Handheld Electronic Device Protective Case For Holding An E-Vaping Article

What is this patent about?

’464 is related to the field of protective accessories for portable electronics, specifically focusing on a multi-functional case designed to house both a handheld electronic device and components of an electronic vaping system. The invention addresses the logistical challenge of carrying disparate items—such as smartphones, e-vaping devices, and replacement cartridges—by integrating specialized storage and charging features into a single, cohesive mobile platform.

The underlying idea behind ’464 is the transformation of a standard protective shell into a dedicated utility hub through the integration of a retention structure specifically geometry-matched for vaping hardware. Rather than providing a generic pocket, the inventor recognized that vaping components require distinct mechanical interfaces: flat, thin slots for blister-packed cartridges and cylindrical cavities for the devices themselves. By embedding these specific form factors into the shell, the case ensures that fragile components remain secure and accessible without significantly increasing the device's footprint.

The claims of ’464 focus on a protective case comprising a shell that attaches to a handheld electronic device and a specialized retention structure integrated into that shell. This structure is explicitly defined to accommodate two distinct types of vaping articles: a flat blister pack containing replacement parts or a substantially cylindrical e-vaping item. The independent claim establishes the fundamental mechanical relationship between the protective housing and these specific storage geometries.

In practice, the invention utilizes a variety of mechanical fasteners to secure the vaping articles. For blister packs, the case employs a locking member with a resilient lip that acts as a physical gate, allowing the pack to slide into parallel ledges but preventing it from falling out until the user manually depresses the tab. For the cylindrical vaping devices, the case uses friction-fit cavities or compartments with arcuate surfaces that mirror the shape of the device, often supplemented by a sliding cover to protect the mouthpiece from environmental contaminants.

This solution differs from prior approaches by moving beyond simple storage to include active electronic integration. The case incorporates an auxiliary power supply and a charging station—utilizing either conductive contacts or induction coils—to replenish the vaping device's battery while it is stored. Furthermore, the inclusion of an antimicrobial agent on the interior surfaces of the storage compartments provides a sanitary advantage not found in standard carrying cases, specifically targeting the hygiene requirements of a device intended for oral use.