ACCESSORY RETENTION BAND

Abstract

The present application is directed to an accessory retention band for portable electronic devices. In one aspect, an accessory retention band may comprise an elastic or stretchable band to be placed around a portion of a cover of a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the accessory retention band may comprise one or more accessory retainers for securely holding accessories. In other embodiments, the accessory retention band may comprise one or more pouches for holding accessories. The accessory retention band may be sized to allow for full use of features of the cover, including folding the cover into a stand or easel for the electronic device.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/528,572, entitled “Accessory Retention Band,” filed Aug. 29, 2011, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The methods and systems described herein relate generally to accessories for portable electronic devices. In particular, the methods and systems described herein relate to an accessory retention band for portable electronic devices such as tablet computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, tablet computers, and similar devices, are frequently used with accessories, such as headphones, styluses, cables for computer synchronization, Secure Digital (SD), Compact Flash (CF) or other types of memory card readers, or other accessories. However, without an easy and accessible storage location for these accessories, they typically get left behind when the user takes the portable electronic device with them or are placed in a bag or pocket to be tangled or potentially damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to an accessory retention band for portable electronic devices. In one aspect, an accessory retention band may comprise an elastic or stretchable band to be placed around a portion of a cover of a portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the accessory retention band may comprise one or more accessory retainers for securely holding accessories. In other embodiments, the accessory retention band may comprise one or more pouches for holding accessories. The accessory retention band may be sized to allow for full use of features of the cover, including folding the cover into a stand or easel for the electronic device.

In one aspect, the present application is directed to an accessory retention band for retaining at least one accessory without interfering with operation of a portable electronic device while in position on a cover of the portable electronic device. The accessory retention band includes an elastic band for securing, under tension in position around a cover of a portable electronic device, one or more accessories on an exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device. The accessory retention band further includes at least one external accessory retainer, attached to an exterior surface of the elastic band, for externally securing the one or more accessories on the exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device.

In some embodiments of the accessory retention band, the elastic band does not interfere with use of the portable electronic device while in position on the cover of the portable electronic device. In other embodiments, the cover of the portable electronic device folds at one or more creases into a corresponding two or more portions to allow use of the portable electronic device without removal of the cover, and a width of the elastic band is less than a corresponding width of one portion of the two or more portions of the cover. In still other embodiments of the accessory retention band, the at least one external accessory retainer comprises a riser attached to the exterior surface of the elastic band, and a face, attached to and extending beyond the riser to prevent motion of a cable along the riser orthogonally to the exterior surface of the band.

In some embodiments of the accessory retention band, the at least one external accessory retainer comprises at least one retention channel for retaining a cable. In other embodiments, the at least one external accessory retainer comprises a retention channel with a cross-sectional profile corresponding to a cross-section of a portion of an accessory plug. In still other embodiments, a portion of the exterior surface of the elastic band comprises a cleaning material, positioned against a screen of the portable electronic device when the elastic band is in position on the cover of the portable electronic device.

In another aspect, the present application is directed to an accessory retention band for retaining at least one accessory without interfering with operation of a portable electronic device while in position on a cover of the portable electronic device. The accessory retention band includes an elastic band, to be secured under tension in position around a cover of a portable electronic device, for storing one or more accessories on an exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device. The accessory retention band also includes a section of elastic material, attached to the elastic band on at least one edge of the section of elastic material to form a pocket in conjunction with the elastic band for storing the one or more accessories, the section of elastic material sized to lay under tension against the elastic band when the elastic band is secured under tension in position around the cover of the portable electronic device.

In one embodiment of the accessory retention band, the cover of the portable electronic device folds at one or more creases into a corresponding two or more portions to allow use of the portable electronic device without removal of the cover, and a width of the elastic band is less than a corresponding width of one portion of the two or more portions of the cover. In another embodiment, the section of elastic material is attached to the elastic band on three edges of the section of elastic material, and further comprising a closure mechanism to close the pocket formed by the elastic band in conjunction with the section of elastic material. In a further embodiment, the closure mechanism is configured to seal an edge of the section of elastic material against a corresponding edge of the elastic band.

