SEALABLE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR AN EREADER

Abstract

A sealable protective cover for an eReader including a first cover having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, a second cover having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface, wherein at last one of the first cover and the second cover is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective cover; and a closure device that closes the opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/138,523, filed Dec. 17, 2008, and entitled “SEALED JACKET OR COVER FOR AN eREADER”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a protective jacket or cover for an eReader, and more particularly, to a sealable protective jacket or cover for an eReader.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recently, eReaders such as electronic books have become increasingly popular. Such eReaders include a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying the contents or text of an electronic book.

An eReader is designed to be lightweight, compact, and portable. In this manner, an eReader may be easily stowed, for example, in a book bag, purse, pocket, briefcase, etc. and transported by a user, or simply be hand-carried by the user. As a result of this portability, the eReader may be susceptible to wear or damage from other objects, liquids, etc., including for example, scratches, dings, chipping, etc.

To protect the eReader, and particularly the display of the eReader, from wear or damage, it is known to provide a protective cover for an eReader. Conventional covers commonly may have limited applications, may be cumbersome or difficult to use, may not reliably hold or secure the eReader therein, may not protect all surfaces of the eReader, and/or may inhibit access to input/output controls of the eReader.

Moreover, conventional covers may not protect the eReader from damage resulting from exposure to the elements, such as dirt, dust, sand, moisture or liquids from, for example, rain, spills, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, a first exemplary embodiment of which comprises a protective cover for an eReader. The protective cover includes a first cover having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, and a second cover having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. At last one of the first cover and the second cover is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective cover. The protective cover includes a closure device that closes the opening.

Another embodiment is directed to a protective cover for an eReader, including a first cover having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, and a second cover having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface. At last one of the first cover and the second cover is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective cover. The protective cover includes closure means for closing the opening. In another embodiment, one of the first cover and the second cover includes means for viewing an interior of the protective cover when the closure means are closed.

In this manner, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a sealable cover or jacket for an eReader that easily and reliably secures and protects a variety of types of eReaders, while also being lightweight, compact, and portable.

The exemplary embodiments can provide a sealable jacket or cover having a mounting system that firmly, securely, and reliably holds the eReader device in the sealable protective jacket or cover, and more particularly, a variety of types of eReader devices produced by various manufacturers.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sealable protective jacket or cover can include a read-through, clear front cover, such as a clear vinyl front cover, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader while the eReader is sealed within the sealable protective jacket or cover. For purposes of this disclosure, a closure device is defined as a device the substantially seals the opening of the protective cover. For example, a closure device can include a zipper closure, a hook and loop closure device, an interlocking ridge closure, a tongue and groove zipper, a reusable or re-sealable adhesive, a flap or tongue inserted into a corresponding pocket, or other suitable device that provides a sealed (e.g., water-tight or hermetically sealed) or semi-sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) arrangement that closes the opening. In an exemplary embodiment, a zipper closure fully encloses and seals the eReader within the sealable protective jacket or cover, thereby providing additional protection against the elements.

The exemplary embodiments of the protective cover can provide a user with full access and use of most or all of the input/output ports and controls, etc. of the eReader without having to remove the sealable protective cover from the eReader.

The exemplary protective cover provides an important advantage in that the cover can provide full surface protection for the eReader device, while permitting the user to use the eReader while the eReader is safely and securely sealed within the sealable protective jacket or cover.

In other exemplary embodiments, the protective cover can include padded cover portions that permit the user to comfortably grasp or hold the protective cover, while also increasing the amount of force that can be absorbed by the protective cover, thereby increasing a level of protection provided by the cover for the eReader contained therein, for an optional booklight stored therein, etc. The protective cover also can include a solid rear panel to protect the eReader.

Another exemplary embodiment can include a mounting system that is universal for a plurality of eReader devices, and therefore, does not need to be specifically configured for one particular device, model, or manufacturer. The exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, reliably and firmly holds or secures the eReader in place inside the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and those made by various manufacturers.

For example, an exemplary embodiment of the mounting system can include four moulded corner support points that firmly and securely hold the eReader device in place. The jacket can be a protective cover for an eReader, such as the Amazon® Kindle™, or the like. The mounting system secures or holds the eReader in the jacket. The corner supports can be moulded or integrally formed in the jacket, or coupled to the jacket as separate elements.

