DEVICE FOR STORING TABLET COMPUTER AND SUPPORT THE SAME IN AT LEAST TWO ERECTED/STANDING POSITIONS

Abstract

A case for a tablet computer is disclosed. The case is configurable to several positions. At each position, the tablet computer may be supported in a variety of angles. In a low stand position, the case provides support and optimal viewing angles for activities such as typing on the tablet computer. In a high loft position, the tablet computer is raised to eye level for ergonomic comfort and ease of use for activities such as viewing videos on the tablet. Mechanisms contained in the case allow the case to be configurable and also provide stability.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/702,958, filed on Sep. 19, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is generally related to a case for use with a tablet computer. More specifically, the invention relates to a case for a tablet computer that can support the tablet in at least two standing positions.

2. Background

Tablet computers are increasingly popular in the marketplace. Cases for use with tablet computers are known in the art. The cases generally function to protect the tablet from damage. Some cases have features that allow the case to be used as a stand for the tablet computer. Such features provide an added functionality to the case. For example, a folding folio case may rely on the folding feature of the case, such as the scored folds, to provide a simple easel configuration for an open and angled position.

These prior art cases, however, only offer a limited variety of configurations. Some cases might be configurable into a height and angle that is suitable for typing. Other cases might be able to support the tablet computer into a position that is suitable for viewing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention improves the prior art by providing a protective case that is able to support a tablet computer in multiple positions.

One aspect of the invention provides a case for a tablet computer. The case includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion, and an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a base and a holder that secures onto the tablet computer. The attachment assembly is adjustable to position the tablet computer at multiple angles between horizontal and vertical.

Additionally, the invention provides for a support leg. The support leg may be engaged to lift the attachment assembly to a higher position. The higher position allows the tablet computer to be closer to eye level.

In one embodiment, the attachment assembly includes a kickstand that can engage the base and the holder. The kickstand provides additional support to the holder, which is beneficial when pressure is exerted on the tablet computer, such as during typing.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the interior of a case in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of a case in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a case in a low stand configuration;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of an attachment part when a tablet holder is in an angled position;

FIG. 5 is the same view of a case as in FIG. 4 with the cover of the base taken off to show the positioning mechanism in the attachment part;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a case showing different positions of the holder while the case is in a low stand configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of a case in a high loft configuration; and

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a case in a high loft configuration.

Like references numbers are used to designate like parts in the accompanying figures. The figures illustrate embodiments of various aspects of the inventions claimed. These embodiments are in no way intended to be limiting, and are intended only as an example for facilitating an understanding of the principles of the claimed inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT(S)

Embodiments of the invention provide a case for a tablet computer. Cases according to embodiments of the invention provide advantages over prior art tablet computer cases. The case of the present invention is configurable to several positions. For example, the case is configurable to a low stand position whereby the case provides support and optimal viewing angles for activities such as typing on the tablet computer. Additionally, the case is configurable to a high loft position which allows the tablet computer to be raised to eye level for ergonomic comfort and ease of use for activities such as viewing videos on the tablet. Additional adjustability in each position is also possible. While a preferred embodiment of the case is for use with a tablet computer, other embodiments may be used with other types of electronic devices such as electronic book readers, smart phones, and the like.

Turning to FIG. 1, a case 10 for a tablet computer 1 is shown. Case 10 is shown in a standard open book position, pivoted open from a closed position in which the tablet computer is covered and protected. Case 10 generally includes a cover portion 11 and an attachment assembly 15.

Cover portion 11 has two covers 12, 14 joined together. Covers 12, 14 may be integrally formed with a spine panel 13 connecting covers 12, 14. Covers 12, 14 may also be separate pieces joined together, such as by a hinge. Covers 12, 14 open and close like a folio. When cover 14 is moved to the closed position, the inner surface of cover 14 faces the screen side of tablet computer 1, thereby protecting the tablet computer between the two covers. The inner surface of cover 14 may be made of a soft material, such as suede, felt, foam, etc. in order to prevent scratching the screen of tablet computer 1. The outer surface of cover 14 may be made of any sturdy material, such as vinyl.

Other features may be added to cover 14 for added functionality. For example, cover 14 may include a strap to secure case 10 when in a closed position. An elastic material may be suitable for the strap. Magnets may also be secured on or into cover 14 to activate the tablet computer's sleep/wake function if available.

Attachment assembly 15 includes a holder 16 and a base 18. Holder 16 and base 18 may be hingedly connected to one another. Base 18 of attachment assembly 15 is mounted or secured onto the inner surface of cover 12.

