of the embodiment of the EMI enclosure according to the present invention showing the auxiliary cable and filter unit outside of the EMI enclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a view of the filter enclosure connected to an auxiliary cable that may be a component of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a view of the filter enclosure wherein the metallic portion of an auxiliary cable connection is mated to the filter enclosure in such a way that the device cable connection can become part of the complete EMI enclosure according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a view of small EMI filter that may be placed in between the end connection of a device cable and an auxiliary cable that runs inside of the sleeve of the enclosure according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a view of the inside of the main enclosure showing a filter enclosure according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is the view of  FIG. 4A  with a device cable connected to the filter enclosure. 
         FIG. 4C  is a view of another embodiment of the inside of the main enclosure showing a filter enclosure protruding from a hole without a sleeve. 
         FIG. 4D  is a view of the opposite end shown in  FIG. 4C  of the main enclosure from the outside of the main enclosure. 
         FIG. 4E  is a view of the EMI shielding enclosure showing a side with a transparent window, allowing preview of the contents of the enclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of an embodiment of the EMI shield of the present invention showing an inner magnet and a stylus with a magnet on the end allowing a user to contact the touchscreen and activate it. 
         FIG. 6A  is another embodiment of the enclosure in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 6B  is the enclosure of  FIG. 6A  in a partially closed figuration. 
         FIG. 6C  is the embodiment of the enclosure shown in  FIG. 6B  in the open configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a view of a cradle for holding and receiving a touchscreen device inside of an EMI enclosure according to the present invention that prevents the metalized fabric from resting on the touchscreen of the device inside. 
         FIG. 8  is a view of the EMI shielding enclosure according to the present invention that shows an opening that can be closed or opened to allow devices to enter or exit the enclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an optional secondary EMI enclosure without a preview window in which an EMI enclosure according to the present invention may be placed, the EMI enclosure shown partially placed inside the secondary EMI enclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention with portions cut away to show various features. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11  while in use. 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  with an electronic device isolated in an auxiliary enclosure. 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     The present invention is a shielding device or EMI shield  100  to protect electronic devices  10  from electromagnetic interference, radiofrequency interference, and any other wireless signals (generally referred to as EMI) that may interfere with, modify, or otherwise, compromise information stored, received, or transmitted by an electronic device  10 . The EMI shield  100  comprises a main enclosure  102  capable of fully covering or enclosing the electronic device  10 . In some embodiments, the EMI shield  100  may further comprise a means for accessing and connecting to the electronic device with an auxiliary cable  12 . For example, the means for accessing and connecting to the electronic device  10  with an auxiliary cable  12  may be a sleeve  104  connected to or integrally formed with the enclosure  102 . The sleeve may have a hole  106  or tunnel through which the auxiliary cable  12  can be fed, or the hole  106  may be directly on the enclosure  102  itself. 
     The enclosure  102  provides the shielding effect to the electronic device  10 . With reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the enclosure  102  may include an outer layer or protective layer  108  and an inner layer or shielding layer  110 . The protective layer  108  provides protection to the electronic device  10  as well as the shielding layer  110 . In some embodiments, the protective layer  108  may be made of a durable, but flexible material such as canvas, nylon, leather, and the like. In some embodiments, the protective layer  108  may be made of a more sturdy material such as foam. In some embodiments, the protective layer  108  may be made of a hard material such as metal or plastic. Therefore, in the embodiments utilizing sturdy or hard materials, the enclosure may have the appearance of a box or a clamshell container, whereas the flexible embodiments may be more like bags. However, the enclosure  102 , whether flexible, sturdy, or hard, can take on any shape, such as round, oval, triangular, rectangular, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the enclosure  102  is made up of a durable fabric protective layer  108 , such as canvas having a generally rectangle shape with two opposing surfaces  111 ,  113  defined by four sides  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122  connected to each other to form four corners  124 ,  126 ,  128 ,  130 . The protective layer  108  can be a single layer folded on top of itself and fastened at three of the four sides  118 ,  120 ,  122 , with one side  116  remaining unfastened so as to define an opening  131 . The open side  116  may comprise a fastening mechanism  133 , such as a hook and loop fastener, zipper, adhesive, buttons, and the like so that the opening  131  can be closed. In some embodiments, a strip of the hook portion  133   a  may be on the first surface  111  along the length of the top side  116 , and a strip of the loop portion  133   b  approximately the same length as the loop portion  133   b  may be on the second surface  113 , but shifted towards the opposite side  120 . The distance of the shift may be just over two widths of the strip so that when the strip of the hook portion  133   a  is folded over towards the second surface  113  twice, the strip of the hook portion  133   a  mates with the strip of the loop portion  133   b . In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism  133  may be on the inner surface of the enclosure at the top side  116  so that the inner surfaces of the enclosure  102  are mated together. In some embodiments, the fastening mechanism  133  may be on the outer surface and the inner surface to provide a dual fastening system. 
