U.S. patent application number 13/058183 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-30 for computing device case with integrated stand.
Invention is credited to Jochen Backs, Hari Natarajan, Chris Oskuie, Eskinder Sahle.
Application Number | 20120217175 13/058183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41664238 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120217175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oskuie; Chris ; et
al. |
August 30, 2012 |
COMPUTING DEVICE CASE WITH INTEGRATED STAND
Abstract
A case (10) for a computing device (50) and an integrated stand
(11) provides the user of the computing device a case (10) for
carrying a computing device and a mechanism that supports the
portable computing device (50) in an elevated manner. The portable
computing device carrying case (10) includes a first housing
portion (12) and a second housing portion (14) pivotably connected
(16) to the first housing portion (12) for movement between an open
position and a closed position. In the closed position the first
housing portion (12) and the second housing portion (14) form a
cavity adapted to receive and enclose a portable computing device
(50) when in the closed position. The portable computing device
carrying case (10) includes an inner platform (40) positioned
within the cavity when the second housing portion (14) is in the
closed position. The inner platform (40) is moveable to an inclined
position to support the portable computing device (50) when the
second housing portion (14) is in the open position. The inner
platform (40) is pivotably connected to the first housing portion
(12) and supported by the second housing portion (14) when in the
inclined position.
Inventors: |
Oskuie; Chris; (Vienna,
VA) ; Sahle; Eskinder; (Arlington, VA) ;
Natarajan; Hari; (Bangalore, IN) ; Backs; Jochen;
(San Francisco, CA) |
Family ID: |
41664238 |
Appl. No.: |
13/058183 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
August 10, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US09/53278 |
371 Date: |
May 1, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61087619 |
Aug 8, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/45.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1628
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/45.24 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00 |
Claims
1. A portable computing device carrying case, comprising: a first
housing portion; a second housing portion pivotably connected to
said first housing portion for movement between an open position
and a closed position forming a cavity adapted to receive a
portable computing device, said first housing portion and said
second housing portion adapted to enclose the portable computing
device in said cavity when in the closed position; an inner
platform positioned within said cavity when said second housing
portion is in said closed position and moveable to an inclined
position to support the portable computing device when said second
housing portion is in said open position, said inner platform
pivotably connected to said first housing portion and supported by
said second housing portion when in said inclined position.
2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein said inner platform is
movable into a plurality of inclined positions.
3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein said inner platform is
sized to extend across substantially an entire extent of said
cavity.
4. The carrying case of claim 3, wherein said inner platform is a
flat, planar structure.
5. The carrying case of claim 4, wherein said inner platform
includes a plurality of vent openings to allow air to pass through
said inner platform.
6. The carrying case of claim 1, further including a connection
means for connecting said inner platform to said second housing
portion when in the inclined position.
7. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein said second housing
portion includes a first support and a second support positioned on
opposite sides of said second housing, said inner platform
including a first connector and a second connector mounted on
opposite sides of said inner platform to engage said first support
and said second support, respectively, to secure said inner
platform in said inclined position.
8. The carrying case of claim 7, wherein each of said first
connector and said second connector includes a projection, each of
said first support and said second support including a notch
adapted to receive a respective said projection.
9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein said second housing
portion includes a first side wall and a second side wall
positioned opposite said first side wall, said projections
extending laterally from said inner platform toward said first and
said second side walls.
10. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein said first housing
portion includes at least one access opening formed in said first
housing portion, positioned adjacent said inner platform, and sized
to receive at least one of a user's finger and an inner platform
extension to permit a user to apply a force to said inner
platform.
11. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein said inner platform
includes at least one contact portion positioned in or adjacent to
said at least one access opening.
12. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein said at least one access
opening includes a first access opening positioned on one side of
said first housing portion and a second access opening positioned
on an opposite side of said first housing from said first access
opening.
13. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein said at least one access
opening is a hole positioned in an underside of said first housing
portion.
14. The carrying case of claim 10, wherein said at least one access
opening is a slot positioned in a side wall of said first housing
portion.
15. The carrying case of claim 11, wherein said contact portion
includes a tab extending from one side of said inner platform to
engage said slot.
16. The carrying case of claim 6, wherein said connection means
includes a lower pair of supports extending from said second
housing portion and positioned to support said inner platform in a
lower inclined position, and a higher pair of supports extending
from said second housing portion and positioned to support said
inner platform in a higher inclined position.
