Patent Abstract:
Corded devices, such as headphones and power suppliers, can be stored in a case that reduces the tendency of their cords to tangle without the need for wrapping or winding.

Full Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/783,373, filed on Mar. 3, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Applications 61/622,451 filed on Apr. 10, 2012 and 61/646,249 filed on May 11, 2012 both entitled “Reducing the Tangling of Cables,” which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to cases that reduce the all-to-common problem of tangled headphones and tangled cables. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Headphones (e.g. earbuds, on-the-ear, or over-the-ear speakerphones) include cables that connect the headphones to a music device. When the headphones are stored, the cables can become a tangled mess. Likewise, other cables or cabled devices, such as power supplies for consumer electronics, can become a tangled mess when they are stored. Users may need to spend minutes untangling them. Moreover, repeated tangling imposes stress on such cables that, over time, may damage their performance or cause them to fray and break. 
         [0004]    Conventional attempts to solve this problem have numerous drawbacks and limitations. Some attempts require a user to wrap the cable around a device, which can be time consuming and, ironically, can with time and repetition cause the very same kind of destructive stress as tangling. Other attempts to modify the headphone or power supply, including making the cables more stiff or ribbon-like, can increase costs and make the headphones uncomfortable and/or bulky. Modifications to any particular model of headphone or power supply will not solve this problem in the aggregate. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present inventor recognized the need to simply and quickly store headphones, power supplies, and other cabled devices with a reduced risk of tangling. Further, the inventor recognized the need to simplify use of a tangle-reducing case by integrating instructions on the use of the case. 
         [0006]    In general, in one aspect, the techniques can be implemented to include a case with an opening; a speaker-portion securing device attached to the inside of the case operable to secure the speaker-portion of a pair of headphones; a headphone jack attached to the inside of the case and operable to secure a headphone plug inserted into the headphone jack. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the speaker-portion securing device is a magnet. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the speaker-portion securing device is a separator that divides the inside of the case into two compartments wherein the two compartments have openings adjacent to one another and aligned with the opening of the case. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that the speaker-portion securing device is a pouch large enough to store speaker-portions of earbuds. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that a portion of the case is made out of one of neoprene, textiles, plastics, or rubber. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a means for closing the opening of the case attached to the opening. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include an instruction printed on or attached to the inside of the case. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a bag, wherein the case and bag are integrated. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include clothing, wherein the case and clothing are integrated. 
         [0007]    In general, in one aspect, the techniques can be implemented to include a case large enough to hold on-the-ear or over-the-ear headphones with an opening; and a headphone jack attached to the inside of the case and operable to secure a headphone plug inserted into the headphone jack. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a flap that separates the case into two compartments. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that a portion of the case is made out of one of neoprene, textiles, plastics, or rubber. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a means for closing the opening of the case attached to the opening. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include an instruction printed on or attached to the inside of the case. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a bag, wherein the case and bag are integrated. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include clothing, wherein the case and clothing are integrated. 
         [0008]    In general, in one aspect, the techniques can be implemented to include a case with an opening; a pouch inside of the case operable to secure the speaker-portion of a pair of headphones; a headphone jack attached to the inside of the first compartment and operable to secure a headphone plug inserted into the headphone jack; and elastic attached to the opening of the pouch. Further, the techniques can be implemented such that a portion of the case is made out of one of neoprene, textiles, plastics, or rubber. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a means for closing the opening of the case attached to the opening. Further, the techniques can be implemented to include a bag, wherein the case and bag are integrated. 
         [0009]    Various implementations of the subject matter described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. In one or more implementations, the techniques and systems described herein can substantially reduce or eliminate tangling by cabled devices. Additionally, in one or more implementations, the techniques and systems can simplify the storage of cabled devices by allowing for storage without winding or wrapping. 
         [0010]    These general and specific techniques can be implemented using an apparatus, a method, a system, or any combination of apparatuses, methods, and systems. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Further features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary headphone storage case. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows another exemplary headphone and storage case. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary corded device storage case. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows an exemplary process for assembling a storage case. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary headphone storage case. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows another exemplary corded device storage case. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    Like reference symbols indicate like elements throughout the specification and drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary headphone storage case. Case  100  can include a pouch  110  comprised of the space between top piece  115  and bottom piece  120 . Top piece  115  and bottom piece  120  can be fused along a portion of their length, while the remainder can include a zipper, Velcro, or other closure device to enable a user to close the mouth of pouch  110 . Case  100  can be made of any material used to store electronics, such as neoprene, textiles, plastics, rubber, etc. Separator  122  can divide pouch  110  into a top compartment  125  and a bottom compartment  130 . Inside of top compartment  125 , a user can store a headphone plug and the speaker portions of the headphones. In bottom compartment  130 , a user can store the cable portion of the headphones. Top compartment  125  can include a cable  135  that attaches a headphone jack  140  to pouch  110 . Headphone jack  140  can, alternatively, be directly connected to pouch  110 . A user can insert the headphone plug into the headphone jack  140  to secure it and limit its movements. 
