STAND-IN CASE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a stand-in case for a portable electronic device (PED) includes a top panel configured with an integrated reinforcement, a bottom panel, and a side panel section. The top panel of the stand-in case may be configurable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the stand-in case may be configured to enclose a PED, and in the second position the stand-in case may secure the PED at an angle with respect to the bottom panel. The bottom panel may include at least one catch, or other securing feature, configured to secure the bottom corners or an edge of the PED at an angle relative to the bottom panel. Additionally, the stand-in case may be integrated into a second case, such as a larger bag, a laptop case, or luggage.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/420,022 filed Dec. 6, 2010 and titled “STAND-IN CASE FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to cases for portable electronic devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to cases configured to enclose a tablet-style portable electronic device in a first position and secure the portable electronic device at an inclined angle in a second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure are described, including various embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case for a portable electronic device (PED) in a first position configured to enclose the PED.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case for a PED in a second position configured to secure the PED at an angle of inclination.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case securing a PED at an angle of inclination in a landscape orientation.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case securing a PED at an angle of inclination in a portrait orientation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case including a single catch configured to secure the bottom edge of a PED when it is supported at an angle of inclination.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case including a high-friction contact patch configured to secure the bottom edge of a PED when it is supported at an angle of inclination.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary stand-in case securing a PED at a first angle of inclination.

FIG. 7B illustrates the exemplary stand-in case securing the PED at a second angle of inclination.

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary stand-in case integrated into a larger case in a first position configured to enclose a PED.

FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary stand-in case integrated into a larger case in a second position configured to secure a PED at an angle of inclination.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of the various embodiments disclosed herein. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In addition, in some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more alternative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a stand-in case configured to selectively enclose a portable electronic device (PED) and secure the PED at an angle of inclination. According to various embodiments, a stand-in case may be configured to enclose a PED in a first position and secure the PED upright (propped up at an angle of inclination) in a second position. The stand-in case may be configured to selectively secure the PED at one of a plurality of possible angles of inclination.

According to various embodiments, the stand-in case comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, and a side panel section connecting the top and bottom panels together. At least a portion of the side panel section may include a closure mechanism, such as a zipper, configured to allow the stand-in case to be selectively opened and closed. The top panel may include a reinforcement configured to allow the top panel to support a PED in at least one angle of inclination. Additionally, one or more of the inside corners of the bottom panel may include a catch, or other securing mechanism, configured to secure a bottom corner or bottom edge of the PED while the PED is supported at an angle of inclination.

In some embodiments, a stand-in case may be integrated into a larger bag or case, such as a laptop case, a briefcase, or travel luggage. In such embodiments, a stand-in case may be integrated into an outer panel of a compartment of a second bag, case, or luggage. A bottom panel of the stand-in case may be integrated with the outer panel of the compartment of the second bag. For example, the bottom panel may be attached to the outer panel of the compartment of the second bag, or alternatively, the bottom panel may be formed as a portion of the outer panel of the compartment of the second bag.

In various embodiments, a top panel of a stand-in case may include an integrated reinforcement configured to retain its shape. Accordingly, a user may selectively position the top panel in any one of multiple possible angles of inclination. The reinforcing material used may cause the top panel to selectively remain in an inclined position, such that the top panel may support a PED at a corresponding angle of inclination.

In another embodiment, the top panel may include an integrated reinforcement configured as a stiffener configured to force the top panel to return to a flat position. According to such an embodiment, a user may position a PED against the top panel in an upright position, folding or bending the top panel back slightly. The force causing the top panel to return to the flat position may be counterbalanced by the weight of the PED. Accordingly, the PED may be supported in an upright position against the counterforce of the reinforced top panel.

In yet another embodiment, the top panel may be configured with a bi-stable reinforcement member configured to selectively retain its shape in a flat position and at a first angle of inclination. The top panel may include a multi-stable reinforcement member configured to selectively retain is shape in multiple positions. For example, a multi-stable reinforcing material may retain its shape in a flat position, a first angle of inclination, and a second angle of inclination.