17. A portable computing device carrying case, comprising: a first
housing portion; a second housing portion pivotably connected to
said first housing portion for movement between an open position
and a closed position forming a cavity adapted to receive a
portable computing device, said first housing portion and said
second housing portion adapted to enclose the portable computing
device in said cavity when in the closed position; an inner
platform positioned within said cavity when said second housing
portion is in said closed position and moveable into a plurality of
inclined positions to support the portable computing device when
said second housing portion is in said open position, said inner
platform pivotably connected to said first housing portion; and at
least one access opening formed in said first housing, positioned
adjacent said inner platform, and sized to permit receiving at
least one of a user's finger and an inner platform extension to
permit a user to apply a force to said inner platform.
18. The carrying case of claim 17, wherein said at least one access
opening is a hole positioned in an underside of said first housing
portion.
19. The carrying case of claim 17, wherein said at least one access
opening is a slot positioned in a side wall of said first housing
portion.
20. The carrying case of claim 17, wherein said at least one access
opening includes a first access opening positioned on one side of
said first housing portion and a second access opening positioned
on an opposite side of said first housing from said first access
opening.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of priority to Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/087,619, filed on Aug. 8, 2008, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A computing device case having an integrated stand is
disclosed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Increased flexibility and mobility of the workplace drives
an increase in the use of portable computing devices, such as
laptop and notebook computers. Some computing devices are difficult
or practically impossible to use in a portable working environment.
Also, portability of the workplace can present scenarios in which a
computing device would be more susceptible to damage or breakage,
as well as provide an awkward, clumsy or uncomfortable experience
while operating the device.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments consistent with the claimed invention relate to
a case for a computing device and an integrated stand, which
provides the user of the computing device a case for carrying a
computing device and a mechanism that supports the computing device
in an elevated manner.
[0005] In a first exemplary embodiment, a portable computing device
carrying case includes a first housing portion and a second housing
portion pivotably connected to the first housing portion for
movement between an open position and a closed position. In the
closed position the first and second housing portions form a cavity
adapted to receive a portable computing device. The first housing
portion and the second housing portion are adapted to enclose the
portable computing device in the cavity when in the closed
position.
[0006] The portable computing device carrying case includes an
inner platform positioned within the cavity when the second housing
portion is in the closed position. The inner platform is moveable
to an inclined position to support the portable computing device
when the second housing portion is in the open position. The inner
platform is pivotably connected to the first housing portion and
supported by the second housing portion when in the inclined
position.
[0007] In a second embodiment consistent with the claimed
invention, a portable computing device carrying case includes a
first housing portion and a second housing portion pivotably
connected to the first housing portion for movement between an open
position and a closed position forming a cavity adapted to receive
a portable computing device. The first housing portion and the
second housing portion are adapted to enclose the portable
computing device in the cavity when in the closed position.
[0008] The second embodiment includes an inner platform is
positioned within the cavity when the second housing portion is in
the closed position, and moveable into a plurality of inclined
positions to support the portable computing device when the second
housing portion is in the open position. The inner platform is
pivotably connected to the first housing portion.
[0009] At least one access opening is formed in the first housing,
positioned adjacent the inner platform, and sized to permit
receiving at least one of a user's finger and an inner platform
extension to permit a user to apply a force to the inner
platform.
[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and exemplary only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention that together with the description serve to explain
the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable computing device
carrying case in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with
housing portions of the case in a closed position.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top view of the portable computing device
carrying case shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of the portable computing device
carrying case shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable computing
device carrying case of FIG. 1 with the housing portions of the
case in an open position and the pivotably inner tray at an
inclined position.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portable computing
device carrying case of FIG. 4 with a computing device provided on
the pivotable tray.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the portable computing
device carrying case of FIG. 1 with the housing portions of the
case in an open position and the pivotably inner tray at an
inclined position.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of the portable computing device
carrying case with the pivotably inner tray at the inclined
position shown in FIG. 6 and a computing device provided on the
pivotable tray.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a portion of an opened portable
computing device carrying case with elements that connect the inner
tray to a housing portion according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a portion of an opened portable
computing device carrying case with the inner tray connected to a
housing portion and including an access opening according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of an opened
portable computing device carrying case according to an exemplary
embodiment with a housing portion including the pivotable inner
tray shown in cross-section.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of an opened
portable computing device carrying case with connecting elements
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of an opened
portable computing device case showing an access opening according
to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The various aspects are described hereafter in greater
detail in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments to
facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, the
invention should not be construed as being limited to these
embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the
disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[0025] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a portable computing device carrying case
10 according to an exemplary embodiment with the case 10 in a
closed position. The portable computing device carrying case 10
includes a first housing portion 12 and a second housing portion 14
pivotably connected to the first housing portion 12 via a rotating
hinge 16. The first housing portion 12 serves as the base of an
integrated portable computing device stand, which will be described
later in detail. The first housing can include a stop portion 18a
to prevent the second housing portion 14 from extending radially
more than about 90 degrees when the stop portion 18a contacts a
stop portion 18b on the second housing portion 14, although other
embodiments can allow the first portion to be opened to any
practical extent relative to the second portion 14, such as 180
degrees.