     In some embodiments, two separate protective layers  108  may be fastened together at three sides  118 ,  120 ,  122  to form the enclosure having an opening  131  at one side  116 . 
     The shielding layer  110  may comprise one or more layers of a metalized fabric, or other materials that can block EMI. The shielding layer  110  may have an opening that can be closed or opened to allow electronic devices to enter or exit the enclosure  102 . Essentially, the shielding layer  110  lines the interior of the enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, the shielding layer  110  may be loosely placed inside the enclosure  102 . Therefore, the shielding layer  110  may simply be a pouch much like the enclosure  102 , but slightly smaller to fit inside the enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, the shielding layer  110  may be stitched, glued, or otherwise fastened to the inner side of the enclosure  102 . In the preferred embodiment, to prevent any leaks or gaps in the shielding, the shielding layer  110  should be coextensive with the dimensions of the enclosure  102 . In addition, the sealed sides  118 ,  120 ,  122  may be folded over and sealed to create an overlap of the shielding layer  110  at the sides  118 ,  120 ,  122  to prevent any gaps. 
     To allow the electronic device  10  to be previewed or operated, a portion of one surface  111  of the enclosure  102  may have a transparent portion or window  112 . This window  112  may be comprised of a transparent protective layer made of a clear or see-through plastic, rubber, silicon, glass, and the like. In embodiments having a transparent window  112 , the shielding layer  110  must also have a transparent window or transparent portion  114  overlapping with the transparent window  112  of the enclosure so that the transparent portion  114  permits the device  10  to be seen while the transparent window  112  provides a protective covering for the transparent portion  114  of the shielding layer  110 . To create a portion of the shielding layer  110  that is transparent while still providing a shielding effect, the thread count of the metallized fabric of the shielding layer  110  may be lowered relative to an opaque shielding layer. The transparent window  112  or the transparent portion  114  does not necessarily have to be completely transparent so long as electronic device  10  is visible enough to operate while in the enclosure  102 . 
     To permit access to the electronic device  10  while still in the enclosure  102 , the enclosure may have a hole  106 . In some embodiments, the hole  106  may be operatively connected to a hollow sleeve  104 . The sleeve  104  may have the same construction as the enclosure  102 , namely, the same or similar outer or protective layer  108  and the same or similar inner or shielding layer  110 . An auxiliary cable  12  may be inserted through the sleeves  104  and/or the hole  106  to provide a means for connecting to the electronic device  10  inside the enclosure  102 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, a sleeve  104  is operatively associated with the enclosure  102  at one side  118  of the enclosure  102 , essentially forming an extension or protrusion of side  118  and/or an extended edge of one side  120  or corner  126  as shown in  FIG. 1A . The sleeve  104  may be connected to the sides  118  or the enclosure  102  or the sleeve  104  may be integrally formed as a one-piece unit with the enclosure  102 , extending away from the enclosure  102  and terminating at a free end  132 . The sleeve  104  can be associated with an enclosure  102  having any other shape. 
     The free end  132  of the sleeve  104  may comprise a metallic unit  134  that may connect with the shielding layer  110  of metalized fabric as well as the protective layer  108  of material fabric. The metallic unit  134  at the free end  132  of the sleeve  104  is described in further detail below. 
     Cable connections may also be included in the EMI shield  100 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the metallic unit  134  at the free end  132  of the sleeve  104  of the EMI enclosure  100  may include a hole  106  through which a cable-end connection  16  of an auxiliary cable  12  protrudes. In the example in  FIGS. 2A-2C , a USB connection protrudes from the hole  106 . The metallic portion of the cable-end  16  is mated to the metallic unit  134  in such a way that the cable-end  16  can become part of the complete EMI enclosure  100 . The auxiliary cable  12  includes metalized shielding which may be spliced at the end and connected with the metallic unit  134 , which in turn contacts the entire EMI enclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 1B and 3A , the opposite end of the auxiliary cable  12  runs through the sleeve  104  towards the enclosure  102  and terminates at or near a junction  136  where the sleeve  104  transitions to the enclosure  102 . 
     In some embodiments, a connection  138  protruding from the metallic unit  134  may be connected to the auxiliary cable  12  that is inside of the sleeve  104  of the enclosure  102 . This auxiliary cable  12  includes metalized shielding which may be spliced at the end and connected with the connection  138 , which in turn contacts the entire EMI enclosure. In such an embodiment, the metallic unit  134  may not be required. 
