U.S. patent application number 13/156274 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for portable, adjustable protective case for electronic devices and methods of use thereof.
Invention is credited to Timothy Charles Angel.
Application Number | 20110297581 13/156274 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45063652 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110297581 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Angel; Timothy Charles |
December 8, 2011 |
PORTABLE, ADJUSTABLE PROTECTIVE CASE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND
METHODS OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
A case for an electronic device, for example a tablet computer.
The case includes a body for holding the electronic device, a
frontal opening for accessing a screen of the electronic device, a
flap for covering the opening in a first position and for engaging
a support member coupled to a back of the body in a second
position.
Inventors: |
Angel; Timothy Charles;
(Laguna Hills, CA) |
Family ID: |
45063652 |
Appl. No.: |
13/156274 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61352682 |
Jun 8, 2010 |
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61373744 |
Aug 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/736 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
F16M 13/00 20130101; A45C 2200/15 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101;
A45C 2011/003 20130101; G06F 2200/1633 20130101; F16M 11/10
20130101; F16M 13/04 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/736 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/52 20060101
B65D005/52 |
Claims
1. A case for a tablet computer, comprising: a body formed of a
back surface panel, a peripheral framing front surface panel
defining an opening, and side panels connecting margins of the back
surface panel and the front surface panel; a flap coupled by a
pliable web to a bottom of the body, the flap being sized to
generally cover the front surface panel, the flap moveable from a
position covering the front surface panel to a position towards a
rear of the body; and a supporting member pivotably connected to
the back surface panel.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the flap includes opposing securing
tracks on a side of the flap facing the back panel when the flap is
positioned towards the rear of the body.
3. The case of claim 2 wherein the supporting member includes
fasteners about a distal edge, the fasteners positioned so as to be
able to engage the securing tracks.
4. The case of claim 3 wherein the supporting tracks comprise small
loops and the fasteners comprise small hooks.
5. The case of claim 1 wherein the supporting member comprises a
rigid plastic.
6. The case of claim 5 wherein the supporting member further
comprises a leather covering for the rigid plastic.
7. The case of claim 1 wherein the supporting member is
substantially planar.
8. The case of claim 7 wherein a distal edge of the supporting
member includes a semicircular cutout.
9. A case for an electronic device, comprising: a back surface
panel; a peripheral-framing front surface panel: a plurality of
side members connecting a periphery of the front surface panel to a
periphery of the back surface panel; and at least two supporting
members foldably attached to the back surface panel, a first
supporting member attached to an edge of the back surface panel, a
second supporting member attached to a midline of the back surface
panel.
10. The case of claim 9, further comprising: at least two securing
tracks along two edges of an inner-facing surface of the first
supporting member, the securing tracks perpendicularly-oriented
relative to the foldable attachment of the first supporting member
to the back surface panel; and at least two fasteners situated on
opposing corners of the second supporting member, the fasteners
configured to reversibly secure to any portion of the securing
track.
11. The case of claim 9, further comprising, at least two opposing
strap members attached to the back surface panel.
12. The case of claim 9, wherein the supporting members are
substantially planar.
13. The case of claim 9 wherein the back surface panel, the front
surface panel, and the side members are comprised of leather.
14. A case for a tablet computer, comprising: a body with front
opening for providing access to a touchscreen of a tablet computer;
a support member pivotably connected to a back of the body; and
means, coupled about a bottom of the body, for covering the front
opening and for providing a support surface for engaging the
support member.
15. The case of claim 14, further comprising: means, on the means
for covering the front opening and for providing a support surface
for engaging the support member, for securing position of the
support member.
16. The case of claim 15, wherein the support member comprises a
rigid planar material.
17. The case of claim 16, wherein the support member includes at
least one fastener about a distal end of the support member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/352,682, filed Jun. 8, 2010,
entitled "Carrier Case," and U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/373,744, filed Aug. 13, 2010, entitled "Portable, Adjustable
Protective Case for Electronic Devices and Methods of Use Thereof,"
the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to cases for
electronic devices, and more particularly relates to an adjustable
protective case for an electronic device.
[0003] Portable electronic devices have become very popular and
ubiquitous in many different areas of the world and among many
different groups of people. Examples of popular portable electronic
devices include laptop computers. handheld computers (i.e.,
iPAD.RTM. and Kindle.RTM.), portable DVD and CD players and
portable gaming devices. These electronic devices contain many
different electrical components which may easily be damaged by
environmental factors and therefore must be protected adequately.
As a result, electronic devices are almost always housed in hard
casings.
