UNIVERSAL SUPPORT FOR ELECTRONIC TABLET-STYLE COMPUTING DEVICES

Abstract

A case for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices. The case may include a universal attachment support having a plurality of flexible bracing arms each flexible between at least a first unstretched configuration and a second stretched position, wherein by the ability to stretch anywhere between the first and second positions, the bracing arms are suitably configured to removably secure, generally adjacent the universal attachment support, any one of a plurality of electronic devices of varying sizes. The bracing arms may, for example, be comprised of an elastic or rubber material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to support apparatus and/or cases for electronic computing devices. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to support apparatus and/or cases for electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to universal support apparatus and/or protective cases for electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past decade, portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), pocket PCs, tablet-style computers, e-readers, and the like have become increasingly powerful, and thus popular. Indeed, with the introduction of each new type of portable electronic device or each new generation of a device, these portable electronic devices provide greater functionality and capability, securing their position as an important part of everyday life and revolutionizing the way people interact, learn, communicate, conduct business, shop, etc. For example and not limited to, such portable electronic devices often provide capabilities for: playing and recording music; communication, such as, phone, e-mail, and text messaging; browsing the Internet; taking/recording and viewing photographs or video; viewing and editing documents, including so-called e-books; storing data, such as contact information, notes, lists, journal entries, financial information, etc.; and playing games and/or running other applications.

Intended to be highly portable, these devices are carried or moved about, left out on tables or couches, passed between users, etc., and as such, are vulnerable to being dropped, being hit, getting scratched, or accumulating other damage. Often these devices contain sensitive and fragile components (e.g., LCD screen, processors, accelerometers and other sensors, camera lens, etc.), and while some types of damage are merely cosmetic, other types of damage can destroy or limit the functionality of these components or the device as a whole.

In this regard, protective cases have been introduced as means to protect such portable electronic devices from potential damage. These protective cases come in a variety of styles and offer a wide range of features and functionality. However, conventional protective cases have each been designed and configured with a particular device make and model in mind. That is, each particular protective case is generally configured for use only with a particular make and model of device or limited set of models by the same manufacturer, and is not intended to fit, receive, or otherwise work with other device makes and models.

Thus, there is a need for protective cases providing the benefits of conventional protective cases but is not limited to use with a particular device make and model. Particularly, there is a need for universal cases for electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices, or other suitable electronic devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices. The support apparatus may include a universal attachment support configurable between at least a first configuration, in which an electronic device of a first size can be removably secured generally adjacent the universal attachment support, and a second configuration, in which an electronic device of a second size can be removably secured generally adjacent the universal attachment support. The electronic devices of the first and second sizes may differ in thickness, length, and/or width, or any other dimensional characteristic, such as but not limited to, shape. In some embodiments, the universal attachment support may include one or more bracing elements configurable in the first and second configurations. The universal attachment support could have a plurality of selectable slots, each slot configured to receive a bracing element. The bracing elements may include a brace for engaging an electronic device and an anvil for securing the bracing element with a selected slot. In other embodiments, the universal attachment support may generally include a plurality of means for securing an electronic device generally adjacent the universal attachment support, the means for securing providing the configurability between the first and second configurations.

The present disclosure, in another embodiment, also relates to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices. The support apparatus may include a universal attachment support having a plurality of bracing elements, a subset of the plurality of bracing elements being manually selectable, the subset configured to removably secure an electronic device generally adjacent the universal attachment support. Each of a plurality of subsets of the plurality of bracing elements may be manually selectable, each subset configured to removably secure an electronic device generally adjacent the universal attachment support. In some cases, a first subset of bracing elements is configured to secure an electronic device of a first size generally adjacent the universal attachment support and a second subset of bracing elements is configured to secure an electronic device of a second size generally adjacent the universal attachment support. The electronic devices of the first and second sizes may differ in thickness, length, and/or width, or any other dimensional characteristic, such as but not limited to, shape. The universal attachment support may have a plurality of selectable slots, each slot configured to receive a bracing element. The bracing elements may include a brace for engaging an electronic device and an anvil for securing the bracing element with a selected slot. A subset of the plurality of bracing elements may be manually selectable by inserting the anvil of each bracing element of the subset into a corresponding slot of a subset of the selectable slots to form a particular configuration of bracing elements. In further embodiments, the plurality of selectable slots are patterned on an attachment surface of the universal attachment support such that a plurality of configurations of bracing elements is possible, each configuration configured to receive an electronic device having a different size than at least one other configuration.

The present disclosure, in still another embodiment, relates to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices, the case having a universal attachment support with a plurality of means for securing an electronic device to the support apparatus, the universal attachment support configurable between a plurality of device configurations, at least two of the configurations utilizing different subsets of the plurality of means for securing. In one embodiment, the support apparatus may further include a notebook style cover. The notebook style cover may have a front cover and a back cover, the back cover divided into at least a first planar support section and a second planar support section, the first planar support section supporting the universal attachment support, and the second planar support section selectably positionable between a first position in plane with the first planar support section and at least one other position out of plane with the first planar support section.

The present disclosure, in a further embodiment, relates to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices. The support apparatus includes a universal attachment support having a plurality of flexible bracing arms each flexible between at least a first unstretched configuration and a second stretched position, wherein by the ability to stretch anywhere between the first and second positions, the bracing arms are suitably configured to removably secure, generally adjacent the universal attachment support, any one of a plurality of electronic devices of varying sizes. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of flexible bracing arms integrally includes a bracing portion at an end thereof configured to cradle grip at least one of a corner or edge of an electronic device. The bracing arms may be comprised of an elastic material or a rubber material, for example. In an another embodiment, a plurality of bracing portions may each be operably coupled to a respective one of the plurality of flexible bracing arms, wherein each bracing portion is configured to cradle grip at least one of a corner or edge of an electronic device. Again, the bracing arms may be comprised of an elastic material or a rubber material, for example. The bracing portions may each be flexible so as to accommodate a variety of electronic device thicknesses within their cradle grips.