     In some embodiments, the auxiliary cable  12  may be configured with the aforementioned metallic unit  134  on one end, as well as a filter enclosure  140  on the opposite end.  FIG. 3A  shows the opposite end of the auxiliary cable  12  operatively connected to the filter enclosure  140  on the outside of the sleeve  104 . The filter enclosure  140  serves as a protective covering for an EMI filter  142 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D , a small EMI filter  142  having a connector portion  22  may be placed in between a connector end  18  of the device cable  14  and the auxiliary cable  12  that runs inside of the sleeve  104 , to prevent the auxiliary cable  12  from transmitting outside signal to the electronic device  10  inside of the EMI shield  100 . The EMI filter  142  may be encased in a filter enclosure  140  that touches the shielding layer  110  of metalized fabric of the enclosure  102 . The filter enclosure  140  may be made of metal. The filter enclosure  140  may be connectable with the opposite end of the auxiliary cable  12  that is not already connected to the metallic unit  134 . Although  FIG. 3D  shows the auxiliary cable  12  soldered to the EMI filter  142 , the connection may also be removable, by adding another connector portion  24 , such as a USB connector, so that the auxiliary cable  12  can be removably connected to the EMI filter  142  as shown in  FIG. 4D . 
     The connector portion  18  of the device cable  14  is mated to the filter enclosure  140  in such a way that the cable connections can become part of the complete EMI shield  100 . The connector portion  20  of the device cable  14  opposite connector portion  18  can be connected to the electronic device  10  inside the enclosure  102 . Since these connections occur inside of the EMI enclosure  102  the shielding is maintained. The auxiliary cable  12  that extends from the filter enclosure  140  is also connected to the metallic unit  134  on the free end  132  of the sleeve  104 . This metallic unit  134  has a cable end-connection  16  which is external to the EMI enclosure  102  and sleeve  104  and can be inserted into another device. This configuration allows the electronic device  10  placed inside of the EMI shield  100  to connect with devices outside of the EMI shield  100  while remaining shielded from EMI signals. 
     As shown in FIGS.  3 A and  4 A- 4 D, in the preferred embodiment, the EMI filter  142  and filter enclosure  140  are positioned at the junction  136  where the sleeve  104  transitions to the main enclosure  102 . In embodiments without the sleeve  104  the EMI filter  142  and filter enclosure  140  would be at the hole  106  of the main enclosure. Therefore, the filter enclosure  140  and/or the EMI filter  142  itself may be fastened to the main enclosure  102  at the hole  106  with adhesives or other fastening methods so as to effectively seal the hole  106  as shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D . In such an embodiment, the EMI filter  142  may have two connector portions  22 ,  24  at each end instead of one. This allows the auxiliary cable  12  to be removable from the EMI filter  142 . Therefore, a device  10  in the main enclosure will still be able to communicate or transmit data to an external device through an auxiliary cable  12  without a sleeve  104 . 
     Manual operation of touchscreen devices inside of an EMI shield has been difficult or impossible. One problem is that the electronic device  10  cannot be seen when inside the enclosure  102 . Another problem is that the user cannot touch the touchscreen  20  because it is inside the enclosure  102 . A third problem is that when utilizing a flexible material for the transparent windows  112 ,  114 , the transparent portion  114  of the shielding layer  110  will make contact with the touchscreen  20  and possibly cause interference with actuation of the touchscreen  20 . Therefore, a means for operating the electronic device from outside the enclosure and a means for preventing the shielding layer  110  from touching the touchscreen  20  of the electronic device  10  may be required. The visibility of the electronic device  10  has been obviated by the transparent windows  112  and  114 . A means for operating the electronic device from outside the enclosure and a means for preventing the shielding layer  110  from touching the touchscreen  20  of the electronic device  10  is described below. 
     In some embodiments, a means for operating the electronic device  10  from outside the enclosure may be provided, particularly where the electronic device  10  utilizes a touchscreen  20  as a method of input. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , one means for operating the electronic device  10  from outside the enclosure  102  utilizes a magnet system. The magnet system may comprise an external magnet  144  used on the outside of the enclosure  102  and an internal magnet  146  used on the inside of the enclosure  102 . The external magnet  144  may be used by the user to control movement of the internal magnet  146  from outside the enclosure  102 . The internal magnet  146  makes contact with the electronic device  10 , particularly the touchscreen  20 , and mimics a user&#39;s finger to actuate the touchscreen  20 . The internal magnet  146  is placed inside of the EMI enclosure  102  before it is sealed. 
     To facilitate movement of the external magnet  144 , the external magnet  144  may be fixed to an elongated magnet holder  147 . The elongated magnet holder  147  may be a pencil or pen-like device, such as a stylus. Using the stylus, with an external magnet  144  on the end, like a pen, the user can move along the outside of the transparent window  112  near the internal magnet  146  inside of the enclosure  102  to connect with the internal magnet  146 . Once the two magnets  144 ,  146  are connected, with the transparent windows  112 ,  114  between the two magnets  144 ,  146 , the internal magnet  146  can be manipulated by the external magnet  144 , which is connected to the stylus. The internal magnet  146 , which is of a size suitable for emulating finger touch, contacts the touchscreen  20  and activates it. For example, the inner magnet  146  may be a disk magnet. In the preferred embodiment, the inner magnet  146  has a diameter of approximately 0.25 to approximately 0.5 inch and a thickness of 0.125 inch. Most preferably, the inner magnet  146  has a diameter of approximately 0.375 inch. The shape and configuration also allows the inner magnet  146  to depress buttons on the electronic device  10 . The inner magnet  146  should also have smooth edges so as not to damage the electronic device  10  or the shielding layer  110 . Because hard drives use rare-earth magnets, the inner magnet  146  should not affect the hard drives. 