The bottom panel of a stand-in case may include a catch on one or more of the inside corners configured to secure corresponding bottom corners of a PED in an upright position. The catches may be adapted to secure the bottom edge of the PED when the PED is in the upright position. According to an alternative embodiment, a single catch may be configured to secure an entire bottom edge of a PED held in an upright position. In another alternative embodiment, a stand-in case may not include a catch; rather, the bottom edge of the PED may be frictionally secured while the PED is in an upright position. In such an embodiment, the inside of the bottom panel may include a high-friction contact patch located where the bottom edge of the upright PED contacts the inside of the bottom panel.

A “portable electronic device” (PED) as used throughout the specification may include any of a wide variety of electronic devices. Specifically contemplated and illustrated are tablet-style electronic devices, including, but not limited to, electronic readers, tablet computers, tablet PCs, cellular phones, interactive displays, video displays, touch screens, touch computers, and the like. Examples of PEDs include the Apple iPad, iPod, and iPhone, the Hewlett Packard Slate, the Blackberry Playbook, the Acer Iconia Tab, the Samsung Galaxy, the LG Optimus G-Slate, the Motorola Xoom, the HP touchpad Topaz, and the Dell Streak.

The term “in an upright position” and “at an angle of inclination,” as they relate to the top panel, or portion of a top panel, of a stand-in case or a PED convey information relating to the angle at which the respective element is secured with respect to a bottom panel of a stand-in case. As an example, a PED may be secured in an upright position with respect to a bottom panel of a stand-in case, in which configuration the PED would be secured at an angle of inclination with respect to the bottom panel.

The term “integrated” as used through the specification may relate to two components formed as a single integral component, two components externally joined to one another, and/or a first component joined internally within a second component.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

In the following description, numerous details are provided to give a thorough understanding of various embodiments; however, the embodiments disclosed herein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure. It is understood that any of a wide variety of materials and manufacturing methods may be used to produce the various components of the presently described stand-in case for portable electronic devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stand-in case 100 with a top panel 110 in a first position, the stand-in case configured to enclose a portable electronic device (PED) 150. As illustrated, stand-in case 100 includes a top panel 110 divided into a lower portion 112 and an upper portion 114, a bottom panel 120, side panel section 130, and a zipper 140. In the first position, top panel 110 may be substantially parallel to bottom panel 120, and stand-in case 100 may be configured to enclose PED 150. Zipper 140 may allow upper portion 114 of top panel 110 to be selectively separated from a portion of bottom panel 120. That is, stand-in case 100 may be selectively opened using zipper 140 in order to receive or remove PED 150. PED 150 is illustrated as slightly extended from stand-in case 110; however, according to various embodiments PED 150 may be completely or partially enclosed within stand-in case 100. That is, after inserting PED into stand-in case 100, zipper 140 may be closed in order to fully enclose PED 150 within upper panel 110, bottom panel 120, and side panel section 130.

Throughout the drawings, a zipper is illustrated as an exemplary closure mechanism configured to join top panel 110 to a portion of bottom panel 120. However, according to various alternative embodiments, top panel 110 and bottom panel 120 may be selectively joined using any of a wide variety of joining apparatuses commonly employed in cases, bags, and luggage. Examples of possible closure mechanisms include, but are not limited to, straps, buttons, flaps, snaps, Velcro, hooks, clasps, clips, and combinations thereof. Additionally, though not illustrated, stand-in case 100 may include any of a wide variety of straps, handles, harnesses, and/or the like configured to enable a user to easily transport stand-in case 100.

In some embodiments, zipper 140 may extend around the entire side panel 130 of stand-in case 100. In such an embodiment, top panel 110 may be selectively separated from bottom panel 120. Alternatively, zipper 140 may be longer or shorter relative to side panel section 130 than is illustrated in the exemplary embodiments.

As described in greater detail below, at least a portion of top panel 110 may include an integrated reinforcement configured to allow top panel 110 to support PED 150 at an angle of inclination (i.e. in an upright position). According to various embodiments, upper portion 114 of top panel 110 may be reinforced using any of a wide variety of integrated reinforcements. An integrated reinforcement may be integrated internally within top panel 110 or an integrated reinforcement may be attached externally to top panel 110.

