Abstract:
A protective case for accommodating at least one electronic device is provided. The case comprises internal features including an articulating support member to allow the selective orientation and positioning of the electrical device in one of at least three user-selected positions and also allows for the nesting of the electronic device in either the closed or open position.

Description:
This U.S. Non-Provisional patent application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/736,434, filed Dec. 12, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to protective cases and covers for electronic devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a folding case for accommodating a variety of electronic devices, such as tablet computers, e-readers, and other similar devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable electronic devices such as tablet computers and e-readers have become increasingly popular. An inherent convenience of these devices is that they are highly portable. With increased portability and enhanced electronics, however, comes the need to protect the device from the surrounding environment, impact, and abrasion. Accordingly, as the popularity of the devices continues to increase, so does the need and desire to protect or surround the device with a cost effective storage case. There is a need not only for protecting and transporting electronic devices, but also to use the case for the dual purpose of retaining the electronic device in a preferred orientation for viewing purposes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a novel system and device for a protective case for an electronic device wherein the case is provided with features for selectively accommodating and retaining a variety of electronic devices of various shapes and/or sizes, as well as allowing the selective positioning of the device for viewing. 
     In various embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of hinges or folds, such that the case may be converted between: 1—a “closed” configuration; 2—an “open” configuration; and 3—a “propped open” or self-supported configuration. A case of the present invention may comprise at least two hinge features and at least one slot, indention, indentation, or trough, such that the case may be positioned in an open position and with a contained device residing at a predetermined angle, such as may be desirable for using the device. 
     In one aspect, the present invention comprises a protective case for retaining, displaying, and storing an electronic device, the case comprising a first cover portion, a second cover portion hingedly interconnected to the first cover portion by a first hinge, the second cover portion comprising a substantially rigid planar member and a second hinge, such that a portion of the second cover portion is rotatable with respect to the first cover portion about at least two parallel axes of rotation. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide at least one slot or channel on the inside surface of the cover for engaging and retaining the substantially rigid planar member in a predetermined orientation. The predetermined orientation may position the electronic device such that it is tipped up or tilted in a reading position or other position of use. 
     In various aspects, protective cases of the present invention comprise various protective features including, but not limited to, rigid or hard-shell outer covers, cushioned materials, soft or non-abrasive interior portions to reduce risk of abrasion, etc. 
     In one embodiment, a case is provided for securing a device, such as a tablet. The tablet is positionable between at least a first position, wherein the tablet rests “screen-down” in a molded panel for safe storage and transport, and a “screen-up” position in the molded panel for handheld use. Additionally, an integrated/attached kickstand supports a device in multiple viewing angles using the molded EVA panel as a stable base. Grooves or other shapes molded into the panel create resting positions for lower edge of the device. Portions of the case are designed to interface with molded grooves without slipping. The molded panel is designed so that thickness of kickstand support nests into depressions within the panel so that the tablet rests smooth and flat within the molded panel in a plurality of positions. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a case for an electronic device is provided. The case comprises a first cover portion and a second cover portion wherein the device is secured within a first cover portion and the second cover portion is provided for additional protection of the device as well as providing means for displaying a device in a position of use. In certain embodiments, the second cover portion comprises a planar portion adapted for covering and protecting a planar portion of the device, such as the screen of a tablet device, and a peripheral edge portion comprising a lip for extending at least partially over at least one edge of a device and/or the first cover portion. Preferably, the second cover portion comprises a substantially rectangular cover portion with a planar portion and a peripheral edge portion or lip extending around each of the four sides of the substantially rectangular cover portion. The peripheral edge portion of such embodiments is sized to receive the first cover portion, which may comprise an electronic device secured therein, in both an open and a closed position such that the peripheral edge extends angularly away from the planar portion and covers or receives at least a portion of each of the four sides of the first cover portion. Thus, when the first cover portion and any corresponding device provided therewith is provided in both a closed position (i.e. with a screen of the device provided directly adjacent the second cover portion) and an open position (i.e. with a screen of the device oriented outwardly with respect to the second cover portion), the peripheral edge portion of the second cover portion surrounds or covers the perimeter of the first cover portion and/or device. As shown and described herein, cases of the present invention comprise at least three positions of storage and/or use including, the aforementioned closed position with a screen of the device provided directly adjacent the second cover portion, a first open position with a screen of the device oriented outwardly with respect to the second cover portion and the screen of the device provided substantially parallel to the planar portion of the second cover portion, and a second open position wherein the first cover portion is provided at an acute angle with respect to the second cover portion. 