The present disclosure, in still another embodiment, relates to a support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus having a universal attachment support including a means for securing an electronic device to the case, the means for securing configurable between a plurality of device configurations, at least one of the device configurations being configured for securing a device of a different size from another of the device configurations. The support apparatus may further include a notebook style cover having a front cover and a back cover, the back cover divided into at least a first planar support section and a second planar support section, the first planar support section supporting the universal attachment support, and the second planar support section selectably positionable between a first position in plane with the first planar support section and at least one other position out of plane with the first planar support section.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a protective case in an open and inclined position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a protective case in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a back view of a protective case in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a protective case in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a protective case in an open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a protective case in an open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a top view of a base portion of a universal attachment support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a side view of a base portion of a universal attachment support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of a brace of a universal attachment support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a protective case in an open and inclined position with an electronic tablet computing device attached thereto according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a protective case in an open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is another top view of a protective case in an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a protective case in an open position according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side view of a protective case in a closed position according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protective case securing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure securing an electronic computing device in an inclined position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous support apparatus and/or cases for electronic computing devices. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous universal support apparatus and/or cases for electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices, or other suitable electronic devices, such as portable electronic gaming devices. Such support apparatus and/or cases may provide protection for electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, and/or smartphone devices without being limited to use with a particular device make and model. In this regard, a consumer can have flexibility in device selection and replacement without having to worry about also needing to purchase a new case or a particularly customized case. Such case may also permit the consumer to readily switch between more than one device, as desired, and utilize the same case as needed.

In general, a protective case of the present disclosure may include a notebook-style cover, which may be configured to form a protective cover over at least a portion of the device, and may typically be configured to substantially cover a front and back portion of the device when in a closed position, notebook-style. A protective case of the present disclosure may also include a universal attachment support that is configured for accepting or receiving an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device and which can support and secure the device to or within the protective case. The universal attachment support may utilize one or more of a variety of means for securing a device to or within the protective case, which may be configurable to accept and secure various types, sizes, makes, and/or models of devices. In many cases, but not necessarily all cases, it may be desirable that a protective case of the present disclosure be configured so as to permit users to access most or all functionality of the device while the device is secured to or within the case, such as but not limited to, access to power on/off button(s), volume buttons, other interface buttons, input and/or output ports, charging ports, camera lens and flash, etc. In further embodiments, a protective case of the present disclosure may include features that can enhance the functionality of and/or capability of the device, such as but not limited to, a stand means, for supporting the device in a semi-upright or inclined position for better viewing, and/or an integrated keyboard, etc.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of a protective case 100 of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a protective case 100 of the present disclosure in an open stand position, in which an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined position. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 illustrate front, back, and perspective views, respectively, of a protective case 100 in a closed position, in which an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured within and protected by the protective case. FIG. 4 is a front view and FIG. 5 is a side view of a protective case 100 of the present disclosure in an open notebook position, in which a screen of an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be visible to a user.

As generally described above, a protective case 100 of the present disclosure may include a notebook-style protective cover 102 and a universal attachment support 104. In one embodiment, the protective cover 102 may include a front cover portion 106, a back cover portion 108, and a flexible binding portion 110 operably connecting the front and back cover portions. However, in some embodiments, the universal attachment support 104, discussed in detail below, may provide a back protective functionality. Thus, in some embodiments, a separate back cover portion 108 need not be necessary, and the universal attachment support 104 may provide, or be integrated with, the back cover portion of the protective case.

The flexible binding portion 110 may permit the front 106 and back 108 cover portions to move relative one another in a variety of open and closed positions, as will be described in further detail below, such that the protective cover 102 can provide functionality in a variety of usable positions. Particularly, in a first closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, the front cover portion 106 may be positioned generally adjacent an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the protective case, and generally in a horizontal and parallel or near horizontal and parallel position relative the back cover portion 108. In such closed position, the protective case 100 may provide protection for at least a portion of an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the protective case. In some embodiments, the protective case 100 can be configured so as to cover substantially all of the front and back sides of the attached device, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3. In particular, the front cover portion 106 may be sized to generally cover substantially all of the front side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. Similarly, as most conventional electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone devices are generally rectangular in shape, the front cover portion 106 may also be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the front side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the front cover portion 106 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of the front side of a device. Indeed, the front cover portion 106 could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the front side of an attached device, and in such configurations may still provide sufficient protection to the attached device.

The front cover portion 106 may be manufactured from any suitable materials, including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard, padding material or materials (such as poly-fill), leather, fabric, flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials often used for protective cases, or combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the front cover portion 106 may be manufactured using a suitably sized and shaped paperboard, cardboard, or metal insert, and optionally any padding material, covered or coated with a fabric, leather, plastic, or rubber material. The coating material may be secured or fastened around the insert by any suitable methods or means, including but not limited to adhesives, staples, stitching, welding or molding processes, etc.

In embodiments of a protective case 100 having a back cover portion 108, the back cover portion may be sized, shaped, and manufactured in a substantially similar way to the front cover portion 106, described above. However, in other embodiments, the back cover portion 108 need not be sized and/or shaped the same as the front cover portion nor need be manufactured in the same manner or utilizing similar manufacturing processes. In a particular embodiment, the back cover portion 108 may be sized to generally cover substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. The back cover portion 108 may also be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the back cover portion 108 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of the back side of a device. Indeed, the back cover portion 108 could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the back side of an attached device, and in such configurations may still provide sufficient protection to the attached device.

The flexible binding 110 may be configured to permit any suitable depth between the front 106 and back 108 cover portions when in a closed position, and in some cases, may be selected such that the depth appropriately accommodates a variety of types, makes, and models of devices. The flexible binding 110 may be manufactured from materials similar to those as for the front 106 and/or back 108 cover portions, including leather, fabric, flexible or rigid plastic, or rubber, or other suitable materials, such as but not limited to, elastic. Similarly, while described as being flexible, the binding 110 could instead be manufactured from more rigid materials, such as but not limited to, metal rings, such as those often used for spiral bound notebooks or those often used for commercially available three-ring or four-ring binders.

In a closed position, a protective case 100 of the present disclosure may further include a mechanism for maintaining the protective case in a closed position, for example, with the front cover portion 106 generally adjacent a front side of a device secured within the protective case. In one embodiment, the mechanism for maintaining the protective case 100 in a closed position may be a strap 202 which extends around the front cover portion and secures the front cover portion, in the closed position, to the back cover portion 108 or universal attachment support 104, for example, if no separate back cover portion 108 is provided. In one particular embodiment, each end of the strap 202 may be secured to the back cover portion 108, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, and the strap may be looped around the front cover portion 106, thereby securing the front and back cover portions in a closed position as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The strap 202 may be secured to the back cover portion 108 by any suitable means, such as but not limited to, adhesives, stitching, staples, etc. The strap 202 may be manufactured from any suitable material; however, in one embodiment, the strap may be manufactured from a flexible or stretchable material, such as but not limited to, elastic, so that the strap may be easily fitted or looped around the front cover portion 106. Although discussed with respect to extending from the back cover portion 108 around the front cover portion 106, it is recognized that the ends of the strap 202 may instead be secured to the front cover portion 106, and the strap may be looped around the back cover portion 108. Similarly, the strap 202 may instead comprise two separate strap portions which extend around the front (or back) cover portion 106 and may be tied to one another in a conventional manner. In still additional or alternative embodiments, the mechanism for maintaining the protective case in a closed position could include but is not limited to, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), magnets, or any combination thereof.

