U.S. patent application number 13/800658 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for padfolio with rotating electronic tablet case.
This patent application is currently assigned to LEEDSWORLD, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LEEDSWORLD, INC.. Invention is credited to Ryan Alan Huet, Morgan Requel McMullin.
Application Number | 20140197058 13/800658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51164368 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140197058 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huet; Ryan Alan ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
Padfolio With Rotating Electronic Tablet Case
Abstract
An apparatus, such as a padfolio, for carrying an electronic
tablet device, the padfolio including front and back covers
pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal between
open and closed positions; an electronic tablet case rotatably
attached to the front cover, the electronic tablet case configured
for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the electronic
tablet case rotatable between first and second positions, wherein
with the electronic tablet case in the first position, a graphical
user interface on an electronic tablet device received within the
electronic tablet case faces an inside of the padfolio with the
front and back covers in the closed position, and wherein with the
electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user
interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic
tablet case faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and
back covers in the closed position.
Inventors: |
Huet; Ryan Alan;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; McMullin; Morgan Requel;
(Pittsburgh, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEEDSWORLD, INC. |
New Kensington |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LEEDSWORLD, INC.
New Kensington
PA
|
Family ID: |
51164368 |
Appl. No.: |
13/800658 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61752228 |
Jan 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 11/24 20130101;
A45C 2011/003 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 15/00 20130101;
B42F 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for carrying an electronic tablet device
comprising: front and back covers pivotally attached to each other
along an edge and pivotal between open and closed positions; an
electronic tablet case rotatably attached to the front cover, the
electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an
electronic tablet device, the electronic tablet case rotatable
between first and second positions, wherein with the electronic
tablet case in the first position, a graphical user interface on an
electronic tablet device received within the electronic tablet case
faces an inside of the apparatus with the front and back covers in
the closed position, and wherein with the electronic tablet case in
the second position, a graphical user interface on an electronic
tablet device within the electronic tablet case faces an outside of
the apparatus with the front and back covers in the closed
position.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front cover
comprises a frame, and wherein the electronic tablet case is
rotatably attached to the frame.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electronic
tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite
ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received
in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably
attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electronic
tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second
positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the
hinge members and the frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the frame includes oppositely
disposed tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case includes
oppositely disposed pins at an edge thereof received in the tracks,
and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatable along an axis
at the edge defined by the pins, such that the electronic tablet
case may be laterally moved along the tracks to rotate the
electronic tablet case between the first and second positions.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the front and back covers
remain in the closed position while the electronic tablet case is
rotated between the first and second positions.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein electronic tablet case is
securable in a third, upright position between the first and second
positions.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover,
wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user
interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic
tablet case.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
comprises a padfolio.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second positions of the electronic tablet case are 180-degrees
apart.
11. A padfolio for carrying an electronic tablet device comprising:
front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an
edge and pivotal between open and closed positions; wherein the
front cover includes an electronic tablet case configured for
removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the electronic
tablet case rotatable between first and second positions, wherein
with the electronic tablet case in the first position, a graphical
user interface on an electronic tablet device received within the
electronic tablet case faces an inside of the padfolio with the
front and back covers in the closed position, and wherein with the
electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user
interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic
tablet case faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and
back covers in the closed position.
12. The padfolio according to claim 11, wherein the front cover
includes a frame, and wherein the electronic tablet case is
rotatably attached to the frame by at least one hinge member.
13. The padfolio according to claim 12, wherein the electronic
tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second
positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the at
least one hinge member and the frame.
14. The padfolio according to claim 12, wherein the electronic
tablet case is removably attached to the frame.
15. The padfolio according to claim 11, wherein the electronic
tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover,
wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user
interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic
tablet case.
16. The padfolio according to claim 11, wherein the first and
second positions of the electronic tablet case are 180-degrees
apart.
17. A padfolio for carrying an electronic tablet device comprising:
front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an
edge and pivotal between open and closed positions, wherein the
back cover is solid and the front cover comprises a frame; an
electronic tablet case rotatably attached to the frame and
rotatable between first and second positions, the electronic tablet
case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet
device, wherein the electronic tablet case includes a solid back
cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows
access to a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device
received in the electronic tablet case, wherein with the electronic
tablet case in the first position, the open front cover faces an
inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed
position, and wherein with the electronic tablet case in the second
position, the open front cover faces an outside of the padfolio
with the front and back covers in the closed position.
18. The padfolio according to claim 17, wherein the electronic
tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite
ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received
in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably
attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.
