Patent Publication Number: US-2012031786-A1

Title: Protective skin for an e-reader

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/350,483, filed Jun. 2, 2010, and entitled “PROTECTIVE SKIN FOR AN E-READER”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a protective case or skin for an e-reader, and more specifically, to a silicone protective case or skin for an e-reader. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recently, eReaders such as electronic books have become increasingly popular. Such eReaders include a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying the contents or text of an electronic book. 
     A user may control the eReader using key commands including, for example, directional key commands (e.g., up, down, left, right), enter/ok, next page or previous page, or menu structure key commands (e.g., menu, home, back), etc. 
     A user may read the eReader in a variety of places and in a variety of environmental conditions, such as while travelling, vacationing, at home, etc. 
     An eReader is designed to be lightweight, compact, and portable. In this manner, an eReader may be easily stowed, for example, in a book bag, purse, pocket, briefcase, etc. and transported by a user, or simply be hand-carried by the user. As a result of this portability, the eReader may be susceptible to wear or damage from other objects, liquids, etc., including for example, scratches, dings, chipping, etc. 
     To protect the eReader, and particularly the display of the eReader, from wear or damage, it is known to provide a protective case or cover for an eReader. Although, conventional covers are generally thought to be acceptable, they are not without limitations. For example, conventional covers may have limited applications, may be cumbersome or difficult to use, may not reliably hold or secure the eReader therein, may not protect all surfaces of the eReader, and/or may inhibit access to input/output controls of the eReader. 
     Moreover, conventional covers may not protect the eReader from damage resulting from exposure to the elements, such as dirt, dust, sand, moisture or liquids from, for example, rain, spills, etc. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, a first exemplary embodiment of which includes a protective case or skin for an eReader including a body having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, a first opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective case, and a first closure device that substantially closes the first opening. The protective skin can protect the eReader from various types of damage, including damage from liquids or spills. 
     Another embodiment can include a first securing device that secures the first closure device to the body in a closed position and/or a second securing device that secures the first closure device to the body in an open position. The first securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. Further, the first securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The first closure device can include a spine portion. Also, the first closure device can include a flap portion. Further, the flap portion can be coupled to the body via the spine portion. 
     Another embodiment can include an eReader with a second opening and a second closure device that substantially closes the second opening. Further, the second closure device can include a knob. The knob can include a cylindrical plug. 
     A portion or all of the protective case can be transparent or tinted/opaque. An embodiment of the protective case can include an anti-reflective film that protects the screen area of the case while allowing for uninhibited reading in bright or sunny environments. In other embodiments, the protective case can be integrally formed from a material having anti-reflective properties, polarizing properties, resistance to ultra-violet light, etc. 
     Yet another embodiment can include an eReader with a silicone body or a silicone skin body. 
     Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device with a transparent portion. Another embodiment can include a transparent portion that includes one of a tinted material and a light polarizing material. 
     Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device with an opaque portion. Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device with a silicone body. 
     The eReader case can include a panel portion corresponding to input controls of the eReader and providing full functionality to one or more of the eReader&#39;s navigation buttons and keyboard while the eReader is sealed within the case. Further, the panel portion can overlay at least one input control of the eReader when the eReader is inserted into the interior of the protective case, the panel portion transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion to an input control of the eReader to actuate the input control of the eReader. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a protective case for an eReader, including a body having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, a first opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective case, and closure means for closing the first opening. Further, the body can include means for actuating one or more input controls of the eReader when the eReader is inserted into the interior of the protective case. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front plan view of an open state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a rear plan view of an open state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front plan view of a closed state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a rear plan view of a closed state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a partial rear plan view of a closed state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial rear perspective view of a closed state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a partial front plan view of a closed state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front perspective view of an open state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front perspective view of an open state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front perspective view of an open state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front perspective view of an open state of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a partial front plan view of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a partial front plan view of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a partial bottom perspective view of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a partial front perspective view of a protective case according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-15  illustrate exemplary embodiments of a protective case or skin for an eReader. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-15 , an exemplary embodiment of a protective case or skin  100  for an eReader includes a body  102 . The body  102  has an interior surface  106   a  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 ) and an exterior surface  106   b . The body  102  has a first opening  110  for inserting the eReader  200  into a space formed by the interior surface  106   a  of the protective skin/case such that the eReader  200  can be fully or partially encased or encapsulated by the protective skin/case  100 . 
