U.S. patent application number 13/798826 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for universal support for electronic tablet-style computing devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Keith Lockwood. Invention is credited to Keith Lockwood.
Application Number | 20140262933 13/798826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522699 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140262933 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lockwood; Keith |
September 18, 2014 |
UNIVERSAL SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONIC TABLET-STYLE COMPUTING DEVICES
Abstract
A case for universally accommodating each of a plurality of
electronic devices. The case may include a universal attachment
support having a plurality of flexible bracing arms each flexible
between at least a first unstretched configuration and a second
stretched position, wherein by the ability to stretch anywhere
between the first and second positions, the bracing arms are
suitably configured to removably secure, generally adjacent the
universal attachment support, any one of a plurality of electronic
devices of varying sizes. The bracing arms may, for example, be
comprised of an elastic or rubber material.
Inventors: |
Lockwood; Keith;
(Minneapolis, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lockwood; Keith |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51522699 |
Appl. No.: |
13/798826 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/762 ;
206/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1626 20130101;
A45C 2011/003 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; G06F 2200/1633
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/762 ;
206/37 |
International
Class: |
A45C 11/00 20060101
A45C011/00; B65D 25/24 20060101 B65D025/24 |
Claims
1. A support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus comprising:
a universal attachment support configurable between at least a
first configuration, in which an electronic device of a first size
can be removably secured generally adjacent the universal
attachment support, and a second configuration, in which an
electronic device of a second size can be removably secured
generally adjacent the universal attachment support.
2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
of the first size has a different thickness than the electronic
device of the second size.
3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
of the first size has a different length than the electronic device
of the second size.
4. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device
of the first size has a different width than the electronic device
of the second size.
5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal
attachment support comprises one or more bracing elements
configurable in the first configuration and the second
configuration.
6. The support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the universal
attachment support comprises a plurality of selectable slots, each
slot configured to receive a bracing element.
7. The support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bracing elements
comprise a brace for engaging an electronic device and an anvil for
securing the bracing element with a selected slot.
8. The support apparatus of claim 7, wherein a subset of the
plurality of bracing elements is manually selectable by inserting
the anvil of each bracing element of the subset into a
corresponding slot of a subset of the selectable slots to form a
particular configuration of bracing elements.
9. The support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of
selectable slots are patterned on an attachment surface of the
universal attachment support such that a plurality of
configurations of bracing elements is possible, each configuration
configured to receive an electronic device having a different size
than at least one other configuration.
10. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal
attachment support comprises a plurality of means for securing an
electronic device generally adjacent the universal attachment
support, the means for securing providing the configurability
between the first and second configurations.
11. A support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus comprising:
a universal attachment support having a plurality of flexible
bracing arms each flexible between at least a first unstretched
configuration and a second stretched position, wherein by the
ability to stretch anywhere between the first and second positions,
the bracing arms are suitably configured to removably secure,
generally adjacent the universal attachment support, any one of a
plurality of electronic devices of varying sizes.
12. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the
plurality of flexible bracing arms integrally comprises a bracing
portion at an end thereof configured to cradle grip at least one of
a corner or edge of an electronic device.
13. The support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bracing arms are
comprised of an elastic material.
14. The support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bracing arms are
comprised of a rubber material.
15. The support apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of bracing portions, each operably coupled to a
respective one of the plurality of flexible bracing arms, each
bracing portion configured to cradle grip at least one of a corner
or edge of an electronic device.
16. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bracing arms are
comprised of an elastic material.
17. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bracing portions
are each flexible so as to accommodate a variety of electronic
device thicknesses within their cradle grips.
18. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bracing arms are
comprised of a rubber material.
19. A support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus comprising a
universal attachment support comprising a means for securing an
electronic device to the case, the means for securing configurable
between a plurality of device configurations, at least one of the
device configurations being configured for securing a device of a
different size from another of the device configurations.
20. The support apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a
notebook style cover having a front cover and a back cover, the
back cover divided into at least a first planar support section and
a second planar support section, the first planar support section
supporting the universal attachment support, and the second planar
support section selectably positionable between a first position in
plane with the first planar support section and at least one other
position out of plane with the first planar support section.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to support apparatus and/or
cases for electronic computing devices. Particularly, the present
disclosure relates to support apparatus and/or cases for electronic
tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone
devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to
universal support apparatus and/or protective cases for electronic
tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone
devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the past decade, portable electronic devices, such as
mobile phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), pocket PCs,
tablet-style computers, e-readers, and the like have become
increasingly powerful, and thus popular. Indeed, with the
introduction of each new type of portable electronic device or each
new generation of a device, these portable electronic devices
provide greater functionality and capability, securing their
position as an important part of everyday life and revolutionizing
the way people interact, learn, communicate, conduct business,
shop, etc. For example and not limited to, such portable electronic
devices often provide capabilities for: playing and recording
music; communication, such as, phone, e-mail, and text messaging;
browsing the Internet; taking/recording and viewing photographs or
video; viewing and editing documents, including so-called e-books;
storing data, such as contact information, notes, lists, journal
entries, financial information, etc.; and playing games and/or
running other applications.
[0003] Intended to be highly portable, these devices are carried or
moved about, left out on tables or couches, passed between users,
etc., and as such, are vulnerable to being dropped, being hit,
getting scratched, or accumulating other damage. Often these
devices contain sensitive and fragile components (e.g., LCD screen,
processors, accelerometers and other sensors, camera lens, etc.),
and while some types of damage are merely cosmetic, other types of
damage can destroy or limit the functionality of these components
or the device as a whole.
[0004] In this regard, protective cases have been introduced as
means to protect such portable electronic devices from potential
damage. These protective cases come in a variety of styles and
offer a wide range of features and functionality. However,
conventional protective cases have each been designed and
configured with a particular device make and model in mind. That
is, each particular protective case is generally configured for use
only with a particular make and model of device or limited set of
models by the same manufacturer, and is not intended to fit,
receive, or otherwise work with other device makes and models.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for protective cases providing the
benefits of conventional protective cases but is not limited to use
with a particular device make and model. Particularly, there is a
need for universal cases for electronic tablet-style computing
devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices, or other suitable
electronic devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a
support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality
of electronic devices. The support apparatus may include a
universal attachment support configurable between at least a first
configuration, in which an electronic device of a first size can be
removably secured generally adjacent the universal attachment
support, and a second configuration, in which an electronic device
of a second size can be removably secured generally adjacent the
universal attachment support. The electronic devices of the first
and second sizes may differ in thickness, length, and/or width, or
any other dimensional characteristic, such as but not limited to,
shape. In some embodiments, the universal attachment support may
include one or more bracing elements configurable in the first and
second configurations. The universal attachment support could have
a plurality of selectable slots, each slot configured to receive a
bracing element. The bracing elements may include a brace for
engaging an electronic device and an anvil for securing the bracing
element with a selected slot. In other embodiments, the universal
attachment support may generally include a plurality of means for
securing an electronic device generally adjacent the universal
attachment support, the means for securing providing the
configurability between the first and second configurations.