In some embodiments of the accessory retention band, the section of elastic material is attached to the elastic band on a first edge of the section of elastic material, and the accessory retention band includes a closure mechanism attached to other edges of the second section to close the pocket formed by the elastic band in conjunction with the section of elastic material. In other embodiments, the accessory retention band includes at least one accessory retainer attached to the surface of the elastic band within the pouch formed by the elastic band in conjunction with the section of elastic material. In still other embodiments, a portion of an exterior surface of the elastic band comprises a cleaning material, positioned against a screen of the portable electronic device when the elastic band is in position on the cover of the portable electronic device.

In yet another aspect, the present application is directed to an accessory retention band for retaining at least one accessory without interfering with operation of a portable electronic device while in position on a cover of the portable electronic device. The accessory retention band includes an elastic band to be secured under tension in position around a cover of a portable electronic device for holding one or more accessories on an exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device. The accessory retention band also includes a section of fabric, attached to an exterior surface of the elastic band, the section of fabric foldable to form a pocket for holding the one or more accessories.

In one embodiment, the accessory retention band includes a closure mechanism attached to the section of fabric to close the pocket formed by folding the section of fabric. In another embodiment, the accessory retention band includes at least one accessory retainer attached to the section of fabric. In yet another embodiment, the accessory retention band includes at least two buttons attached to the section of fabric for retaining a cable of an accessory, each of the at least two buttons elevated by a thread shank to a height greater than a diameter of the cable. In yet still another embodiment, a portion of an exterior surface of the elastic band comprises a cleaning material, positioned against a screen of the portable electronic device when the elastic band is in position on the cover of the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, the section of fabric extends beyond the elastic band when unfolded.

The details of various embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views of embodiments of portable electronic devices and covers;

FIGS. 2A-2B are side and front views, respectively, of an embodiment of an accessory retention band;

FIGS. 2C-2E are top, front, and bottom views, respectively, of an embodiment of an upper accessory retainer of the embodiment of an accessory retention band of FIGS. 2A-2B;

FIGS. 2F-2H are top, front, and bottom views, respectively, of an embodiment of an lower accessory retainer of the embodiment of an accessory retention band of FIGS. 2A-2B;

FIGS. 2I-2J are front views of an embodiment of an accessory retention band with retained accessory, alone and in place on an electronic device, respectively;

FIG. 3A is a front view of another embodiment of an accessory retention band with retained accessory in place on an electronic device;

FIGS. 3B-3C are side and front views, respectively, of embodiments of the accessory retention band of FIG. 3A;

FIGS. 4A-4B are front views of yet another embodiment of an accessory retention band, in closed and open configurations, respectively;

FIG. 4C is a front view of an embodiment of the accessory retention band of FIGS. 4A-4B;

FIG. 4D is another front view of an embodiment of the accessory retention band of FIGS. 4A-4B, in place on an electronic device; and

FIG. 4E is another front view of an embodiment of the accessory retention band of FIGS. 4A-4B, in place on another electronic device.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before discussing specifics embodiments of accessory retention bands, it may be helpful to briefly discuss embodiments of portable electronic devices for which the band may be useful. Referring first to FIGS. 1A and 1B, illustrated are perspective views of embodiments of portable electronic devices 102 and covers 100. A portable electronic device 102 may comprise any type or form of electronic device, including a tablet computer such as any of the models of iPad tablet computers manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.; any of the models of Galaxy Tab or other tablet computers manufactured by the Samsung Group of Korea; any of the models of Xoom tablet computers or other tablet computers manufactured by Motorola, Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill.; any of the models of BlackBerry Playbook tablet computers or other tablet computers manufactured by Research in Motion, Ltd. Of Ontario, Canada; any of the models of TouchPad tablet computers or other tablet computers manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Co. of Palo Alto, Calif.; or any other type and form of tablet computer. In some embodiments, a portable electronic device 102 may comprise any type or form of smart phone, such as any of the models of iPhone smart phones manufactured by Apple Inc.; any of the models of smart phones manufactured by HTC Corp. of Taiwan, Republic of China; any of the models of Galaxy smart phones, Vibrant smart phones, Infuse smart phones, or other smart phones manufactured by Samsung; or any other type and form of smart phones. In other embodiments, a portable electronic device 102 may comprise a laptop computer; a netbook or subcompact laptop computer; a portable video game device such as a PlayStation Portable manufactured by Sony Corp. of Tokyo, Japan; a portable video or DVD player; a portable audio player; or any other type and form of portable electronic device 102.

