COMBINATION PROTECTIVE CASE AND STAND FOR A TABLET DEVICE AND KEYBOARD

Abstract

A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard are disclosed. The case includes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the second panel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel. In another embodiment, the second panel is pivotably and removably coupled to the first panel. In other embodiments, a keyboard sleeve or a custom keyboard is coupled or removably coupled to the first panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/110,143, filed May 18, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Tablet computing devices, have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use, light weight and portability. Such devices typically include a thin, lightweight case and a touch-sensitive screen that occupies a majority of the area of the front face of the tablet. The touch-sensitive screen allows for ease of interaction with the interface of the tablet and for convenient consumption of media such as videos, photographs, and music, as well as web browsing and email.

While tablet devices are convenient for media consumption, they are less convenient for media creation, for example, word-processing and email composition. This stems from the fact that on a tablet device, text is typically input via an on-screen keyboard, which lacks the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard, and is less conducive to rapid and accurate typing. To alleviate this inconvenience, some tablet devices can couple to a physical keyboard, for example via the Bluetooth wireless communications standard. However, the separate physical keyboard reduces the portability and convenience of the tablet device.

Additionally, tablets are adapted for being held in the user's hands during usage; if the user's hands are occupied, the tablet typically must be laid flat on a surface. Neither arrangement allows for convenient viewing of the tablet simultaneous with the use of a keyboard.

A convenient solution for transporting and situating a tablet computing device and associated keyboard is therefore desired.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard is disclosed. The case includes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the second panel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel. The second panel can be pivoted so as to place the second panel in facing relation to a second face of the first panel. The cover portion may include a first cover panel, a second cover panel and a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and the second cover panel. At least one fastener may be disposed on a second face of the first panel and at least one complementary fastener may be disposed on a second face of the second panel. The case can further include at least one adjoining member adapted to be placed in adjoining relation with a rear portion of the keyboard. The adjoining member can include at least one fastener on a first face of the adjoining member. A covering may be disposed on the first face of the cover portion. The covering may be adapted to couple with the at least one fastener of the adjoining member.

In another exemplary embodiment, the second panel may be pivotably and removably coupled to the first panel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a keyboard sleeve may be coupled to the first panel.

In another exemplary embodiment, the cover portion may be pivotably coupled to the sleeve.

In another exemplary embodiment, the keyboard sleeve may be removably coupled to the first panel.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a custom keyboard may be removably coupled to the first panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:

FIGS. 1a-1c show a first exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration,

FIGS. 2a-2c show a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in a first configuration,

FIGS. 3a-3c show a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in a second configuration,

FIGS. 4a-4c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, closed configuration,

FIGS. 5a-5c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, open configuration,

FIGS. 6a-6c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptop mode configuration,

FIGS. 7a-7c show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a hidden keyboard laptop configuration,

FIGS. 8a-8c show a second exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration,

FIGS. 9a-9b show a second exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel,

FIG. 10a shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, closed configuration,

FIG. 10b shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, open configuration,

FIG. 11 shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptop mode configuration,

FIG. 12 shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a hidden keyboard laptop configuration,

FIGS. 13a-13b show a third exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration,

FIGS. 14a-14b show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration,

FIGS. 15a-15b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a removable keyboard panel,

FIGS. 16a-16b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a keyboard sleeve,

FIGS. 17a-17b show another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a keyboard sleeve,

FIGS. 18a-18b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a removable keyboard sleeve, and

FIGS. 19a-19b show an exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, with a removable custom keyboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. Furthermore, when elements are described as “coupled” or “connected,” it should be understood that the elements may be directly connected to each other or may be connected through one or more intervening elements.

Generally referring to FIGS. 1a-7c, a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 100 is disclosed. Case 100 may include structures for retaining a tablet device and a keyboard therein. Case 100 can further include a plurality of panels which may be arranged in various positions so as to allow case 100 to be adapted to a variety of desired functionalities. For example, case 100 may be placed in a compact, closed configuration for transporting the tablet device and keyboard and protecting the tablet device and keyboard during transport, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device. Case 100 may further be placed in a compact open configuration for handheld use of the tablet device, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device. Case 100 may further be placed in an angled open configuration for use of the tablet device on top of a surface. In the angled open configuration, the keyboard may be presented or hidden as desired. Case 100 may also include structures for maintaining the plurality of panels in desired positions. It should be appreciated that the configurations and positions described herein are not limiting, and that a variety of configurations and positions for case 100 may be contemplated and presented as desired.