[0026] The second housing portion 14 forms the "top side" of the
carrying case when the portable computing device carrying case 10
is oriented with the first housing portion 12 resting on a surface,
such as a table or the lap of an individual. The second housing 14
includes sidewalls 15 and can rotate down over portions of the
first housing portion 12 forming the "bottom," or "lower side"
until the portable computing device carrying case 10 is in a fully
closed position, as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, and form a cavity
adapted to receive a portable computing device. The second housing
portion 14 can lock onto the lower housing via two spring loaded
latches 20 located on the front of the case that control respective
latching elements 21. The case can include a handle 22, which
provides a mechanism by which the portable computing device
carrying case 10 can be carried by hand. The handle 22 can be made
of semi-rigid material that can retract into cavities in housings
24 when the handle is not being used to allow for less space
consumption, or instead be made from flexible or a rigid material.
Alternatively, the portable computing device carrying case 10 can
be carried using a strap (not shown) attached to tabs 26, which can
be removably attached to the an attachment 27 on sidewall 15 of the
second housing portion 14.
[0027] In an embodiment, a frame 28 can be attached to an outside
surface of the second housing portion 14 and a flexible and
stretchable material 30 can be attached to the frame 28 to form a
pocket or flexible pouch 31 in which a wired or wireless peripheral
devices such as a keyboard and mouse, power supply, and other work
items such papers memory discs etc. can be stored by placing them
in an access opening 32 provided in the material 30. In other
embodiments, a compartment may be formed on the second housing 14
of rigid material and include a removable access panel, hinged
panel or other accessible compartment in which to store items. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary flexible/stretchable material
30 also can include an opening 34, through which a power cable
and/or other cable such as a network cable can be provided. The
opening 34 can generally be provided in line with an opening 36
formed in the underlying surface of the second housing portion 14,
as shown in FIG. 4.
[0028] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an exemplary integrated computing
device stand 11 of the portable computing device carrying case 10.
The integrated computing device stand 11 includes the first housing
portion 12, the second housing portion 14, and an inner platform 40
that can be elevated at one end and connected to the second housing
portion 14 to provide one or more inclined positions or
inclinations. At all adjustment levels, the points at which the
first housing portion 12, the second housing portion 14, and an
inner platform 40 connect to form a triangular shape, which
provides sound structural geometry for supporting the load of a
computing device.
[0029] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the stand in a first exemplary position,
for example, with the inner platform 40 at an angle of about 20
degrees with respect to a lower inner surface 13 of the first
housing portion 12. In this position, the keyboard 70 of a portable
computing device 50 is slightly raised and can provide a
comfortable hand position.
[0030] FIGS. 6 and 7 show the integrated computing device stand 11
in a second exemplary position, for example, with the inner
platform 40 fully raised at an angle of about 60 degrees with
respect to the lower inner surface 13 of the first housing portion
12. When positioned at this relatively high inclination, the
display 58 of a computing device 50 can be elevated substantially
to the user's eye level. At higher inclinations of the inner
platform 40, such as the second position shown in FIG. 7, a user
can utilize a peripheral keyboard and pointing device (not shown),
such as a full size wireless keyboard and mouse while being
provided with an ergonomic display experience.
[0031] With reference again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the exemplary
portable computing device carrying case 10 is depicted in open
position and configured as the integrated computing device stand
11. The elements inside the cavity formed by the first housing
portion 12 and the second housing portion 14 include an inner
platform or tray 40 pivotably mounted near a front side 42 of the
first housing portion 12, such that the back of the platform 40 can
be tilted radially upward in the direction towards the front side
42. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner platform 40 is sized and rigid
enough to support a portable computing device 50, such as a laptop
computer, notebook computer, or other electronic portable device
including a display, in an inclined position relative to the bottom
inside surface 13 of the first housing portion 12, and thus forms a
stand for a computing device. For example, the inner platform can
be sized to extend across substantially the entire extent of a
cavity formed by the first housing portion 12 and the second
housing portion 14. The front side 42 can provide a stop against
the bottom of the computing device 50 when it is placed on the
inner platform 40 and the portable computing device carrying case
10 is configured as the integrated computing device stand 11.