19. The padfolio according to claim 18, wherein the electronic
tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second
positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the
hinge members and the frame.
20. The padfolio according to claim 17, wherein the first and
second positions of the electronic tablet case are 180-degrees
apart.
21. The padfolio according to claim 17, wherein the electronic
tablet case is removably attached to the frame.
22. The padfolio of claim 17, wherein the frame includes oppositely
disposed tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case includes
oppositely disposed pins at an edge thereof received in the tracks,
and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatable along an axis
at the edge defined by the pins, such that the electronic tablet
case may be laterally moved along the tracks to rotate the
electronic tablet case between the first and second positions.
23. The padfolio of claim 22, wherein the front and back covers
remain in the closed position while the electronic tablet case is
rotated between the first and second positions.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein electronic tablet case is
securable in a third, upright position between the first and second
positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of co-pending
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/752,228, filed on Jan.
14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed towards
padfolios and notebook holders and, more particularly, toward
padfolios and notebook holders having an electronic tablet case
integrally formed therewith for removably receiving an electronic
tablet and allowing operation of the electronic tablet with the
padfolio/notebook in an opened or closed position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Padfolios, notebooks and other cases and business
accessories are widely used and are useful for storing and
organizing documents and other business and personal accessories.
Many padfolios, notebooks, cases, etc., while structured and
arranged in an attempt to be user-friendly, are not always
organized for use of the item(s) carried thereby in the most
efficient manner. Accordingly, it is desirable for a padfolio to
have effective organizational features with enhanced device
attachment features that maximize its efficiency.
[0004] With the emergence of electronic tablet devices, users are
typically forced to carry both an electronic tablet case (to
protect and carry the electronic tablet) and also a padfolio,
notebook or other case. The padfolio/notebook will typically have a
writing pad and other organizational features which are often
desirable by a user. This has the drawback that a user has to carry
and travel with two separate items. Additionally, when a user
desires to use the electronic tablet, he/she must remove it from
the case for use. In this instance, a user again has at least two
items to carry and maneuver (the electronic tablet and the case),
and three items if the user also has a padfolio/notebook. Having to
continually maneuver two to three items can become cumbersome for a
user.
[0005] Additionally, if the user desires to use the
padfolio/notebook in conjunction with the electronic tablet, it
becomes even more difficult, as the user now has to open the
padfolio/notebook to access the notepad or other materials inside,
while maintaining control of the electronic tablet and its case. In
situations where space is at a premium, such as, for example, on an
airplane, the task of maneuvering and "juggling" the different
items becomes difficult and burdensome, and hinders
productivity.
[0006] The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming one or
more of the above-identified problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A padfolio, also referred to herein as a notebook or
carrying case, that incorporates a rotating electronic tablet
holder, or case, is disclosed herein. The inventive padfolio allows
the user to view the electronic tablet and access the graphical
user interface ("GUI") on the interior cover of the padfolio when
the padfolio is open; allowing the user to simultaneously take
notes and view/use the electronic tablet. Rotating the electronic
tablet additionally allows the user to view the electronic tablet
and access the GUI on the exterior cover of the padfolio when the
padfolio is closed. This allows the electronic tablet to be
utilized while the padfolio is in a closed position, resulting in
space savings.
[0008] The padfolio of the present disclosure includes a padfolio
which may incorporate a writing pad and other organizational
features on the inside thereof. The padfolio includes a molded
frame with a molded-in rotational axis defined by two positioning
points on the frame. A mobile electronic tablet case is attached to
the frame which removably secures the electronic tablet into the
padfolio and frame. Two rotatable hinges, which define the two
positioning points, attach the electronic case to the frame along
the rotational axis. The two rotatable hinges rotate about the
rotational (central) axis to allow an electronic tablet received in
the electronic tablet case to be rotated between two positions. In
a first position, the electronic tablet can be accessed and used
with the padfolio in an open position. In the first position,
closing the padfolio orients the GUI of the electronic tablet to
the interior of the padfolio, such that it is protected and not
accessible. Rotating the electronic tablet to the second position
(e.g., 180-degrees) orients the GUI of the electronic tablet to the
exterior of the padfolio, such that the GUI is accessible when the
padfolio is in a closed position. This allows the electronic tablet
to be used, while minimizing the space to that of a closed
padfolio.