A protective case 100 of the present disclosure may also have a variety of open positions, in which an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device may be at least partially accessible for use. FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one example open position, in which the front cover portion 106 is positioned relative the universal attachment support 104 so as to be open like a conventional notebook. As illustrated, the front cover portion 106 is positioned such that it is lying in substantially the same plane as the back cover portion 108 or universal attachment support 104 (i.e., there is a 180 degree angle α between the front cover portion and the back cover portion). However, it is recognized that the angle α between the front cover portion 106 and back cover portion 108 could be adjusted, similar to the front and back covers of a conventional notebook, between any suitable angle permitting access to an electronic device supported by the universal attachment support 104, including but not limited to, between about 0 degrees to nearly 360 degrees, wherein the front cover portion may be brought entirely around an axis provided by the flexible binding 110 and is immediately adjacent the back cover portion 108. In this regard, a user is permitted great flexibility in the manner of accessing any device secured to or within the protective case 100.

In an even further embodiment, the back cover portion 108 may be configured for supporting the universal attachment support 104 in an open and inclined position, such that an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined position, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, in order to provide such functionality, the back cover portion 108 may be configured with a first planar support section 204 and a second planar support section 206 separated by a dividing hinge section 208, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2B. In this regard, the first planar support section 204 and second planar support section 206 may be adjusted via the hinge section 208 such that their planes are at various angles β relative to one another, thereby supporting the universal attachment support 104 in an inclined position. The ratio of the size or area of the first planar support section 204 to the total size or area of the back cover portion 108, and the ratio of the size or area of the second planar support section 206 to the total size or area of the back cover portion, need not be equal. In other words, the size of the first planar support section 204 and the size of the second planar support section 206 do not need to be equal; although, they could be. For example, in some embodiments, the back cover portion could comprise nearly all first planar support section, nearly all second planar support section, about half first planar support section and half second planar support section, or any other suitable ratio of first to second planar support section.

The first 204 and second 206 planar support sections may be adjusted between any suitable angle, β, between nearly 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and thus the universal attachment support 104 may be accordingly be inclined at any suitable angle, θ, between nearly 0 degrees and nearly 90 degrees, relative a supporting surface on which the protective case is resting. In some embodiments, the front cover portion 106 of the protective case 100 may be may be brought entirely around an axis provided by the flexible binding 110 as discussed above, and utilized as a support bracket for the second planar support section 206 of the back cover portion 108, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In this regard, in some embodiments, the front cover portion 106 may include one or more grooves 210 for receiving an edge 212 of the second planar support section 206 and maintaining the edge therein. The one or more grooves 210 may be provided on a front side of the front cover portion 106, for example, as indentations in the front cover portion or as spaces or valleys between protrusions on the front cover portion. The indentations and protrusions, in some embodiments, may be integral with the front side of the front cover portion 106, or may be otherwise operably attached to the front side of the front cover portion. As illustrated, for example, the front side of the front cover portion 106 includes three protrusions 216 forming two spaces or grooves 210 therebetween. It is recognized, however, that any suitable number of grooves 210 may be utilized permitting a variety of selectable positions for which to position edge 212 of the second planar support section 206, and thus, a variety of selectable incline positions for the universal attachment support 104.

FIGS. 1, 4, and particularly 6A and 6B illustrate one embodiment of a universal attachment support 104 of a protective case 100 of the present disclosure. As discussed above, a universal attachment support 104 according to the present disclosure may be configured for accepting or receiving an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device and supporting and securing the device to or within the protective case. In general, the universal attachment support 104 may utilize one or more of a variety of means for securing a device to or within the protective case, the means for securing the device being configurable or customizable to accept and secure a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of devices.

In one embodiment, a universal attachment support 104 may include a base portion 602 and one or more universal means for securing 604 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices. In a particular embodiment, although not required, the universal attachment support 104 may include a plurality of universal securing means 604, so as to provide more flexibility in configuring or customizing the universal attachment support to secure the various type, size, make, and/or model of devices and/or to secure any given device at more than one edge of the device.

The base portion 602, like the front 106 and/or back 108 cover portion of the notebook-style protective cover 102, may be sized to generally cover substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. Similarly, as most conventional electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices are generally rectangular in shape, the base portion 602 may also be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the base portion 602 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of the back side of a device. Indeed, the base portion 602 could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the back side of an attached device, and in such configurations may still provide sufficient support and configuration options for a given attached device. In a particular embodiment, the base portion 602 may be sized and shaped to generally correspond to the size and shape of the back cover portion 108 of the notebook-style protective cover 102. In a further embodiment, although not required, the base portion 602 may include rounded corners 606 and/or beveled edges 608 at any corner or edge to provide smoother and cleaner looking corners and edges.

The base portion 602 may be manufactured from any suitable materials, including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard, flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or any combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the base portion 602 may be rigid or semi-rigid plastic and may be manufactured using conventional molding or other fabricating processes.

In one embodiment, the base portion 602 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back cover portion 108 of the notebook-style protective cover 102, as particularly shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The base portion 602 may be attached to the back cover portion 108 by any suitable method, including but not limited to, adhesives, snap-fit, friction-fit, snaps, bayonet connection, etc. In an embodiment of a protective case having a back cover portion 108 with first and second planar support sections, as described above, the base portion 602 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the first planar support section 204, so that in an open and inclined position, such as that shown for example in FIG. 1, the base portion is supported by the first planar support section 204 and the second planar support section 206 is able to separate away from the base portion and form an angle β relative to the first planar support section, as described above.