     Various devices provide for protective coverings for an electronic device, including U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0134061, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Such devices, however, fail to provide various features and benefits of the present invention including, for example, a second cover portion comprising a peripheral edge or lip for receiving and protecting a first cover portion or electronic device in at least two positions. 
     In one embodiment, a protective case for retaining, displaying, and storing an electronic device is provided, the case comprising a first cover portion hingedly interconnected to a second cover portion, said first cover portion comprising a first panel and a second panel, said first panel comprising a device-receiving portion and said second panel opposing said first panel, wherein said protective case provides for selective positioning of said first cover with respect to said second cover portion, said first cover portion positionable between at least: (i) a closed position, wherein the first panel is provided adjacent to said second cover portion; (ii) a first open position, wherein said first panel is rotated approximately 180 degrees about a longitudinal axis from said closed position; and (iii) a second open position, wherein said first cover portion is provided at an angle between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 90 degrees with respect to said second cover portion. The second cover portion comprises a planar portion adapted for covering and protecting a planar portion of the device, and a lip extending from said planar portion for receiving the first cover portion in at least one of the closed position and the first open position. As used herein, reference to a 180 degree rotation of one portion or cover of the case with respect to a second portion of the cover or case generally refers to “flipping” the relevant portion and is not limited to an exact 180 degree rotation. One of skill in the art will recognize that, particularly in embodiments where a support member is disposed under a portion of the first cover portion, a full 180 degree rotation may not be achieved or required in order to convert the case between open and closed positions and vice versa. Thus, 180 degree rotation and “approximately” 180 degree rotation should not be read as limiting and generally relates to the concept of converting a downward facing cover portion to an upward facing cover portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosures. 
       It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a case according to one embodiment and provided in a first position; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a case according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and provided in a second position; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a case according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and provided in a third position; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a case according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and provided in a fourth position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a case according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and provided in a fifth position; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a portion of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention has significant benefits across a broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the applicant&#39;s intent that this specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed by the requirements of referring to the specific examples disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the method that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The exemplary method is described in detail without attempting to describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those skilled in the arts, can be modified in numerous ways within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. 
     Embodiments of the present invention accommodate a wide variety of devices, such as an iPad®. While the embodiment illustrated is well suited for housing an iPad®, smaller and larger versions of the protective case are contemplated that are adapted for housing or protecting various devices, such as a Kindle®, a Galaxy®, a PlayBook®, an Android® tablet, an Iconia®, and various similar devices whether or not currently conceived of. 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a case  2 . The case  2  is provided in a closed position in  FIG. 1 . The case  2  comprises a first cover portion  4  for receiving and selectively securing an electronic device, such as a tablet computer, an e-reader or the like. The first portion  4 , at least as shown in  FIG. 1 , substantially covers a back or rear portion of such a device (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). As will be described herein, the case  2  comprises various features for revealing and/or displaying a front surface (e.g. a screen surface) of a device.  FIG. 1 , however, shows a closed, protected, and/or secured state of storage for such a device. The first cover portion  4  communicates with a second cover portion  14 , the second cover portion  14  comprising a shell with a lip  15  and being slightly larger than the first cover portion  4  to provide a protective perimeter shell which surrounds at least one edge of the electronic device to provide impact protection if the device is dropped, for example. Both first  4  and second cover portions  14  are preferably formed of a substantially rigid material suitable for protecting an enclosed device. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, EVA, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and various combinations thereof. 
     The case  2  comprises an elastic securing means  6  for aiding in securing the device in at least the position shown in  FIG. 1 . The case  2  further comprises a support member  8 . In various embodiments, support member  8  is hingedly secured to the first cover portion  4  at one end  10  of the support member  8  and hingedly secured to second cover portion  14  at a second end  12  of the support member  8 . In a preferred embodiment, the support member  8  comprises a first end and a second end, the first end being hingedly secured to the second portion at or proximal to a periphery of the second portion, and the second end of the support member  8  is hingedly secured to a side of the first portion. In various embodiments, the second end of the support member is hingedly secured to the first portion at a point in the middle third of a width of the first portion. In certain embodiments, the second end of the support member is hingedly secured to the first portion proximal a mid-point of a width of the first portion. Support member  8  thus allows first cover portion  4  to rotate with respect to second cover portion  14  about at least two parallel axes of rotation, the axes generally corresponding to hinges formed at the first and second ends  10 ,  12  of the support member. When provided in the screen-down, closed position of  FIG. 1 , support member  8  is disposed substantially flush with a rear surface of the first cover portion  4 . 
