Sun shade case for a portable computing device

The present portable computing device case is configurable for both carrying a portable computing device and for obstructing external lighting while using a portable computing device in an upright viewing position, particularly for augmented reality applications, outdoor gaming applications and for use of a digital camera housed within the portable computing device.

FIELD

The present portable computing device case is configurable for both carrying a portable computing device and for obstructing external lighting while using a portable computing device, particularly for augmented reality applications.

BACKGROUND

As more individuals are purchasing portable computing devices, a market exists for devices for carrying the portable computing devices. These carrying devices are typically designed to be highly portable and facilitate the user's ability to carry the device easily while also providing some degree of protection from various environmental factors. Common examples of these devices are the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, both of which are tablet computing devices with touchscreen interfaces and large color displays.

A growing variety of uses for these portable computing devices, particularly tablet computers, are being found. Rich interactive content is becoming increasingly popular as a more entities are creating applications for use on portable computing devices. Increasingly, applications are being created for portable computing devices that are to be used in circumstances where external lighting may interfere with the usage of the application. Such applications include augmented reality applications where the portable computing device provides informative overlays over the user's current field of view. The screens of the portable computing devices, including the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, typically suffer glare and other issues when used outside. The user of such portable computing devices may also not perceive the rich interactive contents displayed on the screen as easily when used outside.

It would be desirable to have a device for both carrying the portable computing device and for also controlling the external lighting so that the user may use the application without glare and other lighting effects interfering with the user's use of the application.

Portable computing devices are being used in a variety of contexts, including public areas. Increasingly, users may desire privacy when using their portable computing device for a variety of reasons. The user may need privacy for an extended period of time. It would be desirable to have a device for carrying the portable computing device and also for comfortably providing privacy so that the user may use the portable computing device in any context.

The increasing popularity and user friendliness of portable computing devices causes these devices to be used in circumstances where ease of use and simplicity are desired. For example, an entity may wish to provide a case for portable computing devices that are loaned to individuals so that rich interactive content created by the entity may be enjoyed by the individuals. The portable computing devices would need to be easily carried by the individuals in a secure manner so that the portable computing devices may be returned to the entity after use. It would be desirable to have an affordable device for carrying the portable computing device and for also ensuring that rich interactive content may be enjoyed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

None of the known prior art discloses an external light blocking enclosure, privacy protection function, and prop mechanism integrated into a case for electronic tablet computer made specifically for viewing tablet computers in an upright position in bright light in conjunction with full facility of the camera for viewing outdoor augmented reality, as described herein in accordance with various disclosed embodiments.

The present portable computing device holder is a case1that has four distinct configurations. The four different configurations include a carrying configuration, an enclosing configuration, a loading configuration and a standing configuration. The case1described by the present disclosure is able to assume these different configurations to provide distinct and useful functions for a user.

FIG. 1illustrates one embodiment of the present portable computing device holder. The illustrated embodiment is in the carrying configuration. The case1is dimensioned to secure a typical portable computing device, such as, for example, a tablet computer or an electronic book reader. The case1, when in the carrying configuration, encloses and secures the portable computing device. The illustrated case includes a top portion10that includes an aperture cover60. A back portion30is positioned opposite a front portion40when the case1is in the carrying configuration. The back portion30functions both as a hinge and as an additional securing wall for helping secure the portable computing device in the carrying configuration. The back portion30connects the top portion10and a bottom portion50. Two side portions20are positioned opposite each other. The front portion40and two side portions20extend upward from the bottom portion50. When in the carrying configuration, the top portion10is positioned parallel and opposite the bottom portion50, and the back portion30is positioned parallel and opposite the front portion40. In the carrying configuration, the portable computing device is fully enclosed by the case1, other than optional ports to control switches (e.g., volume control, home keys, mute buttons, opening to expose the lens of a camera module, opening for an audio jack, opening for a power/data transfer cord, as examples). The top portion10, the two side portions20, the back portion30and the front portion40, and the bottom portion50define six sides that form an enclosure for securing the portable computing device.