     Preferably, the external magnet  144  of the elongated holder  147  is a spherical magnet with the pole aligned so that it is generally parallel with to the elongated holder  147 . The external magnet  144  may be, for example, 0.25 inch in diameter. Preferably, both magnets are nickel plated neodymium magnets. 
     In some embodiments, a pocket  148  may be created on the transparent portion  114  of the shielding layer  110  or some other portion of the shielding layer  110  so that the internal magnet  146  can be “parked” or stored when not in use without interfering with the touchscreen  20 . The pocket  148  should be created on the side of the shielding layer  110  adjacent to the device  10 . However, the pocket  148  may be created in between the shielding layer  110  and the protective layer  108 . 
     To further facilitate operating the device  10  in the enclosure  102 , the covering  112   a  for the transparent portion  114  may be removable or separable from the transparent portion  114  as shown in  FIG. 6A . For example, the covering  112   a  may be fastened to one of the sides  116 ,  118 ,  120 , or  122  of the enclosure  102 . This allows the covering  112   a  the lift up off of the surface of the transparent portion  114  of the shielding layer  110 . By removing the covering  112   a  off of the transparent portion  114  of the shielding layer  110 , actuation of the electronic device  10  may be improved. In such an embodiment, the covering  112   a  does not necessarily have to be a transparent window. Thus, covering  112   a  can be opaque. 
     A means for preventing the shielding layer  110  from touching the touchscreen  20  of the electronic device  10  may be one or more firm, rigid, or semi-rigid structural supports  150  to separate the shielding layer  110  from the electronic device  10  and/or the touchscreen  20 . Firm and rigid generally means that the structure can maintain its shape, structure, or configuration in its natural state regardless of how it is held or positioned. For example, a sufficiently thick piece of foam, plastic, rubber, metal, wood, and the like will maintain their same shape, structure, or configuration regardless of how they are positioned or held, whereas a rectangular piece of fabric would bend when held at the corner and suspended in the air. 
     The structural support  150 , for example, may be a piece of foam, rubber, plastic, metal, wood, glass, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the support  150  is made of foam, rubber, or some other firm material that provides some cushioning effect. This prevents the enclosure  102  from making contact with the screen of the electronic device  10 . In addition, the support  150  prevents the means for operating the electronic device from unintentionally operating the electronic device  10 . Finally, utilizing foam reduces the chance that the enclosure  102  or the electronic device  10  will be damaged since the foam is lightweight and flexible. 
     In some embodiments, the support  150  may be a flexible material having a filling that provides structural firmness or rigidity. For example, the support  150  may be a plastic bag filled with air or water and sealed airtight. The structural support  150  can take on any shape so long as one overall dimension of the support  150 , i.e. the height or cross-sectional diameter, is greater than the thickness T of the electronic device  10 . For example, the support  150  may be the shape of a block, a ball, a pyramid, a dome, a cylinder, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the support  150  may be an elongated structure having a round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, or any other shaped cross-sectional area, wherein one dimension D of the cross-sectional area is greater than the thickness T of the electronic device  10 . Therefore, as shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , when the electronic device  10  is laid flat in the enclosure  102 , the support  150  extends upwardly beyond the top surface or touchscreen of the electronic device  10 . Due to the firmness or rigidity of the support  150 , the support  150  pushes the shielding layer  110  away from the electronic device  10 . 
     One or more structural supports  150  may be used. Preferably, multiple structural supports  150  may be placed inside the enclosure  102  in strategic locations, for example, along one or more of the sides  116 ,  118 ,  120 ,  122 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The electronic device  10  may be placed in between these supports  150 . The supports  150  can be independent or individual pieces that can be inserted and removed from the enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, supports  150  may be connectable to the enclosure  102 , for example, with hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, and the like. In some embodiments, the supports  150  may be integrally formed with the enclosure  102 . 
     In some embodiments, multiple supports  150   a ,  150   b  may be arranged together to form a cradle  160  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The cradle  160  may be a rigid or semi rigid support having a cavity  162  that receives the electronic device  10 . The cavity  162  may be defined by supports  150   a ,  150   b  of the cradle  160  that have a height that is greater than the thickness T of the electronic device  10 . Therefore, when the electronic device  10  is laid flat in the cavity  162  of the cradle  160 , the supports  150   a ,  150   b  extend upwardly beyond the top surface or touchscreen of the electronic device  10 . The cradle  160  containing the electronic device  10  can be inserted into the enclosure  102 . Due to the rigidity of the supports  150   a ,  150   b , the shielding layer  110  is pushed away from the electronic device  10 , like that shown in  FIG. 6C . Bumpers  168  may be used to secure the electronic device  10  inside the cavity  162  by creating a resistance fit between the electronic device  10  and the supports  150   a ,  150   b  of the cradle  160 , thereby providing added protection to the electronic device  10 . Bumpers  168  may come in a variety of sizes that accommodate devices  10  of varying sizes. 
