Patent Publication Number: US-2012024733-A1

Title: Protective element and support structure

Description:
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The subject matter herein is directed to devices that are used to protect sensitive equipment. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of available electronic devices, many of which are portable. These portable devices are typically constructed to withstand normal wear and tear, such as accidental drops or slight water intrusions. Nevertheless, many manufacturers and downstream retailers offer components for use with these portable devices that provide protection for the portable devices. For example, many users of smart phones purchase rubber, plastic or leather casings that fit around the device to protect it from accidental impacts. The utility of current protective components, however, is limited to merely providing a defense against the elements or unintended impacts, as they server no other useful purpose. 
     SUMMARY 
     A protective apparatus is described herein. The apparatus can include a protective element configured to be positioned over at least a portion of a device to protect the device in a first configuration. The apparatus can also include a support structure that is integral with the protective element in which the support structure is configured to support the device in a second configuration. The device can be, for example, a computing device that includes a display. In one arrangement, the protective element includes a first surface and a second surface in which the first surface is configured to be at least partially positioned over and to face the device in the first configuration. The second surface can be positioned opposite to the first surface and is configured to be exposed to the environment external to the device in the first configuration. 
     As an example, the support structure can be a slot that runs along the second surface in which the slot is configured to receive the device in the second configuration. The slot can include a first edge and a second edge opposite to one another in which the first edge and the second edge are positioned a predetermined distance apart. This predetermined distance can be wide enough to receive and support the device in the second configuration and to induce the device to lean at an angle in the second configuration with respect to a vertical axis. 
     The protective apparatus can also include one or more border protrusions that are substantially perpendicular to a portion of the first surface. These border protrusions can be configured to fit over a corresponding perimeter of the device to assist in an engagement between the protective element and the device in the first configuration. 
     In one embodiment, the second surface of the protective element transitions upwards from the border protrusions of the protective element towards the first edge and the second edge of the slot. The slot can also include a bottom surface that is substantially planar and can further include a maximum height and a minimum height such that the first edge and the second edge of the slot transition between the maximum height and the minimum height. As an example, the maximum height of the slot is high enough to support the device in the second configuration by inducing the device to lean at an angle in the second configuration with respect to a vertical axis. As another example, the slot runs the entire second surface and is positioned along a horizontal axis of the protective element. The first surface can include one or more ribs to support the protective element, and the ribs can be configured to provide spacing in the first configuration in which one of the ribs corresponds to the slot. 
     Another protective apparatus for protecting a device is described herein. This apparatus can include a first surface that is configured to at least partially fit over and face the device in a first configuration and a second surface opposite the first surface that is configured to face an external environment in the first configuration. This apparatus can also include a support structure that is integral with the second surface in which the support structure can be configured to engage and support the device in a second configuration. As an example, the support structure is a slot that runs along a horizontal axis of the second surface and has a predetermined width. The predetermined width of the slot can be set to induce the device to lean at an angle in the second configuration in which the angle is measured with respect to a vertical axis. In one particular example but without limitation, the angle is within a range of approximately ten degrees to approximately twenty-five degrees. 
     In one aspect, the first surface can include one or more ribs, one of which corresponds to the slot. The protective apparatus can further include one or more border protrusions that are configured to engage a corresponding perimeter of the device. The border protrusions can form a continuous lip that creates a perimeter of the protective apparatus. 
     In another aspect, the support structure can further provide a grasping mechanism for a user to remove the protective apparatus from the device in the first configuration. For example, the support structure is a slot integral with the second surface in which the slot has a bottom surface, a first edge and a second edge. The bottom surface, the first edge and the second edge can form the grasping mechanism of the support structure in the first configuration and engage and support the device in the second configuration. 
     A protection and support system is also described herein. The system includes a device that has an interface for displaying information to a user and a protective apparatus configured to protect the device in a first configuration and support the device in a second configuration. The interface displays the information in the second configuration. The protective apparatus includes a first surface that is at least partially positioned over the interface in the first configuration, a second surface that is exposed to the environment external to the device in the first configuration and a support structure integral with the second surface that engages and supports the device in the second configuration. As an example but without limitation, the device is a communication device that includes a camera for conducting video conference calls in the second configuration. 
