Tablet Computer Case with Glare Protection

Abstract

An improved protective case for portable electronic devices such as a tablet computer is described. The protective case comprises of a base, a cover that is pivotally connected to the base and is equipped with a pair of side panels that can be folded flat against the cover in a closed position and when extended in an open position can shield excess light from getting into the tablet computer that is housed within the case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a protective case for portable electronic devices and more particularly to a protective case for portable electronic devices, such as tablet computers, that provides glare protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recent developments in computer technology have created a surge in popularity for portable electronic devices such as tablet computers and notebook computers. These portable electronic devices have become more powerful and more functional. They have attractive design that are thin and light weight making it easier to transport and much more appealing to people of all ages, not only for entertainment purposes but also for business or work purposes. These portable electronic devices are designed mainly for mobile use where people carry and operate them whenever and wherever they desire. As such, they will be vulnerable to damage caused by exposure to harsh environmental condition, physical abuse, accidental dropping or when placed in a potentially detrimental position.

In addition, these portable electronic devices are known for the poor visibility when used outdoors or in bright sunlight or even indoors with excessive ambient light. When used under these conditions, the display screen often appears washed out or faded making it difficult to see the display screen properly. As a result, the user will attempt to adjust the position of the screen to avoid the glare or adjust the screen settings, i.e., brightness or contrast which oftentimes prove to be ineffective. The reduction in visibility of the display screen inhibits the user's ability to use these portable electronic devices outdoors as well as in rooms having direct sunlight or high intensity lighting. There are also instances where there is a lack of privacy for users when these electronic devices are being use in crowded public places.

It is common to use a protective case to guard the portable electronic devices from damage. Many cases are currently available. Some of the cases are designed to have a generic fit to accommodate a variety of devices while others are designed specifically for a particular model and/or brand of a device. However, prior art cases for portable electronic devices currently only provides for carrying, storing, and protecting the electronic devices. None of the cases provide the necessary protection against damage while including the additional benefits of protecting the display screen from glare caused by excessive light as well as protection from the eyes of undesired onlookers. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a case that has integrated features that offers damage protection, glare protection and privacy protection.

A search of the prior art discloses relevant information, however, none of the prior art discloses the novelty of the present invention that discloses a glare protection and privacy screen that is integrated into a protective case that is lightweight, made specifically for use with tablet computers and which are easily collapsible and can be retrofitted to an existing case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention effectively addresses the above recited problems by extending the utility of the tablet computer case. This invention relates to a tablet computer case which provides a protective means to transport a tablet computer having a display screen and also form a shielded enclosure which permits the use of the tablet computer and its display screen within the shielded enclosure.

The present invention proposes a solution to provide enhanced screen visibility for tablet computer display screens that are subject to glare through a protective case comprises of a base, a cover that is pivotally attached to the base and a pair of collapsible side panels. The panels are provided having a closed or folded position in which it is essentially flat and are integral to the cover of the case. In its open position, they are readily extendable onto the left and right edges of the cover and base to effectively reduce glare, facilitates outdoor use of the display screen and provides privacy relative to information displayed on the screen. The panels according to the present invention generally have a triangular shape and are constructed from a durable, light-proof and light weight material such as polyethylene foam.

In view of the above disclosure, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tablet computer case that can significantly reduce glare on the tablet computer screen caused by excessive light source.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tablet computer case that can provide a layer of privacy protection to limit viewing of the tablet computer display screen by the undesired surrounding people.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide means to provide privacy and glare protection for a tablet computer that can be retrofitted to an existing tablet computer case.

These and other objects of the invention will be made apparent to one of skill in the art upon a review of this specification, the associated drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the tablet computer case showing the side panels in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the tablet computer case showing the side panels in a folded position with respect to the cover.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the tablet computer case showing the side panels detached from the cover.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the tablet computer case in a closed position.

BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode of carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment of a protective case 10 for a tablet computer 50 as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The protective case 10 for the tablet computer 50 may take on many embodiments. The preferred embodiment of the case 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, comprises a base 12 and a cover 26 that is pivotally attached to the base 12 and a pair of collapsible side panel 42 and 44 disposed within the cover 26.

The base 12 includes an interior surface 14, an exterior surface 16, a left edge 18, a right edge 20, a front edge 22, and a rear edge 24. The cover 26 includes an interior surface 28, an exterior surface 30, a left edge 32, a right edge 34, a front edge 36, and a rear edge 38 in such way as to engage the corresponding edges 18, 20, 22, and 24 of the base 12 and thereby enclose the tablet computer 50 when the case 10 is closed. In this regard, the cover 26 is pivotally connected to the base 12 along the rear edges 24 and 38 of the base 12 and the cover 26. The cover 26 and base 12 can be secured in a close position by a closure mean including but not limited to a zipper, a strap, a button, a magnet, a Velcro® attachment or the like. Additionally, the case 10 can also be provided with carrying means, such as handles 40a and 40b that are attached to the front edges 22 and 36 of the base 12 and cover 26 respectively. A shoulder strap can also be provided in lieu or in combination with such handles 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the side panel 42 and 44 can be folded flat against the interior surface 28 of the cover 26. In this configuration, the panels 42, 44 provide additional impact protection for the enclosed display screen 52 of the tablet computer 50 while not interfering with the closing of the case 10. In an open position, the left side panel 42 and the right side panel 44 combine with the cover 26 of the case 10 to form three sides of a dome structure which functions to shield the display screen 52 of the tablet computer 50 from excess light and from undesired spectators. The panels 42, 44 are removably attached to the cover 26 by conventional fastening means. The preferred fastening means comprises of a hook and loop attachment 46 such as a Velcro® strips. Other fastening means can include a double-sided tape, a clip-on attachment or the like, The panels 42, 44 can also be equipped with a spring mechanism (not shown) such that the panels 42, 44 can fold back automatically when not in use. Alternatively, the panel 42, 44 can also be permanently attached to the cover 26, The attachments 46 serve as a hinge between the side panels 42, 44 and the cover 26 to facilitate an open and close position of the panels 42, 44.

The left panel 42 and right panel 44 which are attached to the cover 26 along their common edges by attachments 46a and 46b, respectively, are positioned to extend out towards the user along the edges 18, 20, 32, 34 of the base 12 and the cover 26, thereby when combined with the cover 26 of the case 10 function to form an enclosure for the tablet computer 50 and its display screen 52. It was found that panel 42, 44 with triangular shape works best for the purpose of this invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the panels 42, 44 are attached to the cover 26 by one or more pairing Velcro® strips 46a, 46b with one edge of the triangular panel 42, 44 resting on the corresponding edges 18, 20 of the base 12 when in use. This structure facilitates use of the tablet computer 50 in places where such use is typically limited due to excess ambient light or due to lack of privacy.

The protective case 10 according to the present invention can be constructed of rigid or flexible polymer, metal, neoprene, or any other type of material that are known in the art of portable electronic device case. The panel 42 and 44 are preferably constructed from a rigid, light-proof, durable material such as polyethylene foam. The preferred material is polyethylene cross-linked. foam of medium density with thickness in the range of 0.125″-0.25″ and weighs less than 0.25 ounce. However, it is to be understood that the dimension, weight, and material of the panels 42, 44 can vary but should be generally selected to achieve a rigid structure that is able to provide support and prevent the cover 26 from collapsing when in use. The panel 42, 44 should also he sufficiently thin so it can easily be adapted for use with a conventional tablet computer case.

In an alternative embodiment, the panel 42 and 44 can also be constructed from a non-rigid material such as fabric or cloth. In this regard, the fabric panels 42 and 44 can be supported by a wire structure (not shown) to provide the necessary support to prevent the cover 26 from collapsing when in use while still able to achieve the same result as the panels 42, 44 described according to the preferred embodiment.