FIG. 2illustrates an embodiment of the present portable computing device holder in the enclosing configuration. In the enclosing configuration, a front wall80that is connected to the top portion10is extended along with two side walls70. The two side walls70are extended when they define two parallel planes on opposite sides of the bottom portion50.FIG. 2shows one embodiment of the case1where the side walls70include side wall folds71. Though only one fold line is shown, embodiments that have multiple folds to create an accordion or pleated side are envisioned.

When in the enclosing configuration, the top portion10and the front wall80define an acute angle A.FIG. 6shows one example of the acute angle A defined by the top portion10and the front wall80. In a typical embodiment, the case will be dimensioned so that when the case1is in the enclosing configuration, the angle A defined by the top portion10and the front wall80will not exceed 90 degrees. In the enclosing configuration shown inFIG. 2, the side walls70and the front wall80are extended. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, when the side walls70are extended, side wall folds71are substantially orthogonal to the bottom portion when the case1is in the enclosing configuration. The front wall80, top portion10, and bottom portion50define a substantially triangular shape when the case1is in an enclosing configuration.FIG. 6illustrates this substantially triangular shape of the case1. The front wall80is arranged to help substantially enclose the portable computing device. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 2, the front wall80is arranged to include small openings that allow for some external lighting to illuminate the portable computing device. In certain embodiments, these openings can be controllable, through movable panels or the like, to control the degree of opening. This is desirable for devices, like electronic book readers, that might require some external lighting to operate effectively, or to provide access to control portions (either physical buttons or portions of a touch screen on the computing device, for example).

In the illustrated embodiments, the side wall folds71help the side wall70collapse in a compact manner when the case1is not in the enclosing configuration. When the side walls70are collapsed in a compact manner, the front wall80is positioned adjacent to the top portion10.FIG. 4depicts one embodiment where the front wall80is held next to the top portion10by the collapsed side walls70.FIG. 5illustrates how one may separate the front wall80from the top portion10when converting the case1from the carrying configuration to the enclosing configuration. Other methods of compactly stowing the various portions of the case1are known in the art and are not specifically enumerated here.

A front wall latch85is shown inFIG. 2and helps ensure that the enclosing configuration of the case1is maintained. In particular, the front wall latch85is attached to the front portion40so that the substantially triangular shape of the case1in the enclosing configuration, shown inFIG. 6, is maintained without requiring the user to consciously maintain the particular shape of the case1. Another embodiment of the front wall latch85is shown inFIG. 3. Both embodiments of the front latch85shown inFIGS. 2 and 3serve the function of maintaining the shape of the case1in the enclosing configuration. The front latch85may be attached to the front portion40by way of any fastening means known in the art that may be secured and unsecured repeatedly and easily. One embodiment of the case1may use magnets embedded in both the front wall latch85and the front portion40so that the front wall latch85can be secured to the front portion40by simply bringing the portions into contact with each other. Alternate embodiments may use Velcro, buttons, hooks, or other devices known in the art.

The embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3include at least one side portion20that includes a side portion surface feature21. The side portion surface feature21helps maintain the enclosing configuration for the case1by helping ensure the side wall70remains in a fixed position relative to the side portions20. The surface features21may increase the static friction coefficient so that the side wall70remains in a fixed position relative to the side portions20. In one embodiment, the side portion surface feature21faces a corresponding surface feature on the interior of the side wall70that helps further increase the static friction coefficient so that the enclosing configuration is maintained by ensuring the side wall70remains in a fixed position relative to the side portions20. Other methods of ensuring the side wall70remains in a fixed position relative to the side portions20are known in the art and are not specifically enumerated here.