In some embodiments, all of top panel 110 may be reinforced or, alternatively, only a portion of top panel 110 may be reinforced. Top panel 110, bottom panel 120, and/or side panel section 130 may be configured to provide protection to an enclosed PED. For example, top panel 110, bottom panel 120, and/or side panel section 130 may be configured to protect an enclosed PED 150 from scratches, from damage as a result of a fall, from extreme temperatures, and/or other conditions that may result in damage to PED 150.

According to the illustrated embodiments, upper portion 114 is larger than lower portion 112 of top panel 110. However, according to various alternative embodiments, the relative proportions of upper portion 114 and lower portion 112 may be adjusted for a particular application. Moreover, zipper 140 (or an alternative closure mechanism) may be adapted to provide a larger or smaller opening relative to the dimensions of stand-in case 100. For example, zipper 140 may be configured to extend further along side panel section 130.

In some embodiments, stand-in case 100 may include various access ports (not shown) to facilitate connector plugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/or power adaptors. Additionally, stand-in case 100 may include built-in cords to route power, connectivity, and/or headphone cables from a PED to an external or internal device. Moreover, in some embodiments, a battery may be built into a panel or pocket of stand- in case 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates a stand-in case 200 with an upper portion 214 of a top panel 210 in a second position configured to secure a PED in an upright position. In the second position, top panel 210 may be at a first angle of inclination relative to bottom panel 220. According to various embodiments, at least a portion of top panel 210 may include an integrated reinforcement configured to exert a force F causing top panel 210 to return to the flat position illustrated in FIG. 1. Force F may be configured to match the force exerted by a PED placed at the angle of inclination against upper portion 214 of top panel 210. Accordingly, a PED may be secured in an upright position at the first angle of inclination by stand-in case 200.

According to various embodiments, a portion of top panel 210, such as upper portion 214 or a portion thereof, may include an integrated reinforcement comprising metal, plastic, cardboard, and/or other material that provides sufficient resistance and/or resilience so as to secure a PED in an upright position. According to various embodiments, the reinforcing material may utilize various folds, bends, and/or curvatures to obtain desirable resistance and/or resilience characteristics.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the inside portion of bottom panel 220 may include catches 225 and 235 configured to “catch” the bottom corners of a PED. According to various embodiments, catches 225 and 235 may include elastic bands, nylon mesh, and/or other materials suitable to secure the corners of a PED at the angle of inclination. According to various embodiments, a single catch 225 may be employed to secure only one corner of a PED.

According to alternative embodiments, at least a portion of top panel 210, such as upper portion 214, may include a reinforcement configured to resiliently maintain two or more positions. For example, top panel 214 may include an integrated reinforcement configured to maintain top panel 214 in a first, closed position, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, and in a second, open position as illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, top panel 210 may be selectively positioned to enclose a PED or to secure a PED at an angle of inclination relative to bottom panel 220. In such embodiments, upper portion 214 may be reinforced with a material configured to resiliently maintain at least two positions. According to various embodiments, upper portion 214 may be configurable between any one of a number of possible angles of inclination. That is, upper portion 214 may be configured to resiliently maintain multiple positions or angles of inclination in which it is placed.

Side panel 230 and zipper 240 may be configured with appropriate dimensions and sizes to suit a particular application. The proportions of upper portion 214 and lower portion 212 of top panel 210 may be adjusted as needed or as desired for a particular application. In various embodiments, additional pockets, sleeves, and/or other features may be included in stand-in case 200, including those features described in conjunction with FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a stand-in case 300 securing a PED 350 in an upright position in a landscape orientation, according to one exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the force exerted by PED 350 is counterbalanced by the force (F in FIG. 2) exerted by upper portion 314 of top panel 310 to return top panel 310 to its original, flat position. PED 350 is maintained in an upright position through the balancing of the forces. Additionally, the left and right bottom corners of PED 350 may be secured by catch 325 and catch 335, respectively.