As generally discussed above, the universal attachment support 104 may include one or more universal means for securing 604 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices. The means for securing 604 may include an integral component or a combination of two or more components, each of which may be integral with, operably attached with, or removably attached with, the base portion 602. In one embodiment, the universal attachment support 104 may include a plurality of means for securing 604 with a subset of the means for securing being selected for use depending on the type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device desired for attachment to the base portion 602. Each of the plurality of means for securing 604 may be purposely and/or randomly located at various positions of the base portion 602 such that various selections of one or more of the plurality of means for securing can accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices, including but not limited to, those devices for which size and shape information is known at the time of manufacturing of the protective case 100. Accordingly, a particular subset combination of the plurality of means for securing 604 may be designed and/or configured for each of a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of devices, or in some embodiments, may simply be selected by a user as they determine best suitable for their type, size, make, and/or model of device or devices.

In one particular embodiment, the means for securing 604 may include an opening, slot, or groove 610 in the base portion 602 and a brace 612 removably coupleable with, and securable within, the opening. The opening 610 may be provided generally on an attachment surface 614 (i.e., the surface that would be adjacent an attached device) of the base portion 602, and may generally extend into the thickness of the base portion any suitable amount, including up to and all the way through the thickness. While there are a multitude of variations or configurations for the opening 610 that may be utilized, in one embodiment, the opening 610 may include an insertion portion 616, where a brace 612 or a portion thereof may be inserted, and a securing portion 618, where a brace or a portion thereof may be generally securely engaged by the opening, such that the brace is at least temporarily coupled with the base portion 602. At and near the attachment surface 614, the insertion portion 616 may be configured with a larger diameter or width (w1) than that (w2) of the securing portion 618, such that an anvil portion (described in more detail below) of a brace 612 may be inserted relatively easily within the insertion portion and below the attachment surface. The securing portion 618 may have a first width w2 at and near the attachment surface, then at some depth d1 into the thickness of the base portion 602 below the attachment surface may increase to a larger width w3, such as but not limited to a width the same as, near to, or larger than width w1, so that an inserted anvil portion of a brace 612 may be slid from the insertion portion 616 over to the securing portion 618, with the anvil held securely beneath the attachment surface 614 and thereby removably coupled with the base portion 602, as will be discussed in further detail below. In some embodiments, the larger width w3 of the securing portion may be slightly smaller than width w1 of the insertion portion in order to create a friction fit between the walls of the securing portion defining width w3 and the anvil portion of the brace 612.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate one embodiment of a brace 612 according to the present disclosure. A brace 612 may include an anvil portion 702 and a bracing portion 704 connected via a stem 706. The anvil portion 702 and stem 706 may cooperate to secure the brace 612 to the base portion 602 of the universal attachment support 104 via an opening 610, discussed above. More specifically, in one embodiment, the anvil portion 702 may be designed such that it has a diameter or width w4 that is smaller than the diameter or width w1 of the insertion portion 616 and w3 of the securing portion 618, but larger than the first width w2 of the securing portion at and near the attachment surface. While illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B as being generally cylindrical in shape, this is but one embodiment, and any suitable shape may be utilized, including but not limited to, a cube, a rectangular prism or other polygonal prism, etc. The stem 706 may have a width or thickness w5 that is smaller than the first width w2 of the securing portion 618, and may have a depth d2 that is about the same as, or greater than, the depth d1 at which the width of the securing portion changes from w2 to w3. While illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B as being generally a rectangular prism, this is but one embodiment, and any suitable shape may be utilized, including but not limited to, a cube, cylinder, or another polygonal prism, etc. The overall depth d3 of the stem and anvil portion may be any suitable depth; however, in one embodiment, the overall depth d3 may be substantially equal to, or less than, the thickness of the base portion 602.

With such configuration described above, the anvil portion 702 and stem 706 of the brace 612 may be inserted within the insertion portion 616 of an opening 610. The anvil portion 702 and stem 706 should fit generally easily within the insertion portion 616 due to the relative dimensions of the anvil portion, stem, and insertion portion. Once inserted within the insertion portion 616, the anvil portion 702 and stem 706 may be slid or otherwise moved toward and into the securing portion 618, with the anvil portion 702 sliding into the part of the securing portion having width w3 and the stem sliding into the part of the securing portion having width w2. In this regard, the anvil portion 702 can be positioned securely beneath the attachment surface 614 under the part of securing portion 618 with width w2. As stated above, in some embodiments, the larger width w3 of the securing portion may be slightly smaller than width w1 of the insertion portion and can be configured to create a friction fit between the walls of the securing portion defining width w3 and the anvil portion 702.

The bracing portion 704 may be configured to brace, secure, or generally hold an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device adjacent or nearly adjacent to the attachment surface 614 of the base portion 602. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the bracing portion 704 may include a generally hook-shaped or hook-like component which, when engaged with an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device, may wrap over a portion of an edge, and slightly over the front face of, the electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. The bracing portion 704 may include rounded corners and/or beveled edges for aesthetics, usability, etc. It is recognized that other suitable style bracing portions 704 may be used, and a hook-shaped or hook-like component is not the only configuration suitable for bracing or securing a device adjacent or nearly adjacent to the attachment surface 614 of the base portion 602. Similarly, because different types, sizes, makes, and/or models of devices are available and may each have differing thicknesses, a variety of braces 612 with bracing portions of differing height may be utilized or provided, including bracing portions of adjustable heights.

In a particular embodiment, a universal attachment support 104 may include a base portion 602 with a plurality of openings 610, such as the openings labeled A-Q in FIG. 6A, each having an insertion portion 616 and a securing portion 618. The openings 610 may be configured such that one or more subsets of openings, such as the subset of openings labeled A, C, E, and F, for example, are each designed to accommodate a particular electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device or set of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices. The universal attachment support 104 may be provided with one or more braces 612 that may be removably positioned accordingly within the openings of a given subset. If a user would like to switch devices attached to the universal attachment support, the user need only reconfigure the braces accordingly.

While discussed in depth with respect to an example embodiment where the means for securing 604 include an opening 610 in the base portion 602 and a brace 612 removably coupleable with, and securable within, the opening, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not so limited. Any number of suitable means for securing 604 may be utilized, including variations of the opening/brace embodiments described above or entirely different configurations for means for securing. For example, in other embodiments, any given brace 612 as described above may be non-removably attached with the base portion 602, and an opening 610 to which that brace is connected may include a particularly configured securing portion 618 defining a path between two or more end positions between which the brace may be moved in order to accommodate differing type, size, make, and/or model of devices. In such embodiments, a brace 612 need not be removed from the base portion, and can simply be transferred from one location to another along the path defined by the opening 610. In a similar embodiment, the securing portion 618 may define a path, the path including a ratcheting system or ratcheting means, such as angled teeth or the like, along at least a portion of the path, such that a brace 612 having corresponding ratcheting means, such as a notch configured for receiving the angled teeth, may be positioned at generally any point along the defined path in order to accommodate differing type, size, make, and/or model of devices.