[0007] The present disclosure, in another embodiment, also relates
to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices. The support apparatus may include
a universal attachment support having a plurality of bracing
elements, a subset of the plurality of bracing elements being
manually selectable, the subset configured to removably secure an
electronic device generally adjacent the universal attachment
support. Each of a plurality of subsets of the plurality of bracing
elements may be manually selectable, each subset configured to
removably secure an electronic device generally adjacent the
universal attachment support. In some cases, a first subset of
bracing elements is configured to secure an electronic device of a
first size generally adjacent the universal attachment support and
a second subset of bracing elements is configured to secure an
electronic device of a second size generally adjacent the universal
attachment support. The electronic devices of the first and second
sizes may differ in thickness, length, and/or width, or any other
dimensional characteristic, such as but not limited to, shape. The
universal attachment support may have a plurality of selectable
slots, each slot configured to receive a bracing element. The
bracing elements may include a brace for engaging an electronic
device and an anvil for securing the bracing element with a
selected slot. A subset of the plurality of bracing elements may be
manually selectable by inserting the anvil of each bracing element
of the subset into a corresponding slot of a subset of the
selectable slots to form a particular configuration of bracing
elements. In further embodiments, the plurality of selectable slots
are patterned on an attachment surface of the universal attachment
support such that a plurality of configurations of bracing elements
is possible, each configuration configured to receive an electronic
device having a different size than at least one other
configuration.
[0008] The present disclosure, in still another embodiment, relates
to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices, the case having a universal
attachment support with a plurality of means for securing an
electronic device to the support apparatus, the universal
attachment support configurable between a plurality of device
configurations, at least two of the configurations utilizing
different subsets of the plurality of means for securing. In one
embodiment, the support apparatus may further include a notebook
style cover. The notebook style cover may have a front cover and a
back cover, the back cover divided into at least a first planar
support section and a second planar support section, the first
planar support section supporting the universal attachment support,
and the second planar support section selectably positionable
between a first position in plane with the first planar support
section and at least one other position out of plane with the first
planar support section.
[0009] The present disclosure, in a further embodiment, relates to
a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices. The support apparatus includes a
universal attachment support having a plurality of flexible bracing
arms each flexible between at least a first unstretched
configuration and a second stretched position, wherein by the
ability to stretch anywhere between the first and second positions,
the bracing arms are suitably configured to removably secure,
generally adjacent the universal attachment support, any one of a
plurality of electronic devices of varying sizes. In some
embodiments, each of the plurality of flexible bracing arms
integrally includes a bracing portion at an end thereof configured
to cradle grip at least one of a corner or edge of an electronic
device. The bracing arms may be comprised of an elastic material or
a rubber material, for example. In an another embodiment, a
plurality of bracing portions may each be operably coupled to a
respective one of the plurality of flexible bracing arms, wherein
each bracing portion is configured to cradle grip at least one of a
corner or edge of an electronic device. Again, the bracing arms may
be comprised of an elastic material or a rubber material, for
example. The bracing portions may each be flexible so as to
accommodate a variety of electronic device thicknesses within their
cradle grips.
[0010] The present disclosure, in still another embodiment, relates
to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a
plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus having a
universal attachment support including a means for securing an
electronic device to the case, the means for securing configurable
between a plurality of device configurations, at least one of the
device configurations being configured for securing a device of a
different size from another of the device configurations. The
support apparatus may further include a notebook style cover having
a front cover and a back cover, the back cover divided into at
least a first planar support section and a second planar support
section, the first planar support section supporting the universal
attachment support, and the second planar support section
selectably positionable between a first position in plane with the
first planar support section and at least one other position out of
plane with the first planar support section.
[0011] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As
will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure
are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are
to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is
regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present
disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from the following description taken in conjunction with
the accompanying Figures, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a protective case in an open
and inclined position according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2A is a front view of a protective case in a closed
position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2B is a back view of a protective case in a closed
position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a protective case in a
closed position according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of a protective case in an open
position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a protective case in an open
position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 6A is a top view of a base portion of a universal
attachment support according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6B is a side view of a base portion of a universal
attachment support according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of a brace of a
universal attachment support according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective case in an open
and inclined position with an electronic tablet computing device
attached thereto according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top view of a protective case in an open
position according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 10 is another top view of a protective case in an open
position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side view of a protective case in an open
position according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of a protective case in a closed
position according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protective case securing
according to one embodiment of the present disclosure securing an
electronic computing device in an inclined position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous
support apparatus and/or cases for electronic computing devices.
Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and
advantageous universal support apparatus and/or cases for
electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or
smartphone devices, or other suitable electronic devices, such as
portable electronic gaming devices. Such support apparatus and/or
cases may provide protection for electronic tablet-style computing
devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices without being limited
to use with a particular device make and model. In this regard, a
consumer can have flexibility in device selection and replacement
without having to worry about also needing to purchase a new case
or a particularly customized case. Such case may also permit the
consumer to readily switch between more than one device, as
desired, and utilize the same case as needed.
[0029] In general, a protective case of the present disclosure may
include a notebook-style cover, which may be configured to form a
protective cover over at least a portion of the device, and may
typically be configured to substantially cover a front and back
portion of the device when in a closed position, notebook-style. A
protective case of the present disclosure may also include a
universal attachment support that is configured for accepting or
receiving an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or
smartphone device and which can support and secure the device to or
within the protective case. The universal attachment support may
utilize one or more of a variety of means for securing a device to
or within the protective case, which may be configurable to accept
and secure various types, sizes, makes, and/or models of devices.
In many cases, but not necessarily all cases, it may be desirable
that a protective case of the present disclosure be configured so
as to permit users to access most or all functionality of the
device while the device is secured to or within the case, such as
but not limited to, access to power on/off button(s), volume
buttons, other interface buttons, input and/or output ports,
charging ports, camera lens and flash, etc. In further embodiments,
a protective case of the present disclosure may include features
that can enhance the functionality of and/or capability of the
device, such as but not limited to, a stand means, for supporting
the device in a semi-upright or inclined position for better
viewing, and/or an integrated keyboard, etc.
[0030] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of a protective case 100
of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a protective case 100
of the present disclosure in an open stand position, in which an
attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or
smartphone device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined
position. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 illustrate front, back, and
perspective views, respectively, of a protective case 100 in a
closed position, in which an attached electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured
within and protected by the protective case. FIG. 4 is a front view
and FIG. 5 is a side view of a protective case 100 of the present
disclosure in an open notebook position, in which a screen of an
attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or
smartphone device would be visible to a user.
[0031] As generally described above, a protective case 100 of the
present disclosure may include a notebook-style protective cover
102 and a universal attachment support 104. In one embodiment, the
protective cover 102 may include a front cover portion 106, a back
cover portion 108, and a flexible binding portion 110 operably
connecting the front and back cover portions. However, in some
embodiments, the universal attachment support 104, discussed in
detail below, may provide a back protective functionality. Thus, in
some embodiments, a separate back cover portion 108 need not be
necessary, and the universal attachment support 104 may provide, or
be integrated with, the back cover portion of the protective
case.
[0032] The flexible binding portion 110 may permit the front 106
and back 108 cover portions to move relative one another in a
variety of open and closed positions, as will be described in
further detail below, such that the protective cover 102 can
provide functionality in a variety of usable positions.