The jacket can include a read-through or transparent, clear vinyl front cover that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. Other suitable transparent materials also may be used. The jacket may include a closure device, such as a zipper closure that fully encloses the eReader within the jacket, thereby providing additional protection against damage from external elements, such as weather, spills, etc. Other closure devices may be used to seal the jacket for providing additional protection for the eReader secured therein. For example, a hook and loop closure device, an interlocking ridge closure, a tongue and groove closure, a toothed-zipper, a reusable or re-sealable adhesive, or the like can be used to seal the jacket. In other embodiments, a flap or tongue can be inserted into a corresponding pocket to provide a sealed or semi-sealed arrangement.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an open state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a closed state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another front perspective view of a closed state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of a closed state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates another perspective view of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an open state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates another perspective view of a partially open state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of a closed state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a partial perspective view of a closed state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial, rear perspective view of a closed state of a sealable protective cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-13 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a sealable protective cover for an eReader.

With reference to FIGS. 1-11, an exemplary embodiment of a sealable protective cover 100 for an eReader includes a front cover 102 and a rear cover 104. The front cover 102 and rear cover 104 each have interior 102a, 104a and exterior surfaces 102b, 104b. The front cover 102 and rear cover 104 are pivotable with respect to one another about a spine 108 such that the covers are movable between a closed position, a flat open position, and a full open position, as well as positions therebetween. The spine 108 can be an integral portion of the first cover 102 or the second cover 104 that folds when the front cover 102 is overlapped with the rear cover 104. Alternatively, the spine 108 can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the front and rear covers 102 and 104.

For purposes of this disclosure, the closed position is defined as a position in which the front cover 102 overlaps the rear cover 104 and the interior surface 102a of the front cover 102 is opposed to the interior surface 104a of the rear cover 104. The flat open position is defined as a position in which the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 are disposed in substantially the same plane and do not overlap each other. The full open position is defined as a position in which the front cover 102 overlaps the rear cover 104 and the exterior surface 102b of the front cover 102 is opposed to the exterior surface 104b of the rear cover 104.

In the closed position, the front cover 102 and rear cover 104 are configured to cover the entire surface of the eReader device stored therein, thereby providing protection for all surfaces of the eReader. As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the exemplary embodiments can provide a sealable protective jacket or cover 100 having, for example, a read-through or transparent, clear front cover (e.g., exterior surface 102b), such as a clear vinyl front cover, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader while the eReader is sealed within the sealable protective jacket or cover. Other transparent materials also may be used.

The read-through cover can extend across the entire cover, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, or a portion of the cover, such as only the portion of the cover that corresponds to the location of the eReader screen, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-11. The read-through cover can be any size. For example, in other embodiments, the read-through portion can correspond only to the size of a width and length of the screen.

As explained above, the read-through cover can be clear such that the user can read the screen of the eReader through the cover. The read-through cover also can be tinted or polarized, etc. For example, the read-through portion can include a colored tint that reduces eye strain when reading. The read-through cover can be tinted, or include a material that reduces or limits the exposure of the eReader to ultraviolet light, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the eReader from exposure to sunlight. In other embodiments, the read-through cover can be tinted or include a material that reduces or limits glare.

In still other embodiments, the read-through portion can have optical properties, such as magnifying properties, focusing properties, etc., for example, that may reduce eye strain during reading, or improve the reading experience, etc. in less than optimum reading conditions. It is conceivable that the read-through cover can magnify the display of the eReader such that a vision impaired user can more easily read the text displayed on the eReader display.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, exemplary embodiments can include a closure device (e.g., first zipper part 110a, second zipper part 110b, and slide closure 112) that secures the front cover 102 to the rear cover 104, thereby fully enclosing and sealing the eReader within the sealable protective jacket or cover, and providing additional protection against the elements, such as weather, spills, etc. The closure device can include, for example, a zipper or slide fastener for locking together two toothed edges 110a, 110b by means of a sliding tab 112, or other closure device, such as interlocking ridges near the edges, a hook and loop fastener, etc. Other closure devices may be used to seal the jacket for providing additional protection for the eReader secured therein.