In still another example embodiment, a means for securing 604 may include braces that are integral or operably attached with the base portion and have a first unused position, in which the brace may lay generally parallel with and/or in the same plane as the attachment surface 614, and an upright position, in which the brace is rotated about an axis, located at or near one end, such that the other end of the brace flips up and away from the attachment surface. In the upright position, the brace may be generally perpendicular or near perpendicular to the attachment surface, and similar to the brace 612 described above, may be utilized to secure an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device to the base portion 602. A plurality of such flip-up braces may be purposely and/or randomly located at various positions of the base portion 602 such that a subportion of the plurality of braces are selectable to accommodate a particular type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device.

In yet other example embodiments, rather than flip-up braces, the braces could be spring loaded, such that they transition from an unused position to an upright position by means of pre-loaded springs, or the like. Similarly, in other example embodiments, the braces could be made of an elastic material, such that any particular brace may stretch from an unused position to a position securing a device to the base portion 602, whereby the elastic brace, by means of its elastic properties, securely hold a device to the base portion.

The embodiments of means for securing 604 provided above are examples only. Of course, any combination of the above example embodiments is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example electronic tablet-style computing device 800 secured adjacent the base portion 602 of the universal attachment support 104 via a particularly selected configuration for four braces 612. In this case, as can be seen from FIG. 8, the particularly selected configuration positions a brace 612 at each of the four edges of the device 800. In other embodiments, there need not be a brace 612 at each edge, there could be more than one brace at any given edge, and there need not be the same number of braces at each edge. Further yet, the number and/or configuration of braces may, and often will, vary depending on the type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device desired for attachment to the universal attachment support 104.

In use, a user may select or identify a device they desire to place within or otherwise attach to a protective case 100 according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Once the device is selected or otherwise known, the user may determine a configuration of openings 610 and braces 612 suitable for securing the selected or identified device to the universal attachment support 104, which in some embodiments, may include selecting which openings 610 are to be utilized and attaching braces 612 to such openings by inserting the anvil portion 702 and stem 706 of each brace into a corresponding insertion portion 616 and securing portion 618 of a respective opening, as discussed above. It is recognized, and has been stated above, however, that the openings 610 and braces 612 discussed in great detail herein are not the only type of means for securing a device 604 that may be utilized, but are merely example embodiments. Either subsequent to, or at about the same time as, the braces 612 or other means for securing 604 are setup, the device may be positioned adjacent the base portion 602 of the universal attachment support 104 such that the braces 612 substantially securely maintain the device in the adjacent position.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate another embodiment of a protective case 900 of the present disclosure. FIGS. 9 and 10 are front views, and FIG. 11 is a side view, of a protective case 900 of the present disclosure in an open notebook position, in which a screen of an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be visible to a user. FIG. 12 is a side view of a protective case 900 of the present disclosure in a closed notebook position, in which a screen of an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be covered. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a protective case 900 of the present disclosure having a electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device attached thereto, and opened to an inclined position.

As generally described above, a protective case 900 of the present disclosure may include a notebook-style protective cover 902 and a universal attachment support 904. In one embodiment, the protective cover 902 may include a front cover portion 906, a back cover portion 908, and a flexible binding portion 910 operably connecting the front and back cover portions. However, in some embodiments, the universal attachment support 904, discussed in detail above, may itself provide a back protective functionality. Thus, in some embodiments, a separate back cover portion 908 need not be necessary, and the universal attachment support 904 may provide, or be integrated with, the back cover portion of the protective case.

The flexible binding portion 910, similar to the embodiments described above, may permit the front 906 and back 908 cover portions to move relative one another in a variety of open and closed positions, such that the protective cover 902 can provide functionality in a variety of usable positions. Particularly, in a first closed position, illustrated in FIG. 12, for example, the front cover portion 906 may be positioned generally adjacent an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the protective case, and generally in a horizontal and parallel or near horizontal and parallel position relative the back cover portion 908. In such closed position, the protective case 900 may provide protection for at least a portion of an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device secured within the protective case. In some embodiments, the protective case 900 can be configured so as to cover substantially all of the front and back sides of the attached device. In particular, the front cover portion 906 may be sized to generally cover substantially all of the front side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. Similarly, as most conventional electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone devices are generally rectangular in shape, the front cover portion 906 may also be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the front side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the front cover portion 906 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of the front side of a device. Indeed, the front cover portion 906 could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the front side of an attached device, and in such configurations may still provide sufficient protection to the attached device.

As with the previously described embodiments, the front cover portion 906 may be manufactured from any suitable materials, including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard, padding material or materials (such as poly-fill), leather, fabric, flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials often used for protective cases, or combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the front cover portion 906 may be manufactured using a suitably sized and shaped paperboard, cardboard, or metal insert, and optionally any padding material, covered or coated with a fabric, leather, plastic, or rubber material. The coating material may be secured or fastened around the insert by any suitable methods or means, including but not limited to adhesives, staples, stitching, welding or molding processes, etc.

In embodiments of a protective case 900 having a back cover portion 908, the back cover portion may be sized, shaped, and manufactured in a substantially similar way to the front cover portion 906, described above. However, in other embodiments, the back cover portion 908 need not be sized and/or shaped the same as the front cover portion nor need be manufactured in the same manner or utilizing similar manufacturing processes. In a particular embodiment, the back cover portion 908 may be sized to generally cover substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. The back cover portion 908 may also be configured in a rectangular or generally rectangular shape so as to generally and efficiently cover substantially all of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the back cover portion 908 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to a rectangular shape nor to a size that substantially covers all of the back side of a device. Indeed, the back cover portion 908 could be sized and shaped so as to cover only a portion of the back side of an attached device, and in such configurations may still provide sufficient protection to the attached device.

The flexible binding 910 may be configured to permit any suitable depth between the front 906 and back 908 cover portions when in a closed position, and in some cases, may be selected such that the depth appropriately accommodates a variety of types, makes, and models of devices. The flexible binding 910 may be manufactured from materials similar to those as for the front 906 and/or back 908 cover portions, including leather, fabric, flexible or rigid plastic, or rubber, or other suitable materials, such as but not limited to, elastic. Similarly, while described as being flexible, the binding 910 could instead be manufactured from more rigid materials, such as but not limited to, metal rings, such as those often used for spiral bound notebooks or those often used for commercially available three-ring or four-ring binders.