Particularly, in a first closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 2A,
2B, and 3, the front cover portion 106 may be positioned generally
adjacent an attached electronic tablet-style computing device,
e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the protective case,
and generally in a horizontal and parallel or near horizontal and
parallel position relative the back cover portion 108. In such
closed position, the protective case 100 may provide protection for
at least a portion of an attached electronic tablet-style computing
device, e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the
protective case. In some embodiments, the protective case 100 can
be configured so as to cover substantially all of the front and
back sides of the attached device, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B,
and 3. In particular, the front cover portion 106 may be sized to
generally cover substantially all of the front side of many known
types, makes, and models of devices. Similarly, as most
conventional electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or
smartphone devices are generally rectangular in shape, the front
cover portion 106 may also be configured in a rectangular or
generally rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently
cover substantially all of the front side of many known types,
makes, and models of devices. However, the front cover portion 106
could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a
rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of
the front side of a device. Indeed, the front cover portion 106
could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the
front side of an attached device, and in such configurations may
still provide sufficient protection to the attached device.
[0033] The front cover portion 106 may be manufactured from any
suitable materials, including but not limited to paperboard,
cardboard, padding material or materials (such as poly-fill),
leather, fabric, flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or other
materials often used for protective cases, or combinations thereof.
In one particular embodiment, the front cover portion 106 may be
manufactured using a suitably sized and shaped paperboard,
cardboard, or metal insert, and optionally any padding material,
covered or coated with a fabric, leather, plastic, or rubber
material. The coating material may be secured or fastened around
the insert by any suitable methods or means, including but not
limited to adhesives, staples, stitching, welding or molding
processes, etc.
[0034] In embodiments of a protective case 100 having a back cover
portion 108, the back cover portion may be sized, shaped, and
manufactured in a substantially similar way to the front cover
portion 106, described above. However, in other embodiments, the
back cover portion 108 need not be sized and/or shaped the same as
the front cover portion nor need be manufactured in the same manner
or utilizing similar manufacturing processes. In a particular
embodiment, the back cover portion 108 may be sized to generally
cover substantially all of the back side of many known types,
makes, and models of devices. The back cover portion 108 may also
be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as
to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the back
side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However,
the back cover portion 108 could be configured as any size and
shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that
substantially covers all of the back side of a device. Indeed, the
back cover portion 108 could be sized and shaped so as to cover
only a portion of the back side of an attached device, and in such
configurations may still provide sufficient protection to the
attached device.
[0035] The flexible binding 110 may be configured to permit any
suitable depth between the front 106 and back 108 cover portions
when in a closed position, and in some cases, may be selected such
that the depth appropriately accommodates a variety of types,
makes, and models of devices. The flexible binding 110 may be
manufactured from materials similar to those as for the front 106
and/or back 108 cover portions, including leather, fabric, flexible
or rigid plastic, or rubber, or other suitable materials, such as
but not limited to, elastic. Similarly, while described as being
flexible, the binding 110 could instead be manufactured from more
rigid materials, such as but not limited to, metal rings, such as
those often used for spiral bound notebooks or those often used for
commercially available three-ring or four-ring binders.
[0036] In a closed position, a protective case 100 of the present
disclosure may further include a mechanism for maintaining the
protective case in a closed position, for example, with the front
cover portion 106 generally adjacent a front side of a device
secured within the protective case. In one embodiment, the
mechanism for maintaining the protective case 100 in a closed
position may be a strap 202 which extends around the front cover
portion and secures the front cover portion, in the closed
position, to the back cover portion 108 or universal attachment
support 104, for example, if no separate back cover portion 108 is
provided. In one particular embodiment, each end of the strap 202
may be secured to the back cover portion 108, as illustrated in
FIG. 2B, and the strap may be looped around the front cover portion
106, thereby securing the front and back cover portions in a closed
position as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The
strap 202 may be secured to the back cover portion 108 by any
suitable means, such as but not limited to, adhesives, stitching,
staples, etc. The strap 202 may be manufactured from any suitable
material; however, in one embodiment, the strap may be manufactured
from a flexible or stretchable material, such as but not limited
to, elastic, so that the strap may be easily fitted or looped
around the front cover portion 106. Although discussed with respect
to extending from the back cover portion 108 around the front cover
portion 106, it is recognized that the ends of the strap 202 may
instead be secured to the front cover portion 106, and the strap
may be looped around the back cover portion 108. Similarly, the
strap 202 may instead comprise two separate strap portions which
extend around the front (or back) cover portion 106 and may be tied
to one another in a conventional manner. In still additional or
alternative embodiments, the mechanism for maintaining the
protective case in a closed position could include but is not
limited to, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (such as
Velcro), magnets, or any combination thereof.
[0037] A protective case 100 of the present disclosure may also
have a variety of open positions, in which an attached electronic
tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device may
be at least partially accessible for use. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate
one example open position, in which the front cover portion 106 is
positioned relative the universal attachment support 104 so as to
be open like a conventional notebook. As illustrated, the front
cover portion 106 is positioned such that it is lying in
substantially the same plane as the back cover portion 108 or
universal attachment support 104 (i.e., there is a 180 degree angle
.alpha. between the front cover portion and the back cover
portion). However, it is recognized that the angle .alpha. between
the front cover portion 106 and back cover portion 108 could be
adjusted, similar to the front and back covers of a conventional
notebook, between any suitable angle permitting access to an
electronic device supported by the universal attachment support
104, including but not limited to, between about 0 degrees to
nearly 360 degrees, wherein the front cover portion may be brought
entirely around an axis provided by the flexible binding 110 and is
immediately adjacent the back cover portion 108. In this regard, a
user is permitted great flexibility in the manner of accessing any
device secured to or within the protective case 100.
[0038] In an even further embodiment, the back cover portion 108
may be configured for supporting the universal attachment support
104 in an open and inclined position, such that an attached
electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone
device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined position, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, in order to provide such
functionality, the back cover portion 108 may be configured with a
first planar support section 204 and a second planar support
section 206 separated by a dividing hinge section 208, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2B. In this regard, the first planar
support section 204 and second planar support section 206 may be
adjusted via the hinge section 208 such that their planes are at
various angles .beta. relative to one another, thereby supporting
the universal attachment support 104 in an inclined position. The
ratio of the size or area of the first planar support section 204
to the total size or area of the back cover portion 108, and the
ratio of the size or area of the second planar support section 206
to the total size or area of the back cover portion, need not be
equal. In other words, the size of the first planar support section
204 and the size of the second planar support section 206 do not
need to be equal; although, they could be. For example, in some
embodiments, the back cover portion could comprise nearly all first
planar support section, nearly all second planar support section,
about half first planar support section and half second planar
support section, or any other suitable ratio of first to second
planar support section.