In some embodiments, a portable electronic device 102 may comprise, be attached to, or installed in a cover 100. Cover 100 may be made of plastic, leather, cloth, vinyl, fabric, metal, or any combination of these or other materials. In some embodiments, cover 100 may comprise a flat surface to cover and protect a screen of a portable electronic device 102 from scratches or other damage when not in use. In many embodiments, as shown, a cover 100 may fold to form a stand or easel for a portable electronic device 102, or otherwise fold or rotate out of the way of a screen of a portable electronic device 102 for use. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, a cover 100 may be installed on only a single side of a portable electronic device 102. For example, the Smart Cover, manufactured by Apple Inc. for use with the iPad 2 line of tablet computers, covers only a single side of the tablet computer. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1B, a cover 100 may surround multiple sides of a portable electronic device 102. For example, the Easel Case manufactured by Samsung Inc. for use with the Galaxy Tab line of tablet computers or the FitFolio Cover manufactured by Speck Products of Palo Alto, Calif., for use with the iPad line of tablet computers, wrap around the tablet computer and have cover portions that attach to the back of the case and fold around to cover the screen. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the cover 100 may refer to a portion of the case, or may refer to the entire case. In still other embodiments, a cover 100 may comprise a sleeve (not illustrated) for storing and protecting the portable electronic device 102. In use, the portable electronic device 102 may be removed from the sleeve entirely.

Portable electronic devices 102 may be used with accessories, such as headphones or headsets, ear-bud style headphones or headsets, wireless or Bluetooth headphones or headsets, resistive or capacitive styluses, magnetic card readers, flash memory card readers, synchronization cables, USB cables, charging cables, microfiber screen-cleaning cloths, 3D or polarized lens glasses, audio input or output cables, video input or output cables, or any other type and form of accessory. The various embodiments of accessory retention bands discussed herein may be useful in retaining these accessories with the portable electronic device 102 when not in use, keeping them available to the user at all times.

Referring first to FIGS. 2A-2B, illustrated, respectively, of an embodiment of an accessory retention band 200. In brief overview, an accessory retention band 200 may comprise a band 201 for securing the accessory retention band 200 to a cover 100. In some embodiments, band 201 may be attached to an upper accessory retainer 202 and a lower accessory retainer 210. Each of upper and lower accessory retainers 202 and 210 may comprise a riser 204 and 212, face 206 and 214, and/or one or more accessory retention channels 208a-208b and 216.

Still referring to FIGS. 2A-2B and in more detail, in some embodiments, an accessory retention band 200 may comprise a band 201. Band 201 may comprise a loop or band of an elastic material or an inelastic material combined with an elastic material. In some embodiments, band 201 may comprise spandex, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, or a combination of any of these or other fabrics. Band 201 may be sized smaller than a cover 100 for which the accessory retention band 200 may be installed on, such that, due to the elasticity of band 201, the accessory retention band 200 is securely retained on the cover 100. In some embodiments, to enhance friction between band 201 and cover 100, an inside surface of band 201 or portion of an inside surface of band 201 may comprise a high-friction material, such as rubber or rubberized fabric. In other embodiments, an inside surface of band 201 or portion of an inside surface of band 201 may be textured, such as with grooves or raised portions, to enhance friction. In some embodiments, an outside surface or portion of an outside surface of band 201 may comprise a micro-fiber cleaning surface. For example, when an accessory retention band 200 is installed on a cover 100 such as the Smart Cover by Apple, Inc., band 201 may cover a microfiber portion of the Smart Cover intended for cleaning the screen of the tablet computer. Band 201 may comprise a similar microfiber fabric to provide the cleaning functionality of the covered portion of cover 100.

In some embodiments of covers 100, the cover may have a folding portion or surface divided into stiff portions and flexible portions. For example, the Smart Cover manufactured by Apple, Inc. includes four stiff portions divided by three flexible folding portions, allowing the cover to be folded into a triangle to be used as a stand or rest for the tablet computer. In such embodiments, band 201 may have a width identical to or smaller than one of said stiff portions of cover 100. Accessory retention band 200 may be installed on cover 100 and positioned over said stiff portion, allowing cover 100 to still be folded while the band is in place.