     The support structure can include a slot integral with the second surface that induces the device to lean at an angle with respect to a vertical axis, which causes the interface to also be positioned at an angle with respect to the vertical axis. In one arrangement, the slot has a predetermined width and a maximum height, and the dimensions of the predetermined width and maximum height can be set to induce the device to lean at the angle. In another arrangement, the interface of the device is substantially planar, and the first surface can include one or more ribs for engaging the interface in the first configuration. The slot can also include a grasping mechanism to permit a user to remove the protective apparatus from the device in the first configuration. 
     A method of protecting and supporting a device with a protective apparatus is also presented herein. The method can include the steps of positioning the protective apparatus over at least a portion of the device such that the protective apparatus is engaged with the device to protect the device in a first configuration and removing the protective apparatus from the device. The method can further include the steps of placing the protective apparatus on a surface and in a second configuration, engaging the device with a support structure that is integral with the protective apparatus. Engaging the device with the support structure can include fitting a portion of the device into a slot built into the protective apparatus, and the slot can induce the device to lean at an angle with respect to a vertical axis. Removing the protective apparatus from the device can include at least partially grasping the slot and lifting the protective apparatus away from the device. The method can also include the step of conducting a video conference call in the second configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an example of a protection and support system; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a protective element engaged with a device in first configuration; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a surface of the protective element of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an example of a side view of the protective element of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an example of the protective element of  FIG. 2  supporting the device of  FIG. 2  in a second configuration; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an example of a side view of the second configuration of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. 
     Several definitions that apply throughout this document will now be presented. A “protective element” or “protective apparatus” is defined as an element that provides some form of protection for a device from an external environment. The terms “external environment” or “environment external to a device” are defined as the physical surroundings of a device, whether it be inside a building or a covered or exposed area. The word “configuration” means a state of positioning. A “support structure” is defined a structure that provides mechanical support to a device in a static or substantially static state. A “slot” is an elongated channel, depression, groove or aperture for receiving an object. The word “edge” is defined as one or more surfaces that serve as a border at which one or more other surfaces terminate. The phrase “to induce” means to bring about, produce or cause through structural configurations or designs. The term “interface” is defined as a device that displays or presents information to a user of the device. A “camera” is defined as a device that captures a sequence of images for display, and a “video conference call” is a communication in which the image of one or more parties involved in the communication is displayed to one or more of the other parties on the communication. A “grasping mechanism” is defined as a component or a group of components associated with a device, and the component(s) provide one or more surfaces or objects to enable a human to grasp the device with his hand. 
     As noted earlier, components have been developed to protect electronic devices, such as flexible casings or covers. Unfortunately, the utility of these components is merely limited to protecting the devices to which they are associated. The description here provides several features to increase the utility and convenience of a protective apparatus. In particular, a protective apparatus is presented in which the apparatus includes a protective element for positioning over at least a portion of a device to protect the device in a first configuration. A support structure integral with the protective element can also form part of the apparatus. The support structure can be configured to support the device in a second configuration. In one arrangement, the protective element includes a first surface and a second surface in which the first surface is configured to be at least partially positioned over and to face the device in the first configuration. The second surface can be positioned opposite to the first surface and can be configured to be exposed to the environment external to the device in the first configuration. In another arrangement, the support structure includes a slot that runs along the second surface in which the slot is configured to receive the device in the second configuration. 
     As such, this protective apparatus can provide protection for the device when engaged with the device and can support the device when certain features of the device call for a particular positioning. For example, the apparatus can support a communication device when a user of the device is involved in a video conference call. Moreover, as will be explained below, the protective apparatus, through the support structure, provides a mechanism for grasping the apparatus for easy removal from the device. Thus, the protective apparatus is a convenient and useful tool, particularly in comparison to conventional protective components. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a protection and support system  100  is shown in which the system includes a device  105  and a protective apparatus  110 . The device  105  can be an electronic device, such as a computing device, and can have a substantially planar interface  115  for displaying information to a user. Suitable examples of the computing device include tablets, wireless reading units, mobile phones and entertainment or multi-media devices. It is understood, however, that the device  105  is not necessarily limited to an electronic device, as the device  105  can be virtually any physical unit that needs to be protected in one state and supported in another state. For example, the device  105  may be a hardcover or paperback book that the reader wants to protect from the elements when being transported and can be supported by the protective apparatus  110  in a suitable reading position. Thus, the interface  115  may be a conventional display, but it may also be a page or some other non-electronic structure that shows information to a user. 
     The protective apparatus  110  can be a protective element  120  that is configured to be positioned over at least a portion of the device  105  in a first configuration. Referring to  FIG. 2 , an example of the protective element  120  positioned over the device  105  in the first configuration is shown. The first configuration refers to any state of engagement between the protective element  120  and the device  105  in which the protective element  120  is positioned to provide some form of protection for the device  105 . In this particular example, the protective element  120  can protect the interface  115  (see  FIG. 1 ) and other components of the device  105  from the elements, like rain, snow or sun, or any environment that is external to the device  105 . In addition to protection from weather-related events, the protective element  120  can protect the device  105  from contact that would otherwise damage the device  105 . 
     Although the protective element  120  is shown here as covering the entire interface  115  and other components on a top surface of the device  105 , the protective element  120  is not so limited. For example, the protective element  120  can be made smaller to protect only certain areas of the interface  115  or other suitable components of the device  105 . Moreover, the protective element  120  can be expanded to cover larger portions of the device  105 , as compared to that shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, the protective apparatus  110  can include other protective elements  120  that can be joined together, such as through a hinge or other connection structures, to envelope the entire device  105 . To accomplish its goal of protecting the device  105 , the protective element  120  can be made of any suitable material, including combinations of such materials. For example, the protective element  120  can be made of durable plastic, rubber, metal or even wood or other organic components or composites. 
     In addition to providing protective cover for the device  105 , the protective apparatus  110  can include a support structure  125  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) that is integral with the protective element  120 . The phrase “integral with” is defined as of, pertaining to or belonging as a part of a whole and includes permanent or detachable connections. As will be described below, the support structure  125  can be configured to engage and support the device  105  in a second configuration. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , another view of the protective element  120  is shown. To further describe the protective element  120 , reference will now be made to  FIGS. 1-3 . In one arrangement, the protective element  120  can include a first surface  130  (best shown in  FIG. 3 ) and a second surface  135  (best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). In the first configuration (see  FIG. 2 ), the first surface  130  can be at least partially positioned over and face the interface  115  of the device  105 . Additionally, the second surface  135  can be positioned opposite to the first surface  130  and can be exposed to the environment external to the device  105  in the first configuration. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second surface  135  can be substantially non-planar. For example, the second surface  135  can be substantially curved in nature, as pictured, although the second surface  135  may take on other suitable shapes. In one arrangement, the support structure  125  can be a slot  140  that, for example, runs along the second surface  135 . In one particular example but without limitation, the slot  140  can run the entire length of the second surface  135  of the protective element  120  and can be positioned along a horizontal axis H of the protective element  120 . The slot  140  can be configured to receive the device  105  in the second configuration, as will be presented below. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 3 , the first surface  130  of the protective element  120  can include one or more ribs  145  to support the protective element  120 , and the ribs  145  can also be configured to provide spacing in the first configuration. Specifically, a portion of the first surface  130  can be substantially non-planar, with a curvature that is proportionally similar to that of the second surface  135 . In the first configuration, the ribs  145  of the first surface  130  may engage the interface  115  by resting on or slightly above the interface  115  or some other suitable component of the device  105 . This design, because the ribs  145  provide support and spacing for the first surface  130 , can minimize the amount of material required to form the protective element  120 . As an option, one of the ribs  145  can correspond to the slot  140  (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). That is, the formation of the slot  140  in the second surface  135  can lead to the generation of a corresponding rib  145 . An example of this feature is illustrated by the rib  145  that is the widest of the ribs  145  shown here and that runs along all or most of the first surface  130 . This particular rib  145 , in view of its additional width, can include a substantially planar surface  150 . As another alternative, a cushioning material can be affixed or attached to any of the ribs  145  to further protect the interface  115 . In yet another alternative arrangement, the first surface  130  can be made substantially planar or flat, with no exposed ribs  145  or ribs  145  that have minimal height. 
     To assist in the engagement between the protective element  120  and the device  105 , the protective apparatus  110  can include one or more border protrusions  155 . In particular, the border protrusions  155  can be configured to engage a corresponding perimeter  160  of the device  105  (see  FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the border protrusions  155  can be substantially perpendicular to a portion of the first surface  130 , such as the planar surface  150  of one of the ribs  145 . As another example, the border protrusions  155  can form a continuous lip  165 , which can create a perimeter  170  for the protective apparatus  110 . In the first configuration, the border protrusions  155  of the lip  165  can fit around and engage the corresponding perimeter  160  of the device  105  to assist in the engagement between the protective element  120  and the device  105  (see  FIG. 2 ). To further assist in this engagement, some of the border protrusions  155  can include one or more snap fits  175 , which can snap onto the perimeter  160  of the device  105 . Of course, other mechanisms may be implemented in addition to or in lieu of the snap fits  175  to assist in the engagement. 
     Referring once again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , as noted earlier, the support structure  125  can be a slot  140 . The slot  140  can include a first edge  180 , a second edge  185  and a bottom surface  190 . In one arrangement, the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  can be opposite to one another, and the bottom surface  190  can be substantially planar. Also, the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  can be positioned a predetermined distance apart. Referring to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the protective element  120  is shown. Here, the predetermined width between the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  can be seen. 
     As can also be seen in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , the second surface  135 , in view of its curvature, can transition upwards from the border protrusions  155  of the protective element  120  towards the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  of the slot  140 . Although this transition is shown as being relatively continuous and smooth, the shape of the second surface  135  is certainly not so limited. In fact, more discrete and sudden changes in the height of the second surface  135 , like a staircase design, may be employed here. To further enhance its implementation into the second surface  135 , the slot  140  (i.e., support structure  125 ) can essentially track at least a portion of the overall shape of the second surface  135 . For example, the slot  140  can include a maximum height M X  and a minimum height M N  (M N  not shown in  FIG. 4 ), and the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  of the slot  140  can transition between the maximum height M X  and the minimum height M N . 
     Although this transition can substantially match that of the second surface  135 , the slot  140  is not limited as such. For example, the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  may transition between the maximum height M X  and the minimum heights M N  through discrete and angular steps. Moreover, the maximum height M X  and the minimum heights M N  are not necessarily limited to matching the overall maximum and minimum heights of the second surface  135 . For example, the maximum height M X  of at least a portion of one of or both of the first edge  180  and the second edge  185  can be increased in height such that the maximum height(s) M X  exceed that of the second surface  135 . This may permit the protective element  120  to provide for greater stability of the device  105  in the second configuration. 
     As pointed out above, the support structure  125  can be configured to support the device  105  in a second configuration. An example of this support provided in the second configuration is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In the second configuration, protective element  120  can be removed from the device  105  and placed on a relatively flat surface  195 , with the second surface  135  facing away from the flat surface  195 . The support structure  125  can then receive the device  105  and can support the device  105  in a manner, for example, that optimizes the viewing angle of the interface  115 . This feature can permit a user to conveniently view information on the interface  115  and can enable or at least improve the operation of one or more other components of the device  105 . For example, in one arrangement, the device  105  can be a communication device that can have a camera  200  (see  FIG. 5 ) for conducting video conference calls. Placing the device  105  in the second configuration can permit the camera  200  to capture images of the user in the user&#39;s natural sitting or standing position of the device  105  for eventual transmission to another electrical component. 
     As explained earlier, the support structure  125  can be a slot  140 . The dimensions of the slot  140  can be set to achieve the stability of the second configuration and a convenient viewing angle for the device  105 . For example, referring to  FIG. 6 , the width of the slot  140 , or the predetermined distance between the first edge  180  and the second edge  185 , can be wide enough to receive and support the device  105  in the second configuration so as to induce the device  105  to lean at an angle A in the second configuration. The angle A can be measured with respect to a vertical axis V. As an example, the vertical axis V is a vertical axis of the flat surface  195  on which the protective element  120  sits. In one embodiment but without limitation, the angle A can be within a range of between approximately ten degrees to approximately twenty-five degrees, with a specific example being roughly fifteen degrees. It must be noted, however, that the angle A of the device  105  in the second configuration is not so limited and can be virtually any other angle. In fact, the angle A can be essentially zero with respect to the vertical axis V, meaning that the device  105  can be perpendicular with the flat surface  180 . 
     The width of the slot  140  may not necessarily be the only factor that affects the positioning of the device  105  in the second configuration. Specifically, the maximum height M X  (see also  FIG. 4 ) or other shorter heights of the slot  140  may be set to accordingly affect the angle A at which the device  105  will be positioned in the second configuration. For example, the maximum height M X  of the slot  140  can be increased to reduce the angle A of the device  105  with respect to the vertical axis V. Conversely, the angle A of the device  105  can be increased by reducing the maximum height M X  of the slot  140 . 
     In most scenarios, the interface  115  can be at the same angle A at which the device  105  is positioned with respect to the vertical axis V. Nevertheless, the interface  115  may be positioned at an angle different from the angle A. For example, the interface  115  may be a display that is pivotably coupled to the device  105 , which can enable a user to adjust the interface  115  to a desired positioned separate from that of the device  105 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , in addition to being a support for the device  105 , the support structure  125  can serve as a grasping mechanism  205  to enable a user to remove the protective apparatus  110  from the device  105  in the first configuration. In particular, the first edge  180 , the second edge  185  and the bottom surface  190  of the slot  140  can form the grasping mechanism  205  by providing a space where the user may insert his/her fingers when removing the protective apparatus  110 . This feature can provide the user with additional leverage during such a process. As another option, the protective apparatus  110  may be equipped with other structure or components—in addition to the grabbing mechanism  205 —to make it easier for the user to remove the protective apparatus  110  from the device  105 . 
     A method of operating the protection and support system  100  will now be presented. In describing this operation, reference will be made to  FIGS. 1-6 , although it is understood that this method can be practiced with other suitable components and systems. The chronological order of this process is certainly not limited to that described below, either. Moreover, the exemplary method presented here may contain a greater number of or even a fewer number of steps when practiced in other suitable manners. 
     To start, a user may grasp the protective apparatus  110  and position it over at least a portion of the device  105  such that the protective apparatus is engaged with the device  105  in a first configuration to protect the device  105 . An example of this result is shown in  FIG. 2 . In this state, the device  105  is protected from various detrimental conditions or elements. The user can grasp the protective apparatus  110  once again and can remove the protective apparatus  110  from the device  105 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 1 . Removing the protective apparatus  110  from the device  105  can include at least partially grasping the slot  140  and lifting the protective apparatus away from the device  105 . Next, the user can place the protective apparatus  110  on a surface, like flat surface  195  and can engage the device with the support structure  125  that is integral with the protective apparatus  110 . This state is referred to as the second configuration, different views of which are shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . As previously explained, engaging the device  105  with the support structure  125  includes fitting a portion of the device  105  into the slot  140  that is built into the protective apparatus  110 . Various processes can be conducted in the second configuration. For example, as explained earlier, a user may conduct a video conference call. 
     Examples have been described above regarding a protective element and support structure. Various modifications to and departures from the disclosed embodiments will occur to those having skill in the art. The subject matter that is intended to be within the spirit of this disclosure is set forth in the following claims.