         [0019]    Headphone jack  140  can include writing, such as “1” or “Step 1” to indicate to a user they should first plug the headphone plug into headphone jack  140 . Top compartment  125  can include picture  145 , which shows a picture of a pair of earbud-style headphones. Picture  145  can include writing, such as “2” or “Step 2” to indicate to a user that the second step is to place the speaker-portion of the headphones adjacent to picture  145 . Alternatively, picture  145  can be replaced with speaker-portion securing device  150 . Speaker-portion securing device  150  can be attached to case  110 . Speaker-portion securing device  150  can include holes  155 , where a user can insert the speaker-portion of the headphones to secure them inside the case. Speaker-portion securing device  150  can be a taught Velcro strap. Bottom compartment  130  can include picture  160 , which shows a picture of a cable. Picture  160  can include writing, such as “3” or “Step 3” to indicate to a user that the third step is to place the cable-portion of the headphones inside bottom compartment  130 . The writing on headphone jack  140 , picture  145 , and picture  160  can be changed to reorder the suggested steps. Pictures  145  and  160  can be attached to case  100  or left unattached in approximately the same place as initial instructions. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows another exemplary headphone and storage case. Over-the-ear headphones  200  can include speaker portions  210 . Headphones  200  can also include a cable  220  that terminates with headphone plug  225 . Headphones  200  can include a built-in receptacle  215 . A user can insert headphone plug  225  into receptacle  215  to reduce tangling. 
         [0021]    Case  240  can include a bottom piece  250  and a top piece  265 . Bottom piece  250  can include a bottom compartment  245 . Bottom piece  250  and top piece  265  can include a zipper, Velcro, or other means to close case  240 . Top piece  265  can include a top compartment  260 . 
         [0022]    Bottom compartment  245  can be large enough to hold headphones  200 . Bottom compartment  245  can include a cable  275  that attaches a headphone jack  280  to case  240 . Headphone jack  280  can, alternatively, be directly connected to case  240 . A user can insert headphone plug  225  into the headphone jack  280  to secure it and limit its movements. Headphone case  240  can include a flap  270 , which can be used to separate compartments  245  and  260 . 
         [0023]    After a user inserts headphone plug  225  into headphone jack  280  and puts headphones  200  into bottom compartment  245 , a user can put flap  270  on top of the headphones  200 , put the headphone cable  220  on top of flap  270 , and close case  240 . Case  240  can also include pictures or words indicating where to put the headphones, headphone plug, and/or cabling, as well as the recommended order. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary corded device storage case. Case  300  can include a pouch  310  comprised of the space between top piece  315  and bottom piece  320 . Top piece  315  and bottom piece  320  can be fused along a portion of their length, while the remainder can include a zipper, Velcro, or other closure device to enable a user to close the mouth of pouch  310 . Case  300  can be made of any material used to store electronics, such as neoprene, textiles, plastics, rubber, etc. Separator  322  can divide pouch  310  into a top compartment  325  and a bottom compartment  330 . Inside of top compartment  325 , a user can store the plug ends of a corded device. In bottom compartment  330 , a user can store the cable portion of a corded device. Top compartment  325  can include a cable  335  that attaches a MagSafe receptacle  340  to pouch  310 . MagSafe receptacle  340  can, alternatively, be directly connected to pouch  310 . A user can insert the MagSafe end of a power cord into MagSafe receptacle  340  to secure it and limit its movements. Electrical outlet  350  can be attached to pouch  310  by cable  355 . Electrical outlet  350  can, alternatively, be directly connected to pouch  310 . Case  300  can also include pictures or writing indicating where to put the MagSafe plug, electrical outlet plug, and/or cabling, as well as the recommended order. 