In some embodiments, band 201 may be attached to one or more accessory retainers 202, 210. In one embodiment, an upper accessory retainer 202 may comprise a riser 204 and face 206, and a lower accessory retainer 210 may comprise a riser 212 and face 214. In some embodiments, risers 204 and 212 may be used for securing a headphone or ear bud-style headphone cable by wrapping the cable around risers 204 and 212 repeatedly. Faces 206 and 214 may be larger than risers 204 and 212, preventing said cable from sliding off of each riser. In some embodiments, risers 204, 212 and faces 206, 214 may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, or any other material or combination of materials. A riser 204, 212 may be any height, such as 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm or any other height. In some embodiments, risers 204, 212 may be of sufficient height that a cable may be wrapped around risers 204, 212 without overlaying itself, while in other embodiments, risers 204, 212 may be only slightly larger than a cable diameter. In the latter such embodiments, faces 206, 214 may be larger to accommodate a correspondingly larger diameter of wrapped cable.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments an upper accessory retainer 202 may include one or more accessory retention channels 208a-208b (referred to generally as retention channels 208). Retention channels 208 may pass through a face 206 and, in many embodiments, at least a portion of riser 204. In some embodiments, retention channels 208 may have a square or rectangular cross section, while in other embodiments, retention channels 208 may have a semi-circular cross section. The sides of retention channels 208 in face 206 and/or riser 204 may be made of a compressible material, such as rubber, and the channels may have a diameter slightly smaller than a cable, such as a headphone cable. In such embodiments, the cable may be pressed into the retention channel 208, pressing against the compressible material to securely hold the cable in place. In other embodiments, the sides of retention channels 208 in face 206 and/or riser 204 may be non-compressible, and when a cable is pressed into the retention channel, a compressible jacket or insulation of the cable may be compressed to securely hold the cable in place. In some embodiments, upper accessory retainer 202 may include two cable retention channels 208a-208b as shown, for retaining cables for each ear of a stereo ear bud-style headset.

Still referring to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, a lower accessory retainer 210 may include one or more accessory retention channels 216. Similar to retention channels 208, retention channels 216 may pass through a face 214 and, in many embodiments, at least a portion of riser 212. In some embodiments, retention channels 216 may have a square or rectangular cross section, while in other embodiments, retention channels 216 may have a semi-circular cross section. The sides of retention channels 216 in face 214 and/or riser 212 may be made of a compressible material, such as rubber, and the channels may have a diameter slightly smaller than a cable, such as a headphone cable. In such embodiments, the cable may be pressed into the retention channel 216, pressing against the compressible material to securely hold the cable in place. In other embodiments, the sides of retention channels 216 in face 2147 and/or riser 212 may be non-compressible, and when a cable is pressed into the retention channel, a compressible jacket or insulation of the cable may be compressed to securely hold the cable in place. In some embodiments, retention channel 216 may have a diameter that broadens from one end of the channel to the opposite end of the channel, as illustrated. For example, the channel 216 may have a profile that corresponds to the base of a stereo headphone plug, allowing the plug to be securely retained by the channel. In some embodiments, one or both of upper accessory retainer 202 and lower accessory retainer 210, or band 201, may include a logo, icon, or other identifier.

Referring now to FIGS. 2C-2E, illustrated are top, front, and bottom views, respectively, of an embodiment of an upper accessory retainer 202 of the embodiment of an accessory retention band of FIGS. 2A-2B. As shown, in many embodiments, an accessory retention channel 208 may pass through at least a portion of a riser 204. Accessory retention channels 208 may have a semi-circular cross section, which, in many embodiments, may comprise 180 degrees or more of a circle, such as 270 degrees, 300 degrees, 320 degrees, or any other amount. In some embodiments, face 206 may be a compressible material, such as rubber. In other embodiments, a central portion of face 206 may be a compressible material. For example, a portion of face 206 between each retention channel 208 may be compressible, while the portions of face 206 outside of retention channels 208 may be non-compressible. In other embodiments, a portion of face 206 adjacent to cable retention channel 208 may be compressible, such as an adjacent 1 mm portion, while the remainder of face 206 is non-compressible. In still other embodiments, face 206 may comprise a non-compressible material.