Alternatively, upper portion 314 may be configured to resiliently maintain the angle of inclination illustrated in FIG. 3. According to such an embodiment, upper portion 314 may maintain its position despite the downward force exerted by PED 350, and thus secure PED 350 in an upright position at the angle of inclination.

Similar to previous embodiments, side panel 330 and zipper 340 may be configured with appropriate dimensions and sizes to suit a particular application. Moreover, the proportions of upper portion 314 and lower portion 312 of top panel 310 may be adjusted as needed or as desired for a particular application. In various embodiments, additional pockets, sleeves, and/or other features may be included in stand-in case 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary stand-in case 400 securing a PED 450 in an upright position in a portrait orientation. According to any of the various embodiments described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, stand in case 400 may be configured to selectively secure a PED at one or more angles of inclination in both a landscape orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 3, and in a portrait orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, stand-in case 400 may include various access ports to facilitate connector plugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/or power adaptors. Additionally, stand-in case 400 may include built-in cords to route power, connectivity, and/or audio/visual cables from PED 450 to an external device. Moreover, in some embodiments, a battery may be built into a panel or pocket of stand-in case 400.

Side panel 430 and zipper 440 may be configured with appropriate dimensions and sizes to suit a particular application. Moreover, the proportions of upper portion 414 and lower portion 412 of top panel 410 may be adjusted as needed or as desired for a particular application. In various embodiments, additional pockets, sleeves, and/or other features may be included in stand-in case 400. As described in conjunction with previous embodiments, zipper 440 may be omitted. As an alternative to zipper 440, or in addition to zipper 440, stand-in case 400 may include one or more alternative closure mechanisms, such as straps, buttons, flaps, snaps, Velcro, hooks, clasps, clips, and combinations thereof. Additionally, stand-in case 400 may include any of a wide variety of straps, handles, harnesses, and/or the like configured to enable a user to easily transport stand-in case 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a stand-in case 500 configured to support a PED 550 in an upright position utilizing a single catch 525 extending along the bottom edge of PED 550. Similar to the previously described embodiments, stand-in case 500 may include a top panel 510 divided into a lower portion 512 and an upper portion 514, a bottom panel 520, and side panel section 530. Again, top panel 510 and bottom panel 520 may be selectively joined by a closure mechanism (zipper 540 as illustrated) to open and close stand-in case 500. Upper portion 514 and lower portion 512 of top panel 510 may be separate portions physically joined, and/or may be portions of a single integrated top panel, described as upper and lower portions only in name.

Top panel 510 may include an integrated reinforcement configured to resiliently maintain a first angle of inclination, such that PED 550 may be secured in at an angle of inclination in an upright position. The integrated reinforcement may be configured to reinforce top panel 510 so as to exert a force causing upper portion 514 to return to its original flat position (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Accordingly, a force F (similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2) exerted by upper portion 514 may counterbalance the force exerted by gravity on PED 550, thereby securing PED 550 at the angle of inclination.

As previously described, according to either embodiment, PED 550 may be selectively maintained at any number of angles of inclination. In some embodiments, a user may choose between several possible angles of inclination. In some such embodiments, an integrated reinforcement may resiliently maintain one or more angles of inclination. Alternatively, an integrated reinforcement may exert a counterbalancing force at a plurality of angles of inclination adapted to support PED 550 at each of the plurality of angles of inclination.

According to the illustrated embodiment, a single catch 525 may extend along the bottom edge of PED 550. Catch 525 may be configured to prevent the bottom edge of PED 550 from slipping. Though illustrated in a landscape orientation in FIG. 5, stand-in case 500 may be configured to secure a PED 500 in a portrait orientation as well. In some embodiments, catch 525 may be omitted and the bottom edge of PED 550 may be frictionally prevented from slipping. According to other embodiments, a lip (such as the illustrated fabric adjacent zipper 540) on bottom panel 520 may act as a catch to prevent the bottom edge of PED 550 from slipping.

In some embodiments, stand-in case 500 may include various access ports to facilitate connector plugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/or power adaptors. Additionally, stand-in case 500 may include built-in cords to route power, connectivity, and/or headphone cables from PED 550 to an external device. Moreover, in some embodiments, a battery may be built into a panel or pocket of stand-in case 500.