         [0025]    In an alternative example, MagSafe receptacle  340  and/or electrical outlet  350  can be a USB receptacle, an Apple 30-pin receptacle, a different power outlet, or other receptacle used on the ends of cords of portable electronics. By using the type of receptacle required for the specific cable or device, or something similar, the user intuitively knows to insert the end of the cable into the receptacle, how to insert the end into the receptacle, and that the receptacle is more likely to secure the end of the cable. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  shows an exemplary process for assembling a storage case. A case can be made ( 405 ). The case can be a pouch, clamshell design, or other design used to store portable electronics or cables. A separator can be inserted into the case to make two compartments ( 410 ). For example, inserting a separator into the case to make two compartments ( 410 ) can include inserting a pouch within the case. Receptacles, such as a headphone jack, power outlet, MagSafe connector, or USB receptacle, can be inserted into the case ( 415 ). A means to close the case, such as a zipper, drawstring, or Velcro, can be attached to the case ( 425 ). A headphone attachment device, such as a speaker-portion securing device, can be inserted into the case ( 430 ). Elastic specifically designed to hold the ends of cables inside the case can be attached inside the case ( 440 ). Instructive images, such as pictures showing numbered steps and where to put portions of a corded device, can be inserted ( 450 ). The images can be attached or left unattached inside the case. 
         [0027]    The steps described in  FIG. 4  need not be performed in the order recited and two or more steps can be performed in parallel. In some implementations, other modifications can be made to the case, including asserting additional things. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary headphone storage case. Case  500  can include a pouch  510  comprised of the space between top piece  515  and bottom piece  520 . Top piece  515  and bottom piece  520  can be fused along a portion of their length, while the remainder can include a zipper, Velcro, flap, magnet, or other closure device to enable a user to close the mouth of pouch  510 . Alternatively, case  500  can be made of a single piece of material folded on one edge and joined together on two other edges, leaving an opening on the remaining edge. Case  500  can be made of any material used to store electronics, such as neoprene, textiles, plastics, rubber, etc. Case  500  can contain pouch  525  that separates case  500  into two compartments. Pouch  525  can be made from separate material or use a portion of case  500  as a side to pouch  525 . Pouch  525  can include an opening  530  that is secured with elastic cord and stretch tight such that opening  535  is substantially closed when not displaced. Inside of pouch  525 , a user can store the speaker portions of headphones. Inside of pouch  510  and substantially outside of pouch  525 , a user can store the cable portion of the headphones. Case  500  can include cable  535  that attaches a headphone jack  540  to pouch  510 . Headphone jack  540  can, alternatively, be directly connected to case  500 . A user can insert the headphone plug into the headphone jack  540  to secure it and limit its movements. Similarly to the discussion above, jack  540 , pouch  525  and pouch  510  can include writing or pictures indicating where to place portions of the headphone. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary corded device storage case. Case  600  can include a pouch  610  comprised of the space between top piece  615  and bottom piece  620 . Top piece  615  and bottom piece  620  can be fused along a portion of their length, while the remainder can include a zipper, Velcro, flap, magnet, or other closure device to enable a user to close the mouth of pouch  610 . Alternatively, case  600  can be made of a single piece of material folded on one edge and joined together on two other edges, leaving an opening on the remaining edge. Case  600  can be made of any material used to store electronics, such as neoprene, textiles, plastics, rubber, etc. Pouch  610  can include a magnet  635 . Magnet  635  can be used to secure one end of a corded device by placing the metallic end of a cord adjacent to magnet  635 . Alternatively, elastic band  640  can be attached to the inside of pouch  610  and stretched tight. A user can slip an end of a cord under elastic band  640  to limit its movements inside the case. Electrical outlet  650  can be attached to pouch  610  by cable  655 . Electrical outlet  650  can, alternatively, be directly connected to pouch  610 . Case  600  can also include pictures or writing indicating where to put the MagSafe plug, electrical outlet plug, and/or cabling, as well as the recommended order. 
         [0030]    In an alternative example, electrical outlet  650  can be replaced with an elastic strap sized to secure an electrical plug or power brick with the electrical prongs attached. In yet another alternative example, electrical outlet  650  can be replaced with a magnetized piece of metal with sufficient magnetic force to secure the electrical plug or power brick with electrical prongs attached. 
         [0031]    In another example, the cases and techniques disclosed herein can be integrated into any bag or luggage, such as a suitcase, purse, a computer case, brief case, carry-on bag, backpack, or other luggage to substantially reduce the tangling of cables. Similarly, the case and techniques disclosed herein can be integrated into clothing, such as a jacket, vest, jeans, or any other piece of clothing that has pockets. For example, a headphone jack and/or a speaker-portion securing device could be integrated into the coin pocket of a pair of jeans or integrated into the coin pocket and the regular pocket of a pair of jeans. 
         [0032]    A number of implementations have been disclosed herein. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claim.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7