[0004] Technology associated with portable electronic devices has
rapidly evolved in at least one important way--miniaturization and
downsizing. Modern portable electronic devices have become
increasingly smaller and sleeker with little or no compromise in
performance. Flat screen monitors and sleek portable electronic
devices are becoming the norm. At least one disadvantage associated
with this otherwise positive technological advancement is that the
device may not be configured to use in a comfortable hands-free
manner.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect the invention provides a case for a tablet
computer, comprising: a body formed of a back surface panel, a
peripheral framing front surface panel defining an opening, and
side panels connecting margins of the back surface panel and the
front surface panel; a flap coupled by a pliable web to a bottom of
the body, the flap being sized to generally cover the front surface
panel, the flap moveable from a position covering the front surface
panel to a position towards a rear of the body; and a supporting
member pivotably connected to the back surface panel.
[0006] In another aspect the invention provides a case for an
electronic device, comprising: a back surface panel; a
peripheral-framing front surface panel; a plurality of side members
connecting a periphery of the front surface panel to a periphery of
the back surface panel; and at least two supporting members
foldably attached to the back surface panel, a first supporting
member attached to an edge of the back surface panel, a second
supporting member attached to a midline of the back surface
panel.
[0007] In another aspect the invention provides a case for a tablet
computer, comprising: a body with front opening for providing
access to a touchscreen of a tablet computer; a support member
pivotably connected to a back of the body; and means, coupled about
a bottom of the body, for covering the front opening and for
providing a support surface for engaging the support member.
[0008] These and other aspects of the invention are more fully
comprehended considering the discussion herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a case for an
electronic device in accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the case of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective back view of the case of
FIG. 1 in a stored state.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a fastener of one
supporting member engaged with a securing track of another
supporting member for a case such as the case of FIG. 1 in
accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a case such as the case of FIG. 1 with an
electronic device therein in accordance with aspects of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a case such as the case of FIG. 1 in a
variety of positions in accordance with aspects of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device partially slidably
engaged within a case in accordance with aspects of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a case such as the case of FIG. 1 secured
to a seat in accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a further case in accordance with aspects
of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a case in the form of the case of FIG. 9
with a supporting member maintaining a body of the case in a raised
position.
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates the case of FIG. 10 in a variety of
positions in accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of the case of FIG. 10.
[0021] FIG. 13 illustrates the case of FIG. 10 held by the securing
strap.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Embodiments of the invention are directed to portable,
adjustable protective cases for electronic devices and methods of
use thereof. In one embodiment, the protective case comprises a
back surface panel and a peripheral-framed front surface panel
having a plurality of side members connecting to an inner periphery
of the back surface panel. In addition to an opening defined by the
peripheral-framed front surface, the protective case may have one
or more openings (or apertures) along the plurality of side
members. In some embodiments, one or more supporting members may be
foldably attached to the back surface panel. In some embodiments,
one or more strap members may be secured to or about the back
surface panel.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a portable,
adjustable protective case for an electronic device in an expanded
state according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the
protective case 100 includes a back surface panel 102 and a
peripheral-framing front surface panel 104 connected to an inner
periphery of the back surface panel 102 by a plurality of side
members 106. The protective case 100 may be rectangular in
configuration; however, various embodiments may have other suitable
configurations. In any embodiment, the configuration of the
protective case should be sized to accommodate a corresponding
electronic device. Materials comprising the protective case 100
include in various embodiments any suitable rigid/semi-rigid
material having a degree of pliability. In one embodiment, the
material is leather.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral-framed front surface
panel 104 defines an opening 108. In some embodiments, the opening
108 corresponds to a viewing screen of an electronic device (not
shown). That is, when an electronic device is housed within the
protective case 100, the peripheral-framed front surface panel 104
functions to frame the screen of the electronic device. This allows
a user to access the screen of the electronic device when the
electronic case is housed within the protective case 100 in the
case of touch-screen electronic devices.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of side members 106 may
have one or more apertures 110 at various locations. In some
embodiments, the apertures 110 correspond to one or more buttons,
controls and/or ports of the corresponding electronic device. In an
embodiment in which the protective case 100 is approximately
rectangular in configuration, at least one "side" of the protective
case 100 may be substantially or completely open, i.e., may be
completely void of a side member 106 (not shown). In this respect,
an electronic device may slide into protective case 100.