As shown in FIGS. 7-11, another exemplary embodiment can include a closure device having a first zipper part 110a, a second zipper part 110b, and two (i.e. dual or double) slide closures 112a, 112b that secures the front cover 102 to the rear cover 104, thereby fully enclosing and sealing the eReader within the sealable protective jacket or cover, and providing additional protection against the elements, such as weather, spills, etc. The closure device can include, for example, a zipper or slide fastener for locking together two toothed edges 110a, 110b by means of dual sliding tabs 112a, 112b, or other closure device, such as interlocking ridges near the edges, a hook and loop fastener, etc. The dual sliding tabs 112a, 112b can provide greater flexibility for accessing the interior of the protective cover at an infinite number of points along the length the toothed edges 110a, 110b. In this manner, the closure device can be positioned to provide access to specific controls, inputs, outputs, etc. of the eReader, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

The closure device can substantially seal the front cover 102 to the rear cover 104, for example, against the elements, such as weather, spills, etc. In other embodiments, the closure device can be completely sealed, for example, to form a water-tight seal or hermetic seal between the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104, for example, to protect against a partial or full submersion in a liquid. In other embodiments, the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 can be formed from, coated with, or covered by a water-proof or water-resistant material.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, the closure device includes a zipper closure having a first portion 110a formed around the open edge of the front cover 102 and a second portion 110b formed around the open edge of the rear cover 104, along with a single tab 112 or dual tab 112a, 112b. The portions 110a and 110b include conventional interlocking teeth that engage each other when the zipper handle of tab 112 or tabs 112a, 112b is moved along a length of the portions 110a, 110b from an open position to a closed position.

As explained above, other closure devices can be provided for sealing the front cover 102, or a portion thereof, to the rear cover 104, or a portion thereof. For example, the closure device can include one or more of a hook and loop closure device, an interlocking ridge closure, a tongue and groove closure, a reusable or re-sealable adhesive, or the like (not shown). In another exemplary embodiment (not shown), a flap or tongue can be inserted into a corresponding pocket to provide a sealed or semi-sealed arrangement. In this manner, the eReader 200 can be fully enclosed and sealed within the sealable protective jacket or cover, thereby providing additional protection against the elements.

As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can include a read-through, clear front cover (e.g., exterior surface 102b), such as a clear vinyl front cover, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader while the eReader is sealed within the sealable protective jacket or cover. Other transparent materials also may be used. In this manner, the exemplary embodiments provide an important advantage in that the protective cover provides a user with full access and use of most or all of the input/output ports and controls, etc. of the eReader without having to remove the sealable protective cover from the eReader.

The cover 100 can include other features that promote use of the eReader device while the eReader is sealed within the protective cover, such as a panel portion corresponding to the location of input controls of one or more types of eReaders, markings showing or designating the location of the input controls on the cover 100, integrally formed pads or rigid parts that correspond to the input controls, etc. In this manner, when the user depresses the integrally formed pads or rigid parts from the exterior of the sealable cover, the interior sides of the pads or rigid parts can engage the input controls of the eReader device to actuate the input controls of the eReader.

For example, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-11, the front cover 102 can include a panel portion, such as a right-side panel portion 102c, that overlays at least one input control (e.g., five way control stick 202, the Next Page button 204, Back buttons 206, menu button 208, and/or home button 210) of the eReader 200 when the protective cover is in a closed position. The panel portion 102c is capable of transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion 102c to an input control (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 208, and/or 210) of the eReader 200 to actuate the input control of the eReader 200. The panel portion (e.g., 102c) protects the eReader while allowing full functionality, for example, of one or more of the five way control stick 202, the Next Page button 204, Back buttons 206, menu button 208, and/or home button 210. The panel portion 102c can be formed, for example, from a material having exceptional elasticity, such as Lycra, Spandex, elastane, or other suitable materials. The panel portion 102c preferably includes markings (e.g., printed marking 202A, 204A, 206A, 208A, and/or 210A) showing or designating the location of the input controls (e.g., 202, 204, 206, 208, or 210) of the eReader 200 on the front cover 102. In this manner, the user depresses one of the markings from the exterior of the sealable cover to actuate a corresponding input control of the eReader.

In other exemplary embodiments, the protective cover can include padded cover portions that permit the user to comfortably grasp or hold the protective cover, while also increasing the amount of force that can be absorbed by the protective cover, thereby increasing a level of protection provided by the cover for the eReader contained therein, as well as for an optional booklight stored therein. The protective cover also can include a solid rear panel to protect the eReader.

Other exemplary embodiments of the protective cover will now be described with reference again to FIGS. 1-13.

In an exemplary embodiment, the front cover 102 and/or the rear cover 104 can include a solid front panel and/or rear panel. In another embodiment, the front cover 102 and/or the rear cover 104 can include a padded exterior cover. The exterior of the front and rear covers 102 and 104 can be covered with leather.