The case1in enclosing configuration shown inFIGS. 2, 3, and 6helps obstruct external light and provides a darkened enclosure for the portable computing device. The darkened enclosure is desirable in circumstances where external light would impair a user's ability to enjoy a rich interactive contact in a comfortable manner. The enclosure also helps provide privacy for a user so that the ability to eavesdrop on the content being viewed on the portable computing device may be reduced. While in the enclosing configuration, the case1fully supports the weight of the portable computing device so that the user may concentrate on viewing and operating the portable computing device while knowing that the portable computing device is securely held in the case. The front wall latch85helps support the weight of the portable computing device. The side portion surface features21along with any corresponding surfaces on the side walls70also help support the weight of the portable computing device and help maintain the case1in the enclosing configuration. Other methods of maintaining the configuration of the case1are known in the art and are not specifically enumerated here. In an alternate embodiment, the surface feature21instead provides access to a charging port of the portable computing device.

FIG. 2shows an aperture cover60in an opened position. The aperture cover60is configured to fold over to close an aperture and to fold away to open the aperture. The aperture cover60may include multiple features61that allow the aperture cover60to bend at multiple locations.FIG. 3shows the aperture cover60in a closed position where the aperture cover60is substantially flush with the top portion10and the front wall80. The aperture is configured to allow a user to view the portable computing device that is enclosed when the case1is in the enclosing configuration. In one embodiment, the aperture is defined by a gasket that helps provide an ergonomic seal between the case1and the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket is made of material that helps provide a seal between the aperture and the user so that external lighting is reduced from entering, or cannot enter, the case1and interfere with the viewing of the personal computing device when the case is in the enclosing configuration.

When the case1is configured in this manner, the external light that illuminates the display of the portable computing device is substantially reduced. A user viewing the portable computing device through the aperture will see the portable computing device in a darkened environment, even when the surrounding environment is well lit. A user viewing the portable computing device through the aperture will also have a reduced view of the surrounding environment due to the top portion10, the front wall80, the side walls70, and the bottom portion50forming an enclosure for the portable computing device.

FIG. 4shows the embodiment of the case shown inFIG. 1in a loading configuration. When the case1is in a loading configuration, the top portion10, back portion30, and bottom portion50are arranged in a coplanar fashion. In the depicted embodiment, the front wall80is arranged in a stowed and collapsed position adjacent to the top portion10. The side walls70are also stowed and collapsed position between the front wall80and the top portion10. The aperture cover60is shown in an opened position. In this configuration, the portable computing device may be inserted in a direction from the aperture cover60towards the front portion40so that the portable computing device is secured in the case1. In an alternate embodiment, the case1may include at least one side portion22or a front portion40that includes a flap that allows for another means of loading and securing the portable computing device in the case1. This may be desirable when, for example, the case is in the enclosing configuration and it is desired to view the surroundings through the portable computing device's camera device.

FIG. 5shows the embodiment of the case1illustrated inFIG. 4in the loading configuration transitioning to a carrying configuration like that shown inFIG. 1. In other words, the case1is being changed from the configuration shown inFIG. 4to the configuration shown inFIG. 1. The front wall80is depicted slightly separated from the top portion10to illustrate how the front wall80may be connected to the top portion10.

A securing mechanism may be included to help further secure the portable computing device within the case1. One example of a securing device comprises additional surfaces parallel to the bottom portion50so that the portable computing device is positioned between the additional surfaces and the bottom portion50.FIGS. 2-4illustrate a securing mechanism that includes two side portion securing portions22and a front portion securing portion42. The two side portion securing portions extend from the side portion forming a J-shaped enclosure defined by the bottom portion50, the side portion20, and the side portion securing portion22. The front portion securing portion42extends from the front portion40forming a J-shaped enclosure defined by the bottom portion50, the front portion40, and the front portion securing portion42. These surfaces help secure the portable computing device in the case1. In an alternate embodiment, the side portion securing portion22includes a surface feature23, as shown inFIG. 4. Such surface features may be included on the side portion securing portions22, the front portion securing portion42, or any other surface as is desirable. The surface features may serve ornamental purposes, or may be included to reduce weight or other desirable purposes.

In an alternate embodiment, at least one of the side portion securing portions and front portion securing portion is configured to provide a snap fit. In other words, one of the portions may be adjusted to apply a physical friction fit between the case and the portable computing device, helping to secure the portable computing device within the case. The snap fit helps ensure the portable computing device remains in a consistent position when the device is being carried in the case1.