[0039] The first 204 and second 206 planar support sections may be
adjusted between any suitable angle, .beta., between nearly 0
degrees to 180 degrees, and thus the universal attachment support
104 may be accordingly be inclined at any suitable angle, .theta.,
between nearly 0 degrees and nearly 90 degrees, relative a
supporting surface on which the protective case is resting. In some
embodiments, the front cover portion 106 of the protective case 100
may be may be brought entirely around an axis provided by the
flexible binding 110 as discussed above, and utilized as a support
bracket for the second planar support section 206 of the back cover
portion 108, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this regard, in some
embodiments, the front cover portion 106 may include one or more
grooves 210 for receiving an edge 212 of the second planar support
section 206 and maintaining the edge therein. The one or more
grooves 210 may be provided on a front side of the front cover
portion 106, for example, as indentations in the front cover
portion or as spaces or valleys between protrusions on the front
cover portion. The indentations and protrusions, in some
embodiments, may be integral with the front side of the front cover
portion 106, or may be otherwise operably attached to the front
side of the front cover portion. As illustrated, for example, the
front side of the front cover portion 106 includes three
protrusions 216 forming two spaces or grooves 210 therebetween. It
is recognized, however, that any suitable number of grooves 210 may
be utilized permitting a variety of selectable positions for which
to position edge 212 of the second planar support section 206, and
thus, a variety of selectable incline positions for the universal
attachment support 104.
[0040] FIGS. 1, 4, and particularly 6A and 6B illustrate one
embodiment of a universal attachment support 104 of a protective
case 100 of the present disclosure. As discussed above, a universal
attachment support 104 according to the present disclosure may be
configured for accepting or receiving an electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device and supporting and
securing the device to or within the protective case. In general,
the universal attachment support 104 may utilize one or more of a
variety of means for securing a device to or within the protective
case, the means for securing the device being configurable or
customizable to accept and secure a variety of type, size, make,
and/or model of devices.
[0041] In one embodiment, a universal attachment support 104 may
include a base portion 602 and one or more universal means for
securing 604 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic
tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices.
In a particular embodiment, although not required, the universal
attachment support 104 may include a plurality of universal
securing means 604, so as to provide more flexibility in
configuring or customizing the universal attachment support to
secure the various type, size, make, and/or model of devices and/or
to secure any given device at more than one edge of the device.
[0042] The base portion 602, like the front 106 and/or back 108
cover portion of the notebook-style protective cover 102, may be
sized to generally cover substantially all of the back side of many
known types, makes, and models of devices. Similarly, as most
conventional electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers,
or smartphone devices are generally rectangular in shape, the base
portion 602 may also be configured in a rectangular or generally
rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently cover
substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and
models of devices. However, the base portion 602 could be
configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a
rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of
the back side of a device. Indeed, the base portion 602 could be
sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the back side of
an attached device, and in such configurations may still provide
sufficient support and configuration options for a given attached
device. In a particular embodiment, the base portion 602 may be
sized and shaped to generally correspond to the size and shape of
the back cover portion 108 of the notebook-style protective cover
102. In a further embodiment, although not required, the base
portion 602 may include rounded corners 606 and/or beveled edges
608 at any corner or edge to provide smoother and cleaner looking
corners and edges.
[0043] The base portion 602 may be manufactured from any suitable
materials, including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard,
flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or any combinations
thereof. In one particular embodiment, the base portion 602 may be
rigid or semi-rigid plastic and may be manufactured using
conventional molding or other fabricating processes.
[0044] In one embodiment, the base portion 602 may be integral
with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back
cover portion 108 of the notebook-style protective cover 102, as
particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The base portion 602 may be
attached to the back cover portion 108 by any suitable method,
including but not limited to, adhesives, snap-fit, friction-fit,
snaps, bayonet connection, etc. In an embodiment of a protective
case having a back cover portion 108 with first and second planar
support sections, as described above, the base portion 602 may be
integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the
first planar support section 204, so that in an open and inclined
position, such as that shown for example in FIG. 1, the base
portion is supported by the first planar support section 204 and
the second planar support section 206 is able to separate away from
the base portion and form an angle .beta. relative to the first
planar support section, as described above.
[0045] As generally discussed above, the universal attachment
support 104 may include one or more universal means for securing
604 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic
tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices.
The means for securing 604 may include an integral component or a
combination of two or more components, each of which may be
integral with, operably attached with, or removably attached with,
the base portion 602. In one embodiment, the universal attachment
support 104 may include a plurality of means for securing 604 with
a subset of the means for securing being selected for use depending
on the type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device desired for
attachment to the base portion 602. Each of the plurality of means
for securing 604 may be purposely and/or randomly located at
various positions of the base portion 602 such that various
selections of one or more of the plurality of means for securing
can accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of
electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone
devices, including but not limited to, those devices for which size
and shape information is known at the time of manufacturing of the
protective case 100. Accordingly, a particular subset combination
of the plurality of means for securing 604 may be designed and/or
configured for each of a variety of type, size, make, and/or model
of devices, or in some embodiments, may simply be selected by a
user as they determine best suitable for their type, size, make,
and/or model of device or devices.
[0046] In one particular embodiment, the means for securing 604 may
include an opening, slot, or groove 610 in the base portion 602 and
a brace 612 removably coupleable with, and securable within, the
opening. The opening 610 may be provided generally on an attachment
surface 614 (i.e., the surface that would be adjacent an attached
device) of the base portion 602, and may generally extend into the
thickness of the base portion any suitable amount, including up to
and all the way through the thickness. While there are a multitude
of variations or configurations for the opening 610 that may be
utilized, in one embodiment, the opening 610 may include an
insertion portion 616, where a brace 612 or a portion thereof may
be inserted, and a securing portion 618, where a brace or a portion
thereof may be generally securely engaged by the opening, such that
the brace is at least temporarily coupled with the base portion
602. At and near the attachment surface 614, the insertion portion
616 may be configured with a larger diameter or width (w1) than
that (w2) of the securing portion 618, such that an anvil portion
(described in more detail below) of a brace 612 may be inserted
relatively easily within the insertion portion and below the
attachment surface. The securing portion 618 may have a first width
w2 at and near the attachment surface, then at some depth d1 into
the thickness of the base portion 602 below the attachment surface
may increase to a larger width w3, such as but not limited to a
width the same as, near to, or larger than width w1, so that an
inserted anvil portion of a brace 612 may be slid from the
insertion portion 616 over to the securing portion 618, with the
anvil held securely beneath the attachment surface 614 and thereby
removably coupled with the base portion 602, as will be discussed
in further detail below. In some embodiments, the larger width w3
of the securing portion may be slightly smaller than width w1 of
the insertion portion in order to create a friction fit between the
walls of the securing portion defining width w3 and the anvil
portion of the brace 612.
[0047] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate one embodiment of a brace 612
according to the present disclosure. A brace 612 may include an
anvil portion 702 and a bracing portion 704 connected via a stem
706. The anvil portion 702 and stem 706 may cooperate to secure the
brace 612 to the base portion 602 of the universal attachment
support 104 via an opening 610, discussed above. More specifically,
in one embodiment, the anvil portion 702 may be designed such that
it has a diameter or width w4 that is smaller than the diameter or
width w1 of the insertion portion 616 and w3 of the securing
portion 618, but larger than the first width w2 of the securing
portion at and near the attachment surface. While illustrated in
FIGS. 7A and 7B as being generally cylindrical in shape, this is
but one embodiment, and any suitable shape may be utilized,
including but not limited to, a cube, a rectangular prism or other
polygonal prism, etc. The stem 706 may have a width or thickness w5
that is smaller than the first width w2 of the securing portion
618, and may have a depth d2 that is about the same as, or greater
than, the depth d1 at which the width of the securing portion
changes from w2 to w3. While illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B as
being generally a rectangular prism, this is but one embodiment,
and any suitable shape may be utilized, including but not limited
to, a cube, cylinder, or another polygonal prism, etc. The overall
depth d3 of the stem and anvil portion may be any suitable depth;
however, in one embodiment, the overall depth d3 may be
substantially equal to, or less than, the thickness of the base
portion 602.