Referring now to FIGS. 2F-2H, illustrated are top, front, and bottom views, respectively, of an embodiment of an lower accessory retainer 210 of the embodiment of an accessory retention band of FIGS. 2A-2B. As shown, in many embodiments, an accessory retention channel 216 may pass through at least a portion of a riser 212. Accessory retention channel 216 may have a semi-circular cross section, which, in many embodiments, may comprise 180 degrees or more of a circle, such as 270 degrees, 300 degrees, 320 degrees, or any other amount. In some embodiments, face 214 may be a compressible material, such as rubber. In other embodiments, a portion of face 214 may be compressible, such as a portion adjacent to retention channel 216. In still other embodiments, face 214 may comprise a non-compressible material. As shown, in some embodiments, a retention channel 216 may have a non-uniform diameter or width along the length of retention channel 216. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2F-2H, the top portion of retention channel 216 has a narrower diameter than the bottom portion of cable retention channel 216. This may be useful for holding an accessory or portion of an accessory with a non-uniform diameter, such as a headphone cable that broadens into a plug.

Referring briefly to FIGS. 2I-2J, illustrated are front views of an embodiment of an accessory retention band 200 with retained accessory 220, alone and in place on an electronic device 102, respectively. Referring first to FIG. 21, an accessory 220 such as ear-bud style headphones may be wrapped around risers of an upper and lower accessory retainer. The accessory 220 may be placed in retaining channels, securely holding the accessory 220 when not in use.

Referring briefly to FIG. 2J, accessory retention band 200 may be slid over a cover 100 of an electronic device 102, such as a Smart Cover of an Apple iPad. The accessory retention band 200 may have a width equal to a stiff portion of the cover 100, allowing the cover 100 to still be folded into a stand or easel configuration without interference. Although illustrated installed on a Smart Cover, in many embodiments accessory retention band 200 may be used with covers 100 of other electronic devices, including sleeves, cases, folios, or any other type and form of case.

Although illustrated sized for retention of headphones, in many embodiments, an accessory retention band 200 and upper and/or lower accessory retainers 202, 210 may be sized to accommodate various other accessories. For example, in one embodiment, an accessory retention band 200 may include an accessory retainer with a retaining channel sized to hold a resistive or capacitive stylus. In such embodiments, the diameter of the retaining channel may be significantly larger than a channel sized to retain a headphone cable. In other embodiments, a retaining channel may be sized and have a profile configured to hold a USB plug, such as a charging or syncing adapter. In still other embodiments, a retaining channel may be sized and have a profile configured to accommodate a video or audio adapter, or any other accessory.

In other embodiments, an accessory retention band may include a pouch or pocket for storing accessories. Referring first to FIG. 3A, illustrated is a front view of another embodiment of an accessory retention band 300 with retained accessory 220 in place on an electronic device 102. As shown, in some embodiments, an accessory band 300 may include a pouch with a zipper, slider, or other closure mechanism for storing and protecting an accessory 220.

Referring to FIGS. 3B-3C, illustrated are side and front views, respectively, of embodiments of the accessory retention band 300 of FIG. 3A. An accessory band 300 may comprise a band 301 for placement around and attachment to a cover 100 of an electronic device 102. Similar to band 201, band 301 may comprise a loop or band of an elastic material or an inelastic material combined with an elastic material. In some embodiments, band 301 may comprise spandex, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, or a combination of any of these or other fabrics. Band 301 may be sized smaller than a cover 100 for which the accessory retention band 300 is to be installed on, such that, due to the elasticity of band 301, the accessory retention band 300 is securely retained on the cover 100. In some embodiments, to enhance friction between band 301 and cover 100, an inside surface of band 301 or portion of an inside surface of band 301 may comprise a high-friction material, such as rubber or rubberized fabric. In other embodiments, an inside surface of band 301 or portion of an inside surface of band 301 may be textured, such as with grooves or raised portions, to enhance friction. In some embodiments, an outside surface or portion of an outside surface of band 301 may comprise a micro-fiber cleaning surface. For example, when an accessory retention band 300 is installed on a cover 100 such as the Smart Cover by Apple, Inc., band 301 may cover a microfiber portion of the Smart Cover intended for cleaning the screen of the tablet computer. Band 301 may comprise a similar microfiber fabric to provide the cleaning functionality of the covered portion of cover 100.

In some embodiments of covers 100, the cover may have a folding portion or surface divided into stiff portions and flexible portions. For example, the Smart Cover manufactured by Apple, Inc. includes four stiff portions divided by three flexible folding portions, allowing the cover to be folded into a triangle to be used as a stand or rest for the tablet computer. In such embodiments, band 301 may have a width identical to or smaller than one of said stiff portions of cover 100. Accessory retention band 300 may be installed on cover 100 and positioned over said stiff portion, allowing cover 100 to still be folded while the band is in place.