Case 100, or portions thereof may include an outer covering that is formed from any desired material, for example leather, imitation leather, leatherette, cloth, microfiber, synthetic polymer-based materials, or any other material known in the art that enables case 100 to function as described herein, or any desired combinations of materials. Rigidity may be provided to desired portions of case 100 through the use of rigid inserts or rigid shells made from any material known in the art that enables case 100 to function as described herein. Portions of case 100 may be provided with fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, clasps, buttons, tab-and-slot fasteners, or any fastener known in the art that enables case 100 to function as described herein. Furthermore, portions of case 100 may be provided with a napped covering, for example felt, suede, alcantara, velvet, or any other covering having a napped pile or texture known in the art that enables case 100 to function as described herein. The napped covering may further cooperate with the fasteners so as to facilitate coupling between the fasteners and the napped covering.

Embodiments of the combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard illustrated in the provided figures are adapted for use with a tablet computing device such as the iPad, developed and sold by Apple, Inc. and a wireless keyboard such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, also developed and sold by Apple, Inc. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of case 100, as well as the configurations and concepts disclosed herein may be adapted for use with any known tablet device and keyboard, and are not limited solely to the illustrated devices.

FIGS. 1a-1c show case 100 in an open, flat configuration, illustrating the plurality of panels of case 100. Case 100 may include a tablet panel 102 having a first face 104 and a second face 106. A portion of first face 104 of tablet panel 102 may include a napped covering 108 disposed thereon. First face 104 of tablet panel 102 may further include a tablet sleeve 110 disposed thereon. Tablet sleeve 110 may be sized to receive a tablet computing device therein, and to snugly and securely maintain the tablet computing device within tablet sleeve 110. Tablet sleeve 110 may further include an opening 112 sized to allow viewing of the screen of the tablet computing device therethrough. Opening 112 may be uncovered, or may include a transparent protective cover (not shown) that allows for operation of the touch-screen of the tablet computing device. Tablet sleeve 110 may further include a plurality of apertures 114 for accessing the hardware ports and buttons of the tablet computing device. Second face 106 of tablet panel 102 may include a plurality of fasteners 180 disposed thereon. For example, fasteners 180 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member.

Case 100 can further include a keyboard panel 120 having a first face 122 and a second face 124. Keyboard panel 120 may be pivotably coupled to tablet panel 102, for example via a flexible panel 130 having a first face 132 and a second face 134. Coupled to keyboard panel 120 may be first band 126 and second band 128, which may be sized to receive a keyboard 10 between first face 122 and bands 126, 128 and to snugly and securely maintain keyboard 10 therein. Second face 124 of keyboard panel 120 may include a plurality of complementary fasteners 182 disposed thereon. For example, complementary fasteners 182 may be looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with fasteners 180.

FIGS. 2a-2c and FIGS. 3a-3c show a detail of keyboard panel 120 and flexible panel 130. First band 126 may be provided with at least two fastening straps 140, each fastening strap having a first face 142 and a second face 144. First faces 142 of fastening straps 140 may be provided with fasteners 180 and second faces 144 of fastening straps 140 may be provided with complementary fasteners 182. After keyboard 10 is inserted under bands 126, 128. As shown in FIGS. 3a-3c, straps 140 can then be inserted through slits 136 defined in flexible portion 130 so as to place straps 140 in adjoining relation with rear portion 12 of keyboard 10. Straps 140 can then be secured by coupling fasteners 180 disposed on second face 134 of flexible portion 130 to complementary fasteners 182 disposed on second faces 144 of straps 140.

Turning back to FIGS. 1a-1c, a cover portion 150 may be pivotably coupled to a bridging panel 158, which can in turn be coupled to second face 106 of tablet panel 102. Alternatively, cover portion 150 may be directly pivotably coupled to second face 106 of tablet panel 102. Cover portion 150 may include a rigid first panel 160, a rigid second panel 162, and a central panel 164 disposed between the first and second panels. In one embodiment, central panel 164 may be flexible and may be pivotably coupled to first panel 160 and second panel 162. Alternatively, central panel 164 may be rigid and may be pivotably coupled to first panel 160 via a first flexible panel 166, and to second panel 162 via a second flexible panel 168. The pivotable couplings of First panel 160, second panel 162, and central panel 164 may be such that each of panels 160, 162, 164 may be fully articulable, with respect to the panels proximate thereto, about the longitudinal axis of the pivotable coupling.