In an alternate embodiment, pliable material may line the interior of the case1in a manner that provides the pliable material between the interior surfaces of the case1and the surfaces of the portable computing device. The pliable material of these embodiments of the case1may be considered to be part of the securing mechanism because the pliable material helps ensure the portable computing device remains in a consistent position being carried or enclosed in the case1. In one such embodiment, the portable computing device is inserted by the user which causes the pliable material lining the interior of the case1to deform.

The securing mechanism may also comprise an opening in at least one of the side portions20, front portion40, or bottom portion50.FIGS. 2 and 5illustrate embodiments that include examples of such openings including front portion openings41, a side portion opening23, or a bottom portion opening51. The openings provide positions that allow for additional securing devices to be secured to the case1so that the portable computing device remains in a consistent position when being carried or enclosed in the case1. In one embodiment, elastic securing devices are secured to the case1in a removable manner at an opening. This allows the securing mechanism to be easily adjusted to secure the portable computing device in the desired manner.

The case1may be formed in an integral manner. In such an embodiment, the case1can be made of one continuous piece of material. Such embodiments may be used in circumstances where a low cost of manufacture is essential. Such embodiments may be formed in a manner that includes surface features like folds61,71which help facilitate the formation of the case1. In other embodiments, the case1may be formed from multiple different pieces, allowing for a person of ordinary skill in the art to choose the most suitable material for each portion of the case1.

The case1may be made of any suitable material known in the art. In one embodiment, the case1is made of leather, a leather-like material and/or fabric. In an alternate embodiment, the case1is made of a plastic or metallic material. In another embodiment, the case1is made of a paper or paperboard material. Various combinations of these materials selected for form, function and design are within the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments of the case will have particular surfaces that are defined as the exterior and the interior surfaces. In some embodiments, surface indicia may be included on the interior or the exterior surfaces of the case. These indicia may provide identification, branding, maps, instructions, decoration, and/or other information. The material used to form the case1maintains the specific shape of the case1. In alternate embodiments, the material may provide protection to the portable computing device. In further embodiments, the case may be made of multiple layers of material with different properties. For example, the outermost layer may an environmentally resilient waterproof outer plastic layer. Other layers may include pliable materials that provide shock absorption and securing attributes, or structurally resilient materials that provide structure to the case. The innermost layer is desirably made of a material that will not affect the finish of the portable computing device while still securely holding the portable computing device. Still further layers may provide a variety of other attributes known to people of skill in the art.

The case1may include other aspects that facilitate the use of the case1as a means of carrying and enclosing the portable computing device. In an alternative embodiment, features are included that allow the case1to be elevated in a manner that facilitates viewing. These features may include a removable stand, a retractable stand, or other structures known in the art. A stand, for example, allows the case to achieve an additional standing configuration that allows the user to view the portable computing device without requiring the user to continuously provide support the case1to achieve an optimal viewing angle. In a further embodiment, features may include a handle or a strap that facilitates the carrying of the case1. These and other features may be arranged on any of the external surfaces of the case1to facilitate ease of use by the user.

In a further embodiment, a sunshade may be attachable to the case1. Such a sunshade would allow the user to further prevent the entry of external lighting into the enclosure defined by the case1in the enclosing configuration. Such a sunshade may be made of a lightweight material that can easily assume a shape that facilitates the obstruction of external lighting. Such a sunshade may also provide additional privacy for the user while using the portable computing device.

FIG. 7depicts another embodiment of the case100in the closed configuration. The case100includes a top portion110and an enclosing portion125. The case100is made of a conforming material that securely fits the portable computing device.FIG. 7depicts an embodiment of the case100that has an enclosing bottom portion125. The enclosing bottom portion125structurally integrates the back portion, bottom portion, and side portions described for the embodiment shown inFIG. 1. In an alternate embodiment, the enclosing bottom portion125may include at least one of the back portion, bottom portion, and side portions that is structurally distinct with the enclosing bottom portion125. For example, the enclosing bottom portion may include a separate and structurally distinct back portion to provide additional support for the portable computing device.

