Case for electronic tablet

• US 8,328,008 B2
• Filed: 09/28/2010
• Issued: 12/11/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vinci Brands LLC
• Original Assignee: Incase Designs Corporation (Incipio Technologies Incorporated)
• Inventors: Diebel, Markus, Hong, Hyun
• Primary Examiner(s): Yu, Mickey
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cheung, Chun
• Application Number:
  US12/892,736
• Publication Number:
  US 20120037523A1
• Time in Patent Office: 805 Days
• Field of Search: 206/320, 206/45.24, 206/45.2, 206/701, 206/760, 206/305, 206/37, 206/38, 206/302, 206/45.23
• US Class Current: 206/45.24
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/005 Hinges
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2013/025 for holding portable computers or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2200/15 Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 5/02 Materials therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 5/04 Packaging single articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/00 Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials B65D71/00, B65D83/00 take precedence; hand implements or travelling equipment A45C; cosmetic or toiletry equipment A45D; packages for surgical knives, scalpels or blades therefor A61B17/3215; containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes A61J1/00; paint cans B44D3/12; oil cans F16N3/04; containers for carrying small arms F41C33/06; packaging of ammunition or explosive charges F42B39/00; containers for record carriers, specially adapted for cooperation with the recording or reproducing apparatus G11B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1628 Carrying enclosures containing additional elements, e.g. case for a laptop and a printer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A case incorporates a built-in stand for an electronic device, such as an electronic tablet computer, which the case houses. The case protects the electronic device and allows a user to view and access the device without removing it from the case. The built-in stand is adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles.

Claims

1. A case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a rectangularly shaped cover comprising first, second, third, and fourth cover edges, wherein the first and third cover edges extend in a first direction and are parallel to each other, the second and fourth cover edges extend in a second direction and are parallel to each other, the second direction is transverse to the first direction, and the second cover edge is longer than the first cover edge;

a first hinge, formed in the cover between the first and third cover edges, extending in the first direction, and the cover from the first cover edge to the first hinge is a front flap, and the front flap has a first length from the first cover edge to the first hinge that is sufficiently long to cover a front screen of the portable electronic device when the front flap is folded via the first hinge to close the case;

a second hinge, formed in the cover, between the third cover edge and the first hinge, extending in the first direction, parallel to the first hinge;

a third hinge, formed in the cover, between the first hinge and the second hinge, extending in the first direction, parallel to the first hinge,

wherein a first back part is between the third cover edge and the second hinge, and a second back part is between the third hinge and the second hinge;

a plurality of grooves formed between the first cover edge and the first hinge on an inside of the front flap; and

a holder, coupled to the rectangularly shaped cover, that removably couples the portable electronic device to the case between the second hinge and the third cover edge,

wherein the portable electronic device is to be inserted into the holder in a direction from the first hinge to the third cover edge,

when the portable electronic device is inserted into the holder, the first back part remains fixedly attached to the holder,

when folded in a first stand position by rotating the second hinge in a first rotation direction so a bottom of the holder can be inserted into a first groove of the plurality of grooves, the first back part remains fixedly attached to the holder, alongside a back of the electronic tablet, while the second back part is rotated away from the back of the electronic device, and

when folded in a second stand position, the first back part rests against the second back part, the bottom of the holder rests against the inside of the front flap and not in a groove, and a spine panel between the first and third hinges raises the third edge of the cover to a height above a height of the bottom of the holder.

2. The case of claim 1 wherein the rectangularly shaped cover comprises rounded corners.

3. The case of claim 1 wherein the cover from the third edge to the second hinge has a second length, and the cover from the second hinge to the first hinge comprises a third length, and the third length is greater than the second length.

4. The case of claim 1 wherein the cover from the third edge to the second hinge has a second length, and the cover from the second hinge to the first hinge comprises a third length, and a sum of the first, second, and third lengths is at least about 407 millimeters.

5. The case of claim 4 wherein a fourth length of the first hinge is at least about 245 millimeters.

6. The case of claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a bezel forming a front opening of the holder through which a screen will be visible.

7. The case of claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a backing material comprising a textured surface.

8. The case of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a polycarbonate material.

9. The case of claim 1 wherein the cover comprises a composite comprising polyurethane and polycarbonate.

10. The case of claim 1 wherein the inside of the front cover has three grooves.

11. The case of claim 1 wherein when the portable electronic device is positioned in a first of the grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 45 degrees.

12. The case of claim 1 wherein when the portable electronic device is positioned in a second of the grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 60 degrees.

13. The case of claim 1 wherein when the portable electronic device is positioned in a third of the grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 75 degrees.

14. The case of claim 1 wherein when portions of the cover on either side of the second hinge are folded against each other, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 8 degrees.

15. The case of claim 1 wherein when utilizing a first of the grooves, a built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 45 degrees,

when utilizing a second of the grooves, the built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 60 degrees,

when utilizing a third of the grooves, the built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 75 degrees, and

when portions of the cover on either side of the second hinge are folded against each other, the built-in stand of the case has an angle of about 8 degrees.