     The body  102  can be connected to a first closure device  112  via front spine  108   a . Alternatively, the body  102  can be connected to the first closure device  112  via a plurality of front spines  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c . The first closure device  112  and the body  102  are pivotable with respect to one another about front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and/or  108   c  such that the first closure device  112  is movable between a closed position and an open position, as well as any positions therebetween. The front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  can be an integral portion of the body  102  and/or the first closure device  112 . Alternatively, the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the body  102  and the first closure device  112 . 
     The first closure device  112  has an interior surface  104   a  and an exterior surface  104   b . The first closure device  112  can be utilized to completely close the first opening  110  and to completely open the first opening  110 , as well as any positions therebetween. Further, the first closure device  112  can include a flap or tongue portion that opens/closes the first opening  110 . 
     As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can provide a protective case  100  having, for example, a read-through or transparent, clear first closure device  112  (e.g., interior surface  104   a  and exterior surface  104   b ), such as a clear vinyl closure device, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader  200  while the eReader  200  is enclosed within the protective case  100 . Other transparent materials also may be used. Further, the entire protective case  100  can also utilize a read-through or transparent material that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader  200  while the eReader  200  is enclosed within the protective case  100 . 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the closed position of the first closure device  112  is defined as a position in which the first closure device  112  overlaps the first opening  110  and the interior surface  104   a  of the first closure device  112  is opposed to the interior surface  106   a  of the body  102 . The full-open position of the first closure device  112  is defined as a position in which the first closure device  112  overlaps the body  102  and the exterior surface  104   b  of the first closure device  112  is opposed to the exterior surface  106   b  of the body  102 . Further, in the full-open position of first closure device  112 , portions of the exterior surface  104   b  of the first closure device  112  can be in direct contact with the exterior surface  106   b  of the body  102 . Alternatively, in the full-open position of the first closure device  112 , portions of the exterior surface  104   b  of the first closure device  112  can be in partial contact or no contact at all with the exterior surface  106   b  of the body  102 . 
     In the closed position of the first closure device  112 , the first closure device  112  can be configured to cover all of the first opening  110  such that the entire surface of the eReader  200  stored therein is covered by the protective case  100 , thereby providing protection for all surfaces of the eReader  200 . Alternatively, in the closed position of the first closure device  112 , the first closure device  112  can be configured to partially cover the first opening  110  such that a portion of the surface of the eReader  200  stored therein is covered by the protective case  100 , thereby providing protection for a portion (e.g., a majority) of the surfaces of the eReader  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-15 , the exemplary embodiments can provide a protective case  100  having, for example, a read-through or transparent, clear first closure device  112  (e.g., interior surface  104   a  and exterior surface  104   b ), such as a clear vinyl closure device, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader  200  while the eReader  200  is enclosed within the protective case  100 . Other transparent materials also may be used. 
     The first opening  110  can be aligned with the screen of the eReader  200  located within the protective case  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , or misaligned with the screen of the eReader  200  (not shown). Further, the first opening  110  can be any size and/or shape. While the exemplary embodiments illustrate the first opening  110  and the first closure device  122  being similar in size and/or shape, they do not need to correspond to each other in size and/or shape. 
     The first closure device  112  can extend across the entire first opening  110 , for example, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , or a portion of the first opening  110  (not shown). Further, the first closure device  112  can be any size and/or shape. For example, in some embodiments, the first closure device  112  can correspond only to the size of a width and length of the eReader screen, yet in other embodiments the first closure device  112  can be smaller or larger than the size of the eReader screen. 