[0032] With reference to FIG. 10, a view of a cross-section of an
area behind a front side of a first housing portion 12 is shown to
illustrate a hinge structure of the inner platform 40 in accordance
with an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the inner platform 40 can
be rotated about an axis of the hinge 62 by way of a hinge
structure including a pair of dowel elements 64, each provided in a
retaining structure 66 at opposite sides of the first housing
portion 12, although another hinge structure, such as a piano
hinge, can be used.
[0033] Returning to FIGS. 4 and 5, an embodiment of the portable
computing device carrying case 10 can include an inner platform 40
having openings 43 that function to promote venting and circulation
of air for cooling a computing device placed on it, although the
inner platform 40 can include fewer openings (e.g., one or zero
openings) or a greater number of openings from what is depicted in
the figures. The rear of the inner platform 40 can be raised to a
desired position to create a more comfortable and ergonomic viewing
angle of the display 58 of a portable computing device 50, such as
a monitor of the laptop computer, as shown in FIG. 5, while still
allowing the user to operate the keyboard 70 of the portable
computing device 50. In the fully extended configuration of
integrated computing device stand 11 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
connectors 60 of the inner platform 40 are engaged with the
supports 46 to provide a higher inclination than a position
obtained when the connectors 60 are engaged with the supports
44.
[0034] To maintain a desired position of inclination, the inner
platform 40 and second housing portion 14 are provided with
connecting elements that can be selectively engaged and disengaged
to secure the inner platform 40 to the second housing portion 14
and in an inclined position. For example, one or more pairs of
supports can be provided on the inside of the sidewall 15 of second
housing 14, and a complementary pair connectors can be provided on
opposite ends of the inner platform 40. In the FIG. 4 configuration
of the stand 11, plural support pairs 44 are provided to permit the
user to removably secure the inner platform 40 at one of two
positions of inclination by connecting first and second ones of a
pair of connectors 60 located at the rear of the inner platform 40
with first and second ones of the pair of supports 44 or the first
and second ones of the second pair of supports 46.
[0035] FIGS. 4-7 and 9 show that the interior of the portable
computing device carrying case 10 can include pads that cushion and
provide friction fit against both sides of the computing device
when the inner platform 40 is in the fully retracted position and
the second housing portion 14 closed onto the first housing portion
12. In an embodiment, pads 41 can be provided on the lower surface
13 of the first housing portion 12 and shaped such that they
protrude through one or more openings 43 when the inner platform 40
is resting on the bottom surface 13 in the fully retracted
position. Pads 43 also can be provided on the inside surface of the
second housing portion 14 and can contact the computing device
placed. In an embodiment, pads on one or both of the first and
second housing portions 12, 14 can include a inflatable bladder and
inflated with a pump (not shown) provided on the exterior of the
case 10 to accommodate computing devices having sized different
thicknesses.
[0036] FIG. 8 shows a magnified view of a corner of the second
housing portion 14 that includes a support 46 and connector 60. A
similar connection structure can be provided at the opposite side
of the second housing and at each of the supports 44 when the inner
platform is positioned in a lower inclination. In this embodiment,
the connector 60 of inner platform 40 is provided as a projection
on a side of the rear of the inner platform 40 and provides an
interference fit with a notch structure provided at the distal end
of the support 46 in a "snap in" engagement. The support 46 can be
integrated into a frame structure 48 provided on the inside of the
sidewall 15. Other types of known connecting mechanisms can be
provided to secure the inner platform 40 with the second housing
portion 14, which include but are not limited to magnetic, hooks,
Velcro.TM., clamping elements that provide a friction fit to a pair
of tracks etc.
[0037] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a support 90 for
receiving a projection 92 that extend from opposite sides of the
inner platform 40. The projections 92 do not extend beyond the
lateral sides of the inner platform 40 and form a detachable
interference type fit with a notch formed by the support 90.