The base 12 of the case 10 also includes mounting means 48 to secure the tablet computer 50 on the interior surface 14 of the base 12. The mounting means 48 can include but not limited to an elastic straps, foam inserts, fasteners, snap locks, clamps or the like. The protective case 10 according to the present invention as depicted in FIGS. 1-4 provides additional features that are not offered in the prior art cases. Aside from providing a mean to protect the tablet computer 50 from damage, the case 10 disclosed in the present invention also provides significant reduction of glare on the display screen 52 and restricts viewing of the display screen 52 by undesired individuals while providing full access to the user.

Although the invention has been described in some detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tablet computer case comprising: wherein said panel provide enhanced screen visibility to the user of the tablet computer by providing glare protection in addition to damage protection and privacy protection.

a. a base having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge,

b. a cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, wherein said cover is pivotally connected to said base at the rear edge thereof to facilitate a close and open position,

c. a pair of collapsible side panel comprises of a left side panel and a right side panel that is pivotally connected to the cover at the left edge and at the right edge thereof,

d. means to secure a tablet computer on the interior surface of said base, and

e. a handle for carrying the case disposed on the front edge of said base and said cover.

2. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein a tablet computer having a display screen on one side is placed on the interior surface of said base with the display screen facing up.

3. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said cover and said base can be secured in a close position by a closure mean including but not limited to a zipper, a strap, a button, a magnet, a Velcro® attachment or the like.

4. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel has a triangular shape.

5. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel is removably attached to said cover by a fastening mean including but not limited to a hook and loop attachment, i.e. Velcro®, a double sided tape, a clip-on attachment, or the like.

6. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel can be operated in a close and open position, wherein said panel is foldable against the interior surface of the cover in a closed position and is adapted to extend along the left and right edges of said cover and said base when said panel is in an open position

7. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel when extended in an open position has one edge that will rest against the interior surface of the left and right edges of said base, wherein when the tablet computer is placed inside the case under normal operating condition with the display screen facing up, the cover and the two side panels form three to sides of a dome structure to shield light from entering and causing glare to the tablet computer display screen.

8. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel is made of a rigid, light proof, durable material such as polyethylene foam.

9. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel is made of a non-rigid, light proof material such as fabric or cloth.

10. The case as specified in claim 9 wherein said panel is supported by a wire structure.

11. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said means to secure a tablet computer on the interior surface of the base comprises an elastic straps, foam inserts, fasteners, snap locks, clamps, or the like.

12. The case as specified in claim 1 wherein said panel can be retrofitted to an existing tablet computer case.

13. A case to protect a tablet computer from damage with added features for providing glare and privacy protection, said case comprising: wherein said panel has a triangular shape with one side removably attached to said cover and one side that will rest on the base of said case in an open position, wherein the cover and the two side panels form three sides of a dome structure to shield excess light from the tablet computer display screen.

a. a base having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge,

b. a cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, wherein said cover is pivotally connected to said base at the rear edge thereof to facilitate a close and open position,

c. a pair of collapsible side panel comprises of a left side panel and a right side panel that is pivotally connected to the cover at the left edge and at the right edge thereof, wherein said panel can be folded flat against the interior surface of said cover in a closed position and will extend along the left and right edges of said cover and said base in an open position,

d. means to secure a tablet computer on the interior surface of said base, and

e. a handle for carrying the case disposed on the front edge of said base and said cover.

14. The case as specified in claim 13 wherein said panel is removably attached to said cover by a fastening mean including but not limited to a hook and loop attachment, i.e. Velcro®, a double sided tape, a clip-on attachment, or the like.

15. The case as specified in claim 13 wherein said panel is made of a rigid, light proof, durable material such as polyethylene foam.

16. The case as specified in claim 13 wherein said panel is made of a non-rigid, light proof material such as fabric or cloth.

17. The case as specified in claim 16 wherein said panel is supported by a wire structure.

18. The case as specified in claim 13 wherein said panel is constructed to be able to provide support and prevent the cover from collapsing when in use.

19. The case as specified in claim 13 wherein said panel can be retrofitted to an existing tablet computer case