Protective case for a tablet computer

• US 8,867,198 B2
• Filed: 06/04/2012
• Issued: 10/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: William Steele
• Original Assignee: William Steele
• Inventors: Steele, William
• Primary Examiner(s): Edwards, Anthony Q
• Application Number:
  US13/488,118
• Publication Number:
  US 20130322013A1
• Time in Patent Office: 869 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.55
• US Class Current: 361/679.02
• 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 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• 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 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3888 Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/3894 Waterproofing of transmission device
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/04 Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making

Abstract

Described is a protective case for a tablet computer providing a compartment for receiving and holding the tablet computer in a watertight environment. The protective case can further include a mounting adaptor attachable to a mounting apparatus for holding the protective case in a fixed or stationary position on a boat. The protective case allows the optimal use and protection of a tablet computer with its connections in many environments, including protecting the tablet computer from water damage on boats.

Claims

1. A watertight protective case for a tablet computer, said case comprising a front face and a rigid back face connected by or formed to comprise rigid top, bottom, left and right sides bounding a compartment for removably receiving and holding a tablet computer in a watertight environment,

said front face of the case comprising a transparent membrane allowing the use of a touch screen or buttons of said tablet computer;

said bottom of said case comprising a watertight connector hub integral therewith for connecting the tablet computer to a power source or other connectors,

said top comprising an opening for inserting, receiving or removing the tablet computer,

said top comprising a watertight closure panel that engages the opening in the top of the case in a sealable manner,

said watertight closure panel comprising a jack or pin connector integral therewith for connecting an input/output connector to an input/output port of the tablet computer.

2. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the panel is affixed by one or more hinge to the protective case.

3. The protective case of claim 1, wherein said closure means further comprises a lockable latch.

4. The protective case of claim 1, said case further comprising one or more mounting adaptor for engaging with a mounting apparatus provided on a boat.

5. The protective case of claim 4, wherein said mounting adaptor is provided as a pair of mounting adaptors symmetrically positioned on a left and right side of the protective case.

6. The protective case of claim 1, wherein said protective case comprising a material that allows transmitting and receiving of wireless communications through said material.

7. The protective case of claim 6, wherein said wireless communications comprise transmission and reception of communications selected from the group consisting of infrared, radio frequency, and cellular phone.

8. The protective case of claim 1, wherein said transparent membrane comprises a waterproof material that permits interactive communication with the touch screen of a tablet computer.

9. The protective case of claim 1, wherein said transparent membrane comprises a waterproof material providing visibility of the touch screen display on a tablet computer.

10. The protective case of claim 1, wherein the transparent membrane comprises a thermoplastic material.

11. A method of protecting from water damage a tablet computer used on a boat or a wet or moist environment, said method comprising

providing a protective case of claim 1,

inserting a tablet computer into the protective case,

closing the top panel to provide a watertight seal.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said tablet computer is automatically connected to a connector hub when disposed within the protective case.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said tablet computer is automatically connected with a jack or pin connector when the top panel is closed.