The embodiment of the case100shown inFIG. 7also includes a case securing device. The case securing device may comprise a zipper122. The zipper122secures an opening of the case100that allows for easy insertion and removal of the portable computing device. In an alternate embodiment, the case securing device may comprise stretchable and pliable portions of the case100that allow for easy insertion and removal of the portable computing device.

FIG. 7also illustrates a handle111. The handle111helps facilitate the carrying of the case100with the portable computing device, particularly when the case100is in the carrying configuration. The handle111may be made of the same material as the case100or of a different material. The handle111may include ridges or other surface features that facilitate secure gripping. The handle111is illustrated as being a part of the top portion110inFIG. 7. When extending from the top portion110, the handle111can also function as a stop for the top portion110to prevent excessive rotation of the top portion110. The handle111may, however, be positioned to extend from any surface of the case100.

FIG. 8illustrates the case100in a partial enclosing configuration. The front wall180is removed from the top portion110so that the side walls170are extended. An aperture160is formed between the top portion110and the front wall180. The aperture160is configured to allow a user to view the portable computing device that is enclosed when the case100is in the enclosing configuration. In one embodiment, the aperture is defined by a gasket that helps provide an ergonomic seal between the case100and the user.FIG. 8also illustrates a surface feature121that helps support the weight of the computing device and helps maintain the case1in the enclosing configuration. In an alternate embodiment, the surface feature121may instead provide access to a charging port of the portable computing device.

FIG. 9depicts another embodiment of the case200in an opened configuration. The side walls270are slightly extended so that the front wall280is separated from the top portion210. An aperture260is formed between the top portion210and the front wall280. A front wall latch285helps ensure that the enclosing configuration of the case200is maintained. A surface feature221is formed in the enclosing portion225to help support the weight of the portable computing device and helps maintain the case200in the enclosing configuration. In an alternate embodiment, the surface feature221may instead provide access to a charging port of the portable computing device through the enclosing portion225.

FIG. 10illustrates the case200in a standing configuration. The enclosing portion225holds the portable computing device while the top portion210, the bottom portion280, and the side walls270form a stand that supports the enclosing portion225. This allows the portable computing device to be positioned in a manner that is desirable for viewing by a typical individual. The case200may allow for multiple standing configurations so that the user may select the most desirable configuration for their situation.

FIG. 11depicts another embodiment of case300in the opened configuration. The case300includes a hinge312that allows for the top portion310and the front wall380to rotate around the enclosing portion325that holds the portable computing device.FIG. 12depicts another view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 11. The case300may include additional ports, openings, and other features so that different aspects of the portable computing device may be accessed. These may include physical buttons or switches. The case300may also include surface indicia, as shown inFIG. 12.

FIG. 13depicts the case300in a standing configuration. The hinge312is configured so that the front wall380and the top portion310provide a stand for operating the portable computing device. The case300presents the portable computing device being held in the enclosing portion325in a manner that is desirable for viewing by a typical individual. The case300may provide means for adjusting the standing configuration so that the portable computing device is presented in a manner desirable for viewing.

The hinge312, as shown inFIGS. 11-13allows for the top portion310and the front wall380to be rotated about the portable computing device being held in the enclosing portion325freely. The hinge312may be configured to allow the top portion310of the case300to be positioned so that the enclosing bottom portion325is disposed between the portable computing device and the top portion310. The hinge312may be attached to the top portion312, the front wall380, or another position that facilitates the use of the case300with the portable computing device. For example, the hinge312may be positioned on the side walls of the case300. In an alternate embodiment, the hinge312may be positioned on the top or bottom wall between the side walls of the case300. The hinge312is adapted to fit inside the edge of the case300so that the top portion310and the front wall380fold flat against the portable computing device. The hinge312also facilitates the standing configuration illustrated inFIG. 13. The hinge312may be made of a stretch material or any other appropriate material that does not damage the portable computing device when used with the case300.

FIG. 14illustrates a fifth embodiment of the case400. This embodiment of the case400has a top portion410and a front wall480that may be rotated to be positioned behind the enclosing portion425. In other words, the top portion410and the front wall480may be rotated so that the enclosing portion425is disposed on one side of the top portion410and the front wall480is disposed on another side of the top portion410. In this embodiment of the case400, the top portion410and front wall480are sized so that when the top portion410and the front wall480are rotated to be positioned behind the enclosing portion425, the portable computing device may still achieve an unobstructed view of the surroundings through a camera opening located on the enclosing portion425.

The cases1,100,200,300, and400are particularly suited for augmented reality applications, particularly those involving outdoor activities. See, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0130813 (Ackley); U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0095924 (Geisner); and U.S. Patent Application No. 2013/0093788 (Liu), for instance, herein incorporated by reference. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the portable computing device would have a digital camera, a processor and a memory. The portable computing device would be housed within the top portion, the side portions, the front portion and the back portion, and would display both a current view of that is within the viewing range of the digital camera, as well as images of objects generated by the portable computing device to create an augmented reality.

For instance, the augmented reality applications can involve looking at the computing device display screen outdoors on a sunny day. Without the sun shade case1, the reflection and glare of on the display surface would prevent or cause eye strain on the user wishing to see the content on the screen. As shown inFIG. 15, the user can be on an open field, e.g., an historic battlefield, look through the top10to the display screen to see the field through the camera function on the computer device, as augmented, for instance, by historic films, avatars or reinactors that recreate a historic battle. The determined geographic location (GPS, cell tower or WiFi derived location information) and orientation (through the magnetic/compass function) can govern what is displayed, such that as one walks about and rotates, various perspectives can be viewed. An interactive map application, either separate or integral with the augmented reality application can direct the user to the next viewing location. Various events can be viewed by selecting a particular day or historic event, but allowing the user to shift through time for a particular location. Thus, while being in the actual environment, a user can have an experience that simulated an imbedded, interactive, location and time-shifted experience of a recreated historic event. Of course, the case1permits many other applications to be viewed, not just applications directed to history, such as virtual reality games and other educational content.

The case1,100,200,300, and400includes various openings for viewing and accessing the portable computing device. The openings may also be used to attach speakers, chargers, straps, and other devices desirable for use with a case for a portable computing device.

In accordance with various embodiments, there is described herein a case for a portable computing device that includes a bottom portion, a top portion, side portions on opposing sides of the bottom portion, the side portions extending in an upward direction perpendicular to the bottom portion, a front portion extending in the upward direction perpendicular to the bottom portion, the front portion disposed between the side portions, a back portion joining the bottom portion and the top portion, and a front wall connected to the top portion. The case has an enclosing configuration, where the front wall, the top portion, the side portions, the front portion, the back portion, and the bottom portion define an enclosure where the side walls are extended and parallel, the front wall, the top portion, and the bottom portion defining a substantially triangular enclosure. The case has a carrying configuration, where the top portion, the side portions, the front portion, the back portion, and the bottom portion define an enclosure where the top portion is substantially parallel to the bottom portion, and the back portion is disposed parallel to the front portion and extending in the upward direction perpendicular to the bottom portion. The case may optionally have an aperture cover covering an opening formed in the top portion and the front wall, opposing side walls connected to the top portion and the front wall in a collapsible manner. The case aperture cover may be moved to uncover the opening formed in the top portion and the front wall when the case is in the enclosing configuration.

In accordance with further embodiments, it would also be advantageous to have a case for a portable computing device that includes an attachment portion configured to secure the case to the portable computing device, a top portion, side walls on opposing sides of the top portion, a front wall disposed between the side portions and connected to the top portion. There may optionally be an aperture formed in the top portion and the front wall.

It will be understood that the foregoing description is of the exemplary embodiments, and is, therefore, merely representative of the article. It can be appreciated that many variations and modifications of the different embodiments in light of the above teachings will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the articles and methods as set forth in the attached claims.