[0048] With such configuration described above, the anvil portion
702 and stem 706 of the brace 612 may be inserted within the
insertion portion 616 of an opening 610. The anvil portion 702 and
stem 706 should fit generally easily within the insertion portion
616 due to the relative dimensions of the anvil portion, stem, and
insertion portion. Once inserted within the insertion portion 616,
the anvil portion 702 and stem 706 may be slid or otherwise moved
toward and into the securing portion 618, with the anvil portion
702 sliding into the part of the securing portion having width w3
and the stem sliding into the part of the securing portion having
width w2. In this regard, the anvil portion 702 can be positioned
securely beneath the attachment surface 614 under the part of
securing portion 618 with width w2. As stated above, in some
embodiments, the larger width w3 of the securing portion may be
slightly smaller than width w1 of the insertion portion and can be
configured to create a friction fit between the walls of the
securing portion defining width w3 and the anvil portion 702.
[0049] The bracing portion 704 may be configured to brace, secure,
or generally hold an electronic tablet-style computing device,
e-reader, or smartphone device adjacent or nearly adjacent to the
attachment surface 614 of the base portion 602. In one embodiment,
as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bracing portion 704 may
include a generally hook-shaped or hook-like component which, when
engaged with an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader,
or smartphone device, may wrap over a portion of an edge, and
slightly over the front face of, the electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. The bracing
portion 704 may include rounded corners and/or beveled edges for
aesthetics, usability, etc. It is recognized that other suitable
style bracing portions 704 may be used, and a hook-shaped or
hook-like component is not the only configuration suitable for
bracing or securing a device adjacent or nearly adjacent to the
attachment surface 614 of the base portion 602. Similarly, because
different types, sizes, makes, and/or models of devices are
available and may each have differing thicknesses, a variety of
braces 612 with bracing portions of differing height may be
utilized or provided, including bracing portions of adjustable
heights.
[0050] In a particular embodiment, a universal attachment support
104 may include a base portion 602 with a plurality of openings
610, such as the openings labeled A-Q in FIG. 6A, each having an
insertion portion 616 and a securing portion 618. The openings 610
may be configured such that one or more subsets of openings, such
as the subset of openings labeled A, C, E, and F, for example, are
each designed to accommodate a particular electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device or set of
electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone
devices. The universal attachment support 104 may be provided with
one or more braces 612 that may be removably positioned accordingly
within the openings of a given subset. If a user would like to
switch devices attached to the universal attachment support, the
user need only reconfigure the braces accordingly.
[0051] While discussed in depth with respect to an example
embodiment where the means for securing 604 include an opening 610
in the base portion 602 and a brace 612 removably coupleable with,
and securable within, the opening, the various embodiments
disclosed herein are not so limited. Any number of suitable means
for securing 604 may be utilized, including variations of the
opening/brace embodiments described above or entirely different
configurations for means for securing. For example, in other
embodiments, any given brace 612 as described above may be
non-removably attached with the base portion 602, and an opening
610 to which that brace is connected may include a particularly
configured securing portion 618 defining a path between two or more
end positions between which the brace may be moved in order to
accommodate differing type, size, make, and/or model of devices. In
such embodiments, a brace 612 need not be removed from the base
portion, and can simply be transferred from one location to another
along the path defined by the opening 610. In a similar embodiment,
the securing portion 618 may define a path, the path including a
ratcheting system or ratcheting means, such as angled teeth or the
like, along at least a portion of the path, such that a brace 612
having corresponding ratcheting means, such as a notch configured
for receiving the angled teeth, may be positioned at generally any
point along the defined path in order to accommodate differing
type, size, make, and/or model of devices.
[0052] In still another example embodiment, a means for securing
604 may include braces that are integral or operably attached with
the base portion and have a first unused position, in which the
brace may lay generally parallel with and/or in the same plane as
the attachment surface 614, and an upright position, in which the
brace is rotated about an axis, located at or near one end, such
that the other end of the brace flips up and away from the
attachment surface. In the upright position, the brace may be
generally perpendicular or near perpendicular to the attachment
surface, and similar to the brace 612 described above, may be
utilized to secure an electronic tablet-style computing device,
e-reader, or smartphone device to the base portion 602. A plurality
of such flip-up braces may be purposely and/or randomly located at
various positions of the base portion 602 such that a subportion of
the plurality of braces are selectable to accommodate a particular
type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing
device, e-reader, or smartphone device.
[0053] In yet other example embodiments, rather than flip-up
braces, the braces could be spring loaded, such that they
transition from an unused position to an upright position by means
of pre-loaded springs, or the like. Similarly, in other example
embodiments, the braces could be made of an elastic material, such
that any particular brace may stretch from an unused position to a
position securing a device to the base portion 602, whereby the
elastic brace, by means of its elastic properties, securely hold a
device to the base portion.
[0054] The embodiments of means for securing 604 provided above are
examples only. Of course, any combination of the above example
embodiments is also within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates an example electronic tablet-style
computing device 800 secured adjacent the base portion 602 of the
universal attachment support 104 via a particularly selected
configuration for four braces 612. In this case, as can be seen
from FIG. 8, the particularly selected configuration positions a
brace 612 at each of the four edges of the device 800. In other
embodiments, there need not be a brace 612 at each edge, there
could be more than one brace at any given edge, and there need not
be the same number of braces at each edge. Further yet, the number
and/or configuration of braces may, and often will, vary depending
on the type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device desired for
attachment to the universal attachment support 104.
[0056] In use, a user may select or identify a device they desire
to place within or otherwise attach to a protective case 100
according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Once the device is selected or otherwise known, the user may
determine a configuration of openings 610 and braces 612 suitable
for securing the selected or identified device to the universal
attachment support 104, which in some embodiments, may include
selecting which openings 610 are to be utilized and attaching
braces 612 to such openings by inserting the anvil portion 702 and
stem 706 of each brace into a corresponding insertion portion 616
and securing portion 618 of a respective opening, as discussed
above. It is recognized, and has been stated above, however, that
the openings 610 and braces 612 discussed in great detail herein
are not the only type of means for securing a device 604 that may
be utilized, but are merely example embodiments. Either subsequent
to, or at about the same time as, the braces 612 or other means for
securing 604 are setup, the device may be positioned adjacent the
base portion 602 of the universal attachment support 104 such that
the braces 612 substantially securely maintain the device in the
adjacent position.
[0057] FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another embodiment of a protective
case 900 of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9 and 10 are front views,
and FIG. 11 is a side view, of a protective case 900 of the present
disclosure in an open notebook position, in which a screen of an
attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or
smartphone device would be visible to a user. FIG. 12 is a side
view of a protective case 900 of the present disclosure in a closed
notebook position, in which a screen of an attached electronic
tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would
be covered. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protective case 900
of the present disclosure having a electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device attached thereto,
and opened to an inclined position.
[0058] As generally described above, a protective case 900 of the
present disclosure may include a notebook-style protective cover
902 and a universal attachment support 904. In one embodiment, the
protective cover 902 may include a front cover portion 906, a back
cover portion 908, and a flexible binding portion 910 operably
connecting the front and back cover portions. However, in some
embodiments, the universal attachment support 904, discussed in
detail above, may itself provide a back protective functionality.