     The cradle  160  can be constructed in a variety of ways. For example, the cradle  160  may be constructed from foam, plastic, rubber, wood, glass, metal and the like. The cradle  160  can be a one-piece molded construct. Alternatively, the cradle  160  can be made of multiple pieces connected together. 
     For additional shielding, the EMI enclosure  102  can be placed inside of a secondary EMI enclosure  170  that may or may not have a transparent window (for example, for transport of the device  10  when it may encounter strong EMI signals from signal towers nearby) as shown in  FIG. 9 . Like enclosure  102 , the secondary enclosure  170  has the same or similar protective layer  172  on the outside, preferably made of canvas or another durable material, and a shielding layer  174  of metalized fabric on the inside. Shielding layer  174  of the secondary enclosure  170  may be opaque and does not require a transparent window. One side of the secondary enclosure  170  is an opening  176  in which devices can enter or exit the secondary enclosure  170 . The side with the opening  176  may comprise a closure system  178 , such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, buttons, and the like, similar to the main enclosure  102 . When the opening  176  is closed, the secondary enclosure  170  is a fully sealed EMI enclosure without a preview window. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10 , rather than utilizing a flexible fabric material for the enclosure  102 , a firm, rigid, or semi-rigid substrate  180  may be used. By way of example only, the substrate  180  may be made from a foam plastic. However, any other firm, rigid, or semi-rigid material can be used, such as wood, glass, metal, rubber, and the like. In the preferred embodiment, the substrate  180  may be a foam plastic laminated to a conductive or metallic fabric  184  and molded into the enclosure  182 , having a construction design that allows for the overlap  185  of conductive fabric  184  at the seams and other, non-integral portions of the enclosure construction, such that when the enclosure  182  is closed properly it creates a signal-shielding ‘Faraday cage.’ 
     The edges  186 ,  188 ,  190  of the laminated material  184  overlap to form a continuous metallic surface around the contents of the enclosure  182 , effectively shielding devices and other contents inside of the enclosure  182  from incoming signals and preventing signals from the devices inside the enclosure  182  from escaping the enclosure  182 . 
     In addition to creating an aesthetically pleasing surface, this construction produces a more durable conductive surface than conductive fabric alone due to the support of the laminated substrate  180 . The laminated substrate  180  can be molded using heat and or compression to form the enclosure  182  which with appropriate design and overlapping seams, to eliminate the need to sew the conductive material  184 , which can potentially damage it or weaken the protective property. In addition, the foam substrate enclosure  182  has many additional benefits such as allowing for joints or junctions  192  to be easily fastened to the enclosure  182  through an orifice  200  with overlapping fabric which will maintain the Faraday integrity of the enclosure  182  while providing electricity or data between a device inside of the enclosure  182  and a device (such as a battery or a computer) outside of the enclosure without compromising the Faraday shielding property of the enclosure. In some embodiments, a dividing wall  202  may be provided to create a second compartment to house batteries, cables, or other devices within the enclosure  182 . The dividing wall  202  may have a slit or opening  204  through which cables and the like can be inserted to connect with the device. 
     The foam substrate  180  also provides a level of physical protection against bumping or crushing the devices  10  inside of the enclosure  182  that current Faraday bags do not. The semi-rigid nature of the enclosure  182  is lighter and more flexible than current metal boxes used to provide Faraday shielding while providing more structure and form, and protection to enclose devices  10  than bags which are currently manufactured out of conductive material for such purposes. An additional benefit to the fabric-plastic laminate construction is that the formed foam substrate can suspend the conductive fabric on the inside of the enclosure  182  minimizing the contact of the fabric  184  to touch-screen surfaces  20  of devices  10  inside the enclosure  182 . The suspension of the conductive fabric  184  off of the device  10  can allow making for better operation of a touchscreen  20  inside of the enclosure  182  by means of either pressing through the semi-rigid enclosure  182  with a finger or by the use of a stylus inside of the enclosure  182  (manipulated with a magnet) without need of any additional frame or cradle inside the bag to suspend the fabric. A transparent or semi-transparent conductive fabric  194  can be laminated to a transparent substrate (plastic or glass) material  196  to create a viewable window that, when properly installed with overlapping conductive fabric  194  at its seems will allow a device  10  to be viewed and manipulated within the enclosure  182  while maintaining an effective continuous Faraday shield. 
     These features should be considered novel when used in any combination or order. The following describes possible uses of the present invention. 
