U.S. patent application number 13/247952 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for combination cover and stand for an electronic device.
The applicant listed for this patent is LESLIE H. BESNER. Invention is credited to LESLIE H. BESNER.
Application Number | 20130075280 13/247952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47910059 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130075280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BESNER; LESLIE H. |
March 28, 2013 |
COMBINATION COVER AND STAND FOR AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
A cover for an electronic device than can be folded into an
easel stand to support the device. The cover includes four rigid
panels that are connected by flexible portions that allow folding
front or back. The electronic device is secured to a first of the
rigid panels by a securing device. A durable elastic band is
provided on an interior side of one of the rigid panels and is used
to secure at least two of the rigid panels together when the cover
is in either the closed or folded easel configurations. Magnets are
embedded in two of the rigid panels to securely and detachably
couple these two panels when the cover is folded in the easel
configuration.
Inventors: |
BESNER; LESLIE H.;
(Millburn, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BESNER; LESLIE H. |
Millburn |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47910059 |
Appl. No.: |
13/247952 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/45.23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2200/1633 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/45.23 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/24 20060101
B65D025/24; B65D 6/02 20060101 B65D006/02 |
Claims
1. A cover for an electronic device comprising: a first rigid panel
capable of receiving the electronic device; a second rigid panel,
the second rigid panel being substantially the same size as the
first rigid panel; a first flexible portion, the first flexible
portion connecting the first and second rigid panels; a third rigid
portion, the third rigid portion having a width that is less than a
width of the first and second rigid portions; a second flexible
portion, the second flexible portion connecting the second and
third rigid portions; a fourth rigid portion, the fourth rigid
panel being substantially the same size as the third rigid panel;
and a third flexible portion connecting the third and fourth rigid
panels.
2. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising: a securing
mechanism, the securing mechanism capable of securing the
electronic device to the first rigid panel.
3. The cover according to claim 2, wherein the securing mechanism
is embedded in the first rigid panel.
4. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the cover is folded in
an easel configuration, the flexible portions acting as hinges
between respective rigid portions, the cover further comprising: a
coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism detachably coupling the
fourth and the first rigid panels.
5. The cover according to claim 4, wherein the coupling mechanism
further comprises a plurality of magnets.
6. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the coupling mechanism
further comprises: at least one first magnet embedded in the fourth
rigid panel; and at least one second magnet embedded in the first
rigid panel, wherein the least one first magnet and the least one
second magnet cooperate to detachably couple the first and fourth
rigid panels.
7. The cover according to claim 5, wherein the coupling mechanism
further comprises: a first plurality of magnets embedded in the
fourth rigid panel; and a second plurality of magnets embedded in
the first rigid panel, wherein the first plurality of magnets and
the second plurality of magnets cooperate to detachably couple the
first and fourth rigid panels.
8. The cover according to claim 1, further comprising: an elastic
band coupled to the second rigid panel, wherein the elastic band is
capable of securing at least two of the rigid panels together when
the cover is folded.
9. The cover according to claim 8, wherein when the cover is folded
in an easel configuration, the elastic band securing the first and
second rigid panels together in an area proximate to the first
flexible portion.
10. The cover according to claim 8, wherein when the cover is
folded in a closed configuration, the elastic band securing the
third and fourth rigid panels to the second rigid panel.
11. The cover according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is
folded in an easel configuration, the second rigid panel acts as
base in contact with a supporting surface.
12. The cover according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is
folded in an easel configuration, the third rigid panel acts as
base in contact with a supporting surface.
13. The cover according to claim 1, wherein first flexible portion
has a width sufficient to separate the first and second rigid
panels in a closed configuration of the cover so as to accommodate
the electronic device between the first and second rigid
panels.
14. A cover for an electronic device comprising: a plurality of
rigid panels, a first one of the plurality of rigid panels capable
of receiving the electronic device; a plurality of flexible
portions, each of the plurality of flexible portions respectively
connecting two of the plurality of rigid panels; an elastic band
coupled to a second one of the plurality of rigid panels, the
elastic band capable of securing at least two of the plurality of
rigid panels together.
15. The cover according to claim 14, further comprising: an
interior cover material covering interior surfaces of the plurality
of rigid panels; and an exterior cover material covering exterior
surfaces of the plurality of rigid panels, wherein the plurality of
flexible portions comprise the interior and exterior materials
coupled together.
16. The cover according to claim 14, wherein a first pair of the
plurality of rigid panels is a first size, and a second pair of the
plurality of rigid panels are a second size.