Cover portion 150 may have a first face 152 and a second face 154. A portion of first face 152 of cover portion 150 may include a napped covering 156 disposed thereon. Second face 154 may include a logo, ornament, decorative feature, or other indicia 170 disposed thereon. Additionally, second panel 162 may include a logo, ornament, decorative feature, or other indicia 172 disposed at the edge thereof such that indicia 172 may be visible on both first face 152 and second face 154.

FIGS. 4a-4c show case 100 in an exemplary compact, closed configuration. In the closed configuration, keyboard panel 120 can be positioned such that second face 124 of keyboard panel 120 is proximate second face 106 of tablet panel 102. Keyboard panel 120 can then be coupled to tablet panel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 and complementary fasteners 182 of keyboard panel 120. Cover portion 150 can then be pivotally moved towards keyboard panel 120 and around tablet panel 102, such that cover portion 150 encloses panels 102, 120, with first panel 160 disposed in facing relation to first face 122 of keyboard panel 120, central panel 164 disposed in facing relation to first face 104 of tablet panel 102, and second panel 162 disposed in facing relation to a portion of second face 104 of tablet panel 102 and proximate bridging panel 158. Second panel 162 can then be coupled to second face 104 of tablet panel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 and complementary fasteners 182 of second panel 162. The compact closed configuration thus allows one to conveniently transport case 100 while protecting the tablet device and keyboard from damage. Furthermore, keyboard panel 120 can be disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel 102. Consequently, keyboard 10 is disposed behind, and not in front of the tablet device, facilitating minimizing damage to the screen of the tablet device during transport and storage.

FIGS. 5a-5c show case 100 in an exemplary compact, open configuration. In the open configuration, keyboard panel 120 can be positioned such that second face 124 of keyboard panel 120 is proximate second face 106 of tablet panel 102. Keyboard panel 120 can then be coupled to tablet panel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 and complementary fasteners 182 of keyboard panel 10. Cover portion 150 can then be pivotally moved towards keyboard panel 120 such that first panel 160 is disposed in facing relation to first face 122 of keyboard panel 120. Central panel 164 can then be pivoted around such that it is positioned in contact with first panel 160. Second panel 162 can then be folded, if desired, between central panel 164 and tablet panel 102. The compact open configuration thus allows one to use the tablet device while providing a compact form factor that allows case 100 to be held with one or both hands, if desired. Furthermore, keyboard panel 120 can be disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel 102. Consequently, as keyboard 10 is disposed behind the tablet device and does not interfere with handheld use of the tablet device, the tablet device does not need to be removed from case 100 for handheld use.

FIGS. 6a-6c show case 100 in an exemplary laptop mode configuration. In the laptop configuration, second panel 162 and central panel 164 of cover portion 150 can be placed on a surface such that napped covering 156 is oriented away from the surface. Tablet panel 102 and keyboard panel 120 can then be placed on top of second and central panels 162, 164, with first panel 160 acting as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel 102 in an angled relation to the surface on which case 100 placed. A desired angle for tablet panel 102 may be achieved by repositioning tablet panel 102 and keyboard panel 120 along the length of the second and central panels 162, 164 of cover portion 150. Furthermore, the fasteners 180 that are disposed on the first face 142 of fastening straps 140 can couple to the napped surface 156 of cover portion 150, thereby preventing movement of tablet panel 102 and keyboard panel 120, and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet device at a convenient viewing angle and to simultaneously use the keyboard in conjunction with the tablet device.