     In one aspect, a portable wireless device  10  is seized, and device cable  14  is connected to portable wireless device  10 , and the other end of the device cable  14  already connected to portable wireless device is connected to filter box  140  as shown in  FIG. 4B . Then, a portable wireless device  10  is placed inside of EMI enclosure  102  and the EMI enclosure  102  is placed inside of transport bag  172 . The EMI enclosure  102  is removed from the transport bag  172 , and a metallic unit  134  is inserted into data acquisition or charging device. As a result, the device  10  inside of EMI enclosure  102  interacts with external acquisition or charging device through cable connection. 
     In another aspect, a portable touchscreen wireless device  10  is seized, and the portable touchscreen wireless device  10  is placed inside of cradle  160 . Then, a device cable  14  is connected to portable wireless device and the other end of the device cable  14  is connected to filter box  140 . The portable wireless device  10  is placed inside of the EMI enclosure  102 , and the EMI enclosure  102  is placed inside of transport bag  172 . Next, the EMI enclosure  102  is removed from transport bag  172 , a metallic unit  134  is inserted into data acquisition or charging device, and the device  10  inside of EMI enclosure  102  interacts with external acquisition or charging device through cable connection. The device  10  inside of EMI enclosure  102  can be human-operated by system of magnets  144 ,  146  and stylus  147 . 
     In another aspect, a portable touchscreen wireless device  10  is seized and the portable touchscreen wireless device  10  is placed inside of cradle  160 . A cable  14  is connected to the portable wireless device  10 , and the other end of cable is connected to filter box  140 . The portable wireless device  10  is placed inside of the EMI enclosure  102  and a metallic unit  134  is inserted into data acquisition or charging device. The device  10  inside of the EMI enclosure  102  interacts with external acquisition or charging device through cable connection, and the device inside of EMI enclosure can be human-operated by system of magnets  144 ,  146  and stylus  147 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the EMI shield  100  discussed above may further comprise an auxiliary enclosure  1100  attached to the main enclosure  102 , wherein the auxiliary enclosure  1100  has the same or similar shielding properties as the main enclosure  102 . In the preferred embodiment, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  is made of an elastic Faraday fabric, such as the Technik-tex P 130+B made by Shieldex*. Preferably, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  is in the form of a pouch, and more preferably, a fingerless pouch having one main cavity. Thus, the main enclosure  102  may still comprise the outer or protective layer  108 , inner or shielding layer  110  enveloped by the outer layer  108 , and first opening  116  to receive the electronic device  10  into the inner layer  110 . In addition, however, the main enclosure  102  may further comprise a second opening  1102 . The auxiliary enclosure  1100  may be attached to the main enclosure  102  at the second opening  1102 . Since the auxiliary enclosure  1100  has the same or similar shielding properties as the main enclosure  102 , in particular, the inner layer  110 , an electronic device  10  placed inside the main enclosure  102  is still protected from electromagnetic interference trying to enter through the second opening  1102 , due to the presence of the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . 
     To maintain the integrity of the shielding effect, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  is attached, by what is referred to as a shielded seam  1111 , to the main enclosure  102  at the second opening  1102  in a manner that prevents electromagnetic interference from entering through the second opening  1102 . In the preferred embodiment, the shielded seam  1111  is created on the inside of the main enclosure  102  so there is sufficient overlap with the shielding layer  110  of the main enclosure  102  to maintain the integrity of the shielding effect within the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . Preferably, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  is sewn into the main enclosure  102 . However, other means of fastening the auxiliary enclosure  1100  to the main enclosure  102  can be used, such as with adhesives, staples, and the like, so long as measures are taken so that the magnetic interference cannot enter the main enclosure  102  or the auxiliary enclosure  1100  through the seams. In some embodiments, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  may be integrally formed with the main enclosure  102 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the second opening  1102  is created by separating two adjacent edges  1104 ,  1106  of the main enclosure  102 . The separation is then sealed with the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . Combining one-way or two-way stretch metalized fabric with non-elastic Faraday fabric is technically more difficult than sewing completely non-elastic fabric. When elastic Faraday fabric is stretched, shielding levels may be reduced by up to 40%, depending on how much the material is stretched. To maintain the highest shielding, the fabric cannot be stretched during manufacture, which is a difficult task when sewing multiple layers and adding seam binding  1112 . The typical method is to pull the fabric along with the seam binding  1112 . 
     The method in the present application involves tacking the elastic Faraday fabric material first, to maintain position of the material and minimize stretching. To assure proper overlap, the portion of the auxiliary enclosure  1100  fastened to the main enclosure  102  is larger than the second opening  1102 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . A specific type of construction ensures that all Faraday material terminations or junctions in the auxiliary enclosure  1100  are overlapped and sewn with other Faraday material in the main enclosure  102 . If any terminations are left open, the shielding effectiveness of the bag will be reduced partially or completely. For example, the two outer edges  1108 ,  1110  of the auxiliary enclosure  1100  are sewn directly into the shielding layers  110  of Faraday fabric in the main enclosure  102 . The inner edges of the auxiliary enclosure are sewn into the two separate layers of Faraday fabric in the main enclosure  102 . A first seam binding  1112  may cover the inner edge  1113  of the auxiliary enclosure, but they should terminate slightly before the outer edges  1108 ,  1110  of the auxiliary enclosure. This allows the seam bindings  1115  on the outer edges  1108 ,  1110  to “squeeze” together and make contact with the two layers of Faraday fabric in the main cavity, ensuring conductivity between all layers. 