[0026] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, at least two supporting
members 112 are shown in use in supporting the protective case 100
in an upright or substantially upright position. In the context of
this application, "upright" means that the protective case 100 is
angled at ninety (90) degrees or less relative to a horizontal
plane. In some embodiments, a supporting member 112a may be
foldably attached to at least one edge of the back surface panel
102 and may be approximately the same size and/or configuration of
the back surface panel 102. The supporting member 112a may be
adapted to configure from a collapsed state to an expanded state
(explained in more detail below). As shown in FIG. 1, the
supporting member is substantially planar, and is shown in a
position such that the supporting member 112a defines a plane
intersecting a plane defined by the back surface panel about the
edge of the back surface panel, with the two planes being at about
45.degree. to one another. In one embodiment, an inner-facing
surface of the supporting member 112a includes one or more securing
tracks 114, preferably adjacent one or more edges defining the
supporting member 112a.
[0027] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, a supporting member 112b may
be foldably attached to a midline of the back surface panel 102 and
may be approximately one-half the size and/or configuration of the
back surface panel 102. Preferably the midline is substantially
parallel to the edge of the back surface panel to which the
supporting member 112a is attached. The supporting member 112b may
be adapted to configure from a collapsed state to various expanded
states (explained in more detail below). As shown in FIG. 1, a
distal edge of the supporting member 112b rests on the supporting
member 112a. In most embodiments the supporting member 112a may be
positioned on a supporting surface, for example a horizontal
surface, and, with the supporting member 112b positioned as in FIG.
1, the supporting member 112b may support an electronic device
within the protective case in an angled elevated fashion.
Preferably the supporting member 112b is sufficiently rigid to so
support the electronic device. The supporting member 112b may be
sufficiently rigid, for example, by way of utilizing a rigid
material for the supporting member 112b or by incorporating a rigid
material, for example a rigid plastic, in a casing defining the
supporting member 112b. In one embodiment, one or more corners of
the supporting member 112b include one or more fasteners 116.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of the portable, adjustable
protective case for an electronic device of FIG. 1 in an expanded
state, with the supporting member 112b shown in phantom for ease of
viewing. As may be seen in FIG. 2, the securing tracks 114 extend
generally along a length of opposing margins of the supporting
member 112a. As the fasteners 116 engage with the securing strips
114, the fasteners allow for securing the supporting member 112b to
the supporting member 112a at any position along the securing
tracks. In addition to the components and/or features described
with respect to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 shows two strap members 118 in a
stored state. Materials comprising the strap members 118 include
any suitable elastic, stretchable material. In one embodiment, the
material is VELSTRETCH.RTM. brand loop tape. In the stored state,
the strap members 118 are folded into one another and lay flat or
substantially flat against the back surface panel 102. In a first
usable state, the strap members 118 may be used to secure the
protective case 100 to a vertically-oriented object, e.g., a
headrest of a car seat (not shown). In a second usable state. the
strap members 118 may be used to secure the protective case 100
itself (not shown).
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective back view of the portable,
adjustable protective case for an electronic device of FIG. 1 in a
collapsed (or stored) state. As may be seen in FIG. 3, the
supporting member 112b positioned flat against the back surface
panel. The supporting member 112a is not visible, as the supporting
member has been folded, or wrapped, to cover the opening 108 of the
front panel.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a fastener 116 of a supporting member
112b engaged to a securing track 114 of a supporting member 112a
according to an embodiment of the invention. The fastener 116, in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, comprises small hooks attached
about a corner of a distal edge of the supporting member 112b. The
securing track 114 comprises small loops, generally along a margin
of the supporting member 112a. The hooks securely engage the loops,
holding the supporting member 112b in position with respect to the
supporting member 112a.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a protective case having an electronic
device slidably engaged therein with strap members 118 securing the
supporting member 112a over the opening 108 (not shown) of the
front surface panel. The strap members bind the supporting member
112a against the front surface panel, thereby maintaining position
of the supporting member 112a to protect a front of the electronic
device normally exposed by the opening 108.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates side views of the portable, adjustable
protective case for an electronic device of FIG. 1 in various
expanded states. According to embodiments of the invention, the
supporting members 112a, 112b may function as follows. In a
collapsed state, supporting member 112b may fold flat against the
back surface panel 102 while, in some embodiments, supporting
member 112a may also fold flat against the back surface panel 102
thereby covering the supporting member 112b and partially,
substantially or completely covering the back surface panel 102. In
many embodiments and as discussed with respect to FIG. 3, the
supporting member 112a is folded to the front of the case so as to
cover the opening 108. In various expanded states, as shown in FIG.