Holder 16 is a generally tray shaped piece with raised sides that secure tablet computer 1. Holder 16 may be made of any rigid material such as aluminum or a thermoplastic polymer material like polypropylene or polycarbonate. Holder 16 is designed to snap-fit onto the back of the tablet computer. Holder 16 may include cutouts to accommodate and not interfere with the use of accessories on tablet computer 1 like camera, speaker, or microphone. The inner surface of tray 16 may be covered with a soft material like a microsuede pad to protect and cradle tablet computer 1. Other ways of securing the tablet in place, such as straps, bands, hook and loop fasteners, or any other way may be used also.

FIG. 2 shows the outside of case 10 when in an open position. Cover portion 11 is generally rectangular and includes covers 12, 14 and spine panel 13. Cover 12 may have a cutout portion to accommodate support leg 22. Support leg 22 is a generally rectangular piece that is joined to base 18 by a hinge at an end thereof, but exposed on the outer surface of cover 12. The support leg 22 could also be connected to the cover 12 instead of to the base 18 through the cover 12. In use, support leg 22 is inserted into slot 24 to configure case 10 in a high loft position as described below. When not in use, support leg 22 may be held in place by a fastener such as a detent, magnet, or Velcro. Hole 26, penetrating through cover 12, holder 16, and base 18, may optionally be present to allow for the use of a camera on tablet computer 1.

Turning to FIG. 3, case 10 may be configured into a low stand position. The low stand position, which may also be referred to as a desktop mode, allows the tablet computer to be supported and angled for a variety of activities like typing, viewing, or other general use. Cover portion 11 may be pivoted almost fully from a closed position so that the outer surfaces of covers 12, 14 face one another. In the low stand position, holder 16 may be adjusted to several angled positions. Support stand 32 is mounted between holder 16 and base 18. Support stand 32 has an upper end pivotally mounted to holder 16 and a lower end pivotally and/or slidably mounted to base 18. In the illustrated embodiment, one end of support stand 32 slides along a recess in base 18 and pivots also while the other end is pivotedly connected to holder 16 (but not slidably) to orient holder 16 at an angle between vertical and horizontal relative to the horizontal support surface on which case 10 is positioned such that tablet computer 1 is held up at different viewing angles. The angle may be held by any suitable mechanism for releasably fixing the support stand 32, such as latches, detents, or frictional/interference fit. The parts or connections may also be reversed, or other mechanisms for support may be used. The low stand position is lower than the high loft position, discussed below.

Base 18 may include an auxiliary support in the low stand position, which in this embodiment is a pivoting leg that may be referred to as a kick stand 34. Kick stand 34 pivots up from base 18 to engage the back of holder 16. Kick stand 34 may be integrally formed with base 18 or may be a separate piece connected to base 18. Kick stand 34 pivots to be substantially perpendicular to base 18. Kick stand 34 provides added stability to holder 16 when engaged. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, only one side of support stand 32 is supported by a latching mechanism, as will be described below. As such, kick stand 34 is employed to engage holder 16 on the side corresponding to the unsupported side of support stand 32. The added stability provided by kick stand 34 minimizes the bouncing of holder 16 when pressure is applied to the holder, such as during typing on tablet computer 1. Kick stand 16 also provides additional support to prevent the collapsing of holder 16 when excessive pressure is applied. While kick stand 34 is formed or connected to base 18 in the illustrated embodiment, kick stand 34 may alternatively be formed on or connected to holder 16. Clearly no kicking is involved and the term loosely refers to how a bicycle kickstand moves between a stored position out of the way and an extended position for providing support.

FIG. 4 shows an angling and support mechanism according to one embodiment in greater detail. Hinge 44 connects the upper portion of support stand 32 to holder 16. Hinge 46 connects the bottom of support stand 32 to sliding engagement 48. Sliding engagement 48 slides along base 18 to angle holder 16. Sliding engagement 48 moves freely in a direction that angles holder 16 towards a vertical direction. Release tab 42 is movable against a spring bias (by pulling to the right) to allow sliding engagement 48 to be released and move in a direction so as to return holder 16 towards a horizontal position. FIG. 6 shows a side perspective view of case 10 in several possible angled positions while in a low stand configuration.

As shown in FIG. 5, the cover of base 18 has been removed to show the angling and support mechanism according to one embodiment. Release tab 42 has teeth 54 along one side to engage sliding engagement 48. Resilient members 52 position release tab 42 in a locking position with sliding engagement 48. One side of sliding engagement 48 moves freely along groove 58. The other side of sliding engagement 48 engages release tab 42 so that holder 16 stays at a constant angle. Sliding engagement 48 freely moves to angle holder 16 vertically. Release tab 42 is pulled against resilient member 52 to release sliding engagement 48 from teeth 54, so that sliding engagement 48 can slide holder 16 to a horizontal position.