     Therefore, once properly sealed, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  basically becomes an extension of the main enclosure  102  while offering more flexibility in accommodating larger or irregularly formed devices. Antennas on routers, for example, may impede placement of the router in a typical Faraday bag. The auxiliary enclosure  1100  provides a space for the antenna to fit. In addition, the auxiliary enclosure  1100  may hold batteries connected to devices, forensic products collected to phones, or any other irregularly shaped object. 
     With regards to the main enclosure  102 , any of the features described above for the previous embodiments can be utilized with the embodiment having the auxiliary enclosure, such as the transparent windows  112 , outer layer  108 , inner layer  110  enveloped by the outer layer  108 , a first opening  116  to receive the electronic device into the inner layer  110 , and sleeve  104 . 
     In use, once an electronic device  10  is placed in the main enclosure  102  through the first opening  116 , the first opening  116  can be sealed. However, the electronic device  10  can still be accessed and used without exposure to EMI by inserting the user&#39;s hand into the auxiliary enclosure  1102  as shown in  FIG. 12 . To use the electronic device  10 , a user can bunch the auxiliary enclosure  1100  into his hand, then insert his hand with the auxiliary enclosure  1100  into the main enclosure  102  while keeping the auxiliary enclosure  1102  taut as shown in  FIG. 13 . By keeping the auxiliary enclosure  1100  taut, the user can prevent loose or unintended portions of the auxiliary enclosure  1100  from touching electronic device  10 . As the user continues to maneuver his hand towards electronic device  10 , if the auxiliary enclosure  1100  becomes too taut, the user can slowly release portions of the auxiliary enclosure  1100  to reach deeper into the main enclosure  102 . Once the user reaches electronic device  10 , the user can perform an action on the electronic device  10  via the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . For example, the user can extend one of his fingers to stretch a portion of the auxiliary enclosure  1102  to maintain tautness. This tautness allows the user to perform the action on the electronic device  10  with the finger without compromising the shielding and without allowing any other portion of the auxiliary pouch from touching the electronic device. 
     In another example, the user can grasp a secondary device  30  (such as a stylus or pen) inside the main enclosure  102  with the auxiliary enclosure  1100  while maintaining tautness of the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . The user can then perform the action on the electronic device  10  with the secondary device  30  without compromising the shielding and without allowing any other portion of the auxiliary enclosure  1100  from touching the electronic device  10 . 
     In another example, the user is able to add or remove additional devices  30  from the main enclosure  102  while maintaining the shielded protection of the electronic device  10  during the opening and closing of the main enclosure  102 . For example, the user may insert his hand into the main enclosure  102  through the second opening  1102 . The user can then grasp the electronic device  10  with the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . The user can then remove the electronic device  10  from the main enclosure  102  while keeping the electronic device  10  enveloped in the auxiliary enclosure  1100  sufficiently to keep the electronic device  10  shielded. If desired, since the auxiliary enclosure  1100  is flexible, the user is able to twist the auxiliary enclosure  1100  at a point adjacent to the second opening  1102  so as to seal the electronic device  10  within the auxiliary enclosure  1100  irrespective of the main enclosure  102  as shown in  FIG. 14 . Now, the user is able to add a secondary device  30  into the main enclosure  102 , or remove an existing secondary device  30  from the main enclosure  102 , without exposing the electronic device  10  to EMI. Once the secondary device  30  is added or removed, the user can close and seal the first opening  116  as before. The auxiliary enclosure  1100  containing the electronic device  110  can then be inserted back into the main enclosure  102 , and released from the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . 
     The existence of an auxiliary enclosure  1100  offers more versatility in accommodating large or irregular form factor devices inside the main enclosure  102 . In some embodiments, multiple auxiliary enclosures  1100  may be attached to the main enclosure  102  in a manner similar to that discussed above. 
     In another embodiment, the EMI shield may be in the form of a tent bag  1500  as shown in  FIGS. 15-16 . The tent bag  1500 , like the previous embodiments, may be a complete isolation bag with no USB line filter sleeve  104 , or it may have an option for a USB line filter sleeve  104  as shown and described for the previous embodiments (e.g.  FIG. 1A ). This variation provides an advantage over a traditional Faraday bag because the form factor allows larger devices (such as a laptop or table) to be placed inside. The tent  1500  can be made of flexible shielding material so that it can fold into a small flat or rolled up form. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the tent bag  1500  has a triangular shape, having a front side  1502 , a back side  1504  opposite the front side  1502 , a bottom side  1506  adjacent to the front  1502  and back side  1504 , and two sides  1508 ,  1510 , preferably having a triangular shape, opposite each other and adjacent to the front  1502 , back  1504 , and bottom side  1506 , thereby defining the main cavity  1501 . Being triangular in shape, the front side  1502  and the back side  1504  are attached to each other at the top  1512 . However, other shapes can be used such as box shape, pentagon shapes, spherical shapes, and the like, and any combination thereof. 