In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 can include a soft, plush, compressible, or padded interior surface to cushion the eReader within the protective cover. For example, the interior surface can be formed from a soft, microfiber material, suede leather, or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, the rear cover 104 of the protective cover 100 can include a solid rear panel to protect the eReader 200. For example, as illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 6, 11, and 13, the rear cover 104 can include a rear panel formed of a durable material, such as durable ripstop nylon. In this manner, the rear panel of the protective cover 100 can provide protection from the elements, impacts with other objects, etc. The eReader 200 can be positioned in the cover 100 face down (i.e., with the screen facing the interior surface 104a of the rear cover 104), thereby providing greater protection for the eReader screen, for example, during non-use or when the user is traveling or transporting the eReader 200.

In another embodiment, at least a portion of the cover 100, for example the rear cover 104, can include a pocket or zipper pocket for storage of chargers and other accessories, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. The pocket can include a closure device for closing or sealing the pocket. The closure device can include, for example, a zipper or slide fastener for locking together two toothed edges 114a, 114b by means of a sliding tab 116 (or dual sliding tabs, not shown). Other closure devices may be used to seal the pocket. For example, a hook and loop closure device, an interlocking ridge closure, a tongue and groove closure, a toothed-zipper, a reusable or re-sealable adhesive, or the like can be used to seal the pocket. In other embodiments, a flap or tongue can be inserted into a corresponding pocket to provide a sealed or semi-sealed arrangement.

As shown in FIGS. 1-13, the exemplary embodiments also can provide a sealable jacket or cover having a mounting system that firmly, securely, and reliably holds the eReader device in the sealable protective jacket or cover. The mounting system can be universal to a plurality of types of eReader devices produced by various manufacturers, and therefore, does not need to be configured specifically for one particular device, model, or manufacturer.

The exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, while also being capable of reliably and firmly holding or securing the eReader device in place in the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and made by various manufacturers. For example, the mounting system can include a high density foam frame that substantially corresponds to a size and shape of one or more eReader devices.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary mounting system can include a four-point mounting system to hold or secure the eReader in place against the interior surface 104a of the rear cover 104 of the protective cover 100. The mounting system can include, for example, four moulded corner support points 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d that firmly hold the eReader device in place. The corner supports 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d can be moulded or integrally formed in the jacket, as part of a high density foam frame, or coupled to the jacket as separate elements. Preferably, each of the corner supports 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d is configured to engage a corresponding corner of an eReader 200. However, it is not necessary for all four corners of the eReader 200 to engage a corresponding corner, thereby permitting eReaders of a variety of sizes to be securely mounted. In the cover 100.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, the corner supports can be connected by one or more sidewalls 107. The sidewalls 107 can be formed along one or more edges of the covers 102, 104 to provide additional support for one or more edges of the eReader 200. The sidewalls 107 can be integrally formed in a high density foam frame for supporting the eReader. One or more of the sidewalls 107 can have a gap or opening, or a portion having a height that is less than a height of the adjacent portions of the sidewall 107, to provide access to side mounted input controls of the eReader 200. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the sidewall 107 separating the corner supports 106c and 106d can include one or more access areas formed, for example, by a gap, opening, or lowered portion, to permit access to the input controls on the right-hand side of the eReader device when mounted in the cover 100. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the eReader can be positioned such that the right-hand side of the eReader is adjacent to the spine 108 of the cover 100. In this manner, the closure device may not be present along the spine 108, thereby improving a user's access to the input devices on the right-hand side of the eReader. In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting system is on the left-hand side (e.g., rear cover 104) of the protective cover 100 when the protective cover 100 is in the open position and the read-through portion is formed on the right-hand side (e.g., front cover 102).

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7-10 and 12, the sidewall 107 separating the corner supports 106c and 106d can include one or more access areas 107a, 107b, and/or 107c formed, for example, by a gap, an opening, or a lowered portion, to permit access to the input controls, for example, on the right-hand side of the eReader device when mounted in the cover 100, and/or input/output ports located at the upper or lower edges of the eReader. As shown in FIG. 13, a power cord, USB cord, or the like can be connected to the eReader through the access area 107b. The closure device including dual tabs 112a, 112b can be positioned adjacent to the access area 107b to provide access for the power cord, USB cord, etc. while the eReader remains securely protected inside the protective cover 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the eReader can be positioned such that the right-hand side of the eReader is adjacent to the spine 108 of the cover 100. In this manner, the closure device may not be present along the spine 108, thereby improving a user's access to the input devices on the right-hand side of the eReader. In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting system is on the left-hand side (e.g., rear cover 104) of the protective cover 100 when the protective cover 100 is in the open position and the read-through portion is formed on the right-hand side (e.g., front cover 102).