[0009] The present disclosure permits a mobile electronic tablet to
be used in combination with the inventive padfolio that contains,
for example, organizational compartments and a writing pad allowing
the user to access the electronic tablet and writing pad
simultaneously, or as a low-profile mobile electronic tablet case
by way of a rotating electronic tablet case frame located on the
front cover of the padfolio. The rotatable case frame allows the
mobile electronic tablet to be rotated between two positions so
that the electronic tablet can be used when the padfolio is in a
closed or open position.
[0010] In one form, the inventive padfolio includes front and back
covers pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal
between open and closed positions. An electronic tablet case is
rotatably attached to the front cover, the electronic tablet case
configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the
electronic tablet case rotatable between first and second
positions. With the electronic tablet case in the first position, a
graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device received
within the electronic tablet case faces an inside of the apparatus
with the front and back covers in the closed position. With the
electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user
interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic
tablet case faces an outside of the apparatus with the front and
back covers in the closed position. The first and second positions
of the electronic tablet case can be 180-degrees apart.
[0011] The front cover includes a frame, and wherein the electronic
tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame. The electronic
tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite
ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received
in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably
attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.
[0012] In one form, the frame includes oppositely disposed tracks,
and wherein the electronic tablet case includes oppositely disposed
pins at an edge thereof received in the tracks, and wherein the
electronic tablet case is rotatable along an axis at the edge
defined by the pins, such that the electronic tablet case may be
laterally moved along the tracks to rotate the electronic tablet
case between the first and second positions.
[0013] The front and back covers may remain in the closed position
while the electronic tablet case is rotated between the first and
second positions. Further, the electronic tablet may be secured in
a third, upright position between the first and second
positions.
[0014] The electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the
first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents
formed on the hinge members and the frame.
[0015] The electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and
an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to
a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received
in the electronic tablet case.
[0016] In another form, a padfolio for carrying an electronic
tablet device includes front and back covers pivotally attached to
each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed
positions. The front cover includes an electronic tablet case
configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the
electronic tablet case rotatable between first and second
positions. With the electronic tablet case in the first position, a
graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device received
within the electronic tablet case faces an inside of the padfolio
with the front and back covers in the closed position. With the
electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user
interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic
tablet case faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and
back covers in the closed position. The first and second positions
of the electronic tablet case can be 180-degrees apart.
[0017] The front cover includes a frame, and wherein the electronic
tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame by at least one
hinge member. The electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in
the first and second positions by cooperating projections and
detents formed on the at least one hinge member and the frame.
[0018] The electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and
an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to
a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received
in the electronic tablet case.
[0019] In a further form, a padfolio for carrying an electronic
tablet device includes front and back covers pivotally attached to
each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed
positions, wherein the back cover is solid and the front cover
comprises a frame. An electronic tablet case is rotatably attached
to the frame and rotatable between first and second positions, the
electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an
electronic tablet device. The electronic tablet case includes a
solid back cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front
cover allows access to a graphical user interface of an electronic
tablet device received in the electronic tablet case. With the
electronic tablet case in the first position, the open front cover
faces an inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in
the closed position. With the electronic tablet case in the second
position, the open front cover faces an outside of the padfolio
with the front and back covers in the closed position. The first
and second positions of the electronic tablet case can be
180-degrees apart.
[0020] The electronic tablet case includes hinge members attached
thereto at opposite ends thereof, the hinge members including pins
which are received in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the
frame to rotatably attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.
The electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and
second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on
the hinge members and the frame.
[0021] The electronic tablet case may be removably attached to the
frame.
[0022] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a
padfolio with an electronic tablet case that allows for ease of use
of the electronic tablet and space savings.
[0023] It is an additional object of the present disclosure to
combine the features of a padfolio and an electronic tablet case
making travel easier and more efficient for the user.
[0024] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide
a padfolio that provides for ease of transport and use of
electronic tablets.
[0025] It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to
provide a padfolio having an integral electronic case positionable
between at least two positions for use and/or transport of the
electronic tablet.
[0026] Various other objects, aspects and advantages of the present
disclosure can be obtained from a study of the specification, the
drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Further possible embodiment(s) are shown in the drawings.