16. The case of claim 1 comprising:

an elastic band, coupled to the cover between the second hinge and the third cover edge, wherein the elastic band extends in the first direction.

17. The case of claim 1 wherein when the front flap is folded via the first hinge to close the case, an inside of the front flap touches the holder.

18. A case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a rectangularly shaped cover comprising first, second, third, and fourth cover edges, wherein the first and third cover edges extend in a first direction and are parallel to each other, the second and fourth cover edges extend in a second direction and are parallel to each other, the second direction is transverse to the first direction, and the second cover edge is longer than the first cover edge;

a first hinge, formed in the cover, between the first and third cover edges, extending in the first direction, and the cover from the first cover edge to the first hinge is a front flap, and the front flap has a first length from the first cover edge to the first hinge to the first cover edge that is sufficiently long to cover a front screen of the portable electronic device when the front flap is folded via the first hinge to close the case;

a second hinge, formed in the cover, between the third cover edge and the first hinge, extending in the first direction, parallel to the first hinge;

a third hinge, formed in the cover, between the first hinge and the second hinge, extending in the first direction, parallel to the first hinge,

wherein a first back part is between the third cover edge and the second hinge, and a second back part is between the third hinge and the second hinge;

a plurality of rails, extending in the first direction, formed between the first cover edge and the first hinge on an inside of the front flap; and

a holder, coupled to the rectangularly shaped cover, that removably couples the portable electronic device to the case between the second hinge and the third cover edge, wherein the portable electronic device is to be inserted into the holder in a direction from the first to second hinge to the third cover edge,

when the portable electronic device is inserted into the holder, the first back part remains fixedly attached to the holder,

when folded in a first stand position by rotating the second hinge in a first rotation direction so a bottom of the holder can be inserted into a first rail of the plurality of rails, the first back part remains fixedly attached to the holder, alongside a back of the electronic device, while the second back part is rotated away from the back of the electronic tablet, and

when folded in a second stand position, the first back part rests against the second back part, the bottom of the holder rests against the inside of the front flap and not in a rail, and a spine panel between the first and third hinges raises the third edge of the cover to a height above a height of the bottom of the holder.

19. The case of claim 18 wherein when utilizing a first of the rails, a built-in stand of the case has a first tilt angle,

when utilizing a second of the grooves, the built-in stand of the case has a second tilt angle, and

when utilizing a third of the grooves, the built-in stand of the case has a third tilt angle, the first, second, and third tilt angles being different from each other.

20. The case of claim 19 wherein when portions of the cover on either side of the second hinge are folded against each other, the built-in stand of the case has a fourth tilt angle, less than the first, second, and third tilt angles.

21. The case of claim 18 comprising:

an elastic band, coupled to the cover between the second hinge and the third cover edge, wherein the elastic band extends in the first direction.

22. A case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a bezel defining a front opening through which a screen of the portable electronic device will be visible;

a backing, opposite the front opening, comprising a first surface against which a back of the portable electronic device will be placed; and

an outer cover comprising;

first, second, third, and fourth cover edges, wherein the second and fourth cover edges are longer than the first and third cover edges;

first, second, and third hinges, each hinge extending from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge,

wherein a first back part is between the third cover edge and the first hinge, a second back part is between the first hinge and the second hinge, and a panel portion is between the second hinge and the third hinge,

wherein the first back part is fixedly attached to a second surface of the backing, opposite the first surface of the backing while the second back part is rotated away from the second surface of the backing,

and when folded into a stand position, the first back portion remains fixedly attached to the second surface of the backing, and the panel portion raises an edge of the backing to a height above a height of an opposite edge of the backing.

23. The case of claim 22 comprising a sleeve having the bezel and the backing, wherein the sleeve comprises first, second, third, and fourth sides, wherein the first and third sides are longer than the second and fourth sides, and the first side comprises a side opening through which the portable electronic device can be inserted into the sleeve, and a latch to removably secure the portable electronic device in the sleeve.

24. The case of claim 22 comprising an elastic band, coupled to the outer cover, the elastic band extending from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge, wherein the elastic band can be positioned to hold the outer cover against the front opening, thus preventing rotating of the first and second hinges.

25. The case of claim 24 wherein the elastic band is between the first hinge and the third cover edge.

26. The case of claim 22 wherein the outer cover comprises:

a first flexible layer;

a second flexible layer; and

a first stiffening layer panel, between the first and second flexible layers, wherein the first stiffening layer panel is more rigid than the first and second flexible layers, and the first and second flexible layers are coupled together, thereby sandwiching the first stiffening layer panel between the first and second flexible layers,

wherein the first stiffening layer panel extends from about the first cover edge to about the third hinge, and the first stiffening layer panel is absent at the third hinge, thereby forming a fabric hinge at the third hinge by way of the first and second flexible layers being coupled together.