     As explained above, the first closure device  112  can be clear such that the user can read the screen of the eReader  200  through the first closure device  112 . The first closure device  112  also can be tinted or polarized, etc. For example, the first closure device  112  can include a colored tint that reduces eye strain when reading. The first closure device  112  can be tinted, or include a material that reduces or limits the exposure of the eReader  200  to ultraviolet light, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the eReader  200  from exposure to sunlight. In other embodiments, the first closure device  112  can be tinted or include a material that reduces or limits glare. 
     In still other embodiments, the first closure device  112  can have optical properties, such as magnifying properties, focusing properties, etc., for example, that may reduce eye strain during reading, or improve the reading experience, etc. in less than optimum reading conditions. It is conceivable that the first closure device  112  can magnify the display of the eReader  200  such that a vision impaired user can more easily read the text displayed on the eReader display. 
     In the closed position of the first closure device  112 , the first closure device  112  can be configured to cover all of the first opening  110  such that the substantially all surfaces (e.g., the entire surface) of the eReader  200  stored therein is covered by the protective case  100 , thereby providing protection for all surfaces of the eReader  200 . Alternatively, in the closed position of the first closure device  112 , the first closure device  112  can be configured to partially cover the first opening  110  such that a portion of the surface of the eReader  200  stored therein is covered by the protective case  100 , thereby providing protection for a portion of the eReader  200 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , exemplary embodiments can include a first securing device (e.g., first post  114  and latch flap  118 ) that secures the first closure device  112  to the body  102  (e.g., in the closed position), thereby fully/partially enclosing the eReader  200  within the protective case  100 , and providing additional protection against the elements, such as weather, spills, drops, etc. The first securing device can include, for example, latch mechanism(s) for securing the first closure device  112  to the body  102  by means of a latch flap  118  and a first post  114 , or other closure device, such as a hook and loop fastener, re-usable or re-sealable adhesive, Velcro, magnet(s), button(s), etc. Other securing devices may be used to secure the first closure device  112  to the body  102  for providing additional protection for the eReader secured therein. 
     In the open position of the first closure device  112 , the protective case  100  can provide protection for substantially all surfaces (e.g., the entire surface) of the eReader  200  by covering a majority of the eReader surface, except for the portion of the eReader exposed by the first opening  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  5 - 11 , exemplary embodiments can include a second securing device (e.g., second post  116  and latch flap  118 ) that secures the first closure device  112  to the body  102 , thereby fully opening the first opening  110  (e.g., the first closure device  112  is in the open position) while still enclosing the eReader  200  within the protective case  100 , and providing additional protection against the elements, such as weather, spills, drops, etc. The second securing device can include, for example, a latch mechanism(s) for securing the first closure device  112  to the body  102  by means of a latch flap  118  and a second post  116 , or other closure device, such as a hook and loop fastener, re-usable or re-sealable adhesive, Velcro, magnet(s), button(s), etc. Other securing devices may be used to secure the first closure device  112  to the body  102  for providing additional protection for the eReader secured therein. 