The present disclosure is explained in the following in greater
detail with reference to exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in
drawings. In the drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates the inventive padfolio in a closed
position with the electronic tablet case (with electronic tablet
therein) rotated to face the interior of the padfolio with the
padfolio in a closed position;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates the inventive padfolio in a closed
position with the electronic tablet case (with electronic tablet
therein) rotated to face the exterior of the padfolio and thus be
accessible for use by a user with the padfolio in a closed
position;
[0030] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate rotation of the electronic tablet case
of the inventive padfolio;
[0031] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the rotatable attachment of the
electronic tablet case to the frame of the front cover of the
inventive padfolio;
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates insertion and retention of an electronic
tablet into the electronic tablet case of the inventive
padfolio;
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates the inventive padfolio in an open
position with both the electronic tablet and a writing pad included
within the inventive padfolio accessible;
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the inventive
padfolio; and
[0035] FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a further embodiment of the inventive
padfolio.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The inventive padfolio disclosed herein generally includes a
pocket for attaching a writing pad, other organizational features,
and a rotating electronic tablet case assembly. The padfolio
includes front and back covers that are pivotally attached, and can
also include a closure element, such as a zipper, buttons, etc.
about the periphery of the covers to maintain the padfolio in a
closed position. The front cover includes a frame embedded therein,
and can have a rotational axis point (central or offset) and two
inverted bumps (i.e., depressions) that cooperate with bumps (i.e.,
projections) formed on two hinges to secure the rotating electronic
case assembly in two positions. The frame encases the electronic
tablet case, which removably secures an electronic tablet device
therein, and the two hinges, which are attached to the electronic
tablet case and which have the projections. The electronic tablet
case is secured into the frame by way of the two hinges having a
rotational axis point and two positioning points. The hinges are
molded to have a flange that is secured into the electronic tablet
case, a pivot pin, and a bump or bumps that allows the electronic
tablet case to snap into, and be rotated between and maintained in,
two different positions.
[0037] The first position is a closed position in which the
electronic tablet received within the case is rotated to face the
inside of the padfolio. In the second position, the electronic
tablet case is rotated outward so that the surface of the mobile
electronic tablet is visible from the front view of the closed
padfolio. With the mobile electronic tablet case rotated to the
first position--inward--and the padfolio in the closed position,
the mobile electronic tablet is protected as it is encased within
the padfolio. With the padfolio in the open position, the user can
utilize the mobile electronic tablet surface as well as the
organizational padfolio features and the writing tablet inside.
With the mobile electronic tablet case rotated to the second
position--outward--the surface (e.g., GUI) of the mobile electronic
tablet is revealed to the user when the padfolio is in the closed
position, so that it may be used without opening the padfolio.
Utilizing/operating the mobile electronic tablet within the mobile
electronic tablet case when it is in the second position consumes
less physical space.
[0038] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the inventive padfolio 10 in a closed
position. In each of FIGS. 1 and 2, an electronic tablet 12 is
inserted within an electronic tablet case 14 included in the front
cover 16 (see also FIG. 3) of the padfolio 10. In FIG. 1, the
electronic tablet 12 (with the electronic tablet case 14 in a first
position) faces toward the interior of the padfolio 10 and is thus
inaccessible. In FIG. 2, the electronic tablet 12 (with the
electronic tablet case 14 in a second position) faces toward the
exterior of the padfolio 10, and thus the GUI 18 of the electronic
tablet 12 is accessible for operation and use by a user with the
padfolio in the closed position.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the padfolio 10 includes a front
cover 16 and a back cover 20 pivotally attached to each other at a
spine 22 of the padfolio 10. The covers 16 and 20 can be opened in
the manner of a book to reveal the interior (see FIG. 8) of the
padfolio 10. The joints between the various sections of the
padfolio 10 can be made of adhesives, stitching, welding, or a
combination of techniques. The interior of the padfolio 10 can be
widely variable and, thus, is not shown herein. In general though,
the interior can have a variety of sleeves, pockets, binder rings,
etc. for mounting, storing and organizing various elements and
devices. The facing material for the exteriors of the covers 16 and
20 can be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited
to, cloth, plastic, leather (imitation and real), etc. The covers
16 and 20 can be spanned about their perimeters by a closure
element that can include, for example, a zipper 24 or other
securing device. Alternately, the covers 16 and 20 need not have a
closure element spanned about their perimeter, such they are joined
at the spine 22 and are opened and closed like a book.
[0040] The front cover 16 includes a frame 26 integrally formed or
secured therein. The electronic tablet case 14 is rotatably
attached to the frame 26. The electronic tablet case 14 is attached
to the frame 26 at two attachment points 28 and 30, and is
rotatable about rotational axis 32 defined thereby.