Side panel 530 and zipper 540 may be configured with appropriate dimensions and sizes to suit a particular application. The proportions of upper portion 514 and lower portion 512 of top panel 510 may be adjusted as needed or as desired for a particular application. In various embodiments, additional pockets, sleeves, and/or other features may be included in stand-in case 500. As described in conjunction with previous embodiments, zipper 540 may be omitted. As an alternative to zipper 440, or in addition to zipper 540, stand-in case 500 may include one or more alternative closure mechanisms, such as straps, buttons, flaps, snaps, Velcro, hooks, clasps, clips, and combinations thereof. Additionally, stand-in case 500 may include any of a wide variety of straps, handles, harnesses, and/or the like configured to enable a user to easily transport stand-in case 500.

FIG. 6 illustrates a stand-in case 600, similar to previously described embodiments, including top panel 610 divided into upper portion 614 and lower portion 612, bottom panel 620, side panel section 630, and zipper 640. As previously described, upper portion 614 of top panel 610 may include an integrated reinforcement configured to exert a force on top panel 610 causing it to return to a flat position, so as to counterbalance PED 650 at an angle of inclination in an upright position. Alternatively, upper portion 614 of top panel 610 may include an integrated reinforcement selectively configurable between at least one angle of inclination and a closed position. As with previous embodiments, stand-in case 600 may be configured to secure PED 650 at one or more angles of inclination in landscape and/or portrait orientations.

Stand-in case 600 may include a high-friction contact patch 625 on the inside face of bottom panel 620. High-friction contact patch 625 may be configured to secure the bottom edge of PED 650 and prevent it from slipping. According to various embodiments, high-friction contact patch 625 may be relatively wide as compared to the bottom edge of PED 650. A relatively wide high-friction contact patch 625 may allow PED 650 to be positioned at various angles of inclination without adjusting the angle of inclination of upper portion 614 of rear panel 610. For example, the relative angle of PED 650 may be adjusted by sliding the bottom edge of PED 650 from a front edge to a back edge of high friction contact patch 625.

Similar to previously described embodiments, stand-in case 600 may include various access ports to facilitate connector plugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/or power adaptors. Additionally, stand-in case 600 may include built-in cords to route power, connectivity, and/or headphone cables from PED 650 to an external device, and in some embodiments, a battery may be built into a panel or pocket of stand-in case 600.

Side panel 630 and zipper 640 may be configured with appropriate dimensions and sizes to suit a particular application. The proportions of upper portion 614 and lower portion 612 of top panel 610 may be adjusted as needed or as desired for a particular application. In various embodiments, additional pockets, sleeves, and/or other features may be included in stand-in case 600. As described in conjunction with previous embodiments, zipper 640 may be supplemented or replaced by one or more alternative closure mechanisms, such as straps, buttons, flaps, snaps, Velcro, hooks, clasps, clips, and combinations thereof. Additionally, stand-in case 600 may include any of a wide variety of straps, handles, harnesses, and/or the like configured to enable a user to easily transport stand-in case 600.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an exemplary stand-in case 700 in a first upright position (FIG. 7A) and a second upright position (FIG. 7B), respectively. Top panel 710, or a portion thereof, may include an integrated reinforcement configured to support and/or secure PED 750 at an angle of inclination in landscape and/or portrait orientations. As illustrated, catches 725 and 735 may prevent the bottom edge of PED 750 from slipping. According to some embodiments, upper portion 714 and/or lower portion 712 may include an integrated reinforcement configured to exert a force on upper portion 714 causing top panel 710 to return to its original shape (parallel with bottom panel 720). Accordingly, reinforced top panel 710 may counterbalance the gravitational force on PED 750, and thereby secure PED 750 in an upright position.