FIGS. 7a-7c show case 100 in an exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration. In the hidden keyboard laptop configuration, second panel 162 and central panel 164 of cover portion 150 can be placed on a surface such that napped covering 156 is oriented away from the surface. Keyboard panel 120 can be positioned such that second face 124 of keyboard panel 120 is proximate second face 106 of tablet panel 102. Keyboard panel 120 can then be coupled to tablet panel 102 using fasteners 180 of tablet panel 102 and complementary fasteners 182 of keyboard panel 120. Tablet panel 102 can then be placed on top of second and central panels 162, 164, with first panel 160 of cover portion 150 acting as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel 102 in an angled relation to the surface on which case 100 placed. A desired angle for tablet panel 102 may be achieved by repositioning tablet panel 102 along the length of the second and central panels 162, 164 of cover portion 150. Furthermore, the fasteners 180 that are disposed on the first face 142 of fastening straps 140 can couple to the napped surface 156 of cover portion 150, thereby preventing movement of tablet panel 102, and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet device at a convenient viewing angle while the keyboard remains concealed and protected behind the tablet device. Furthermore, keyboard panel 120 can be disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel 102 during transport. Consequently, keyboard 10 is disposed behind, and not in front of the tablet device, which facilitates protecting keyboard 10 from debris, liquid, and other possible sources of damage while case 100 is in a laptop configuration.

FIGS. 8a-12 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 200. Most components of the embodiment of case 200 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 200 may be provided with magnetic fasteners 280, and complementary magnetic fasteners 282 in lieu of fasteners 180, 182 of the embodiments of case 100. Magnetic fasteners 280 may be provided on the second face 206 of tablet panel 202. Complementary magnetic fasteners 282 may be provided on the second face 224 of keyboard panel 220, and on the first face 252 of cover portion 250, as shown in FIGS. 8a-8c. Magnetic fasteners 280 may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementary magnetic fasteners 282 or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. Complementary magnetic fasteners 282 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with magnetic fasteners 280. Alternatively, a plurality of complementary fastening strips 283 may be provided on the first face 252 of cover portion 250, in place of the complementary fasteners 282, as shown in FIG. 8b. Complementary fastening strips 283 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with magnetic fasteners 280. It should be appreciated that magnetic fasteners 280, complementary magnetic fasteners 282, and complementary fastening strips 283 need not be exposed on the surface of their respective panels, but may be disposed behind a covering such that the fasteners 280, 282, 283 are hidden while retaining the coupling functionality.

FIGS. 9a-9b show a detail of keyboard panel 220 and flexible panel 230. Coupled to keyboard panel 220 may be side tabs 225 and corner tabs 227, which may be disposed so as to receive a keyboard 10 therebetween, and to snugly and securely maintain keyboard 20 in place. Additionally, sheath 241 may be provided, and placed in adjoining relation with the rear portion 22 of keyboard 20, for example by snap fit, by sliding sheath 241 on to rear portion 22, or by any other manner. Sheath 241 can include a pair of fastening strips 284 disposed on the exterior face thereof. Fastening strips 284 may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementary magnetic fasteners 282 or complementary fastening strips 283, or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.

As shown in FIGS. 10a-10b, when case 200 is an exemplary compact closed configuration, magnetic fasteners 280 of tablet panel 202 may be coupled to complementary magnetic fasteners 282 of keyboard panel 220 and to complementary magnetic fasteners 282 of second panel 262 of cover portion 250. In the exemplary compact open configuration, second panel 262 may be uncoupled from tablet panel 202 and second and central panels 262, 264 may be folded behind first panel 260 of cover portion 250.

As shown in FIGS. 11-12, when case 200 is in an exemplary laptop configuration or an exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration, fastening strips 284 of sheath 241 can couple to desired complementary magnetic fasteners 282 or complementary fastening strips 283 on first face 252 of cover portion 250, so as to prevent movement of tablet panel 202 and to allow the desired angle of tablet panel 202 to be securely maintained.

As shown in FIGS. 8a-12, the exemplary configurations of case 200 are substantially similar to the configurations of case 100. In the exemplary configurations, Magnets 280, 282 and magnetic strips 283, 284 provide for the desired couplings of the various panels and portions of case 200, as illustrated. It should be appreciated that the shown exemplary configurations of case 100 and case 200 are not the only possible configurations, and additional configurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired.

FIGS. 13a-14b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 300. Most components of the embodiment of case 300 are the same or similar to those of the embodiments of case 100 and case 200, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in all embodiments.