Thus, in some embodiments, a separate back cover portion 908 need
not be necessary, and the universal attachment support 904 may
provide, or be integrated with, the back cover portion of the
protective case.
[0059] The flexible binding portion 910, similar to the embodiments
described above, may permit the front 906 and back 908 cover
portions to move relative one another in a variety of open and
closed positions, such that the protective cover 902 can provide
functionality in a variety of usable positions. Particularly, in a
first closed position, illustrated in FIG. 12, for example, the
front cover portion 906 may be positioned generally adjacent an
attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or
smartphone device secured within the protective case, and generally
in a horizontal and parallel or near horizontal and parallel
position relative the back cover portion 908. In such closed
position, the protective case 900 may provide protection for at
least a portion of an attached electronic tablet-style computing
device, e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the
protective case. In some embodiments, the protective case 900 can
be configured so as to cover substantially all of the front and
back sides of the attached device. In particular, the front cover
portion 906 may be sized to generally cover substantially all of
the front side of many known types, makes, and models of devices.
Similarly, as most conventional electronic tablet-style computing
device, e-reader, or smartphone devices are generally rectangular
in shape, the front cover portion 906 may also be configured in a
rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as to generally and
efficiently cover substantially all of the front side of many known
types, makes, and models of devices. However, the front cover
portion 906 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not
limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially
covers all of the front side of a device. Indeed, the front cover
portion 906 could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion
of the front side of an attached device, and in such configurations
may still provide sufficient protection to the attached device.
[0060] As with the previously described embodiments, the front
cover portion 906 may be manufactured from any suitable materials,
including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard, padding
material or materials (such as poly-fill), leather, fabric,
flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials often
used for protective cases, or combinations thereof. In one
particular embodiment, the front cover portion 906 may be
manufactured using a suitably sized and shaped paperboard,
cardboard, or metal insert, and optionally any padding material,
covered or coated with a fabric, leather, plastic, or rubber
material. The coating material may be secured or fastened around
the insert by any suitable methods or means, including but not
limited to adhesives, staples, stitching, welding or molding
processes, etc.
[0061] In embodiments of a protective case 900 having a back cover
portion 908, the back cover portion may be sized, shaped, and
manufactured in a substantially similar way to the front cover
portion 906, described above. However, in other embodiments, the
back cover portion 908 need not be sized and/or shaped the same as
the front cover portion nor need be manufactured in the same manner
or utilizing similar manufacturing processes. In a particular
embodiment, the back cover portion 908 may be sized to generally
cover substantially all of the back side of many known types,
makes, and models of devices. The back cover portion 908 may also
be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as
to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the back
side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However,
the back cover portion 908 could be configured as any size and
shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that
substantially covers all of the back side of a device. Indeed, the
back cover portion 908 could be sized and shaped so as to cover
only a portion of the back side of an attached device, and in such
configurations may still provide sufficient protection to the
attached device.
[0062] The flexible binding 910 may be configured to permit any
suitable depth between the front 906 and back 908 cover portions
when in a closed position, and in some cases, may be selected such
that the depth appropriately accommodates a variety of types,
makes, and models of devices. The flexible binding 910 may be
manufactured from materials similar to those as for the front 906
and/or back 908 cover portions, including leather, fabric, flexible
or rigid plastic, or rubber, or other suitable materials, such as
but not limited to, elastic. Similarly, while described as being
flexible, the binding 910 could instead be manufactured from more
rigid materials, such as but not limited to, metal rings, such as
those often used for spiral bound notebooks or those often used for
commercially available three-ring or four-ring binders.
[0063] While not necessary in all embodiments, in some embodiments,
in a closed position, a protective case 900 of the present
disclosure may further include a mechanism for maintaining the
protective case in a closed position, for example, with the front
cover portion 906 generally adjacent a front side of a device
secured within the protective case, such as that described in
detail above with respect to FIG. 2B (e.g., strap 202). In still
additional or alternative embodiments, the mechanism for
maintaining the protective case in a closed position could include
but is not limited to, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners
(such as Velcro), magnets, or any combination thereof.
[0064] A protective case 900 of the present disclosure may also
have a variety of open positions, in which an attached electronic
tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device may
be at least partially accessible for use. FIGS. 10 and 11
illustrate one example open position, in which the front cover
portion 906 is positioned relative the universal attachment support
904 so as to be open like a conventional notebook. As illustrated,
the front cover portion 906 is positioned such that it is lying in
substantially the same plane as the back cover portion 908 or
universal attachment support 904 (i.e., there is a 180 degree angle
.alpha. between the front cover portion and the back cover
portion). However, it is recognized that the angle .alpha. between
the front cover portion 906 and back cover portion 908 could be
adjusted, similar to the front and back covers of a conventional
notebook, between any suitable angle permitting access to an
electronic device supported by the universal attachment support
904, including but not limited to, between about 0 degrees to
nearly 360 degrees, wherein the front cover portion may be brought
entirely around an axis provided by the flexible binding 910 and is
immediately adjacent the back cover portion. In this regard, a user
is permitted great flexibility in the manner of accessing any
device secured to or within the protective case 900.
[0065] In an even further embodiment, the back cover portion 908
may be configured for supporting the universal attachment support
904 in an open and inclined position, such that an attached
electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone
device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined position, as
described above and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2B.
However, in other embodiments, which may also be applicable to the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the front cover portion 906
may additionally or alternatively be configured for supporting the
universal attachment support 904 in an open and inclined position,
such that an attached electronic tablet-style computing device,
e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured in a semi-upright
or inclined position. In one embodiment, with particular reference
to FIGS. 10 and 13, in order to provide such functionality, the
back cover portion 908 may be configured with a first planar
support section 1004 and a second planar support section 1006
separated by a dividing hinge section 1008. In this regard, the
first planar support section 1004 and second planar support section
1006 may be adjusted via the hinge section 1008 such that their
planes are at various angles .beta. relative to one another,
thereby supporting the universal attachment support 904 in an
inclined position. The ratio of the size or area of the first
planar support section 1004 to the total size or area of the back
cover portion 908, and the ratio of the size or area of the second
planar support section 1006 to the total size or area of the back
cover portion, need not be equal. In other words, the size of the
first planar support section 1004 and the size of the second planar
support section 1006 do not need to be equal; although, they could
be. For example, in some embodiments, the back cover portion could
comprise nearly all first planar support section, nearly all second
planar support section, about half first planar support section and
half second planar support section, or any other suitable ratio of
first to second planar support section. Likewise, as with any of
the embodiments described herein, the configuration and/or shape of
the first planar support section 1004 and the configuration and/or
shape of the second planar support section 1006 do not need to be
similar.