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the position of the eReader is not limited to the illustrated arrangement and the eReader can be rotated, for example, by 180° and mounted in the mounting system. In this example, the spine 108 of the cover 100 will be positioned along the left-hand side of the eReader in a manner similar to a conventional book with respect to the user's reading view. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, the spine 108 of the cover 100 is positioned along the left-hand side of the eReader in a manner similar to a conventional book with respect to the user's reading view.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the moulded corner supports 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d can include a flexible body extending substantially diagonally from a first side of a corner of the protective cover 100 to a second side of a corner of the protective cover 100. The flexible body can include an opening such that the corner support can expand slightly to allow at least a portion of the corner of the eReader 200 to nest or be seated in the corner support.

One or more of the corner supports 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d can be formed from a material, for example, that provides at least some traction on the corner of eReader 200 to reduce or prevent slippage of the eReader 200 from the corner supports, such as leather, suede leather, rubber, felt, etc. One or more of the corner supports 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106d can include an underlying material (such as rubber, plastic, metal, foam or high density foam, etc.) for engaging the corner of the eReader. The underlying material may then be covered, for example, by the material of the surface 104a, such as suede leather, to provide sufficient traction on the corner of the eReader, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In other exemplary embodiments, the corner supports can be formed from leather or include leather cover portions or strap portions (not shown) for reducing or preventing slippage of the eReader from the corner supports. The leather corner supports or cover portions for the corner supports also provide an advantage in that they may be aesthetically pleasing to the user.

The exemplary embodiments are not limited to a single type of corner support for all corners and various combinations of corner supports can be used. One or more different types of corner supports can be used in conjunction with one another to provide flexibility in supporting various types of eReaders. The corner supports are not limited to universal corner supports, and can include specialized corner supports for engaging a particular style, model, or make of eReader. For example, the corner support can include a projection that engages a corresponding opening or channel formed on a surface of the eReader, or vice versa.

The exemplary embodiments provide a mounting system that securely and reliably holds the eReader device in the cover. Additionally, the mounting system can be universal for a plurality of eReader devices, and therefore, does not need to be configured specifically for one particular device, model, or manufacturer. The exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, reliably and firmly holds or secures the eReader device in place in the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and made by various manufacturers.

The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the scope of the several claims appended hereto.

For example, in other embodiments, a portion of the front cover 102 and/or rear cover 104 may be moveable (e.g., pivotable) or separable with respect to each other to form an opening such that the eReader can be inserted into the sealable protective cover 100 via the opening. For example, the front cover 102 and the rear cover 104 may be movable or separable with respect to each other along only a portion of a side or top edge of the cover 100 such that the cover 100 forms a sleeve or pouch into which the eReader 200 is inserted via the opening.

The opening can extend, for example, along only a portion of an edge of the first cover and the second cover, along two sides of the first cover and the second cover, or along three sides of the first cover and the second cover, etc.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the opening or separable portion need not be formed along an edge of the cover 100. In other embodiments, the opening or separable portion for inserting the eReader into the cover 100 can be formed on one of more of the surfaces of the front cover 102, the rear cover 104, or the spine 108.

Another embodiment is directed to a protective cover 100 for an eReader 200. The protective cover 100 includes a first cover 102 having a first interior surface 102a and a first exterior surface 102b, and a second cover 104 having a second interior surface 104a and a second exterior surface 104b. At last one of the first cover 102 and the second cover 104 is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader 200 into an interior of the protective cover 100. The protective cover 100 includes a closure device (e.g., a zipper closure 110a, 110b, 112, a hook and loop closure device, an interlocking ridge closure, a tongue and groove zipper, a reusable or re-sealable adhesive, a flap or tongue inserted into a corresponding pocket, to provide a sealed (e.g., water-tight or hermetically sealed) or semi-sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) arrangement) that closes the opening.