Turning to FIGS. 13a-13b, case 300 may include a keyboard 30. Keyboard 30 may be provided in lieu of a keyboard panel and may be pivotably coupled to tablet panel 302 via flexible panel 330, as shown in FIGS. 13a-13b. Alternatively, keyboard 30 may be directly pivotably coupled to tablet panel 302. Keyboard 30 may be included in case 30 and may communicatively couple with a tablet device via any desired connection, for example, via a cable such as a USB-compliant cable, or via a wireless connection such as the Bluetooth wireless communication standard. If desired, keyboard 30 may be formed integral with case 300 or may be partially or substantially enclosed by case 300. For example, an integrally formed keyboard 30 may have an outer covering that is substantially similar to the outer covering of case 300, and which may be contiguous with the outer covering of case 300.

Alternatively, keyboard 30 may be separately formed from case 300 and may be included with the case. As shown in FIGS. 14a-14b, keyboard 30 may then be retained by a retention structure 325, which may be a panel, straps, outer shell, or any other structure that can retain keyboard 30 in place. Retention structure 325 may be formed from any desired material, for example the material of case 300, plastic, or the like.

Referring generally to FIGS. 13a-14b, the bottom 34 of keyboard 30 may include a plurality of complementary fasteners 382 disposed thereon. If keyboard 30 is disposed in a retention structure, the retention structure 325 may be configured such that the complementary fasteners on the bottom 34 of keyboard 30 can be exposed. Fasteners 382 may be, for example, looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that may couple to fasteners 380 disposed on the second face 306 of tablet panel 302. Fasteners 380, may be, for example, hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. Alternatively, complementary fasteners 382 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with fasteners 380. Likewise, fasteners 380 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementary fasteners 382.

Keyboard 30 may further include fastening strips 384 disposed on the rear portion 32 of keyboard 30. Fastening strips 384 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener pair, or may be any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with napped covering 356 of cover portion 350. Alternatively, fastening strips 384 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with fasteners 380 disposed on the first face 352 of cover portion 350.

It should be understood that the exemplary configurations of case 300 are substantially similar to the configurations of case 100 and case 200. Furthermore, the shown exemplary configurations of cases 100, 200 and 300 are not the only possible configurations, and additional configurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired.

FIGS. 15a-15b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1500. Most components of the embodiment of case 1500 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

In the embodiments of case 1500, flexible panel 1530 may be removably coupled to tablet panel 1502. Alternatively, flexible panel 1530 may be removably and pivotably coupled to tablet panel 1502.

Alternatively, the flexible panel may be removably and/or pivotably coupled to the keyboard panel.

FIGS. 16a-16b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1600. Most components of the embodiment of case 1600 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1600 may be provided with keyboard sleeve 1620 in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Keyboard sleeve 1620 may be sized to receive a keyboard 16 therein, and to snugly and securely maintain the keyboard 16 within keyboard sleeve 1620. Keyboard sleeve 1620 may be permanently coupled to a second face 1606 of the tablet panel 1602.

FIGS. 17a-17b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1700. Most components of the embodiment of case 1700 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1700 may be provided with keyboard sleeve 1720 in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Keyboard sleeve 1720 may be sized to receive a keyboard 17 therein, and to snugly and securely maintain the keyboard 17 within keyboard sleeve 1720. Keyboard sleeve 1720 may be permanently coupled to a second face 1706 of the tablet panel 1702. A cover portion 1750 may be pivotably coupled to a bridging panel 1758. The bridging panel 1758 may in turn be coupled to the sleeve 1720, in lieu of the tablet panel 1702. The cover portion 1750 may be rigid, flexible, and/or articulated. Cover portion 1750 can be pivotally moved towards a rear portion 17′ of keyboard 17, such that cover portion 1750 encloses at least a portion of the sleeve 1720 and at least a portion of tablet panel 1702. Alternatively, cover portion 1750 can be pivotally moved away from a rear portion 17′ of keyboard 17, such that cover portion 1750 encloses at least a portion of the sleeve 1720 and at least a portion of tablet panel 1702.

In a laptop mode configuration, cover portion 1750 may be coupled to the second face 1706 of the tablet panel 1702, such that cover portion 1750 may act as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel 1702 in an angle relation to a surface on which case 1700 is placed.

FIGS. 18a-8b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1800. Most components of the embodiment of case 1800 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1800 may be provided with keyboard sleeve 1820 in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Keyboard sleeve 1820 may be sized to receive a keyboard 18 therein, and to snugly and securely maintain the keyboard 18 within keyboard sleeve 1820. Keyboard sleeve 1820 may be removably coupled to a second face 1806 of tablet panel 1802. Second face 1806 of tablet panel 1802 may include a plurality of fasteners 1880 disposed thereon. For example, fasteners 1880 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. Second face 1824 of keyboard sleeve 1820—in lieu of keyboard panel 120—may include a plurality of complementary fasteners 1882 disposed thereon. For example, complementary fasteners 1882 may be looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with fasteners 1880.