Band 301 may include or be attached to a pouch 302. In some embodiments, pouch 302 may comprise a section of fabric or other material stitched, glued, or otherwise fixed to an outer surface of band 301. Pouch 302 may be closed on one or more sides and open on one or more sides. For example, as shown, pouch 302 may have an opening on one side and be closed on three sides. In other embodiments, pouch 302 may be open on three sides and closed or attached to a band on a fourth side. In some embodiments, pouch 302 may comprise a flexible or elastic material, such as spandex or similar fabric, allowing pouch 302 to stretch to accommodate accessories as needed, or lay flat when empty. In some embodiments, pouch 302 may comprise a first fabric or material for an outer portion of pouch 302 and a second fabric or material for an inner portion of pouch 302. For example, in one embodiment, for aesthetic enhancement, pouch 302 may have a dark outer fabric, and a brightly hued inner fabric liner, visible when pouch 302 is open. In some embodiments, a logo, icon, or other design may be embossed or printed on pouch 302 and/or band 301.

Although shown as a single pouch 302, in many embodiments, accessory retention band 300 may include multiple pouches 302. In one embodiment, multiple pouches may be divided from a single pouch via stitching dividers into a single piece of fabric. In other embodiments, multiple pouches may be affixed to band 301.

In some embodiments, a pouch 302 may include a closure such as a slider 304, zipper, channel-type or Ziploc-type zipper, Velcro, buttons, snaps, magnetic closures, or any other type and form of closure. For example, in one embodiment, one or more small magnets may be sewn or glued along an opening of pouch 302 to attach to one or more corresponding small magnets sewn or glued along a facing portion of band 301.

As discussed above, although pouch 302 of accessory retention band is illustrated as opening only on one side, in many embodiments, a pouch of an accessory retention band may open on three sides for easy access to contents. For example, referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B are front views of yet another embodiment of an accessory retention band 400 with a pouch open on three sides, in closed and open configurations, respectively. As shown, in many embodiments, accessories may be retained by various elements within the pouch, and easily accessed when the pouch is fully opened.

Referring now to FIG. 4C, illustrated is a front view of an embodiment of the accessory retention band 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B. In brief overview, an accessory retention band 400 may comprise a band 401 attached to a pouch 402. Pouch 402 may be opened on three sides via a closure 406 to expose an inner surface 408. Inner surface 408 may comprise one or more accessory retaining features, such as buttons 404a-404b, or bands 410, which may be divided into one or more loops 412a-412b.

Still referring to FIG. 4C and in more detail, an accessory retention band 400 may comprise a band 401. Similar to band 201, band 401 may comprise a loop or band of an elastic material or an inelastic material combined with an elastic material. In some embodiments, band 401 may comprise spandex, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, or a combination of any of these or other fabrics. Band 401 may be sized smaller than a cover 100 for which the accessory retention band 400 may be installed on, such that, due to the elasticity of band 401, the accessory retention band 400 is securely retained on the cover 100. In some embodiments, to enhance friction between band 401 and cover 100, an inside surface of band 401 or portion of an inside surface of band 401 may comprise a high-friction material, such as rubber or rubberized fabric. In other embodiments, an inside surface of band 401 or portion of an inside surface of band 401 may be textured, such as with grooves or raised portions, to enhance friction. In some embodiments, an outside surface or portion of an outside surface of band 401 may comprise a micro-fiber cleaning surface. For example, when an accessory retention band 400 is installed on a cover 100 such as the Smart Cover by Apple, Inc., band 401 may cover a microfiber portion of the Smart Cover intended for cleaning the screen of the tablet computer. Band 401 may comprise a similar microfiber fabric to provide the cleaning functionality of the covered portion of cover 100.

In some embodiments of covers 100, the cover may have a folding portion or surface divided into stiff portions and flexible portions. For example, the Smart Cover manufactured by Apple, Inc. includes four stiff portions divided by three flexible folding portions, allowing the cover to be folded into a triangle to be used as a stand or rest for the tablet computer. In such embodiments, band 401 may have a width identical to or smaller than one of said stiff portions of cover 100. Accessory retention band 400 may be installed on cover 100 and positioned over said stiff portion, allowing cover 100 to still be folded while the band is in place.