While not necessary in all embodiments, in some embodiments, in a closed position, a protective case 900 of the present disclosure may further include a mechanism for maintaining the protective case in a closed position, for example, with the front cover portion 906 generally adjacent a front side of a device secured within the protective case, such as that described in detail above with respect to FIG. 2B (e.g., strap 202). In still additional or alternative embodiments, the mechanism for maintaining the protective case in a closed position could include but is not limited to, snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro), magnets, or any combination thereof.

A protective case 900 of the present disclosure may also have a variety of open positions, in which an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device may be at least partially accessible for use. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate one example open position, in which the front cover portion 906 is positioned relative the universal attachment support 904 so as to be open like a conventional notebook. As illustrated, the front cover portion 906 is positioned such that it is lying in substantially the same plane as the back cover portion 908 or universal attachment support 904 (i.e., there is a 180 degree angle α between the front cover portion and the back cover portion). However, it is recognized that the angle α between the front cover portion 906 and back cover portion 908 could be adjusted, similar to the front and back covers of a conventional notebook, between any suitable angle permitting access to an electronic device supported by the universal attachment support 904, including but not limited to, between about 0 degrees to nearly 360 degrees, wherein the front cover portion may be brought entirely around an axis provided by the flexible binding 910 and is immediately adjacent the back cover portion. In this regard, a user is permitted great flexibility in the manner of accessing any device secured to or within the protective case 900.

In an even further embodiment, the back cover portion 908 may be configured for supporting the universal attachment support 904 in an open and inclined position, such that an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined position, as described above and illustrated with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2B. However, in other embodiments, which may also be applicable to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, the front cover portion 906 may additionally or alternatively be configured for supporting the universal attachment support 904 in an open and inclined position, such that an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device would be secured in a semi-upright or inclined position. In one embodiment, with particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 13, in order to provide such functionality, the back cover portion 908 may be configured with a first planar support section 1004 and a second planar support section 1006 separated by a dividing hinge section 1008. In this regard, the first planar support section 1004 and second planar support section 1006 may be adjusted via the hinge section 1008 such that their planes are at various angles β relative to one another, thereby supporting the universal attachment support 904 in an inclined position. The ratio of the size or area of the first planar support section 1004 to the total size or area of the back cover portion 908, and the ratio of the size or area of the second planar support section 1006 to the total size or area of the back cover portion, need not be equal. In other words, the size of the first planar support section 1004 and the size of the second planar support section 1006 do not need to be equal; although, they could be. For example, in some embodiments, the back cover portion could comprise nearly all first planar support section, nearly all second planar support section, about half first planar support section and half second planar support section, or any other suitable ratio of first to second planar support section. Likewise, as with any of the embodiments described herein, the configuration and/or shape of the first planar support section 1004 and the configuration and/or shape of the second planar support section 1006 do not need to be similar.

The first 1004 and second 1006 planar support sections may be adjusted between any suitable angle, β, between nearly 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and thus the universal attachment support 904 may be accordingly be inclined at any suitable angle, e.g., between nearly 0 degrees and nearly 90 degrees, relative a supporting surface on which the protective case is resting. In some embodiments, the front cover portion 906 of the protective case 900 may be utilized as a support bracket for maintaining the attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device in a selected semi-upright or inclined position. In this regard, as may be most appreciated from FIGS. 9-11, in some embodiments, the interior of the front cover portion 906 may include one or more grooves 1010 (FIG. 9) or protrusions 1012 (FIGS. 10-11) for receiving an edge 1014 (FIG. 13) of an attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device and maintaining the edge therein. The one or more grooves 1010 or protrusions 1012 may provide a variety of selectable locations for receiving edge 1014 in order to accommodate a variety of suitable incline positions, between which the attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device may be positioned. The grooves 1010 or protrusions 1012, in some embodiments, may be integral with the interior side of the front cover portion 906, or may be otherwise operably attached to the interior side of the front cover portion. As illustrated, for example, the interior side of the front cover portion 906 includes three grooves 1010 (FIG. 9) or protrusions 1012 (FIGS. 10-11) forming three selectable incline positions for receiving the edge 1014 of the attached electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. It is recognized, however, that any suitable number of grooves 1010 or protrusions 1012 or combinations thereof may be utilized permitting a variety of selectable positions for which to position edge 1014.

FIGS. 9-12, and particularly FIGS. 9 and 10, illustrate an embodiment of a universal attachment support 904 of a protective case 902 of the present disclosure. As discussed above, a universal attachment support 900 according to the present disclosure may be configured for accepting or receiving an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device and supporting and securing the device to or within the protective case. In general, and including various embodiments described herein, a universal attachment support may utilize one or more of a variety of means for securing a device to or within the protective case, the means for securing the device being configurable or customizable to accept and secure a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of devices.

With respect to FIGS. 9-12, in one embodiment, a universal attachment support 904 may include a base portion 912 and a universal means for securing 914 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices. In a particular embodiment, although not required, the universal means for securing 914 provides flexibility in configuring or customizing the universal attachment support 904 to secure the various type, size, make, and/or model of devices and/or to secure any given device at more than one corner and/or one edge of the device.

The base portion 912 may be sized and configured to generally provide support to at least a portion of the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices. However, the base portion 912 could be configured as any size and shape, and is not limited to the specific shape or size illustrated. In a particular embodiment, as illustrated, the base portion 912 may be sized significantly smaller than the front 906 or back 908 cover portions and configured in a quasi-“X” shape, so as to provide an even amount of support to the back side of many known types, makes, and models of devices, which are often rectangular in shape. In a further embodiment, although not required, the base portion 912 may include rounded and/or beveled edges to provide smoother and cleaner looking corners and edges.

The base portion 912 may be manufactured from any suitable materials, including but not limited to paperboard, cardboard, padding material or materials (such as poly-fill), leather, fabric, flexible or rigid plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials often used for protective cases, or combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the base cover portion 912 may be manufactured using a suitably sized and shaped paperboard, cardboard, or metal insert, and optionally any padding material, covered or coated with a fabric, leather, plastic, or rubber material. The coating material may be secured or fastened around the insert by any suitable methods or means, including but not limited to adhesives, staples, stitching, welding or molding processes, etc.