27. The case of claim 22 comprising a groove extending in a direction from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge.

28. The case of claim 22 comprising a rail projecting above the inside surface of the outer cover.

29. The case of claim 22 wherein when the case is folded into a stand a portion of the outer cover defines a base surface of the stand, and wherein a first portion of the base surface extends from where the bezel rests on an inside surface of the outer cover to the first cover edge.

30. The case of claim 22 wherein the second hinge is between the first and third hinges, a length of a first base surface is from the first cover edge to at least the third hinge, and the length of the first base surface is greater than a length of the panel portion from the third hinge to the second hinge.

31. The case of claim 22 wherein at least one edge stop is on an inside surface of the outer cover, the at least one edge stop extending in a direction from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge.

32. The case of claim 22 wherein an inside surface of the outer cover comprises a plurality of grooves, and in a stand position when the first back part is fixedly attached to the second surface while the second back part is rotated away from the second surface, an edge of the bezel rests in one of the grooves.

33. The case of claim 22 wherein the case does not include a holder for a separate keyboard for the portable electronic device.

34. The case of claim 22 wherein when a front cover part of the outer cover is folded via the second hinge to close the case, the inside surface of the outer cover touches at least a portion of the bezel.

35. A case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a holder portion comprising;

first, second, third, fourth, front, and back sides, wherein the first and third sides are longer than the second and fourth sides, the front side comprises a bezel defining a front opening through which a screen of the portable electronic device will be visible; and

an outer cover portion comprising;

first, second, third, and fourth cover edges, wherein the second and fourth cover edges are longer than the first and third cover edges; and

first, second, and third hinges, each hinge extending from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge, wherein a first back part is between the third cover edge and the second hinge, and a second back part is between the third hinge and the second hinge,

when folded in a first stand position by rotating the second hinge in a first rotation direction so a bottom of the holder can rest on an inside surface of the outer cover portion, the first back part remains fixedly attached to the holder portion while the second back part is rotated away from the portable electronic device, and

when folded in a second stand position, the first back part remains fixedly attached to the holder portion, and a panel portion between the first and third hinges raises an edge of the holder above a height of an opposite edge of the holder.

36. The case of claim 35 comprising:

an elastic band, coupled to the outer cover portion, the elastic band extending from the second cover edge to the fourth cover edge, wherein the elastic band can be positioned to hold the outer cover portion against the front opening, thereby preventing rotating of the first, second, and third hinges,

wherein a gap between the third cover edge and the elastic band is at least a width of the elastic band.

37. The case of claim 35 wherein the outer cover comprises:

a first flexible layer;

a second flexible layer; and

a first stiffening layer panel, between the first and second flexible layers, wherein the first stiffening layer panel is more rigid than the first and second flexible layers, and the first and second flexible layers are coupled together, thereby sandwiching the first stiffening layer panel between the first and second flexible layers,

wherein the first stiffening layer panel extends from about the first cover edge to about the first hinge, and the first stiffening layer panel is absent at the first hinge, thereby forming a fabric hinge at the first hinge by way of the first and second flexible layers being coupled together.

38. The case of claim 35 wherein the first side of the holder portion comprises a side opening through which the portable electronic device can be inserted into the holder.

39. The case of claim 38 wherein the holder portion comprises a latch on the first side to removably secure the portable electronic device in the holder.

40. The case of claim 35 wherein the inside surface of the outer cover portion comprises at least one edge stop.

41. The case of claim 35 wherein the inside surface of the outer cover portion comprises at least two grooves.

42. A method comprising:

forming an outer cover having first, second, third, and fourth cover edges, wherein the second and fourth cover edges are longer than the first and third cover edges;

creating first, second, and third hinges in the outer cover,

wherein a first back part is between the third cover edge and the first hinge, a second back part is between the first hinge and the second hinge, and a panel portion is between the second hinge and the third hinge;

forming an enclosure for a portable electronic device, the enclosure comprising a bezel defining a front opening through which a screen of the portable electronic device will be visible;

positioning the enclosure on the inside surface of the outer cover so that the first hinge is one of above or below the enclosure and the enclosure is between the second hinge and the third cover edge;

fixedly attaching the first back part to a back surface of the enclosure;

allowing folding into a first position by rotating the second hinge in a first rotation direction so a bottom of the enclosure can rest on an inside surface of the outer cover, while the first back part remains fixedly attached to the back surface of the enclosure and the second back part is rotated in a second rotation direction away from a back of the enclosure; and

allowing folding into a second position by allowing the panel portion to lift an edge of the enclosure for the portable electronic device above an opposite edge of the enclosure.

43. The method of claim 42 comprising:

positioning an elastic band on the outer cover; and

attaching the elastic band and a portion of the enclosure to the outer cover, wherein an attached portion of the enclosure is the first back part.

44. The method of claim 42 comprising:

forming at least two grooves on the inside surface of the outer cover.