17. The cover according to claim 16, wherein the second size is
approximately half of the first size.
18. A cover for an electronic device comprising: a plurality of
rigid panels, a first one of the plurality of rigid panels capable
of receiving the electronic device; a plurality of flexible
portions, each of the plurality of flexible portions respectively
connecting two of the plurality of rigid panels; at least one first
magnet disposed in a first one of the plurality of rigid panels;
and at least one second magnet disposed in a second one of the
plurality of rigid panels, wherein the at least one first magnet
and the at least one second magnet cooperate to detachably couple
two of the plurality of rigid panels.
19. The cover according to claim 18, wherein the at least one first
and second magnets detachably couple the two of the plurality of
rigid panels when the cover is folded in an easel
configuration.
20. The cover according to claim 18, further comprising: an
interior cover material covering interior surfaces of the plurality
of rigid panels; and an exterior cover material covering exterior
surfaces of the plurality of rigid panels, wherein the plurality of
flexible portions comprise the interior and exterior materials
coupled together.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to covers for
electronic devices, and more particularly to covers for electronic
devices that can also act as a stand or easel for hands-free
viewing of the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With the advent of "electronic paper" and new liquid crystal
display (LCD) technology that allows easy reading of electronic
documents in varying light conditions with limited power,
electronic book or tablet devices such as the Barnes & Noble
Nook.RTM. have hit the mainstream. The technology has quickly
evolved to very thin, portable devices that have long battery life
and built in communication such as cellular and wireless. Many
people are beginning to use these devices like they would ordinary
books, magazines, or newspapers, carrying them in briefcases or
beach bags like they would an ordinary paper periodical or
book.
[0003] There are many types of book or device covers that offer
different levels of flexibility or levels of convenience in
providing functionality as a cover for the device as well as acting
as a stand or easel for hands-free viewing of the device. These
existing apparatuses tend to be cumbersome, complex, or have a
linear usage. The prior art attempts to address such functionality
in many ways. Past devices include bookstands that have pocket or
pouches on either side of the stand to receive articles. Others
fold along middle portions with stand supports formed thereon.
However, the prior art fails to provide folding supports with
multiple sections that fold and align in reverse positions so as to
convert between an open position in which the device stand can be
positioned in multiple viewing positions, and a closed position in
which the support panels are closed in such a way as to allow the
now reversed folded stand to be used as a device cover.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The combination cover and easel of the present invention
incorporates specific design elements that make it different from
any other protective cover. The cover includes four rigid panels
connected by flexible portions that allow folding front or back.
The electronic device is secured to a first of the rigid panels by
one of any number of securing devices. The first rigid panel is
slightly larger than the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the
electronic device. The first panel is connected to a second of the
rigid panels by a first of the flexible portions. The first
flexible portion has a width that is slightly larger than the
thickness of the electronic device in order to accommodate the
electronic device when the cover is in a closed position. The
second rigid panel is approximately the same size as the first
rigid panel to provide protection to the electronic device when the
cover is closed and to provide rigid support to the cover when it
is functioning as a stand or easel. A third rigid panel is
connected to the second rigid panel by a second flexible portion.
The third rigid portion has the same vertical dimension, but half
of the horizontal dimension as the first and second rigid panels.
The second flexible portion has a width that is less than the width
of the first flexible portion. Finally, a fourth rigid portion is
connected to the third rigid portion by a third flexible portion.
The fourth rigid portion is approximately the same size as the
third rigid portion. The third flexible portion is approximately
the same size as the second flexible portion.
[0005] In a preferred embodiment, a durable elastic band is
provided on an interior side of the second rigid panel, in
proximity to the first flexible portion. The elastic band is
provided to help secure the third and fourth rigid panels when not
in use in the easel configuration. The elastic band also secures
the first and second rigid panels, in the area of the first
flexible portion, when the cover is being used as easel.
[0006] In a further preferred embodiment, magnets are embedded in
the first and fourth rigid portions to securely couple these two
portions when the cover is folded in the easel configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For the purposes of illustrating the present invention,
there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred,
it being understood however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise form shown by the drawing in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an interior of the cover in a
completely unfolded configuration;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cover in a partially folded
configuration;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cover folded in a first easel
configuration;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross section of the side view of the cover
folded in the first easel configuration, illustrating the imbedded
magnets;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover folded in the
first easel configuration with an electronic device mounted
thereon;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the cover folded in a second easel
configuration;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover folded in the
second easel configuration with the electronic device mounted
thereon; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top view of the cover in a completely folded
position with the electronic device contained therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates the interior of the cover 10 of the
present invention in a completely unfolded configuration. The cover
10 includes four rigid panels 20, 50, 70 and 90. The panels 20, 50,
70 and 90 preferably have a core of a rigid material such as
cardboard, paper or plastic. Panel 20 is the main panel to which
the electronic device can be mounted (as illustrated in FIG. 5).