     As explained above, the body  102  of the protective case  100  can be connected to a first closure device  112  via front spine  108   a . Alternatively, the body  102  can be connected to the first closure device  112  via a plurality of front spines  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c . The first closure device  112  and the body  102  are pivotable with respect to one another about front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and/or  108   c  such that the first closure device  112  is movable between a closed position and an open position, as well as any positions therebetween. The front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  can be an integral portion of the body  102  and/or the first closure device  112 . Alternatively, the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the body  102  and the first closure device  112 . In the protective case  100 , as the first closure device  112  and the first opening  110  are transitioned from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, the first closure device  112  and the body  102  are pivotable with respect to one another about the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and/or  108   c . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  can be segmented into three portions such that the first closure device  112  can also be segmented into three portions. Alternatively, any number of front spine(s) can be utilized resulting in an equivalent number of segmented portions of the first closure device  112 . The front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and/or  108   c  and/or the first closure device  112  can be made of a flexible material which allows the first closure device  112  to wrap around the body  102 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as the first closure device  112  is pivoted about the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c , the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  can be aligned with the positioning of the top-edge portion  170  of the body  102  such that the first closure device  112  wraps around the top-edge portion  170  of the body  102 . Alternatively, the first closure device  112  can wrap around any other portions of the body  102 , or may not even wrap around the body  102  at all; instead the first closure device  112  can be rolled up against itself forming a cylindrical shape or any equivalent; or can even be repositioned such that the first closure device  112  is not fully obstructing the first opening  110 . Further, when the first closure device  112  is pivoted about the body  102 , the front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and  108   c  need not be aligned with the positioning of the top-edge portion  170  of the body  102 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14-15 , another exemplary embodiment of a protective case or skin  100  for an eReader includes a body  102  with a second opening  140  for utilizing any accessories of the eReader  200 . For example, the second opening  140  can be utilized to provide access to the eReader&#39;s peripheral hardware including but not limited to any power supply receptacle(s), Universal Serial Bus (USB) attachment(s), data port attachments including Local Area Network (LAN) Cables, power on/off switches, etc. or the equivalent. 
     The body  102  can be connected to a second closure device  142  via lower spine  172 . Alternatively, the body  102  can be connected to the second closure device  142  via a plurality of lower spines (not shown). The second closure device  142  and the body  102  are pivotable with respect to one another about lower spine  172  such that the second closure device  142  is movable between a closed position and an open position, as well as positions therebetween. The lower spine  172  can be an integral portion of the body  102  and/or the second closure device  142 . Alternatively, the lower spine  172  can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the body  102  and the second closure device  142 . 
     The second closure device  142  has an interior surface  107   a  and an exterior surface  107   b . The second closure device  142  can be utilized to completely close the second opening  140  and to completely open the second opening  140 , as well as positions therebetween. Further, the second closure device  142  can include a flap or tongue portion that opens/closes the second opening  140 . 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the closed position of the second closure device  142  can be defined as a position in which the second closure device  142  overlaps the second opening  140  such that the second closure device  142  lies in substantially the same plane as the body  102 . The full-open position of the second closure device  142  can be defined as a position in which the second closure device  142  is disposed in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the body  112  is disposed. Alternatively, the open position of the second closure device  142  can be defined as a position in which the second closure device  142  does not lie in substantially the same plane as the body  102 , and does not overlap the second opening  140 . 
     In the closed position of the second closure device  142 , the second closure device  142  can be configured to cover all (or a portion) of the second opening  140  such that the second closure device  142  lies in substantially the same plane as the body  102  thereby providing protection for the encased eReader  200 . As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can provide a protective case  100  having, for example, a read-through or transparent, clear second closure device  142  (e.g., interior surface  107   a  and exterior surface  107   b ), such as a clear vinyl closure device, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader  200  enclosed within the protective case  100 . Other transparent materials also may be used. Further, the entire protective case  100  can also utilize a read-through or transparent material that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader  200  enclosed within the protective case  100 . 
     In the open position of the second closure device  142 , the second closure device  142  does not lie in substantially the same plane as the body  102  resulting in the second opening  140  being exposed externally in order to allow access to the eReader&#39;s peripheral hardware. For example, the second opening  140  can be aligned with the peripheral hardware of the eReader as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , or misaligned with the peripheral hardware of the eReader (not shown). Further, the second opening  140  can be any size and/or shape and while it is shown that the second opening  140  and the second closure device  142  are similar in size and/or shape, they do not need to correspond to each other in size and/or shape. 
