Apparatus for storing interchangeable modules and method of manufacturing the same

An apparatus for storing within an existing storage space at least one interchangeable module, the apparatus comprising:

• a core layer having a core thickness on opposing sides of which are two substantially parallel planar faces, the core layer having a core width and a core length, the core width and the core length being sized to fit within the existing storage space, the core thickness also being approximately as large as a module thickness of the interchangeable module and having an interior portion of the planar section removed such that remaining interior surfaces perpendicular to the planar faces define an opening closed on all but a first edge of the core layer, the opening having interior dimensions large enough to substantially accommodate a module length and a module width of the interchangeable module;
• a pair of side pieces, each of the side pieces having a side piece width substantially the same as the core width, a side piece length substantially the same as the core length, and a side piece thickness such that a combined thickness of the side pieces and the core thickness are sized to fit within the existing storage space and the side pieces enclose the opening on sides parallel with the planar faces with an only access point to the opening being in the first edge of the core layer;
• and
• a securing component, the securing component joining the planar faces of the core layer with inward facing surfaces of the side pieces.

An apparatus for storing within a credit-card pocket at least one interchangeable electronics module for a portable electronics device, the apparatus comprising:

• a core layer having a core thickness on opposing sides of which are two substantially parallel planar faces, the core layer having a core width and a core length, the core width and the core length being sized to fit within a credit-card sized pocket, the core thickness also being approximately as large as a module thickness of the interchangeable electronics module and having an interior portion of the planar section removed such that remaining interior surfaces perpendicular to the planar faces define an opening closed on all but a first edge of the core layer, the opening having interior dimensions large enough to substantially accommodate a module length and a module width of the interchangeable electronics module;
• a pair of credit-card sized side pieces having a side piece thickness such that a combined thickness of the side pieces and the core thickness are sized to fit within the credit-card sized pocket and the side pieces enclose the opening on sides parallel with the planar faces with an only access point to the opening being in the first edge of the core layer;
• and
• a securing component, the securing component joining the planar faces of the core layer with inward facing surfaces of the side pieces.

A method for making an apparatus for storing at least one module within an existing storage space, the method comprising:

• forming a core layer having a layer thickness on opposing sides of which are two substantially parallel planar faces, the core layer having a core width and a core length, the core width, and the core length being sized to fit within the existing storage space, the core thickness also being large enough to slidably receive a module thickness of the module;
• forming the core layer such that interior sides of the core layer perpendicular to the planar faces define at least one opening through the core layer and the planar faces, the opening being adjacent to at least one edge of the core layer, the opening having an opening width and an opening depth large enough to substantially accommodate the module;
• forming a pair of side pieces, each of the side pieces having a side piece width substantially the same as the core width, a side piece length substantially the same as the core length, and a side piece thickness such that a combined thickness of the side pieces and the core thickness are sized to fit within the existing storage space;
• and
• joining the planar faces of the core layer with inward facing faces of the side pieces.