Another embodiment is directed to a protective cover for an eReader, including a first cover 102 having a first interior surface 102a and a first exterior surface 102b, and a second cover 104 having a second interior surface 104a and a second exterior surface 104b. At last one of the first cover 102 and the second cover 104 is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader 200 into an interior of the protective cover 100. The protective cover 100 includes closure means (e.g., a zipper closure 110a, 110b, 112, a hook and loop closure device, an interlocking ridge closure, a tongue and groove zipper, a reusable or re-sealable adhesive, a flap or tongue inserted into a corresponding pocket, to provide a sealed (e.g., water-tight or hermetically sealed) or semi-sealed (e.g., substantially sealed) arrangement) for closing the opening. In another embodiment, one of the first cover 102 and the second cover 104 includes means (e.g., a transparent portion, tinted portion, polarized portion, UV resistant portion, anti-glare portion; magnifying portion; or focal portion) for viewing an interior of the protective cover 100 when the closure means are closed.

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A protective cover for an eReader, comprising:

a first cover having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface;

a second cover having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective cover; and

a closure device that closes the opening.

2. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device couples the first cover to the second cover.

3. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device extends along at least a portion of an edge of one of the first cover and the second cover.

4. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device extends along at least two edges of one of the first cover and the second cover.

5. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device extends along at least three edges of one of the first cover and the second cover.

6. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device substantially seals the opening.

7. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device hermetically seals the opening.

8. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes a zipper closure.

9. The protective cover of claim 8, wherein the zipper closure includes a dual tab zipper closure.

10. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes an interlocking ridge closure.

11. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive.

12. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes:

a first closure part formed on the first cover;

a second closure part formed on the second cover; and

a sliding tab that is moveable along a portion of a length of the closure device to engage the first closure part with the second closure part.

13. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein the closure device includes:

a first closure part formed on the first cover;

a second closure part formed on the second cover; and

a first sliding tab and a second sliding tab, each of the first sliding tab and the second sliding tab being moveable along a portion of a length of the closure device to engage the first closure part with the second closure part.

14. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover includes a spine portion.

15. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover includes a transparent portion.

16. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein the transparent portion includes one of a tinted material and a light polarizing material.

17. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein the transparent portion extends across a width of one of the first cover and the second cover.

18. The protective cover of claim 15, wherein the transparent portion extends across a width and a length of one of the first cover and the second cover.

19. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein one of the first interior surface of the first cover and the second interior surface of the second cover includes a mounting device for securing the eReader thereto.

20. The protective cover of claim 19, wherein the mounting device includes a moulded corner support that engages a corner of the eReader.

21. The protective cover of claim 19, wherein the mounting device includes a plurality of moulded corner supports that engage respective corners of the eReader.

22. The protective cover of claim 19, wherein the mounting device includes a four point mounting device that engages each of four corners of the eReader.

23. The protective cover of claim 20, wherein the moulded corner support includes a flexible body extending diagonally from a first edge of a first corner of the protective cover to a second edge of the first corner of the protective cover.

24. The protective cover of claim 20, wherein the moulded corner support includes an opening adjacent to the first corner of the protective cover that forms a seat that engages the corner of the eReader in a secured state.

25. The protective cover of claim 20, wherein the moulded corner support includes a gripping surface that frictionally engages a surface of the corner of the eReader.

26. The protective cover of claim 19, wherein the mounting device includes a moulded high density foam frame that engages surfaces of the eReader to secure the eReader in the protective cover.

27. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover includes a panel portion corresponding to input controls of the eReader.

28. The protective cover of claim 27, wherein the panel portion includes an elastic material.

29. The protective cover of claim 1, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover includes a panel portion that overlays at least one input control of the eReader when the protective cover is in a closed position, the panel portion transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion to an input control of the eReader to actuate the input control of the eReader.

30. The protective cover of claim 29, wherein the panel portion includes an elastic material.

31. The protective cover of claim 15, further comprising:

a panel portion corresponding to input controls of the eReader, the panel portion being formed adjacent to the transparent portion.

32. A protective cover for an eReader, comprising:

a first cover having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface;

a second cover having a second interior surface and a second exterior surface, wherein at least one of the first cover and the second cover is moveable to form an opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective cover; and

closure means for closing the opening.

33. The protective cover of claim 32, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover includes means for viewing an interior of the protective cover when the closure means are closed.

34. The protective cover of claim 32, wherein one of the first cover and the second cover includes means for actuating one or more input controls of the eReader when the first cover and the second cover are in a closed position.