     All sides comprise the same shielding layer  110  material and are manufactured in a similar way so as to assure that the interior of the tent bag  1500  is completely shielded from EMI as discussed in the previous embodiments. The shielding layer  110  may also be covered by an outer layer  108 , like the previous embodiments. The front side  1502  may also have a transparent portion  114  so that the electronic device  10  inside the cavity  1501  of tent bag  1500  can be seen. This allows the user to use the electronic device  10  inside the tent bag  1500  while maintaining the integrity of the shielding. In addition, the electronic devices  10  can be photographed while being operated inside. 
     An opening  131  may be created at any intersection of any of the sides. Preferably, the opening  131  is created where the back side  1504  and the bottom side  1506  meet. A protective layer  108  with two opposing surface layers  111 ,  113  may be fastened to the tent bag  1500  with one layer  111  attached to the back  1504  and the second layer  113  attached to the bottom side  1506 . The two layers  111 ,  113  can be attached to each other along the two opposite  118 ,  122  sides leaving open side  116  to create a passage to the opening  131 . The same fastening mechanism  133  as discussed in previous embodiments may be used to close the open side  116 . Therefore, a strip of the hook portion  133   a  may be on the first surface  111  along the length of the first surface  111 , but shifted away from the open side  116 , and a strip of the loop portion  133   b  approximately the same length as the hook portion  133   a  may be on the second surface  113 , but directly adjacent to the open side  116 . The distance of the shift may be just over two widths of the strip of the loop portion  133   b  so that when the strip of the loop portion  133   b  is folded over towards the first surface  111  twice, the strip of the loop portion  133   b  mates with the strip of the hook portion  133   a . The strip of the hook portion  133   a  and the loop portion  133   b  can also be reversed. In essence the tent bag  1500  may be attached to a modified version of the main enclosure  102  described for  FIG. 1A-1B . The modification would be in terms of its size, and the presence of an opening at one of the sides (e.g. side  120 ) so that there can be fluid communication from the opening  116  to the cavity  1501  of the tent bag  1500 . 
     In embodiments of the tent bag  1500  having the sleeve  104 , the sleeve  104  may be attached to the protective layer  108  at one of the sides  118 ,  122  like the previous embodiments (e.g.  FIG. 1A ). Therefore, the sleeve  104  may have the same or similar outer or protective layer  108  and the same or similar inner or shielding layer  110 . An auxiliary cable  12  may be inserted through the sleeves  104  to provide a means for connecting to the electronic device  10  inside the cavity  1501 . 
     Of the two sides  1508 ,  1510 , at least one side  1508  or  1510  and preferably both sides  1508 ,  1510  are made of the elastic Faraday fabric used for the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . This allows a user to operate or manipulate devices  10  from one or two sides of the cavity  1501  with one or both hands, if desired, similarly as described for the auxiliary enclosure  1100  above. Therefore, like the embodiment with the auxiliary enclosure  1100  discussed above, an electronic device  10  already inside the main cavity  1501  can be temporarily removed while maintaining shielding by grasping the electronic device  10  with one of the sides  1508  or  1510 , and twisting the side to wrap up the electronic device  10 . This allows the user to add or remove additional devices  30  through the primary opening  116  or secondary opening  1520  without exposing the electronic device  10  to any EMI. Therefore, the elastic sides  1508  or  1510  are equivalent to the auxiliary enclosure  1100  and the cavity  1501  is equivalent to the main enclosure  102 . To ensure the integrity of the shielding effect, the two sides  1508 ,  1510  are attached to the front side  1502 , back side  1504 , and bottom side  1506  using the same type of overlapping stitching technique as discussed above for the auxiliary enclosure  1100 . 
     In some embodiments, a frame  1530  may be provided to maintain the shape of the tent bag  1500  in the open configuration. Removal of the frame  1530  will allow the tent bag  1500  to be folded, rolled, or otherwise collapsed into a convenient, transportable, or storable shape. 
     While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept. Antennas on routers, for example, may impede placement of the router in a typical Faraday bag or in Faraday containers having hard shell walls. Such portions of the electronic device that does not fit well in the main enclosure may protrude out through the auxiliary enclosure. The auxiliary enclosure may hold secondary devices such as batteries connected to devices, forensic products connected to phones, or any other irregularly shaped objects. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     This invention may be industrially applied to the development, manufacture, and use of EMI enclosures, and more specifically relates to portable EMI enclosures for use in shielding electronics from EMI and wireless communication signals.