[0041] The electronic tablet case 14 includes a solid back cover 34
and an open front cover 36. The covers 34 and 36 may be made of the
same material as the front 16 and back 20 covers of the padfolio
10. The open front cover 36 includes an opening sufficient to
access the GUI 18 and other operational buttons of the electronic
tablet 12. The electronic tablet case 14 is rotatably attached to
the frame 26 via two hinges 38 and 40. The hinges 38 and 40 are
attached to the solid back cover 34 of the case 14. Typically, only
the edges of the hinges 38 and 40 are visible, and covering
material on the faces of the back cover 34 hides the rest of the
hinges 38 and 40. The hinges 38 and 40 rotatably attach the case 14
to the frame 26 via pins 42 which are received and extend into
apertures 44 formed in the frame 26 (only one aperture 44 is shown
in FIG. 6). The apertures 44 are formed opposite one another in the
frame 26 and define the attachment points 28 and 30.
[0042] To rotate and lock the case 14, and hence the electronic
tablet 12, in the two positions exterior to and interior to the
padfolio 10, cooperating detents 46 and projections 48 are formed
on the frame 26 and hinges 38, 40, respectively (see FIG. 6). With
the case 14, and hence the electronic tablet 12 received therein,
in a first position where the GUI 18 of the tablet 12 faces the
interior of the padfolio 10, the projections 48 will be received in
one of the detents 46 on either side of the apertures 44 to
frictionally maintain the case 14 in the first position. A user can
supply enough force to disengage the projections 48 and detents 46
and rotate the case 14, and hence the electronic tablet 12 received
therein, to a second position where the GUI 18 of the tablet 12
faces the exterior of the padfolio 10. In this position, the
projections 48 will be received in the other of the detents 46 on
either side of the apertures 44 to frictionally maintain the case
14 in the second position. While the drawings show the hinges 38,
40 having the projections 48 and the frame 26 having the detents
46, the projections 48 and detents 46 can be alternately displaced
on those elements without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. Additionally, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that other securing mechanisms to frictionally secure
the case 14 in the two positions can be implemented as well.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, to insert the electronic tablet 12 into
the case 14, a flap 50 on the front cover 36 of the case 14 is
folded back, and then the electronic tablet 12 is slid into the
case 14 (see FIG. 7). After the electronic tablet 12 is fully
received in the case 14, the flap 50 is folded back and disposed
behind the electronic tablet 12 between the electronic tablet 12
and the back cover 34 to removably secure the electronic tablet 12
within the case 14 (see FIGS. 3 and 7). Of course, this is only one
type of closure element which can attach the tablet 12 to the frame
14. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the case 14 may
take various other embodiments without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. For example, the case 14 can be
formed such that the tablet 12 snaps into the case 14. Alternately,
the case 14 may secure the tablet thereto via elastic or other
bands, via Velcro.TM., etc. The tablet 12 need only be removably
secured to the case 14 and rotatable therewith. With the electronic
tablet 12 secured in the case 14, the case 14, with the tablet 12
therein, may be rotated between the two positions, as described
above. Additionally, the case 14 may also be removably secured to
the frame 26.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the case 14 and tablet 12 may be rotated
such that the GUI 18 of the tablet 12 faces toward the interior of
the padfolio 10 (i.e., first position). In this position, the
tablet 12 may be operated by a user (via the GUI 18), while also
enabling the user to utilize, for example, a notepad 52 and other
organization features located in the interior of the padfolio 10.
Closing the padfolio 10 with the case 14 and tablet 12 in the
position shown in FIG. 8 results in the GUI 18 of the tablet 12
facing within the interior of the padfolio 10 and the back cover 34
of the case 14 facing the exterior of the padfolio 10 (see FIG.
1).
[0045] Rotating the case 14 and tablet 12 180-degrees (as described
above) rotates the case 14 and tablet 12 to a second position, as
shown in FIG. 2, with the GUI 18 of the tablet 12 facing the
exterior of the padfolio 10. With the case 14 and tablet 12 in this
second position, the GUI 18 of the tablet 12 remains accessible
with the padfolio 10 in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2. As
will be appreciated, in the exemplary embodiment described herein,
since the hinges 38 and 40 are attached to the back cover 34 of the
case 14, the front cover 36 of the case 14, and hence the GUI 18
surface of the tablet 12, will sit slightly above the front cover
16 of the padfolio 10 with the case 14 rotated to the second
position with the GUI 18 of the tablet 12 facing the exterior of
the padfolio 10. When the case 14 and tablet 12 are rotated to the
first position and face the interior of the padfolio 10, the back
cover 34 of the case 14 will be substantially flush with the front
cover 16 of the padfolio 10.