     The second closure device  142  can extend across the entire second opening  140 , for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , or a portion of the second opening  140  (not shown). Further, the second closure device  142  can be any size and/or shape. The second closure device  142  can include a knob  144  which can be in the shape of a plug which can mate with any of the electrical receptacles of the eReader. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  8 ,  12  and  13 , another exemplary embodiment of a protective case or skin  100  for an eReader includes a body  102  with a third opening  130  for utilizing any of the functional controls of the eReader  200 . For example, the third opening  130  can be utilized to provide access to a 5-way control stick  126  of the eReader  200  which can provide any functional controls of the eReader  200 . Further, the third opening  130  can be any size and/or shape and can be positioned anywhere on the surface of the eReader  200 . 
     As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can include a read-through, clear protective case  100  (e.g., exterior surface  106   b  and exterior surface  104   b ), such as a clear vinyl cover, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader while the eReader is enclosed within the protective case. Other transparent materials also may be used. In this manner, the exemplary embodiments provide an important advantage in that the protective case  100  provides a user with full access and use of most or all of the input/output ports and controls, etc. of the eReader device without having to remove the eReader  200  from the protective case  100 . 
     The protective case  100  can include other features that promote use of the eReader device while the eReader is enclosed within the protective case  100 , such as a panel portion (e.g., right-side panel portion  101   a , left-side panel portion  101   b  and lower panel portion  101   c ) corresponding to the location of the 5-way control stick  126  and other input controls of one or more types of eReaders (not shown since covered by protective case  100 ), markings showing or designating the location of the input controls on the protective case  100 , integrally formed pads or rigid parts that correspond to the input controls, etc. In this manner, when the user depresses the integrally formed pads or rigid parts from the exterior of the protective case  100 , the interior sides of the pads or rigid parts can engage the input controls of the eReader device to actuate the input controls of the eReader. 
     For example, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1 ,  8 ,  12  and  13 , the protective case  100  can include a right-side panel portion  101   a , that overlays at least one input control (e.g., five-way control stick  126 , the Next Page button, Back button, Menu button, and/or Home button) of the eReader  200  when the protective case encapsulates the eReader device  200 . Further, the protective case  100  can include a left-side panel portion  101   b , that overlays at least one input control (e.g., the Previous Page button and Next Page button) of the eReader  200  when the protective case encapsulates the eReader device  200 . The protective case  100  can also include a lower panel portion  101   c , that overlays at least one input control (e.g., a standard QWERTY keyboard/keypad) of the eReader  200  when the protective case encapsulates the eReader device  200 . The panel portion(s) preferably includes markings (e.g., printed marking Home button  120 , the Next Page button  122 , Menu button  124 , five-way control stick (not shown), Back button  128 , the Previous Page button  150 , Next Page button  152  and/or standard QWERTY keyboard/keypad  154 ) showing or designating the location of the input controls (e.g., Home button, the Next Page button, Menu button, five-way control stick  126 , Back button, the Previous Page button, Next Page button and/or QWERTY keyboard/keypad) of the eReader  200  on the front cover  102 . In this manner, the user depresses one of the markings from the exterior of the protective case  100  to actuate a corresponding input control of the eReader. Alternatively, the user may access the five-way control stick  126  of the eReader  200  even though the eReader is encapsulated with the protective cover  100 . 
     The panel portion(s) (e.g., right-side panel portion  101   a , left-side panel portion  101   b  and lower panel portion  101   c ) are capable of transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion(s) to an input control (e.g., Home button, the Next Page button, Menu button, five-way control stick  126 , Back button, the Previous Page button, Next Page button and/or QWERTY keyboard/keypad) of the eReader  200  to actuate the input control of the eReader  200 . The panel portion(s) (e.g., right-side panel portion  101   a , left-side panel portion  101   b  and lower panel portion  101   c ) protect the eReader while allowing full functionality, for example, of one or more of the Home button, the Next Page button, Menu button, five-way control stick  126 , Back button, the Previous Page button, Next Page button and/or QWERTY keyboard/keypad of the eReader  200  (not shown since covered by protective case  100 ). The panel portion(s) can be formed, for example, from the same material as that utilized for the protective case  100 , such as a silicone body, or other suitable materials. 