[0066] The first 1004 and second 1006 planar support sections may
be adjusted between any suitable angle, .beta., between nearly 0
degrees to 180 degrees, and thus the universal attachment support
904 may be accordingly be inclined at any suitable angle, e.g.,
between nearly 0 degrees and nearly 90 degrees, relative a
supporting surface on which the protective case is resting. In some
embodiments, the front cover portion 906 of the protective case 900
may be utilized as a support bracket for maintaining the attached
electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone
device in a selected semi-upright or inclined position. In this
regard, as may be most appreciated from FIGS. 9-11, in some
embodiments, the interior of the front cover portion 906 may
include one or more grooves 1010 (FIG. 9) or protrusions 1012
(FIGS. 10-11) for receiving an edge 1014 (FIG. 13) of an attached
electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone
device and maintaining the edge therein. The one or more grooves
1010 or protrusions 1012 may provide a variety of selectable
locations for receiving edge 1014 in order to accommodate a variety
of suitable incline positions, between which the attached
electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone
device may be positioned. The grooves 1010 or protrusions 1012, in
some embodiments, may be integral with the interior side of the
front cover portion 906, or may be otherwise operably attached to
the interior side of the front cover portion. As illustrated, for
example, the interior side of the front cover portion 906 includes
three grooves 1010 (FIG. 9) or protrusions 1012 (FIGS. 10-11)
forming three selectable incline positions for receiving the edge
1014 of the attached electronic tablet-style computing device,
e-reader, or smartphone device. It is recognized, however, that any
suitable number of grooves 1010 or protrusions 1012 or combinations
thereof may be utilized permitting a variety of selectable
positions for which to position edge 1014.
[0067] FIGS. 9-12, and particularly FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrate an
embodiment of a universal attachment support 904 of a protective
case 902 of the present disclosure. As discussed above, a universal
attachment support 900 according to the present disclosure may be
configured for accepting or receiving an electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device and supporting and
securing the device to or within the protective case. In general,
and including various embodiments described herein, a universal
attachment support may utilize one or more of a variety of means
for securing a device to or within the protective case, the means
for securing the device being configurable or customizable to
accept and secure a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of
devices.
[0068] With respect to FIGS. 9-12, in one embodiment, a universal
attachment support 904 may include a base portion 912 and a
universal means for securing 914 various type, size, make, and/or
model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or
smartphone devices. In a particular embodiment, although not
required, the universal means for securing 914 provides flexibility
in configuring or customizing the universal attachment support 904
to secure the various type, size, make, and/or model of devices
and/or to secure any given device at more than one corner and/or
one edge of the device.
[0069] The base portion 912 may be sized and configured to
generally provide support to at least a portion of the back side of
many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the base
portion 912 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not
limited to the specific shape or size illustrated. In a particular
embodiment, as illustrated, the base portion 912 may be sized
significantly smaller than the front 906 or back 908 cover portions
and configured in a quasi-"X" shape, so as to provide an even
amount of support to the back side of many known types, makes, and
models of devices, which are often rectangular in shape. In a
further embodiment, although not required, the base portion 912 may
include rounded and/or beveled edges to provide smoother and
cleaner looking corners and edges.
[0070] The base portion 912 may be manufactured from any suitable
materials, including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard,
padding material or materials (such as poly-fill), leather, fabric,
flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials often
used for protective cases, or combinations thereof. In one
particular embodiment, the base cover portion 912 may be
manufactured using a suitably sized and shaped paperboard,
cardboard, or metal insert, and optionally any padding material,
covered or coated with a fabric, leather, plastic, or rubber
material. The coating material may be secured or fastened around
the insert by any suitable methods or means, including but not
limited to adhesives, staples, stitching, welding or molding
processes, etc.
[0071] In one embodiment, the base portion 912 may be integral
with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back
cover portion 908 of the notebook-style protective cover 902. The
base portion 912 may be attached to the back cover portion 908 by
any suitable method, including but not limited to, stitching,
adhesives, snap-fit, friction-fit, snaps, bayonet connection, etc.
In one embodiment, as illustrated, the base portion 912 may be
attached to the back cover portion by means of one or more rivets
916, of any suitable shape, configuration, and/or size. However, as
indicated, the base portion 912 may be attached to the back cover
portion 908 by any suitable method, which in some embodiments, may
be selected to obtain a desired look and/or feel. In an embodiment
of a protective case having a back cover portion 908 with first and
second planar support sections, as described above, the base
portion 912 may be integral with, operably attached to, or
removably attached to, the first planar support section 1004, so
that in an open and inclined position, such as that shown for
example in FIG. 13, the base portion is supported by the first
planar support section 1004 and the second planar support section
1006 is able to separate away from the base portion and form an
angle .beta. relative to the first planar support section, as
described above.
[0072] As generally discussed above, the universal attachment
support 904 may include one or more universal means for securing
914 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic
tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices.
The means for securing 914 may include an integral component or a
combination of two or more components, each of which may be
integral with, operably attached with, or removably attached with,
the back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912. As
illustrated best in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the means for
securing 914 may include one or more bracing arms 1020, each having
a bracing portion 1022, configured such that the one or more
bracing arms with respective bracing portions are configured to
brace, secure, or generally hold an electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device adjacent or nearly
adjacent to the back cover portion 908 and/or base portion 912. In
one embodiment, the means for securing 914, and particularly each
of the bracing arms 1020, is configured to flex, stretch, or
elongate in some manner, to an extended position, as illustrated in
phantom in the lower right of FIG. 10. Each bracing arm 1020 may be
configured to flex, stretch, or elongate between a first position
1024, in which the bracing arm is generally at rest, having no or
substantially no stretch effected thereon, and a second position
1026, in which the bracing arm is generally at its maximum stretch.
In this regard, each bracing arm 1020 may be individually stretched
to some point between (and including) its first position and second
position in order to accommodate any sized and shaped electronic
tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. In
one embodiment, all bracing arms 1020 may have substantially the
same amount of stretching ability, and thus have substantially
similar first and second positions. In other embodiments, however,
any bracing arm may have a different amount of stretching ability
or be otherwise configured to have a different first and/or second
stretch position from any other bracing arm. In additional
embodiments, the bracing arms 1020 may include a hole 1028
therethrough, which may be configured for a user to easily insert a
finger and may assist the user in pulling the bracing arm to its
extended, second position or to some position between the first
1024 and second 1026 positions.
[0073] As indicated above, each bracing arm may include a bracing
portion 1022, configured such that, in conjunction with the bracing
arms, brace, secure, or generally hold an electronic tablet-style
computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device adjacent or nearly
adjacent to the back cover portion 908 and/or base portion 912. As
illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the bracing portion 1022 may include a
generally hook-shaped or hook-like or cradle-like component which,
when engaged with an electronic tablet-style computing device,
e-reader, or smartphone device, may wrap over a portion of a
corner, and slightly over the front face of, the electronic
tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. The
bracing portion 1022 may include rounded corners and/or beveled
edges for aesthetics, usability, etc. It is recognized that other
suitable style bracing portions 1022 may be used, and a hook-shaped
or hook-like or cradle-like component is not the only configuration
suitable for bracing or securing a device. Similarly, because
different types, sizes, makes, and/or models of devices are
available and may each have differing thicknesses, the bracing
portion 1022 may further be configured to flex or stretch between
varying heights h in order to accommodate a larger variety of
devices.
[0074] The means for securing 914, including any portion thereof,
such as the bracing arms 1020 and bracing portions 1022, may be
sized and configured into any shape and size, and is not limited to
the specific shape or size illustrated. In a particular embodiment,
as illustrated, the means for securing 914 may be sized
significantly smaller than the front 906 or back 908 cover portions
and configured with the bracing arms in a quasi-"X" shape, so as to
provide an even amount of stretch to each bracing arm 1020.