Band 401 may be attached to a pouch 402. Pouch 402 may comprise a fabric or other material sewn, glued, or otherwise fixed to band 401. In many embodiments, pouch 402 may comprise two layers of fabric, which may be different for aesthetic purposes. For example, pouch 402 may comprise a dark outer layer of fabric, and a brightly-hued or patterned inner layer of fabric, such as inner surface 408, visible when pouch 402 is opened. In some embodiments, pouch 402 may comprise an elastic material such that pouch 402 may stretch to accommodate accessories and lie substantially flat when empty.

Pouch 402 may be bounded by a closure 406, such as a zipper, Ziploc-style closure, slider-type closure, magnetic closure, Velcro closure, snap closure, or any other type and form of closure. In some embodiments, closure 406 may be used to close pouch 402, such that pouch 402 is folded in half along a medial line when closed.

The inner surface 408 of pouch 406 may comprise one or more accessory retaining features. For example, inner surface 408 may comprise one or more buttons 404a-404b, referred to generally as buttons 404. In some embodiments, buttons 404 may be elevated from inner surface 408 via a button shank or thread shank, allowing a user to wrap a cable such as a headphone cable repeatedly around buttons 404a-404b to secure the headphones and prevent tangling of the cable. In other embodiments, inner surface 408 may comprise one or more accessory retainers 202, 210, discussed above.

In some embodiments, inner surface 408 may comprise one or more bands 410. Band 410 may comprise an elastic or stretchable material, such as spandex or other fabric, for securing an accessory within pouch 402. In some embodiments, a band 410 may be divided into one or more loops 412a-412b via stitching, glue, or other means. Loops 412a-412b may be used for securing items smaller than the width of band 410, such as a stylus or pen or other accessory. FIG. 4D is another front view of an embodiment of the accessory retention band 400 of FIGS. 4A-4B, in place on an electronic device 102. As shown, in many embodiments, a pouch 402 may include a colorful or patterned inner surface for aesthetic enhancement.

In many embodiments, an accessory retention band may comprise multiple accessory retainers of different types. For example, in one embodiment, an accessory retention band may comprise an enclosed pouch 302 or 402 and one or more accessory retainers 202, 210. In some embodiments, a pouch 402 or 302 may be positioned between two accessory retainers 202, 210, while in other embodiments, a pouch 302 or 402 may be positioned below or above accessory retainers 202, 210. In other embodiments, an accessory retention band may comprise multiple pouches for storing small accessories. Although discussed in terms of accessories, in many embodiments, other objects may be stored in pouches 302 or 402, such as coins, keys, credit cards, identification, business cards, or other objects. Pouches may further comprise retaining elements sized for such objects, such as stiffened business card holders, clear plastic pouches for identification, or any other type and form of retaining element.

As shown in FIG. 4D and as discussed above, in many embodiments, a foldable cover such as the Apple Smart Cover may be folded to form a stand without removing the accessory retention band, as it may be positioned between adjacent folds. Similarly, such covers may be folded to expose a camera on the device, such as a camera positioned in a corner of the device. For example, the iPad line of tablets manufactured by Apple include a rear-facing camera in a corner of the device opposite an edge to which a foldable cover may be attached. During use, a user may rotate the cover to expose the screen and instead cover the back of the device. However, because the cover can fold, the user may also fold the cover or fold one or more panels of the folding cover to expose the rear-facing camera. Similarly, because the accessory retention band may be positioned between adjacent folds and may lie substantially flat, the user may fold the cover to expose a rear-facing camera without needing to remove the accessory retention band. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4E, the accessory retention band 400 may be placed on different covers 100 or used with different tablet devices, including the Microsoft Surface tablet, the Samsung Galaxy line of tablets, or any other type and form of electronic device.

While various embodiments of the methods and systems have been described, these embodiments are exemplary and in no way limit the scope of the described methods or systems. Those having skill in the relevant art can effect changes to form and details of the described methods and systems without departing from the broadest scope of the described methods and systems. Thus, the scope of the methods and systems described herein should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments and should be defined in accordance with the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An accessory retention band for retaining at least one accessory without interfering with operation of a portable electronic device while in position on a cover of the portable electronic device, the accessory retention band comprising:

an elastic band for securing, under tension in position around a cover of a portable electronic device, one or more accessories on an exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device; and

at least one external accessory retainer, attached to an exterior surface of the elastic band, for externally securing the one or more accessories on the exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device.