     In certain embodiments, the case  2  comprises features  16   a ,  16   b  for accommodating audio-visual features of a stored device, such as speakers ( 16   a ) and camera equipment ( 16   b ). In various embodiments, the first cover portion comprises a first panel or side and a second opposing panel or side, the first cover portion  4  generally comprising a planar rectangular member with two sides or panels and both a length and a width being substantially greater than a thickness of the member as shown in the Figures. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein the case  2  is provided in a screen-up or open position. As shown, an electronic device  18  is provided and secured with a first cover portion  4  of the case  2 . The device  18  and first cover portion  4  are rotated approximately 180 degrees from the arrangement shown in  FIG. 1  and with respect to the second cover portion  14 . First cover portion  4  and associated device  18  are thus “nested” within the lip  15  of the second cover portion  14 , and a screen or display surface of the device  18  is exposed for use (i.e. viewing, user contact, etc.). In  FIGS. 1-5 , a case  2  is provided for use with an iPad  18 . Accordingly, the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-5  and the various features provided therein are sized to secure an iPad of known dimensions. It will be expressly recognized, however, that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular device. Indeed, features and concepts of the present disclose may be employed with any number of devices, including, but not limited to, various sized tablets, smart-phones, and e-readers. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the second cover portion  14  comprises a lip  15  which receives the first cover portion  4  and any associated device  18 . The second cover portion  14  and associated lip  15  receive first cover portion  4  and device  18  in a “nested” configuration, both when the device  18  is in a “screen-down” position ( FIG. 1 ) and a “screen-up” position ( FIG. 2 ). Rotation of the hinge members of support  8  allows for the device  18  and first portion  4  to be nested in the second portion  14  in both “screen-up” and “screen-down” arrangements, the two arrangements being approximately 180 degrees of rotation (about a longitudinal axis) apart. 
     In one embodiment, hinges of the support  8  comprise integral or stitched members with sufficient flexibility to allow for the described rotation. Accordingly, in various embodiments, first cover portion  4 , support  8 , and second cover portion  14  are hingedly interconnected and non-severable. Alternative embodiments, however, contemplate various connections between cover portions  4 ,  14  and support  8 . Such connections include, but are not limited to, hook-and-loop connections, magnetic connections, snaps, etc., such that one or more of the components are selectively separable but still comprise the ability to rotate features as described herein. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the case  2  according to  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein the first cover portion  4  is disposed at an angle with respect to the second cover portion  14 . The position of the case  2  depicted in  FIG. 3  may be considered a transition position, wherein the case  2  is between at least two of a closed position, an open position, and a propped-up position. The support member  8  is shown as being flush with a rear portion of the first cover portion  4 . From the depicted position, a first edge  20  of the first cover portion  4  may be rotated downwardly (with respect to  FIG. 3 ) about one end of the support member  8  and selectively received by at least of receiving portions  22  provided on an interior surface of the second cover portion  14 . Each of the receiving portion  22  correspond to a different display angle of the first cover portion  4  and a corresponding device. Each of the plurality of receiving portions  22  and associated angular positions may be selected by a user based on user-preference. The support member  8  is provided in a non-supportive position in  FIG. 3  (i.e. folded against the first cover portion  4 ). As will be shown and described herein, however, the first cover portion  4  is rotatable about the support member  8  such that a first edge  20  of the first cover portion  4  is received in a receiving portion and supported therein. 
       FIG. 4  shows the case  2 , first cover portion  4  and associated device  18  disposed in an angled position of use. As discussed, support member  8  is secured at one end  12  to the second cover portion  14  of the case and further secured at a second end to the first cover portion  4 . Both connections comprise hinged members to allow the cover first portion  4  and/or second cover portion  14  to rotate at least with respect to the support member  8 . Additionally, at least a portion of the support member  8  comprises a substantially rigid member for supporting at least a portion of the weight of the first cover portion  4  and any associated device  18 . One end  20  of the first cover portion  4  is disposed in one of a plurality of receiving portions  22  to further facilitate the support of the device  18  in an angled or partially-upright position. 