[0075] The bracing arms 1020 may be manufactured from any suitable
materials providing flexing or stretching capabilities, including
but not limited to, fabric, elastic, rubber, or combinations
thereof. Likewise, the bracing portions 1022 may also be
manufactured from any suitable materials providing flexing or
stretching capabilities, including but not limited to, fabric,
elastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. However, in other
embodiments, the bracing portions 1022 may also be manufactured
from more rigid materials, including but not limited to, flexible
or rigid plastics, metal, rigid rubber, etc., or any combinations
thereof or between flexible and rigid materials. In some
embodiments, the bracing arms 1020 and bracing portions 1022 may be
unitary and integral while in other embodiments, the bracing arms
and bracing portions may be separate components operably coupled
with one another by any suitable means, such as but not limited to
stitching, adhesives, etc.
[0076] In one embodiment, the means for securing 914 may be
integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the
back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912 of the
notebook-style protective cover 902. The means for securing 914 may
be attached by any suitable method, including but not limited to,
stitching, adhesives, snap-fit, friction-fit, snaps, bayonet
connection, etc. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the means for
securing 914 may be attached to the back cover portion 908 and/or
base portion 912 by means of one or more rivets 916, of any
suitable shape, configuration, and/or size. However, as indicated,
the means for securing 914 may be attached to the back cover
portion 908 and/or base portion 912 by any suitable method, which
in some embodiments, may be selected to obtain a desired look
and/or feel. In an embodiment of a protective case having a back
cover portion 908 with first and second planar support sections, as
described above, the means for securing 914 may be integral with,
operably attached to, or removably attached to, the first planar
support section 1004, so that in an open and inclined position,
such as that shown for example in FIG. 13, the means for securing
is supported by the first planar support section 1004 and the
second planar support section 1006 is able to separate away from
the means for securing and form an angle .beta. relative to the
first planar support section, as described above.
[0077] The means for securing 914 may be integral with, operably
attached to, or removably attached to, the back cover portion 908
and/or the base portion 912, such that the means for securing is in
front of the base portion 912. In other embodiments, however, as
illustrated in the FIGS., the means for securing 914 may be
integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the
back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912, such that the
means for securing is generally positioned between the back cover
portion and the base portion, with generally only the bracing
portions 1022 of the bracing arms configured to extend up and past
the base portion so as to hold any attached device generally
adjacent the base portion. In still further embodiments, the base
portion 912 is not necessary, and may be eliminated.
[0078] In one particular embodiment and configuration, illustrated
in FIGS. 9 and 10, the means for securing may include four bracing
arms 1020 and respective bracing portions 1022, with each of the
four bracing arms and respective bracing portions configured to
stretch out to, and maintain hold of, the four corners
conventionally found on traditional rectangular electronic
tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices.
However, in other embodiments, less than or more than four bracing
arms 1020 and bracing portions 1022 may be provided. Likewise,
although illustrated as stretching out to, and maintaining hold of,
the corners of an attached device, it is recognized that in other
embodiments, the bracing arms 1020 and respective bracing portions
1022 may be configured to instead stretch out to, and maintain hold
of, one or more edges of an attached device. Still further, it is
recognized that in other embodiments, the means for securing 914
may include any combination of one or more bracing arms and
respective bracing portions configured to stretch out to, and
maintain hold of, one or more corners of an attached device, and
one or more bracing arms and respective bracing portions configured
to stretch out to, and maintain hold of, one or more edges of an
attached device.
[0079] As may be gleaned from the above description of protective
case 900, use thereof is somewhat dissimilar to that of the various
embodiments described with respect to protective case 100.
Specifically, after a user has selected or identified a device they
desire to place within or otherwise attach to protective case 900,
the user may simply position the device adjacent the base portion
912 and/or the means for securing 914, as the case may be, of the
universal attachment support 904 and adjust the bracing arms 1022
and respective bracing portions 1022 accordingly by stretching the
bracing arms to the required length to fit the identified device
and to substantially securely maintain the device in the adjacent
position by cradling the predetermined corners and/or edges with
the bracing portions 1022. Once the device is positioned so, the
pulling force from the bracing arms trying to return naturally to
their first, unstretched position will maintain the device securely
attached adjacent the base portion 912 and/or the means for
securing 914.
[0080] While specific embodiments for securing a device to the base
portion of the universal attachment support have been described, it
is recognized that various other means for securing a device to the
base portion of the universal attachment support may be utilized.
Indeed, any means for securing a device to the base portion of the
universal attachment support wherein the means are configurable or
customizable for a plurality of type, size, make, and/or model of
electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone
device, and any combinations thereof, are within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0081] While generally disclosed herein as a protective case able
to accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of
electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, smartphone
devices, or the like. It is appreciated that a universal protective
case according to the present disclosure can be suitable used for
any type of electronic device, including portable electronic gaming
devices, other electronic entertainment devices not specifically
called out herein or yet created, etc.
[0082] While generally disclosed herein as a single protective case
able to accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of
electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, smartphone
devices, or the like, various sized versions of the protective
cases according to the present disclosure may be utilized to more
appropriately fit various makes and/or models of similarly sized
devices. For example only, two or more versions of protective cases
according to the present disclosure may be utilized to more
appropriately fit devices falling into two or more size ranges.
More particularly, as an example, a small-sized version may be
utilized to accommodate various makes and/or models of devices
falling into a size range of under six inches in length (such as
smartphone devices), a medium-sized version may be utilized to
accommodate various makes and/or models of devices falling into a
size range of between six and nine inches in length (such as
smaller electronic tablets or e-readers), and a large-sized version
may be utilized to accommodate various makes and/or models of
devices falling into a size range of between ten and twelve inches
in length (such as larger electronic tablets). The examples
provided are merely illustrative of the possibilities, and the
number of versions of various sizes for a protective case according
to the present disclosure and the size ranges those versions are
intended to cover are not meant to be limiting. It is recognized
that any suitable number of versions, and size ranges covered by
those versions, are possible.
[0083] While also generally disclosed as having a notebook-style
cover according to the various embodiments described above and
illustrated in the figures, such embodiments are not intended to be
so limiting. Indeed, a protective case according to the present
disclosure may include any suitable type of protective carrier,
such as but not limited to, any suitable type of case, cover,
folder, folio, etc. Generally, a protective case could be any type
of case, cover, folder, folio, etc., and include any alternative or
additional features to those described herein, as long as the case
has a universal attachment support as described herein or otherwise
includes the ability to universally accommodate a variety of type,
size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing
devices, smartphone devices, or the like. In some embodiments, a
case according to the present disclosure could simply be a
universal attachment component, as described herein. Similarly,
instead of being part of a protective case, a universal attachment
component as described herein, could be a part of other functional
devices, including but not limited to, device stands, under-cabinet
racks/mounts, lap devices (e.g., apparatus for assisting in
holding/positioning/resting the electronic device in a user's lap),
monitor stands, etc.
[0084] In the foregoing description various embodiments of the
present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of
illustration and description. They are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the
above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described
to provide the best illustration of the principals of the
disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of
ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the
scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended
claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are
fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
* * * * *