In some embodiments, the amount of force exerted by reinforced top panel 710 may be adjustable, thereby allowing PED 750 to be selectively secured at one or more possible angles of inclination. As illustrated, the angle of inclination in FIG. 7B is greater than that in FIG. 7A. According to various embodiments, the angle of inclination may be adjusted by adjusting the force exerted on reinforced top panel 710 causing it to return to its original shape (parallel with bottom panel 720). According to various embodiments, the amount of force exerted on upper portion 714 may be adjusted by adjusting the location or orientation of the integrated reinforcement within top panel 710, adding additional reinforcement, removing reinforcement material, and/or adjusting the shape and/or curvature of the integrated reinforcement. According to various embodiments, a user may dynamically adjust the integrated reinforcement so as to position PED 750 at a desired angle of inclination.

According to an alternative embodiment, upper portion 714 of top panel 710 may include an integrated reinforcement that is positionable and resilient to maintain any number of positions in which it is placed. Accordingly, upper portion 714 may be folded away from bottom panel 720 and temporarily maintain the folded position in order to secure PED 750 at any desired angle of inclination. According to such an embodiment, a user may selectively return upper portion 714 to its flat position.

Similar to previous embodiments, stand-in case 700 may include various access ports to facilitate connector plugs, cables, headphones, speakers, and/or power adaptors. Additionally, stand-in case 700 may include built-in cords to route power, connectivity, and/or headphone cables from PED 750 to an external device, and in some embodiments, a battery may be built into a panel or pocket of stand-in case 700.

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary stand-in case 800 integrated into a larger case 890, such as a laptop case or luggage. As illustrated, stand-in case 800 may be integrated as an additional side pocket on larger case 890. According to various alternative embodiments, stand-in case 800 may be integrated within a compartment of larger case 890. Additionally, according to various embodiments, a reinforced top panel 810 and/or catches may be integrated into a larger case 890 without incorporating an entire stand-in case 800. In such an embodiment, a bottom panel 820 of stand-in case 800 may be formed as a part of an outer panel of case 890. In other embodiments, a separate bottom panel 820 may be attached to the outer panel of case 890

As illustrated, stand-in case 800 may include top panel 810 divided into a lower portion 812 and an upper portion 814, bottom panel 820, side panel section 830, and zipper 840. According to various embodiments, zipper 840 may be closed to join top panel 810 and bottom panel 820 in order to fully enclose PED 850. According to various embodiments, stand-in case 800 may be configured in accordance with any combination of the various embodiments described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7B. Larger case 890 may be configured with a handle 885 and zipper 880. Larger case 890 may be any of a wide variety of cases, including a brief case, luggage, a laptop case, a case for a PED, and the like.

FIG. 8B illustrates stand-in case 800 integrated into larger case 890 securing PED 850 in an upright position at an angle of inclination relative to bottom panel 820. As previously described, stand-in case 800 may include an integrated reinforcement within top panel 810, such that at least a portion of top panel 810, such as upper portion 814 or a portion thereof, is resistant to folding and/or resilient to maintain a folded position. That is, top panel 810 may be configured with an integrated reinforcement that to exerts a force to return folded upper portion 814 to its original position, parallel with bottom panel 820. Alternatively, an integrated reinforcement within upper portion 814 may be configured to resiliently maintain its folded position until it is forced to return to its original, flat position.

Additionally, integrated stand-in case 800 may include catches 825 and 835 on the inside upper corners of bottom panel 820. Catches 825 and 835 may be configured to catch the bottom corners of PED 850 and prevent them from slipping. According to various alternative embodiments, catches 825 and 835 may be omitted, replaced with a single catch, replaced with a high-friction contact patch, and/or any combination thereof.

The above description provides numerous specific details for a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the specific details may be omitted, or other methods, components, or materials may be used. In some cases, operations are not shown or described in detail.

Claims

1. A case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a bottom panel;

a top panel comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;

a side panel section configured to connect at least a portion of the bottom panel to the top panel;

a reinforcement integrated with at least the upper portion of the top panel, the reinforcement configurable between a first position and a second position with respect to the bottom panel;

wherein in the first position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel substantially parallel to the bottom panel, such that in the first position the case is configured to at least partially enclose a portable electronic device within the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel section; and

wherein in the second position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel at a first angle of inclination with respect to the bottom panel, such that the upper panel is configured to support the portable electronic device at an angle relative to the bottom panel.

2. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the integrated reinforcement is configured to selectively maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel in the first position through elasticity, and is configured to selectively maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel in the second position by balancing the elasticity of the integrated reinforcement with the counterforce resulting from the weight of the portable electronic device supported at the angle relative to the bottom panel.

3. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the integrated reinforcement is configured to retain its shape when bent, such that at least the upper portion of the top panel may be selectively bent into the first position and selectively bent into the second position.

4. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising at least one catch positioned on the bottom panel, such that in the second position, at least one corner of the portable electronic device is secured by the catch when the portable electronic device is supported at the angle relative to the bottom panel.

5. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising a high-friction contact patch positioned on the bottom panel, such that in the second position, an edge of the portable electronic device is frictionally secured by the high-friction contact patch when the portable electronic device is supported at the angle relative to the bottom panel

6. The case of claim 1, wherein the integrated reinforcement is further configurable between a third position with respect to the bottom panel, in addition to the first and second positions; and

wherein in the third position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel at a second angle of inclination with respect to the bottom panel, such that the upper panel is configured to support the portable electronic device at a second angle with respect to the bottom panel.

7. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the integrated reinforcement comprises one of a metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

8. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the integrated reinforcement comprises a material having resilient characteristics obtained from a curvature of the reinforcement material.

9. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the integrated reinforcement comprises an internal reinforcement built into the upper portion of the top panel.

10. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, wherein the case is integrated into a second case.

11. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the bottom panel forms a portion of the outer panel of the second case.

12. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the second case comprises a briefcase.

13. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the second case comprises a luggage bag.

14. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 10, wherein the second case comprises a laptop case.

15. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising:

a closure mechanism configured to selectively join at least a portion of the bottom panel with the top panel, with the top panel in the first position, in order to enclose the portable electronic device between the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel section.

16. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 15, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper, the zipper configured to selectively join the portion of the bottom panel and the top panel not already joined by the side panel section.

17. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 14, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a flap and buckle combination.

18. A case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a bottom panel;

a top panel comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;

a side panel section configured to connect at least a portion of the bottom panel to the top panel;

a reinforcement integrated with at least the upper portion of the top panel, the reinforcement configurable between a first position and a second position with respect to the bottom panel;

wherein in the first position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel substantially parallel to the bottom panel, such that in the first position the case is configured to at least partially enclose a portable electronic device within the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel section;

wherein in the second position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel at a first angle of inclination with respect to the bottom panel, such that the upper panel is configured to support the portable electronic device at an angle with respect to the bottom panel; and

a first catch and a second catch positioned on the bottom panel, such that in the second position, the first and second catches each secure a corner of the portable electronic device supported at the angle with respect to the bottom panel.

19. The case for a portable electronic device of claim 18, wherein the integrated reinforcement is configured to selectively maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel in the first position through elasticity, and is configured to selectively maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel in the second position by balancing the elasticity of the integrated reinforcement with the counterforce resulting from the weight of the portable electronic device secured at the angle relative to the bottom panel.

20. An integrated case for a portable electronic device comprising:

a first compartment of a carrying case, the first compartment having an outer panel;

a bottom panel of a case for a portable electronic device integrated with the outer panel of the first compartment;

a top panel comprising an upper portion and a lower portion;

a side panel section configured to connect at least a portion of the bottom panel to the top panel;

a reinforcement integrated into at least the upper portion of the top panel, the reinforcement configurable between a first position and a second position with respect to the bottom panel;

wherein in the first position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel substantially parallel to the bottom panel, such that in the first position the case is configured to at least partially enclose a portable electronic device within the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side panel section;

wherein in the second position the integrated reinforcement is configured to maintain at least the upper portion of the top panel at a first angle of inclination with respect to the bottom panel, such that the upper panel is configured to support the portable electronic device at an angle with respect to the bottom panel; and

a first catch and a second catch positioned on the interior of the bottom panel, such that in the second position, the first and second catches each secure a corner of the portable electronic device supported the angle with respect to the bottom panel.

21. The integrated case for a portable electronic device of claim 20, wherein the bottom panel is a separate panel attached to the outer panel of the first compartment.