In one embodiment, the base portion 912 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back cover portion 908 of the notebook-style protective cover 902. The base portion 912 may be attached to the back cover portion 908 by any suitable method, including but not limited to, stitching, adhesives, snap-fit, friction-fit, snaps, bayonet connection, etc. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the base portion 912 may be attached to the back cover portion by means of one or more rivets 916, of any suitable shape, configuration, and/or size. However, as indicated, the base portion 912 may be attached to the back cover portion 908 by any suitable method, which in some embodiments, may be selected to obtain a desired look and/or feel. In an embodiment of a protective case having a back cover portion 908 with first and second planar support sections, as described above, the base portion 912 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the first planar support section 1004, so that in an open and inclined position, such as that shown for example in FIG. 13, the base portion is supported by the first planar support section 1004 and the second planar support section 1006 is able to separate away from the base portion and form an angle β relative to the first planar support section, as described above.

As generally discussed above, the universal attachment support 904 may include one or more universal means for securing 914 various type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices. The means for securing 914 may include an integral component or a combination of two or more components, each of which may be integral with, operably attached with, or removably attached with, the back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912. As illustrated best in FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the means for securing 914 may include one or more bracing arms 1020, each having a bracing portion 1022, configured such that the one or more bracing arms with respective bracing portions are configured to brace, secure, or generally hold an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device adjacent or nearly adjacent to the back cover portion 908 and/or base portion 912. In one embodiment, the means for securing 914, and particularly each of the bracing arms 1020, is configured to flex, stretch, or elongate in some manner, to an extended position, as illustrated in phantom in the lower right of FIG. 10. Each bracing arm 1020 may be configured to flex, stretch, or elongate between a first position 1024, in which the bracing arm is generally at rest, having no or substantially no stretch effected thereon, and a second position 1026, in which the bracing arm is generally at its maximum stretch. In this regard, each bracing arm 1020 may be individually stretched to some point between (and including) its first position and second position in order to accommodate any sized and shaped electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. In one embodiment, all bracing arms 1020 may have substantially the same amount of stretching ability, and thus have substantially similar first and second positions. In other embodiments, however, any bracing arm may have a different amount of stretching ability or be otherwise configured to have a different first and/or second stretch position from any other bracing arm. In additional embodiments, the bracing arms 1020 may include a hole 1028 therethrough, which may be configured for a user to easily insert a finger and may assist the user in pulling the bracing arm to its extended, second position or to some position between the first 1024 and second 1026 positions.

As indicated above, each bracing arm may include a bracing portion 1022, configured such that, in conjunction with the bracing arms, brace, secure, or generally hold an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device adjacent or nearly adjacent to the back cover portion 908 and/or base portion 912. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, the bracing portion 1022 may include a generally hook-shaped or hook-like or cradle-like component which, when engaged with an electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device, may wrap over a portion of a corner, and slightly over the front face of, the electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device. The bracing portion 1022 may include rounded corners and/or beveled edges for aesthetics, usability, etc. It is recognized that other suitable style bracing portions 1022 may be used, and a hook-shaped or hook-like or cradle-like component is not the only configuration suitable for bracing or securing a device. Similarly, because different types, sizes, makes, and/or models of devices are available and may each have differing thicknesses, the bracing portion 1022 may further be configured to flex or stretch between varying heights h in order to accommodate a larger variety of devices.

The means for securing 914, including any portion thereof, such as the bracing arms 1020 and bracing portions 1022, may be sized and configured into any shape and size, and is not limited to the specific shape or size illustrated. In a particular embodiment, as illustrated, the means for securing 914 may be sized significantly smaller than the front 906 or back 908 cover portions and configured with the bracing arms in a quasi-“X” shape, so as to provide an even amount of stretch to each bracing arm 1020.

The bracing arms 1020 may be manufactured from any suitable materials providing flexing or stretching capabilities, including but not limited to, fabric, elastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. Likewise, the bracing portions 1022 may also be manufactured from any suitable materials providing flexing or stretching capabilities, including but not limited to, fabric, elastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. However, in other embodiments, the bracing portions 1022 may also be manufactured from more rigid materials, including but not limited to, flexible or rigid plastics, metal, rigid rubber, etc., or any combinations thereof or between flexible and rigid materials. In some embodiments, the bracing arms 1020 and bracing portions 1022 may be unitary and integral while in other embodiments, the bracing arms and bracing portions may be separate components operably coupled with one another by any suitable means, such as but not limited to stitching, adhesives, etc.

In one embodiment, the means for securing 914 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912 of the notebook-style protective cover 902. The means for securing 914 may be attached by any suitable method, including but not limited to, stitching, adhesives, snap-fit, friction-fit, snaps, bayonet connection, etc. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the means for securing 914 may be attached to the back cover portion 908 and/or base portion 912 by means of one or more rivets 916, of any suitable shape, configuration, and/or size. However, as indicated, the means for securing 914 may be attached to the back cover portion 908 and/or base portion 912 by any suitable method, which in some embodiments, may be selected to obtain a desired look and/or feel. In an embodiment of a protective case having a back cover portion 908 with first and second planar support sections, as described above, the means for securing 914 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the first planar support section 1004, so that in an open and inclined position, such as that shown for example in FIG. 13, the means for securing is supported by the first planar support section 1004 and the second planar support section 1006 is able to separate away from the means for securing and form an angle β relative to the first planar support section, as described above.

The means for securing 914 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912, such that the means for securing is in front of the base portion 912. In other embodiments, however, as illustrated in the FIGS., the means for securing 914 may be integral with, operably attached to, or removably attached to, the back cover portion 908 and/or the base portion 912, such that the means for securing is generally positioned between the back cover portion and the base portion, with generally only the bracing portions 1022 of the bracing arms configured to extend up and past the base portion so as to hold any attached device generally adjacent the base portion. In still further embodiments, the base portion 912 is not necessary, and may be eliminated.

In one particular embodiment and configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, the means for securing may include four bracing arms 1020 and respective bracing portions 1022, with each of the four bracing arms and respective bracing portions configured to stretch out to, and maintain hold of, the four corners conventionally found on traditional rectangular electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, or smartphone devices. However, in other embodiments, less than or more than four bracing arms 1020 and bracing portions 1022 may be provided. Likewise, although illustrated as stretching out to, and maintaining hold of, the corners of an attached device, it is recognized that in other embodiments, the bracing arms 1020 and respective bracing portions 1022 may be configured to instead stretch out to, and maintain hold of, one or more edges of an attached device. Still further, it is recognized that in other embodiments, the means for securing 914 may include any combination of one or more bracing arms and respective bracing portions configured to stretch out to, and maintain hold of, one or more corners of an attached device, and one or more bracing arms and respective bracing portions configured to stretch out to, and maintain hold of, one or more edges of an attached device.