In other embodiments, the mechanism which allows for several different positions and viewing angles for holder 16 can be a latching mechanism so that the user only has to adjust the angle by grabbing the frame of tablet when angling the unit upwards towards the user. To close, the user simply pulls the frame upwards, beyond the final latching position to release the latch and allow holder 16 to lay horizontal again. Another embodiment may include the use a resistance slide mechanism with a push to release feature, which would not need to be engaged to lower the unit to its flat position.

In FIG. 7, case 10 is configured in a high loft position, which may also be referred to as a theater mode. The high loft position allows tablet computer 1 to be positioned at a higher level/viewing height as compared to the low stand position described earlier.

In the high loft position, base 18 and cover 12 are pivoted upwardly so as to be at an angle between vertical and horizontal as shown. Cover 14 is positioned on the support surface with the outer surface facing upwardly. Support leg 22 engages slot 24 to support case 10 in the high loft position. Support leg 22 is movably, e.g., pivotally mounted to the base 18 and holder 16. The parts and connections may also be reversed, or other mechanisms for support may be used, including a structure the same as or similar to support stand 32.

Support stand 32 may be positioned so that holder 16 can be placed at different angles in the same manner as described for the low stand position. In one preferred embodiment holder 16 is placed in a near vertical position. In an embodiment, when the case is in a high loft position, the bottom of holder 16 is approximately 5 inches above a surface when case 10 is placed on the surface. FIG. 8 is a front view of case 10 in a high loft position. In this view, fastener 82 is visible. Fastener 82 holds support leg 22 in place when not in use. Fastener 22 may be, for example, a magnet or Velcro.

Thus, the combined use of support leg 22 maintaining angular separation between covers 12 and 14 and support stand 32 maintaining angular separation between the holder 16 and the cover 12 achieves this high loft position. The angular separations are opposite handed and are about pivotal connections at opposing ends of cover 12, thus contributing to this configuration.

The foregoing illustrated embodiments have been provided solely for illustrating the structural and functional principles of the present invention and are not intended to be limiting. Thus, the present invention is intended to encompass all modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents.

Claims

1) A case for a tablet computer comprising:

a first cover portion,

a second cover portion, the cover portions being hingedly connected for movement between open and closed positions,

an attachment assembly comprising a holder and a support stand, wherein the support stand is mounted between the holder and an inner surface of the first cover portion, and is adjustable to position the holder at multiple angles relative to the first cover portion between horizontal and vertical, and

a support leg that is extendable to support the first cover portion at an angle relative to a support surface.

2) The case of claim 1, wherein the attachment assembly further comprises an auxiliary support stand that provides added stability to the holder when the auxiliary support stand is engaged with the holder.

3) The case of claim 1, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a spring activated latching system for positioning the holder.

4) The case of claim 3, wherein the support stand slides freely in a direction that positions the holder towards a vertical orientation.

5) The case of claim 4, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a tab connected to a spring in the latching system.

6) The case of claim 5, wherein the tab is pulled to release the support stand so that the support stand can be slid in a direction that positions the holder towards a horizontal orientation relative to the first cover portion.

7) The case of claim 1, further comprising an elastic strap.

8) The case of claim 1, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a base.

9) The case of claim 8, wherein the base comprises a spring activated latching system for positioning the holder.

10) The case of claim 1, wherein the angle of the holder relative to the first cover portion is opposite handed compared to the angle of the first cover portion relative to the support surface.

11) A case for a tablet computer comprising:

a cover,

an attachment assembly comprising a holder and a support stand, and

a support leg that is extendable to support the attachment assembly at an angle relative to a support surface,

wherein the attachment assembly is adjustable to position the holder at multiple angles relative to the cover.

12) The case of claim 11, wherein the attachment assembly further comprises an auxiliary support stand that provides added stability to the holder when the auxiliary support stand is engaged with the holder.

13) The case of claim 11, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a spring activated latching system for positioning the holder.

14) The case of claim 13, wherein the support stand is movable freely in a direction that positions the holder towards a vertical orientation.

15) The case of claim 14, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a tab connected to a spring in the latching system.

16) The case of claim 15, wherein the tab is pulled to release the support stand so that the support stand can be moved in a direction that positions the holder towards a horizontal orientation relative to the cover.

17) The case of claim 11, further comprising an elastic strap.

18) The case of claim 11, wherein the attachment assembly comprises a base.

19) The case of claim 18, wherein the base comprises a spring activated latching system for positioning the holder.

20) The case of claim 11, wherein the angle of the holder relative to the cover is opposite handed compared to the angle of the attachment assembly relative to the support surface.