[0038] In the fully extended configuration integrated computing
device stand 11 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the connectors 60 of the
inner platform 40 are engaged with the supports 46 to provide fully
extended higher inclination of about 60 degrees. FIG. 7 is a side
view of the portable computing device carrying case 10 with a
computing device 50 placed on the inner platform 40 positioned at
the higher inclination. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the position of
the inner platform 40 elevates computing device 50 and its display
58 to a height of the user's eye level. At these higher
inclinations, the user can utilize a peripheral keyboard and
pointing device (not shown), such as a full size wireless keyboard
and mouse and be provided with an ergonomic display experience.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7 and 9, the portable
computing device carrying case 10 can include at least one access
opening 56 that is sized to receive at least one of a user's finger
and an inner platform extension 53 and contact portion 54 extending
from the inner platform 40 to permit a user to apply a force to the
inner platform 40 and raise the inner platform 40 at least high
enough for the connectors 60 to clear the sidewall 84 of the first
housing portion. As shown in FIG. 9, the access opening 56 is
formed on a bottom surface 52 of the first housing portion 12. The
bottom surface 52 can also include anti-skid pads 82 that provide
friction to resist unintentional movement of the integrated
computing device stand 11. An access opening can be located on each
side of the first housing portion 12. If the second housing portion
14 includes a frame structure 48, FIG. 7 shows a groove or recess
80 that may be provided to allow proper clearance for the
extension/contact 53/54.
[0040] FIG. 12 shows an alternative type of access opening 96 in
the form of a slot in a sidewall 98 of a first housing portion 12'.
The inner platform 40' includes a tab portion 94 that can extend
into and engage the slot access opening 96, but has an outer
surface that is flush with the outer surface of the sidewall 98 so
it does not interfere with the sidewall 15 when closing and opening
the second housing portion 14. The tab portion 94 can be
manipulated to lift the inner platform 40' over the sidewall 98 by
grabbing the tab portion 94 and pulling it upwards or the tab
portion can be pushed from a surface of the tab portion 94 under
the flush surface. In an embodiment, the exemplary support and
inner platform structures shown in FIG. 11 can be combined with a
slot type access opening as shown in FIG. 12 to position the edge
of the platform 40' a close distance from the sidewall 98.
[0041] An exemplary method of operating the portable computing
device carrying case 10 will now be described. A user can start
from a position where the case 10 is closed. The user will push the
two sliding latch buttons 20 outward to move the latch elements 21
laterally and release the second housing portion 14 from the first
housing portion 12. Next, the user can raise the second housing
portion 14 up to its full 90 degree stopped position. The user can
lift the rear of the inner platform 40 up slightly by manipulating
the access opening (e.g., access opening 56 or 96) towards the rear
of the first housing portion 12 or 12'. The user's finger accesses
the inner platform 40 through the opening and applies an upward
force on inner platform 40 which allows for the free hand to easily
raise the rear of the inner platform 40 to the desired viewing
height. The user can then secure the rear connectors 60 on the
inner platform 40 into recesses in the supports 44/46 provided on
the first housing portion 12, and thus detachably connect and
secure the inner platform 40 at the desired position.
[0042] If not already placed on the inner platform 40, the user
will then place his/her portable computing device 50 (e.g., a
laptop or notebook computer) on the inner platform 40 in an open
position. With the inner platform 40 raised at the rear, the
display of the portable computing device is raised to a more
comfortable and ergonomic position for the user in order to reduce
head, neck and/or back strain. Optionally, the user may remove a
wireless keyboard and mouse (not shown) from the flexible pouch 31
located on the exterior of the second housing portion 14. USB fobs,
for example a Bluetooth.TM. or another high frequency wireless fob
for a keyboard/mouse can be used to provide connectivity from these
devices to the portable computing device 50. The user can then
position the wireless keyboard and mouse in their desired positions
to reduce hand and wrist strain.
[0043] Once the user has completed their session on the computing
device 50, the wireless keyboard and mouse can be returned to the
flexible pouch 31, and the user's computing device moved to a
closed position. The inner platform 40 is lowered to a resting
position on the first housing portion 12, and the user's computing
device rests on the inner platform 40. The second housing portion
14 then can be closed down onto the first housing portion 12 where
the case is locked via the spring loaded slide latches 20/21. Once
in the closed and locked position, the user will utilize the
carrying handle 22 or the shoulder strap (not shown) to transport
the portable computing device carrying case 10.
[0044] Although not shown, exemplary embodiments may include
modifications, such as a battery pack, USB ports, and/or
ventilation system integrated into one or more of the first and
second housing portions 12, 14.
[0045] Although a limited number of exemplary embodiments is
described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
recognize that there could be variations to any of these
embodiments and those variations would be within the scope of the
appended claims. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the
art that various changes and modifications can be made to the
portable computing device carrying case and integrated stand
described herein without departing from the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *