Patent Publication Number: US-2016224125-A1

Title: Combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/110,143, filed May 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. his application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/346,717, filed May 20, 2010 and entitled PROTECTIVE CASE FOR A TABLET COMPUTER AND KEYBOARD, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/353,171, filed Jun. 9, 2010 and entitled PROTECTIVE CASE FOR A TABLET COMPUTER AND KEYBOARD, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Tablet computing devices have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use, light weight and portability. Such devices typically include a thin, lightweight case and a touch-sensitive screen that occupies a majority of the area of the front face of the tablet. The touch-sensitive screen allows for ease of interaction with the interface of the tablet and for convenient consumption of media such as videos, photographs, and music, as well as web browsing and email. 
     While tablet devices are convenient for media consumption, they are less convenient for media creation, for example, word-processing and email composition. This stems from the fact that on a tablet device, text is typically input via an on-screen keyboard, which lacks the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard, and is less conducive to rapid and accurate typing. To alleviate this inconvenience, some tablet devices can couple to a physical keyboard, for example via the Bluetooth wireless communications standard. However, the separate physical keyboard reduces the portability and convenience of the tablet device. 
     Additionally, tablets are adapted for being held in the user&#39;s hands during usage; if the user&#39;s hands are occupied, the tablet typically must be laid flat on a surface. Neither arrangement allows for convenient viewing of the tablet simultaneous with the use of a keyboard. 
     A convenient solution for transporting and situating a tablet computing device and associated keyboard is therefore desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard is disclosed. The case includes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the second panel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel. The second panel can be pivoted so as to place the second panel in facing relation to a second face of the first panel. The cover portion may include a first cover panel, a second cover panel and a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and the second cover panel. At least one fastener may be disposed on a second face of the first panel and at least one complementary fastener may be disposed on a second face of the second panel. The case can further include at least one adjoining member adapted to be placed in adjoining relation with a rear portion of the keyboard. The adjoining member can include at least one fastener on a first face of the adjoining member. A covering may be disposed on the first face of the cover portion. The covering may be adapted to couple with the at least one fastener of the adjoining member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIGS. 1 a -1 c    show a first exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration. 
         FIGS. 2 a -2 c    show a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in a first configuration. 
         FIGS. 3 a -3 c    show a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in a second configuration. 
         FIGS. 4 a -4 c    show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, closed configuration. 
         FIGS. 5 a -5 c    show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, open configuration. 
         FIGS. 6 a -6 c    show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptop mode configuration. 
         FIGS. 7 a -7 c    show the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a hidden keyboard laptop configuration. 
         FIGS. 8 a -8 c    show a second exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration. 
         FIGS. 9 a -9 b    show a second exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel. 
         FIG. 10 a    shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, closed configuration. 
         FIG. 10 b    shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, open configuration. 
         FIG. 11  shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptop mode configuration. 
         FIG. 12  shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a hidden keyboard laptop configuration. 
         FIGS. 13 a -13 b    show a third exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows. 
     As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. Furthermore, when elements are described as “coupled” or “connected,” it should be understood that the elements may be directly connected to each other or may be connected through one or more intervening elements. 
     Generally referring to  FIGS. 1 a -7 c   , a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard  100  is disclosed. Case  100  may include structures for retaining a tablet device and a keyboard therein. Case  100  can further include a plurality of panels which may be arranged in various positions so as to allow case  100  to be adapted to a variety of desired functionalities. For example, case  100  may be placed in a compact, closed configuration for transporting the tablet device and keyboard and protecting the tablet device and keyboard during transport, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device. Case  100  may further be placed in a compact open configuration for handheld use of the tablet device, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device. Case  100  may further be placed in an angled open configuration for use of the tablet device on top of a surface. In the angled open configuration, the keyboard may be presented or hidden as desired. Case  100  may also include structures for maintaining the plurality of panels in desired positions. It should be appreciated that the configurations and positions described herein are not limiting, and that a variety of configurations and positions for case  100  may be contemplated and presented as desired. 
     Case  100 , or portions thereof may include an outer covering that is formed from any desired material, for example leather, imitation leather, leatherette, cloth, microfiber, synthetic polymer-based materials, or any other material known in the art that enables case  100  to function as described herein, or any desired combinations of materials. Rigidity may be provided to desired portions of case  100  through the use of rigid inserts or rigid shells made from any material known in the art that enables case  100  to function as described herein. Portions of case  100  may be provided with fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, clasps, buttons, tab-and-slot fasteners, or any fastener known in the art that enables case  100  to function as described herein. Furthermore, portions of case  100  may be provided with a napped covering, for example felt, suede, alcantara, velvet, or any other covering having a napped pile or texture known in the art that enables case  100  to function as described herein. The napped covering may further cooperate with the fasteners so as to facilitate coupling between the fasteners and the napped covering. 
     Embodiments of the combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard illustrated in the provided figures are adapted for use with a tablet computing device such as the iPad, developed and sold by Apple, Inc. and a wireless keyboard such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, also developed and sold by Apple, Inc. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments of case  100 , as well as the configurations and concepts disclosed herein may be adapted for use with any known tablet device and keyboard, and are not limited solely to the illustrated devices. 
       FIGS. 1 a -1 c    show case  100  in an open, flat configuration, illustrating the plurality of panels of case  100 . Case  100  may include a tablet panel  102  having a first face  104  and a second face  106 . A portion of first face  104  of tablet panel  102  may include a napped covering  108  disposed thereon. First face  104  of tablet panel  102  may further include a tablet sleeve  110  disposed thereon. Tablet sleeve  110  may be sized to receive a tablet computing device therein, and to snugly and securely maintain the tablet computing device within tablet sleeve  110 . Tablet sleeve  110  may further include an opening  112  sized to allow viewing of the screen of the tablet computing device therethrough. Opening  112  may be uncovered, or may include a transparent protective cover (not shown) that allows for operation of the touch-screen of the tablet computing device. Tablet sleeve  110  may further include a plurality of apertures  114  for accessing the hardware ports and buttons of the tablet computing device. Second face  106  of tablet panel  102  may include a plurality of fasteners  180  disposed thereon. For example, fasteners  180  may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. 
     Case  100  can further include a keyboard panel  120  having a first face  122  and a second face  124 . Keyboard panel  120  may be pivotably coupled to tablet panel  102 , for example via a flexible panel  130  having a first face  132  and a second face  134 . Coupled to keyboard panel  120  may be first band  126  and second band  128 , which may be sized to receive a keyboard  10  between first face  122  and bands  126 ,  128  and to snugly and securely maintain keyboard  10  therein. Second face  124  of keyboard panel  120  may include a plurality of complementary fasteners  182  disposed thereon. For example, complementary fasteners  182  may be looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a book-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with fasteners  180 . 
       FIGS. 2 a -2 c    and  FIGS. 3 a -3 c    show a detail of keyboard panel  120  and flexible panel  130 . First band  126  may be provided with at least two fastening straps  140 , each fastening strap having a first face  142  and a second face  144 . First faces  142  of fastening straps  140  may be provided with fasteners  180  and second faces  144  of fastening straps  140  may be provided with complementary fasteners  182 . After keyboard  10  is inserted under bands  126 ,  128 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 a -3 c   , straps  140  can then be inserted through slits  136  defined in flexible portion  130  so as to place straps  140  in adjoining relation with rear portion  12  of keyboard  10 . Straps  140  can then be secured by coupling fasteners  180  disposed on second face  134  of flexible portion  130  to complementary fasteners  182  disposed on second faces  144  of straps  140 . 
     Turning back to  FIGS. 1 a -1 c   , a cover portion  150  may be pivotably coupled to a bridging panel  158 , which can in turn be coupled to second face  106  of tablet panel  102 . Alternatively, cover portion  150  may be directly pivotably coupled to second face  106  of tablet panel  102 . Cover portion  150  may include a rigid first panel  160 , a rigid second panel  162 , and a central panel  164  disposed between the first and second panels. In one embodiment, central panel  164  may be flexible and may be pivotably coupled to first panel  160  and second panel  162 . Alternatively, central panel  164  may be rigid and may be pivotably coupled to first panel  160  via a first flexible panel  166 , and to second panel  162  via a second flexible panel  168 . The pivotable couplings of first panel  160 , second panel  162 , and central panel  164  may be such that each of panels  160 ,  162 ,  164  may be fully articulable, with respect to the panel is proximate thereto, about the longitudinal axis of the pivotable coupling. 
     Cover portion  150  may have a first face  152  and a second face  154 . A portion of first face  152  of cover portion  150  may include a napped covering  156  disposed thereon. Second face  154  may include a logo, ornament, decorative feature, or other indicia  170  disposed thereon. Additionally, second panel  162  may include a logo, ornament, decorative feature, or other indicia  172  disposed at the edge thereof such that indicia  172  may be visible on both first face  152  and second face  154 . 
       FIGS. 4 a -4 c    show case  100  in an exemplary compact, closed configuration. In the closed configuration, keyboard panel  120  can be positioned such that second face  124  of keyboard panel  120  is proximate second face  106  of tablet panel  102 . Keyboard panel  120  can then be coupled to tablet panel  102  using fasteners  180  of tablet panel  102  and complementary fasteners  182  of keyboard panel  120 . Cover portion  150  can then be pivotally moved towards keyboard panel  120  and around tablet panel  102 , such that cover portion encloses panels  102 ,  120 , with first panel  160  disposed in facing relation to first face  122  of keyboard panel  120 , central panel  164  disposed in facing relation to first face  104  of tablet panel  102 , and second panel  162  disposed in facing relation to a portion of second face  104  of tablet panel  102  and proximate bridging panel  158 . Second panel  162  can then be coupled to second face  104  of tablet panel  102  using fasteners  180  of tablet panel  102  and complementary fasteners  182  of second panel  162 . The compact closed configuration thus allows one to conveniently transport case  100  while protecting the tablet device and keyboard from damage. Furthermore, keyboard panel  120  can be disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel  102 . Consequently, keyboard  10  is disposed behind, and not in front of the tablet device, facilitating minimizing damage to the screen of the tablet device during transport and storage. 
       FIGS. 5 a -5 c    show case  100  in: an exemplary compact, open configuration. In the open configuration, keyboard panel  120  can be positioned such that second face  124  of keyboard panel  120  is proximate second face  106  of tablet panel  102 . Keyboard panel  120  can then be coupled to tablet panel  102  using fasteners  180  of tablet panel  102  and complementary fasteners  182  of keyboard panel  10 . Cover portion  150  can then be pivotally moved towards keyboard panel  120  such that first panel  160  is disposed in facing relation to first face  122  of keyboard panel  120 . Central panel  164  can then be pivoted around such that it is positioned in contact with first panel  160 . Second panel  162  can then be folded, if desired, between central panel  164  and tablet panel  102 . The compact open configuration thus allows one to use the tablet device while providing a compact form factor that allows case  100  to be held with one or both hands, if desired. Furthermore, keyboard panel  120  can be disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel  102 . Consequently, as keyboard  10  is disposed behind the tablet device and does not interfere with handheld use of the tablet device, the tablet device does not need to be removed from case  100  for handheld use. 
       FIGS. 6 a -6 c    show case  100  in an exemplary laptop mode configuration. In the laptop configuration, second panel  162  and central panel  164  of cover portion  150  can be placed on a surface such that napped covering  156  is oriented away from the surface. Tablet panel  102  and keyboard panel  120  can then be placed on top of second and central panels  162 ,  164 , with first panel  160  acting as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel  102  in an angled relation to the surface on which case  100  placed. A desired angle for tablet panel  102  may be achieved by repositioning tablet panel  102  and keyboard panel  120  along the length of the second and central panels  162 ,  164  of cover portion  150 . Furthermore, the fasteners  180  that are disposed on the first face  142  of fastening straps  140  can couple to the napped surface  156  of cover portion  150 , thereby preventing movement of tablet panel  102  and keyboard panel  120 , and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet device at a convenient viewing angle and to simultaneously use the keyboard in conjunction with the tablet device. 
       FIGS. 7 a -7 c    show case  100   m  an exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration. In the hidden keyboard laptop configuration, second panel  162  and central panel  164  of cover portion  150  can be placed on a surface such that napped covering  156  is oriented away from the surface. Keyboard panel  120  can be positioned such that second face  124  of keyboard panel  120  is proximate second face  106  of tablet panel  102 . Keyboard panel  120  can then be coupled to tablet panel  102  using fasteners  180  of tablet panel  102  and complementary fasteners  182  of keyboard panel  120 . Tablet panel  102  can then be placed on top of second and central panels  162 ,  164 , with first panel  160  of cover portion  150  acting as a support that facilitates maintaining tablet panel  102  in an angled relation to the surface on which case  100  placed. A desired angle for tablet panel  102  may be achieved by repositioning tablet panel  102  along the length of the second and central panels  162 ,  164  of cover portion  150 . Furthermore, the fasteners  180  that are disposed on the first face  142  of fastening straps  140  can couple to the napped surface  156  of cover portion  150 , thereby preventing movement of tablet panel  102 , and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet device at a convenient viewing angle while the keyboard remains concealed and protected behind the tablet device. Furthermore, keyboard panel  120  can be disposed behind and coupled to tablet panel  102  during transport. Consequently, keyboard  10  is disposed behind, and not in front of the tablet device, which facilitates protecting keyboard  10  from debris, liquid, and other possible sources of damage while case  100  is in a laptop configuration. 
       FIGS. 8 a   - 12  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard  200 . Most components of the embodiment of case  200  are the same or similar to those of the embodiment of case  100 , and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments. 
     The embodiments of case  200  may be provided with magnetic fasteners  280 , and complementary magnetic fasteners  282  in lieu of fasteners  180 ,  182  of the embodiments of case  100 . Magnetic fasteners  280  may be provided on the second face  206  of tablet panel  202 . Complementary magnetic fasteners  282  may be provided on the second face  224  of keyboard panel  220 , and on the first face  252  of cover portion  250 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 a -8 c   . Magnetic fasteners  280  may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementary magnetic fasteners  282  or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. Complementary magnetic fasteners  282  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with magnetic fasteners  280 . Alternatively, a plurality of complementary fastening strips  283  may be provided on the first face  252  of cover portion  250 , in place of the complementary fasteners  282 , as shown in  FIG. 8 b   . Complementary fastening strips  283  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with magnetic fasteners  280 . It should be appreciated that magnetic fasteners  280 , complementary magnetic fasteners  282 , and complementary fastening strips  283  need not be exposed on the surface of their respective panels, but may be disposed behind a covering such that the fasteners  280 ,  282 ,  283  are hidden while retaining the coupling functionality. 
       FIGS. 9 a -9 b    show a detail of keyboard panel  220  and flexible panel  230 . Coupled to keyboard panel  220  may be side tabs  225  and comer tabs  227 , which may be disposed so as to receive a keyboard  10  therebetween, and to snugly and securely maintain keyboard  20  in place. Additionally, sheath  241  may be provided, and placed in adjoining relation with the rear portion  22  of keyboard  20 , for example by snap fit, by sliding sheath  241  on to rear portion  22 , or by any other manner. Sheath  241  can include a pair of fastening strips  284  • disposed on the exterior face thereof. Fastening strips  284  may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementary magnetic fasteners  282  or complementary fastening strips  283 , or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10 a -10 b   , when case  200  is an exemplary compact closed configuration, magnetic fasteners  280  of tablet panel  202  may be coupled to complementary magnetic fasteners  282  of keyboard panel  220  and to complementary magnetic fasteners  282  of second panel  262  of cover portion  250 . In the exemplary compact open configuration, second panel  262  may be uncoupled from tablet panel  202  and second and central panels  262 ,  264  may be folded behind first panel  260  of cover portion  250 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , when case  200  is in an exemplary laptop configuration or an exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration, fastening strips  284  of sheath  241  can couple to desired complementary magnetic fasteners  282  or complementary fastening strips  283  on first face  252  of cover portion  250 , so as to prevent movement of tablet panel  202  and to allow the desired angle of tablet panel  202  to be securely maintained. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 a   - 12 , the exemplary configurations of case  200  are substantially similar to the configurations of case  100 . In the exemplary configurations, Magnets  280 ,  282  and magnetic strips  283 ,  284  provide for the desired couplings of the various panels and portions of case  200 , as illustrated. It should be appreciated that the shown exemplary configurations of case  100  and case  200  are not the only possible configurations, and additional configurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired. 
       FIGS. 13 a -14 b    illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard  300 . Most components of the embodiment of case  300  are the same or similar to those of the embodiments of case  100  and case  200 , and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in all embodiments. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 13 a -13 b   , case  300  may include a keyboard  30 . Keyboard  30  may be provided in lieu of a keyboard panel and may be pivotably coupled to tablet panel  302  via flexible panel  330 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 a -13 b   . Alternatively, keyboard  30  may be directly pivotably coupled to tablet panel  302 . Keyboard  30  may be included in case  30  and may communicatively couple with a tablet device via any desired connection, for example, via a cable such as a USB-compliant cable, or via a wireless connection such as the Bluetooth wireless communication standard. If desired, keyboard  30  may be formed integral with case  300  or may be partially or substantially enclosed by case  300 . For example, an integrally formed keyboard  30  may have an outer covering that is substantially similar to the outer covering of case  300 , and which may be contiguous with the outer covering of case  300 . 
     Alternatively, keyboard  30  may be separately formed from case  300  and may be included with the case. As shown in  FIGS. 14 a -14 b   , keyboard  30  may then be retained by a retention structure  325 , which may be a panel, straps, outer shell, or any other structure that can retain keyboard  30  in place. Retention structure  325  may be formed from any desired material, for example the material of case  300 , plastic, or the like. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 13 a -14 b   , the bottom  34  of keyboard  30  may include a plurality of complementary fasteners  382  disposed thereon. If keyboard  30  is disposed in a retention structure, the retention structure  325  may be configured such that the complementary fasteners on the bottom  34  of keyboard  30  can be exposed. Fasteners  382  may be, for example, looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that couple to fasteners  380  disposed on the second face  306  of tablet panel  302 . Fasteners  380 , may be, for example, hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. Alternatively, complementary fasteners  382  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with fasteners  380 . Likewise, fasteners  380  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementary fasteners  382 . 
     Keyboard  30  may further include fastening strips  384  disposed on the rear portion  32  of keyboard  30 . Fastening strips  384  may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener pair, or may be any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with napped covering  356  of cover portion  350 . Alternatively, fastening strips  384  may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with fasteners  380  disposed on the first face  352  of cover portion  350 . 
     It should be understood that the exemplary configurations of case  300  are substantially similar to the configurations of case  100  and case  200 . Furthermore, the shown exemplary configurations of cases  100 ,  200  and  300  are not the only possible configurations, and additional configurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired. 
     The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments alld modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
     Therefore, the above-described embodiments should′ be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.