6, supporting member 112b may fold flat or substantially flat
against a horizontal surface while supporting member 112a may be
adjusted to any angle from ninety (90) degrees or less relative to
the horizontal surface. In this manner, the protective case
(preferably having an electronic device therein) may be situated to
any suitable "upright" position by the user. Advantageously, the
fasteners 116 are configured to reversibly secure to any area on
the securing tracks 114 so that the user may adjust the protective
case 100 to any suitable "upright" position according to the user's
preference.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device 122 partially
slidably engaged within the protective case according to an
embodiment of the invention. The electronic device is in the form
of a tablet computer, with a touchscreen of the tablet accessible
by way of an opening in a front surface panel of the protective
case.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a protective case having an electronic
device 122 slidably engaged therein mounted on the back of a car
seat 124 by the securing straps 118 according to an embodiment of
the invention. In various embodiments the securing straps are of an
elastic material, and maintain position of the protective case, and
the electronic device therein, with respect to the car seat by way
of friction.
[0035] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a further protective case in
accordance with aspects of the invention. As with the protective
case of FIG. 1, the protective case of FIGS. 9-13 includes a
substantially rectangular back surface panel 902 and a
substantially rectangular peripheral framing front surface panel
(not shown), connected along their margins by a plurality of side
panels 906. The peripheral framing front surface panel frames a
front central opening in the case, allowing for viewing and access
to a front surface of an electronic device 922 within the case, for
example a tablet computer. The side panels include a variety of
apertures, preferably in locations allowing for connections to the
electronic case.
[0036] A front cover flap 912a is connected by a pliable web to one
of the side panels, with for convenience the side panel being
termed a bottom side panel. The front cover panel is substantially
rectangular in shape, and sized to generally cover the peripheral
framing front surface panel. The web provides for increased ease in
positioning the flap either forward, to cover the front surface
panel, or rearward, to provide a support surface. In various
embodiments the pliable web is coupled to a bottom of the back
surface panel, a bottom of the front surface panel, or, perhaps
more commonly, in a seam coupling the bottom side panel to either
the front surface panel or the back surface panel.
[0037] One side of the front cover flap includes at least one
securing track, with the embodiment of FIGS. 9-13 including two
securing tracks 914. The two securing tracks in the embodiment of
FIGS. 9-13 are about opposing margins of one surface of the flap,
with the securing tracks extending away from the web connecting the
flap to the body of the case. As shown in FIG. 9, the securing
tracks are on the side of the flap that faces the back panel of the
case.
[0038] When the flap is positioned over the front surface panel the
securing tracks face outward from the body of the case. An elastic
securing strap 918 stretches across the back surface panel. The
securing strap may be used to hold the case against a back of a
seat, for general handling of the case, or for securing the flap,
for example over the front cover panel. In some embodiments a
smooth material is along a middle of a length of the elastic
securing strap, providing for increased ease in handling. In some
embodiments the elastic securing strap includes small hooks, for
example of nylon, along opposing outer facing ends of the straps,
with a smooth material, for example leather, separating the outer
facing ends. Accordingly, if the securing strap is brought forward
to secure the flap over the front surface panel, the hooks of the
securing strap may engage, at least partially, with the securing
track, aiding in retention of the flap over the front surface
panel.
[0039] A support member 912b extends from the back panel. As
illustrated in FIG. 9, the support member 912b is largely planer,
and with one edge pivotably connected to the back panel. An
opposing free edge of the support member 912b includes fasteners
about its margins, with the fasteners arranged so as to engage the
securing tracks of the flap. The support member has a length
substantially equal to a distance from a bottom of the body of the
case to the connection of the support member 912b to the back
panel. The free edge of the support surface 912b therefore may be
positioned against the support tracks anywhere along their length
when the flap is positioned to the rear of the body of the case and
the body of the case is appropriately tilted, as is illustrated in
a variety of position in FIG. 11.
[0040] The support member 912b is preferably relatively stiff so as
to be able to support the body of the case and the electronic
device, with the support member 912b for example comprising a stiff
sheet or sheets, preferably of plastic, which may be covered by
leather for aesthetics. As shown in FIG. 9, the edge of the support
member is pivotably connected substantially across a width of the
body of the case, allowing the support member 912b to provide
stable support for the body of the case, and the electronic device
therein, even in the event of user interaction with edges of a
touchscreen of the electronic device.
[0041] The support member 912b also includes a semi-circular cutout
930 in its free edge. The cutout effectively provides a handle for
increased ease in positioning the free edge of the support member
912b.
[0042] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and
shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on
the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited
to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described,
since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily
skilled in the art.
* * * * *