     In other exemplary embodiments, the protective case  100  can include padded case portions (e.g., ribs  160 ) that permit the user to comfortably grasp or hold the protective case  100 , while also increasing the amount of force that can be absorbed by the protective case  100 , thereby increasing a level of protection provided by the protective case for the eReader contained therein. 
     The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the scope of the several claims appended hereto. 
     For example, in other embodiments, the first closure device  112  can include multiple layers allowing the protective case  100  to operate in both the aforementioned closed/open modes simultaneously. For example, one layer of the first closure device  112  (transparent portion) can be positioned directly on the surface of the eReader screen and another layer of the first closure device  112  can be secured by the second securing device. Further, the layer of the first closure device  112  (transparent portion) positioned on the eReader screen may be positioned either permanently or temporarily. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a protective case  100  for an eReader  200 , including a body  102  having a first interior surface  106   a  and a first exterior surface  106   b , a first opening  110  for inserting the eReader  200  into an interior of the protective case  100 , and a first closure device  112  that substantially closes the first opening  110 . 
     Another embodiment can include a first securing device (e.g., first post  114  and latch flap  118 ) that secures the first closure device  112  to the body  102  in a closed position and/or a second securing device (e.g., second post  116  and latch flap  118 ) that secures the first closure device  112  to the body  102  in an open position. The first securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. Further, the first securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The first closure device can include a spine portion (e.g., front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and/or  108   c ). Also, the first closure device  112  can include a flap portion. Further, the flap portion can be coupled to the body  102  via the spine portion (e.g., front spine(s)  108   a ,  108   b  and/or  108   c ). 
     Another embodiment can include an eReader with a second opening  140  and a second closure device  142  that substantially closes the second opening  140 . Further, the second closure device  142  can include a knob  144 . The knob  144  can include a cylindrical plug. 
     A portion or all of the protective case  100  can be transparent or tinted/opaque. An embodiment of the protective case  100  can include an anti-reflective film that protects the screen area of the case while allowing for uninhibited reading in bright or sunny environments. In other embodiments, the protective case  100  can be integrally formed from a material having anti-reflective properties, polarizing properties, resistance to ultra-violet light, etc. 
     Yet another embodiment can include an eReader with a silicone body  102  or a silicone skin body  102  (e.g., flexible or resilient silicone body or skin body). 
     Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device  112  with a transparent portion. Another embodiment can include a transparent portion that includes one of a tinted material and a light polarizing material. 
     Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device  112  with an opaque portion. Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device  112  with a silicone body  102 . 
     The eReader case can include a panel portion (e.g., right-side panel portion  101   a , left-side panel portion  101   b  and/or lower panel portion  101   c ) corresponding to input controls of the eReader and providing full functionality to one or more of the eReader&#39;s navigation buttons (e.g., five-way control stick  126 ) and keyboard (QWERTY keyboard  154 ) while the eReader  200  is enclosed within the case  100 . Further, the panel portion (e.g., right-side panel portion  101   a , left-side panel portion  101   b  and/or lower panel portion  101   c ) can overlay at least one input control of the eReader when the eReader is inserted into the interior of the protective case  100 , the panel portion transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion to an input control of the eReader to actuate the input control of the eReader. 
     Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a protective case  100  for an eReader  200 , including a body  102  having a first interior surface  106   a  and a first exterior surface  106   b , a first opening  110  for inserting the eReader  200  into an interior of the protective case  100 , and closure means  112  for closing the first opening  110 . Further, the body  102  can include means for actuating one or more input controls (e.g., right-side panel portion  101   a , left-side panel portion  101   b  and/or lower panel portion  101   c ) of the eReader when the eReader  200  is inserted into the interior of the protective case  100 . 
     The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.