[0046] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and
embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the
disclosure. For example, while the two pivot position points 28 and
30 are shown located at the top and bottom of the case 14 and fame
26, they may also be disposed on the sides of the case 14 and frame
26 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0047] Additionally, instead of two pivot position points as
discussed above, the inventive padfolio may incorporate only one
pivot point, as shown in FIG. 9. In this exemplary embodiment, the
inventive padfolio 100 includes front 102 and back 104 covers
connected at a spine 106, such that they open and close much like a
book. A hinge mount 108 is connected to the spine 106 via rivets or
other connection means. The front cover 102 includes a hinge 110
which is connected to the hinge mount 108 via a ball and socket
connection there between. Specifically, the hinge 110 includes a
ball 112 which is received in a socket 114 formed in the hinge
mount 108 to define a pivot point 116.
[0048] The front cover 102 includes elastic bands 118 located at
each corner which are used to removably secure an electronic tablet
120 to the front cover 102. One skilled in the art will appreciate,
however, that Velcro.TM. or other connection mechanisms may be
utilized to removably secure the electronic tablet 120 to the front
cover 102 without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. The front cover 102, with electronic tablet 120
attached, may be pivoted to an open position (as shown in FIG. 9)
and rotated at the hinged pivot point 116 to face the electronic
tablet either toward the interior or the exterior of the padfolio
100. As previously described, with the cover 102 and tablet 120
facing the exterior of the padfolio 100, the electronic tablet 120
may be operated with the padfolio 100 in a closed position.
[0049] FIGS. 10-11 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the
present disclosure. The inventive padfolio 200 is shown in a closed
position in FIG. 10A and includes a front cover 202 connected by a
spine 204 to a back cover 206, such that these parts open and close
in a manner similar to a book. The front cover 202 includes the
alternate embodiment which involves how the tablet case 210 is
rotated to access the GUI 230 of the electronic tablet 228
removably secured thereto.
[0050] With the padfolio in a closed position, as shown in FIG.
10A, a pull tab 208 can be used to open the tablet case 210. As
shown in FIGS. 10B (an exploded view) and 11A, the tablet case 210
is rotated about its side edge. The front cover 202 includes a
frame 212 having oppositely disposed tracks 214 molded therein.
Oppositely disposed pins 216 are mounted to the tablet case 210 via
hinge parts 218, which have flange parts that are secured in the
construction of the tablet case 210. The tablet case 210 rotates
about an axis defined by the pins 216 along an edge thereof, as
shown in FIGS. 10B and 11A.
[0051] The pins 216 and hinge parts 218 move along the tracks 214
to allow the user to move the tablet case 210 from the first
position (FIG. 10A) to a second position (FIG. 11B) and ultimately
to a third position (FIG. 11C). The pull tab 208 can be used to
pull and/or push the tablet case 210 laterally across the frame 212
into which the tracks 214 are molded.
[0052] In the second position, as shown in FIG. 11C, a stand (not
shown) may be incorporated into the tablet case 210, front cover
202 and/or frame 212 to maintain the tablet case 210, and hence the
tablet 228, in an upright position for viewing and/or manipulation
of the GUI 230. The tablet case 210 may be rotated and moved
laterally with the front 202 and back 206 covers in a closed
position and secured with a zipper 220 or other closure member.
Alternately, a closure member may be omitted.
[0053] The tablet case 210 may be pushed and/or pulled along the
tracks 214 by the pull tab 208 into a third position (see FIG.
11C). In the position, the padfolio 200 is in a closed position
while the GUI 230 of the tablet 228 remains accessible. The tablet
case 210 may be snapped into the third position pivot and lock axis
224 (see FIG. 10B), such that the pins 216 snap into the axis 224
to frictionally maintain the tablet case 210 in the third position.
Similarly, a first position pivot and lock axis 222 frictionally
maintains the tablet case 210 in the first position in a similar
manner. The tablet case 210 can be pivoted into the third position
pivot and lock axis 224 and then snapped into the first position
pivot and lock axis 222 where it engages the frame 212
securely.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, the tablet is removably held into
the tablet case 210 via four elastic bands 226 at the four corners
thereof. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other
alternate methods of removably securing the tablet 228 to the
tablet case 210 may be utilized, as long as the GUI 230 of the
tablet 228 can be used in the second (FIG. 11B) and third (FIG.
11C) positions when the padfolio 200 is in the closed position.
[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and
embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the
disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented
for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may
include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it
is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate
embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention,
which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the
disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical
value within that range.
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