Protective assembly for portable digital device

Abstract

A protective case for a portable digital media device includes a hinged element and an aperture registered with an input element for such device, to provide protection against inadvertent damage to the device, to selectively operate as a stand to maintain the device in an upright position, and enable user access to the input element when the case is closed.

1 . A protective case for a portable digital media device having at least one associated input element controllable by a user, the protective case defining a cavity sized and shaped to conform to at least a portion of a portable digital media device, wherein:
 the case comprises a hinged element selectively moveable between an open position and a closed position;   the hinged element is adapted to support (i) the case, and (ii) a portable digital media device containable in the cavity thereof, in an upright position relative to an underlying support surface when said hinged element is disposed in an open position; and   the case defines at least one aperture registered with said at least one input element to permit user access to said at least one input element when said hinged element is disposed in a closed position.   
   
   
       2 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one aperture is defined in the hinged element. 
   
   
       3 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein at least one input element comprises a click wheel, and said at least one aperture includes an aperture registered with said click wheel. 
   
   
       4 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein said case comprises a substantially transparent material arranged to cover at least a portion of a display screen of said portable digital media device when said portable digital media device is contained in said cavity. 
   
   
       5 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said hinged element is substantially transparent. 
   
   
       6 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein said hinged element is substantially rigid. 
   
   
       7 . The protective case of  claim 1 , further comprising a travel stop adapted to restrain movement of the hinged element to maintain the protective case in an upright position. 
   
   
       8 . The protective case of  claim 7 , wherein the travel stop comprises at least one recess adapted to selectively receive a portion of the hinged element to maintain the protective case in an upright position. 
   
   
       9 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein said cavity is sized and shaped to conform to a portable digital media storage and playback device adapted to store and play back digital media files. 
   
   
       10 . The protective case of  claim 1 , wherein said portable digital media storage and playback device is further adapted to provide wireless communication utility. 
   
   
       11 . The protective case of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one closure element adapted to resist opening of the case when the case in a closed position. 
   
   
       12 . The protective case of  claim 1 , further comprising a male electrical connector adapted mate with a socket defined in a portable digital media device reposable within the cavity. 
   
   
       13 . The protective case of  claim 12 , further comprising a female electrical connector permitting electrical communication with the portable digital media device via the male electrical connector. 
   
   
       14 . A protective case for a portable digital media device having at least one associated input element controllable by a user, the protective case defining a cavity bounded at least in part by a hinged element and an opposing base element, and adapted to receive a portable digital media device, wherein:
 the hinged element is arranged to pivot relative to the base element between an open position and a closed position;   the hinged element is adapted to support (i) the case, and (ii) a portable digital media device containable in the cavity thereof, in an upright position relative to an underlying support surface when said hinged element is disposed in an open position; and   the case defines at least one aperture registered with said at least one input element to permit user access to said at least one input element when said hinged element is disposed in a closed position.   
   
   
       15 . The protective case of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one aperture is defined in the hinged element. 
   
   
       16 . The protective case of  claim 14 , wherein at least one input element comprises a click wheel, and said at least one aperture includes an aperture registered with said click wheel. 
   
   
       17 . The protective case of  claim 14 , wherein said case comprises a substantially transparent material arranged to cover at least a portion of a display screen of said portable digital media device when said portable digital media device is contained in said cavity. 
   
   
       18 . The protective case of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one recess adapted to selectively receive a portion of the hinged element to maintain the protective case in an upright position. 
   
   
       19 . The protective case of  claim 14 , further comprising a travel stop adapted to restrain movement of the hinged element to maintain the protective case in an upright position. 
   
   
       20 . The protective case of  claim 14 , wherein said cavity is sized and shaped to conform to a portable digital media storage and playback device adapted to store and play back digital media files. 
   
   
       21 . The protective case of  claim 14 , wherein said portable digital media storage and playback device is further adapted to provide wireless communication utility.