As may be gleaned from the above description of protective case 900, use thereof is somewhat dissimilar to that of the various embodiments described with respect to protective case 100. Specifically, after a user has selected or identified a device they desire to place within or otherwise attach to protective case 900, the user may simply position the device adjacent the base portion 912 and/or the means for securing 914, as the case may be, of the universal attachment support 904 and adjust the bracing arms 1022 and respective bracing portions 1022 accordingly by stretching the bracing arms to the required length to fit the identified device and to substantially securely maintain the device in the adjacent position by cradling the predetermined corners and/or edges with the bracing portions 1022. Once the device is positioned so, the pulling force from the bracing arms trying to return naturally to their first, unstretched position will maintain the device securely attached adjacent the base portion 912 and/or the means for securing 914.

While specific embodiments for securing a device to the base portion of the universal attachment support have been described, it is recognized that various other means for securing a device to the base portion of the universal attachment support may be utilized. Indeed, any means for securing a device to the base portion of the universal attachment support wherein the means are configurable or customizable for a plurality of type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing device, e-reader, or smartphone device, and any combinations thereof, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

While generally disclosed herein as a protective case able to accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, smartphone devices, or the like. It is appreciated that a universal protective case according to the present disclosure can be suitable used for any type of electronic device, including portable electronic gaming devices, other electronic entertainment devices not specifically called out herein or yet created, etc.

While generally disclosed herein as a single protective case able to accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, e-readers, smartphone devices, or the like, various sized versions of the protective cases according to the present disclosure may be utilized to more appropriately fit various makes and/or models of similarly sized devices. For example only, two or more versions of protective cases according to the present disclosure may be utilized to more appropriately fit devices falling into two or more size ranges. More particularly, as an example, a small-sized version may be utilized to accommodate various makes and/or models of devices falling into a size range of under six inches in length (such as smartphone devices), a medium-sized version may be utilized to accommodate various makes and/or models of devices falling into a size range of between six and nine inches in length (such as smaller electronic tablets or e-readers), and a large-sized version may be utilized to accommodate various makes and/or models of devices falling into a size range of between ten and twelve inches in length (such as larger electronic tablets). The examples provided are merely illustrative of the possibilities, and the number of versions of various sizes for a protective case according to the present disclosure and the size ranges those versions are intended to cover are not meant to be limiting. It is recognized that any suitable number of versions, and size ranges covered by those versions, are possible.

While also generally disclosed as having a notebook-style cover according to the various embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures, such embodiments are not intended to be so limiting. Indeed, a protective case according to the present disclosure may include any suitable type of protective carrier, such as but not limited to, any suitable type of case, cover, folder, folio, etc. Generally, a protective case could be any type of case, cover, folder, folio, etc., and include any alternative or additional features to those described herein, as long as the case has a universal attachment support as described herein or otherwise includes the ability to universally accommodate a variety of type, size, make, and/or model of electronic tablet-style computing devices, smartphone devices, or the like. In some embodiments, a case according to the present disclosure could simply be a universal attachment component, as described herein. Similarly, instead of being part of a protective case, a universal attachment component as described herein, could be a part of other functional devices, including but not limited to, device stands, under-cabinet racks/mounts, lap devices (e.g., apparatus for assisting in holding/positioning/resting the electronic device in a user's lap), monitor stands, etc.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus comprising:

a universal attachment support configurable between at least a first configuration, in which an electronic device of a first size can be removably secured generally adjacent the universal attachment support, and a second configuration, in which an electronic device of a second size can be removably secured generally adjacent the universal attachment support.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device of the first size has a different thickness than the electronic device of the second size.

3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device of the first size has a different length than the electronic device of the second size.

4. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic device of the first size has a different width than the electronic device of the second size.

5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal attachment support comprises one or more bracing elements configurable in the first configuration and the second configuration.

6. The support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the universal attachment support comprises a plurality of selectable slots, each slot configured to receive a bracing element.

7. The support apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bracing elements comprise a brace for engaging an electronic device and an anvil for securing the bracing element with a selected slot.

8. The support apparatus of claim 7, wherein a subset of the plurality of bracing elements is manually selectable by inserting the anvil of each bracing element of the subset into a corresponding slot of a subset of the selectable slots to form a particular configuration of bracing elements.

9. The support apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of selectable slots are patterned on an attachment surface of the universal attachment support such that a plurality of configurations of bracing elements is possible, each configuration configured to receive an electronic device having a different size than at least one other configuration.

10. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the universal attachment support comprises a plurality of means for securing an electronic device generally adjacent the universal attachment support, the means for securing providing the configurability between the first and second configurations.

11. A support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus comprising:

a universal attachment support having a plurality of flexible bracing arms each flexible between at least a first unstretched configuration and a second stretched position, wherein by the ability to stretch anywhere between the first and second positions, the bracing arms are suitably configured to removably secure, generally adjacent the universal attachment support, any one of a plurality of electronic devices of varying sizes.

12. The support apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of flexible bracing arms integrally comprises a bracing portion at an end thereof configured to cradle grip at least one of a corner or edge of an electronic device.

13. The support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bracing arms are comprised of an elastic material.

14. The support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the bracing arms are comprised of a rubber material.

15. The support apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of bracing portions, each operably coupled to a respective one of the plurality of flexible bracing arms, each bracing portion configured to cradle grip at least one of a corner or edge of an electronic device.

16. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bracing arms are comprised of an elastic material.

17. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bracing portions are each flexible so as to accommodate a variety of electronic device thicknesses within their cradle grips.

18. The support apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bracing arms are comprised of a rubber material.

19. A support apparatus for universally accommodating each of a plurality of electronic devices, the support apparatus comprising a universal attachment support comprising a means for securing an electronic device to the case, the means for securing configurable between a plurality of device configurations, at least one of the device configurations being configured for securing a device of a different size from another of the device configurations.

20. The support apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a notebook style cover having a front cover and a back cover, the back cover divided into at least a first planar support section and a second planar support section, the first planar support section supporting the universal attachment support, and the second planar support section selectably positionable between a first position in plane with the first planar support section and at least one other position out of plane with the first planar support section.