The mounting of the electronic device to the panel 20 can be
accomplished by many different securing devices, such as the one
shown in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, panel 20 is more rigid
than any of the other panels as it must stably support the device.
This additional rigidity can be provided by the securing device. In
a preferred embodiment, panel 20 has a width of approximately 14 cm
and a height of approximately 21 cm, slightly larger than the
dimensions of the electronic device that is to be held in the cover
10.
[0017] The interior surface 20a of panel 20, as well as all of the
other interior surfaces 30a, 50a, 60a, 70a, 80a and 90a is covered
by a soft cover material such as cloth or leather. As this interior
cover material is observable to the user, it is preferably a
decorative material. Similarly, the exterior surface of the cover
10 is covered by an exterior cover material as leather or vinyl, or
other suitably durable material. As the exterior cover material is
observable to the user, it is preferably a decorative material. The
exterior cover can be decorated with other decorative features.
[0018] Rigid panel 20 is connected to rigid panel 50 by flexible
portion 30. Rigid panel 50 is preferably the same size as rigid
panel 20. As illustrated in FIG. 8, panels 20 and 80 provide a
seamless cover to protect both sides of an electronic device 200
that is mounted in the cover 10. Flexible portion 30 acts as a
hinge between the two panels and is preferably formed by the
interior cover material that is attached to the exterior cover
material by any suitable means such as gluing or sewing. The width
of the flexible portion 30 is such that the cover 10 can
accommodate the device 200 between the two panels 20 and 50 when
the cover is in the completely folded position (as illustrated in
FIG. 8). In a preferred embodiment, this width is 2.5 cm.
[0019] Panel 50 is connected to panel 70 by flexible portion 60. As
with flexible portion 30, flexible portion 60 is formed by
connecting the interior and exterior cover material. Flexible
portion 60 is narrower than flexible portion 30 as it does not have
to accommodate the device 200, but must merely hinge the two panels
50 and 70 to form the easel configurations of the cover 10. In a
preferred embodiment, flexible portion 60 is 1 cm wide.
[0020] Rigid panels 70 and 90 are approximately half of the width
of panels 30 and 50. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, this width of
panels 70 and 90 is necessary so that panels 70 and 90 together are
approximately the same size of either panel 30 or 50. In a
preferred embodiment, panels 70 and 90 are 6.4 cm wide.
[0021] Panel 70 is connected to panel 90 by flexible portion 80. As
with flexible portions 30 and 60, flexible portion 80 is formed by
connecting the interior and exterior cover material. Flexible
portion 80 is preferably narrower than flexible portions 30 and 60.
In a preferred embodiment, flexible portion 60 is 0.5 cm wide.
[0022] As further explained below in connection with FIG. 4, panel
20 contains magnets 110a and 110b embedded therein, while panel 90
contains embedded magnets 100a and 100b. As further explained below
in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, a durable elastic band 40 is
provided on the interior side 50a of rigid panel 50.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates cover 10 in a partially folded cover
configuration. In this configuration, cover 10 acts as a
traditional book cover, enabling the user to hold the electronic
device 200 with two hands like a traditional paper book or
magazine. In this configuration panels 70 and 90 have been folded
over panel 50, hinged at flexible portion 60. The exterior surfaces
90b, 70b of these panels are now visible to the user of the
electronic device. Durable elastic band 40 is stretched over panel
90 in order to secure panels 70 and 90 to panel 50. Band 40 thus
creates a stable cover which can easily be handled by the user.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the cover 10 folded in a first easel
configuration. As seen in this Figure, the large panels 20 and 50
have been folded back at flexible portion 30, flexible portion 30
acting as a hinge. Panel 70 is folded from panel 50 at flexible
portion 60. In this easel configuration, panel 70 acts as the base
for the cover 10. Interior surface 70a of panel 70 is placed in
contact with the surface on which the cover 10 is placed, e.g., a
desk or tabletop. End panel 90 is folded from panel 70 at flexible
portion 80 at the same angle as main panel 20. End panel 90 is
cooperatively coupled to main panel 20.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the
cooperative coupling between end panel 90 and main panel 20 is
accomplished with magnets 100a, 100b and 110a, 110b. Although only
magnet 100b and 110b are illustrated in this Figure, it is
appreciated that complimentary magnets 100a and 110a serve to
couple the opposite sides of panels 90 and 20. Magnet 100b (100a)
in panel 90 is attracted by magnet 110b (110a) in panel 20, thus
detachably securing panel 90 to panel 20. Although in the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 1, the magnets 100a, b and
110a, b are formed as rectangular strips imbedded in the edges of
panels 90 and 20, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that other shapes (e.g., circular, oval . . . ), number (e.g.,
1, 3, 4 . . . ) and placement (e.g., top, corners . . . ) of the
magnets 100a, b and 110a, b is within the scope of the present
invention as long as the function of securely and detachably
coupling panel 90 to panel 20. Care must be taken to ensure that
the placement and strength of the magnets does not interfere with
the operation of the electronic device.