FIGS. 19a-19b illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard 1900. Most components of the embodiment of case 1900 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case 100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.

The embodiments of case 1900 may be provided with custom keyboard 1920 in lieu of keyboard panel 120. Custom keyboard 1920 may be removably coupled to a second face 1906 of the tablet panel 1902 without a keyboard sleeve. Second face 1906 of tablet panel 1902 may include a plurality of fasteners 1980 disposed thereon. For example, fasteners 1980 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. Second face 1924 of custom keyboard 1920—in lieu of keyboard panel 120—may include a plurality of complementary fasteners 1982 disposed thereon. For example, complementary fasteners 1982 may be looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with fasteners 1980.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, comprising:

a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel;

a second panel pivotably and removably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard; and

a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel,

wherein the second panel can be pivoted so as to place the second panel in facing relation to a second face of the first panel, and

wherein the cover portion is configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first face of the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the cover portion comprises:

a first cover panel;

a second cover panel; and

a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and second cover panel.

3. The case of claim 2, wherein:

when the second panel is positioned in facing relation to the second face of the first panel, the first cover panel can be pivoted so as to be disposed in facing relation to the second panel; and

the central cover panel can be pivoted so as to be disposed in facing relation to the first cover panel.

4. The case of claim 2, wherein:

when the second cover panel and the central cover panel are placed on a surface, the first panel can be oriented in an angled relation to the surface; and

a position and an angle of the first panel can be secured.

5. The case of claim 4, wherein the first cover panel supports the first panel.

6. A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, comprising:

a main panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the main panel;

a sleeve coupled to a second face of the main panel and configured to receive a keyboard therein; and

a cover portion pivotably coupled to the main panel,

wherein the cover portion is configured to enclose the main panel and the sleeve such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first face of the main panel and in facing relation to the sleeve.

7. The case of claim 6, wherein the sleeve is removably coupled to the second face of the main panel.

8. The case of claim 6; further comprising:

at least one fastener disposed on the second face of the panel; and

at least one complementary fastener disposed on the sleeve.

9. The case of claim 6, wherein the cover portion comprises:

a first cover panel;

a second cover panel; and

a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and second cover panel.

10. The case of claim 9, wherein

when the second cover panel and the central cover panel are placed on a surface, the main panel can be oriented in an angled relation to the surface; and

a position and an angle of the main panel can be secured.

11. The case of claim 10, wherein the first cover panel supports the main panel.

12. A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, comprising:

a main panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the main panel;

a sleeve coupled to a second face of the main panel and configured to receive a keyboard therein; and

a cover portion pivotably coupled to the sleeve,

wherein the cover portion is configured to enclose the main panel and the sleeve such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first face of the main panel and in facing relation to a portion of the sleeve.

13. The case of claim 12, wherein the cover portion comprises:

a first cover panel;

a second cover panel; and

a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and second cover panel.

14. The case of claim 13, wherein

when the second cover panel and the central cover panel form a zero angle or a substantially acute angle with a surface, the main panel can be oriented in an angled relation to the surface; and

a position and an angle of the main panel can be secured.

15. The case of claim 14, wherein the second cover panel supports the main panel.

16. A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, comprising:

a main panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the main panel;

a keyboard removably coupled to a second face of the main panel; and

a cover portion pivotably coupled to the main panel,

wherein the cover portion is configured to enclose the main panel and the keyboard such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first face of the main panel and in facing relation to the keyboard.

17. The case of claim 16, further comprising:

at least one fastener disposed on the second face of the main panel; and

at least one complementary fastener disposed on the keyboard.

18. The case of claim 16, wherein the cover portion comprises:

a first cover panel;

a second cover panel; and

a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and second cover panel.

19. The case of claim 18, wherein

when the second cover panel and the central cover panel are placed on a surface, the main panel can be oriented in an angled relation to the surface; and

a position and an angle of the main panel can be secured.

20. The case of claim 19, wherein the first cover panel supports the main panel.