2. The accessory retention band of claim 1, wherein the elastic band does not interfere with use of the portable electronic device while in position on the cover of the portable electronic device.

3. The accessory retention band of claim 1, wherein the cover of the portable electronic device folds at one or more creases into a corresponding two or more portions to allow use of the portable electronic device without removal of the cover, and wherein a width of the elastic band is less than a corresponding width of one portion of the two or more portions of the cover.

4. The accessory retention band of claim 1, wherein the at least one external accessory retainer comprises a riser attached to the exterior surface of the elastic band, and a face, attached to and extending beyond the riser to prevent motion of a cable along the riser orthogonally to the exterior surface of the band.

5. The accessory retention band of claim 1, wherein the at least one external accessory retainer comprises at least one retention channel for retaining a cable.

6. The accessory retention band of claim 1, wherein the at least one external accessory retainer comprises a retention channel with a cross-sectional profile corresponding to a cross-section of a portion of an accessory plug.

7. The accessory retention band of claim 1, wherein a portion of the exterior surface of the elastic band comprises a cleaning material, positioned against a screen of the portable electronic device when the elastic band is in position on the cover of the portable electronic device.

8. An accessory retention band for retaining at least one accessory without interfering with operation of a portable electronic device while in position on a cover of the portable electronic device, the accessory retention band comprising:

an elastic band, to be secured under tension in position around a cover of a portable electronic device, for storing one or more accessories on an exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device; and

a section of elastic material, attached to the elastic band on at least one edge of the section of elastic material to form a pocket in conjunction with the elastic band for storing the one or more accessories, the section of elastic material sized to lay under tension against the elastic band when the elastic band is secured under tension in position around the cover of the portable electronic device.

9. The accessory retention band of claim 8, wherein the cover of the portable electronic device folds at one or more creases into a corresponding two or more portions to allow use of the portable electronic device without removal of the cover, and wherein a width of the elastic band is less than a corresponding width of one portion of the two or more portions of the cover.

10. The accessory retention band of claim 8, wherein the section of elastic material is attached to the elastic band on three edges of the section of elastic material, and further comprising a closure mechanism to close the pocket formed by the elastic band in conjunction with the section of elastic material.

11. The accessory retention band of claim 10, wherein the closure mechanism is configured to seal an edge of the section of elastic material against a corresponding edge of the elastic band.

12. The accessory retention band of claim 8, wherein the section of elastic material is attached to the elastic band on a first edge of the section of elastic material, and further comprising a closure mechanism attached to other edges of the second section to close the pocket formed by the elastic band in conjunction with the section of elastic material.

13. The accessory retention band of claim 8, further comprising at least one accessory retainer attached to the surface of the elastic band within the pouch formed by the elastic band in conjunction with the section of elastic material.

14. The accessory retention band of claim 8, wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the elastic band comprises a cleaning material, positioned against a screen of the portable electronic device when the elastic band is in position on the cover of the portable electronic device.

15. An accessory retention band for retaining at least one accessory without interfering with operation of a portable electronic device while in position on a cover of the portable electronic device, the accessory retention band comprising:

an elastic band to be secured under tension in position around a cover of a portable electronic device for holding one or more accessories on an exterior face of the cover of the portable electronic device; and

a section of fabric, attached to an exterior surface of the elastic band, the section of fabric foldable to form a pocket for holding the one or more accessories.

16. The accessory retention band of claim 15, further comprising a closure mechanism attached to the section of fabric to close the pocket formed by folding the section of fabric.

17. The accessory retention band of claim 15, further comprising at least one accessory retainer attached to the section of fabric.

18. The accessory retention band of claim 15, further comprising at least two buttons attached to the section of fabric for retaining a cable of an accessory, each of the at least two buttons elevated by a thread shank to a height greater than a diameter of the cable.

19. The accessory retention band of claim 15, wherein a portion of an exterior surface of the elastic band comprises a cleaning material, positioned against a screen of the portable electronic device when the elastic band is in position on the cover of the portable electronic device.

20. The accessory retention band of claim 15, wherein the section of fabric extends beyond the elastic band when unfolded.