Abstract: A lightweight, protective case for a laptop computer includes an integrated, fold-out tilt stand. In a transport position, a stand component is received within a designated region such as a recessed cavity on the bottom of a keyboard shell component, and one or more stand retaining members. In a use position, the stand component extends outwardly from the bottom surface of the keyboard shell component, with the stand retaining member(s) in a straightened condition, thereby maintaining the keyboard shell component at an angle relative to a support surface. The stand retaining member(s) may be flexible or hinged, and including a magnetic or other structure for maintaining the stand component against the keyboard shell component when not in use. The upper edge of the stand component and/or the upper end of the stand retaining member may be hingedly affixed with flexible materials that extends through the keyboard shell component.

Abstract: A jigsaw-type puzzle has pieces that do not need to be flipped or turned prior to, or during assembly of the puzzle. The pieces have peripheral shapes or outlines that are symmetrical along at least one axis, with mirror images being printed on both sides of each piece so that either side of each piece can be used during assembly. Each piece shows a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are assembled, the two-dimensional image is completed. Each piece has first and second sides, with each piece portraying the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle. The invention is applicable to edge pieces, corner pieces and inner pieces, including square pieces with rounded tabs and voids that “interlock,” as well as non-traditional shapes, with or without interlocking joints, and tabs and voids with other shapes.

Abstract: A jigsaw-type puzzle has pieces that do not need to be flipped or turned prior to, or during assembly of the puzzle. The pieces have peripheral shapes or outlines that are symmetrical along at least one axis, with mirror images being printed on both sides of each piece so that either side of each piece can be used during assembly. Each piece shows a portion of a two-dimensional image, such that when the pieces are assembled, the two-dimensional image is completed. Each piece has first and second sides, with each piece portraying the same portion of the two-dimensional design, such that either side of any piece can be used to complete the puzzle. The invention is applicable to edge pieces, corner pieces and inner pieces, including square pieces with rounded tabs and voids that “interlock,” as well as non-traditional shapes, with or without interlocking joints, and tabs and voids with other shapes.

Abstract: A lightweight, protective case for a laptop computer includes an integrated, fold-out tilt stand. In a transport position, a stand component is received within a designated region such as a recessed cavity on the bottom of a keyboard shell component, and one or more stand retaining members. In a use position, the stand component extends outwardly from the bottom surface of the keyboard shell component, with the stand retaining member(s) in a straightened condition, thereby maintaining the keyboard shell component at an angle relative to a support surface. The stand retaining member(s) may be flexible or hinged, and including a magnetic or other structure for maintaining the stand component against the keyboard shell component when not in use. The upper edge of the stand component and/or the upper end of the stand retaining member may be hingedly affixed with flexible materials that extends through the keyboard shell component.

Abstract: A protective sleeve/computer case converts into an adjustable podium-like stand, raising the height of the screen to a more ergonomic level. The top and bottom panels of the case are hinged, with a fold-out support member having a first portion hinged to the inner surface of the top panel. A structure on the inner surface of the bottom panel is configured to receive the second portion of the support member, such that when the second portion of the support member is received by the structure, the top and bottom panels form an angle. With the outer surface of the bottom panel positioned on a support surface, the outer surface of the top panel is adapted to receive the computer for use at the angle relative to the support surface. The structure configured to adjustably receive the support member may be molded into the bottom cover of the case.

Abstract: A system and method allows laptop computers and other portable electronic devices to be recharged in a docking station without having to manipulate a power cord when the device is stowed. The docking station that provides power to a set of electrical contacts or an inductive charger. The portable electronic device, or a case or shell for the device mates with the contacts or inductive charger and routes power to the power input port of the device or directly to the battery within the device. The invention anticipates the use of laptop, tablet and pad computers, smartphones, video/music players, or any portable electronic device that allows for charging in a dock, locker or mobile cart. The docking station may be stationary or mobile, and may include one or multiple bays for multiple devices.

Abstract: With respect to cases for laptop computers, and the like and, an improvement comprises pair of opposing strap guides through which elastic side retention straps are respectively journaled to prevent the straps from interfering with the closure of the case. A case according to the invention comprises top and bottom covers hinged in the rear of the case, and a closure mechanism such as a zipper is for closing the top and bottom covers. Right and left elastic retaining straps respectively connect the top and bottom portions of the case, and the right and left elastic retaining straps pass through respective strap guides, each attached to the inner surface of the top portion of the case, to prevent the retaining straps from being caught in the hinged portions of the computer or the closure mechanism as the case is closed. Each elastic retaining strap may twist between the bottom cover of the case and each strap guide.

Abstract: With respect to cases for laptop computers, and the like and, an improvement comprises pair of opposing strap guides through which elastic side retention straps are respectively journaled to prevent the straps from interfering with the closure of the case. A case according to the invention comprises top and bottom covers hinged in the rear of the case, and a closure mechanism such as a zipper is for closing the top and bottom covers. Right and left elastic retaining straps respectively connect the top and bottom portions of the case, and the right and left elastic retaining straps pass through respective strap guides, each attached to the inner surface of the top portion of the case, to prevent the retaining straps from being caught in the hinged portions of the computer or the closure mechanism as the case is closed. Each elastic retaining strap may twist between the bottom cover of the case and each strap guide.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current or data to flow to or from the device when the device is “closed” or not being used. The invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players. Typically the externally accessible electrical contacts allow a battery in the device to be recharged. The preferred embodiment facilitates the recharging of a plurality of devices contained in lockers, carts, or other types of “docking stations.” The docking bay includes a corresponding set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the device. Such a docking bay may take the form of a charging stand, a cart with one or more slots or compartments, or a locker with a door and a storage compartment.

Abstract: A case configured to enclose a portable electronic device includes a plurality of externally accessible electrical contacts, enabling electrical current to flow to or from the device while enclosed in the case. The invention is applicable to all types of portable devices, including laptop, notebook and palm-top computers, as well as telecommunications devices, video players and music players. Typically the electrical contacts allow a battery in the case or in the device to be recharged while device is enclosed. An adaptor cable may be provided between the device and the electrical contacts so that the same or similar case may be used with different model devices from different manufacturers. For greater ‘universality,’ a voltage-changing adaptor cable may be provided within the case between the device and the electrical contacts. The system may further include a docking bay to receive the case, the docking bay having a set of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage with the contacts on the case.