       FIG. 5  provides an additional side perspective view of a case  2  disposed in an angled position of use.  FIG. 5  is generally similar to  FIG. 4 , with the exception that the first cover portion  4  and associated device of  FIG. 5  are disposed in a different receiving portion  22  such that the device is inclined at a greater angle with respect to the second cover portion  14 . In various embodiments, receiving portions  22  are provided such that the first cover portion may be selectively positioned in any one of a plurality of predetermined positions between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 90 degrees with respect to the second cover portion. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a case according to one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows the case  2  and with a first cover portion  4  disposed in an angled position of use. Various retaining means, including those shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/722,167, filed Dec. 20, 2012 and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein, are contemplated for use with the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  depicts one embodiment of a protective case comprising elastic securing means. The elastic securing means of the depicted embodiment comprise elastic loops  32   a ,  32   b  for engaging a corner or other portion of an electronic device. As shown, the elastic straps  32   a ,  32   b  are provided and stitched or secured to a panel  34 . The panel  34  preferably comprises a non-abrasive material for receiving an electronic device. However, it should be expressly recognized that elastic securing means  32   a ,  32   b  of the present invention may be provided in any number or arrangements. Additionally, the present invention is not limited to two elastic securing means as shown in  FIG. 6 . Indeed, any number of geometrical arrangements may be provided in accordance with the present invention. 
     The embodiment of  FIG. 6  further comprises a substantially rigid member  30 . The substantially rigid member  30  comprises at least one of a clip, hook, loop, projection, post, recession, etc. for receiving a portion of an electronic device and that generally opposes a force applied to the electronic device by the loops  32   a ,  32   b . In  FIG. 6 , the substantially rigid member  30  is depicted as being provided generally in the center of a length of the panel  34 . It will be recognized, however, that the placement of the substantially rigid portion  30  is not critical, so long as it is appropriately positioned so as to resist the force applied by the elastic members and secure a device. 
       FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of a second cover portion  14  comprising securing means for the first cover portion  4 . In the depicted embodiment, the securing means comprise resilient extensions  40 , such as rubber flap or extension members. The resilient extensions  40  are deformable to selectively secure and release respective corners of the first cover portion  4 , which is shown as secured within the second cover portion  14  and in the closed position in  FIG. 7 . In certain embodiments, the resilient extensions  40  are secured to or proximal a lip  15  of the second cover portion  14  and extending into an area defined by a perimeter the lip  15  of the second cover portion  14 . The resilient extensions  40  secure the first cover portion  4  in both an open (see  FIG. 2 ) and closed (see  FIG. 1 ) positions. Preferably, a user-applied force is sufficient to remove the first cover portion from either of an open and a closed position. 
     In various embodiments, the resilient extensions  40  extend into an internal area of the second cover portion  14  and comprise a curvilinear shape. In the depicted embodiment, the curvilinear shape comprises a pair of inflection points  42  bordering a recess  44 . The inflection points  42  further comprise points of maximum extension into the area or volume defined by the second cover portion  14 . In certain embodiments, the inflection points extend between approximately 1 and 10 mm from a respective edge or lip  15  of the second cover portion  14 . In preferred embodiments, the inflection points extend between approximately 3 and 8 mm from a respective edge or lip  15  of the second cover portion  14 . In a more preferred embodiment, the inflection points extend between approximately 6 mm from a respective edge or lip  15  of the second cover portion  14 . It will be recognized, however, that devices of the present invention are not limited to any particular size, and thus resilient extensions  40  are not limited to any particular dimensions. That is, devices of the present invention are contemplated as being sized to receive any number of devices, including relatively small smartphones and larger tablet devices. Accordingly, it is further contemplated that resilient members  40  will scale based on the size of the case and device contemplated by a particular embodiment. 
     The resilient extensions  40  comprise the combination of inflection points  42  and the recess  44  to provide for sufficient flexibility of the extension  40  when inserting and/or removing a device. Recess  44  increases flexibility of the extension  40 , while inwardly-extending inflection points provide for sufficient coverage and securing of a device and/or first cover portion  4  to be held within the second cover portion  14 . 
     In certain embodiments, the extension members  40  are provided in at least two corners of the case  2 . In preferred embodiments, an extension  40  is provided in each of the four corners of the case  2 . Extensions  40  may be glued to the second cover portion  14 , which may comprise EVA or a similar material. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a protective case of the present invention comprises a plurality of elongated ridges, indentions, indentations, or slots, each of the elongated ridges or slots corresponding to a predetermined angle at which a contained-device may be situated. While various embodiments contemplate that the case and device may be maintained at a desired position based on the weight and geometry of the case, slots, and/or device, it is further contemplated that additional securing features may be provided. Additional securing features include, but are not limited to Velcro®, magnets, snaps, rubber grips, and various similar features as will be recognized by one of skill in the art.