[0026] As further appreciated by those skilled in the art, panel 90
can be secured to panel 20 by other mechanical mechanisms such as
snaps or Velcro.TM.. However, the embodiment of embedded magnets is
preferred as it provides all of the functionality of securing the
panels 20, 90 while not altering the esthetic, ornamental design of
the exterior surfaces of the cover 10.
[0027] As previously described, flexible portion 30 has a width
that is larger than the other flexible portions 60, 80 in order to
accommodate the electronic device in the closed configuration of
the cover 10 (see FIG. 8). This enlarged width creates some
instability between panels 50 and 20 in the easel configuration.
Accordingly, the durable elastic strap 40 can be stretched around
the flexible portion 30 near the positions where the flexible
portion 30 connects to panel 20. Flexible portion 30 thus serves to
securely couple the ends of panels 50 and 20 along their entire
edges.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates the cover 10 folded in the first easel
configuration with the electronic device 200 mounted on panel 20.
As can be readily appreciated, the user can easily use and view the
electronic device 200 in a hands-free manner when the cover 200 is
configured as an easel. This Figure further illustrates one
mechanism for attaching the electronic device 200 to panel 20 of
the cover 10. The securing mechanism illustrated in FIG. 5 is a
three point mechanism. A first clip 210 detachably attaches to a
long side of electronic device 200, while two other clips 220, 230
attach to opposing corners of electronic device 200. In a preferred
embodiment, the securing mechanism is embedded in panel 20 such
that only clips 210-230 protrude from the interior surface 20a of
panel 20. In this preferred embodiment, the securing mechanism has
a structure (not shown) connecting clips 210-230 that provides
additional stability and rigidity to panel 20 for supporting
electronic device 200. As appreciated by those skilled in the art,
other securing mechanisms can be used with the cover of the present
invention such as a four point mechanism (at the four corners),
snaps or Velcro.TM.
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a second way in which the cover 10
that has been folded in the easel configuration can be employed by
the user. In this use, the folded cover 10 has been tipped on its
side from the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 3-5. In this use,
larger panel 50 acts as the base for easel cover 10. Interior
surface 50a of panel 50 is placed in contact with the supporting
surface, e.g., a table top. As seen by comparing the use
illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the use shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 provides
shallower viewing angle of the screen on electronic device 200.
However, due to the larger surface area of panel 50 (in relation to
panel 70), the use in FIGS. 6 and 7 provides a more stable
configuration. This can be important if the user is required to
operate the electronic device 200 while the cover is in the easel
configuration, e.g., press buttons or make swipes on the screen on
the electronic device 200. Although not shown in these Figures, it
is understood that the magnets 100a, b and 110a, b in panels 90 and
20 serve to secure these two panels in this use of cover 10.
[0030] As previously described, FIG. 8 is a top view of the cover
10 in a completely folded position with the electronic device 200
contained therein. In this configuration, the electronic device 200
is protected by the cover 10 and can be safely carried or stowed,
e.g., in a briefcase or purse. In this closed configuration, panels
90 and 70 are secured to panel 50 by elastic strap 40. Although
panels 70 and 90 are coupled by flexible portion 80, there is
sufficient rigidity in the combination of panel 90, flexible
portion 80 and panel 70 to enable strap 40 to secure these panels
to panel 50 in a parallel position without any hinging of flexible
portion 80.
[0031] Although the present invention has been described in
relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations
and other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is
preferred, therefore, that the present invention be limited not by
the specific disclosure herein, but only by the gist and scope of
the disclosure.
* * * * *