Abstract:
The disclosure concerns a trifold carrying case that holds and contains in a displayable and useable fashion, a mobile cell phone device, portable music player, or other type of portable electronic device. The trifold carrying case is configured to allow a user to easily access and fashionably display the portable electronic device, and further allows use of the portable electronic device without having to remove it from the trifold carrying case, or even open the case.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of priority with U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 62/302,223, filed Mar. 2, 2016; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to protective carrying cases for portable electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets and the like; and more particularly, to a trifold protective carrying case for a portable electronic device that is configured to allow a user to utilize the function of the device, including but not limited to: voice communication, emailing, texting, using social media, surfing the internet, and listening to music, with the device being configured within the protective carrying case, and the protective carrying case being in either an open state or in a closed state. 
         [0004]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Use of portable electronic devices, such as, for example, mobile cell phones, tablet PC&#39;s, and other personal handheld electronic devices is ubiquitous worldwide. The popularity of these devices has soared as they become available to a wide range of individuals across a wide range of ages and socio-economic levels. It is common to see people of all ages and cultural backgrounds carrying such electronic devices and almost always, the devices are contained in a carrier or case (“protective carrying case” or “case”) to protect the device from falls or spills. Some cases merely offer protection as an outer shell. Other cases envelop the entire device so that the screen on the device is not exposed. 
         [0006]    Often, a device is protected by a case and then transported in a larger carrier such as a purse, backpack, or tote bag, or even a pocket. All such means of transport are not ideal as putting the device in a larger carrier may result in an inability to quickly and efficiently locate the device once placed inside. Also, once the phone is in a carrier or pocket, the screen is not easily viewed, if at all, and the device is essentially unusable unless and until removed from the carrier for access. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for a protective carrying case that effectively, uniquely, and fashionably can carry a handheld electronic device in a manner allowing one who is carrying the device to continue to use the screen on the electronic device, and while providing the protection a protective carrying case affords. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The invention is directed to a trifold carrying case that holds and contains in a displayable and useable fashion, a portable electronic device, such as for example, a mobile cell phone, tablet, portable music player or other type of portable electronic device. The trifold carrying case is configured to allow a user to easily access and fashionably display the portable electronic device, and further allows use of the portable electronic device without having to remove it from the trifold carrying case, or even open the case. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows, in accordance with a first illustrated embodiment, a front view of a trifold carrying case for protectively storing a portable electronic device, the trifold carrying case being configured such that the contained device may be used with the device housed therein, and with the case in either an open or closed configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a left-rear perspective view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows a right-rear perspective view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  shows the inside of the trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows the outside of the trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows a bottom view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  shows a left view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein a securing element is closed. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein a securing element is open. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  shows the inside of the trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  shows the trifold carrying case in accordance with the second illustrated embodiment, wherein the device pocket is extended at the hinge. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  shows the trifold carrying case having a shoulder strap for added style and portability. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, details and descriptions are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments, including certain variations or alternative combinations that depart from these details and descriptions yet arrive at substantially similar results. 
         [0026]    For purposes of this disclosure, the term “portable electronic device” means any cell phone, tablet PC, music player, or other electronic device that includes at least a screen portion or control interface and which is portable and configured to be carried by a person. 
         [0027]    In a general embodiment, a trifold carrying case for a portable electronic device is provided which integrates a device pocket for receiving a portable electronic device therein. The trifold carrying case includes a screen aperture disposed at a rear surface of the wallet, the screen aperture is configured to expose the screen portion of the enclosed portable electronic device such that a user may view and utilize the device while enclosed within the carrying case; that is, without removing the device prior to use thereof. Other features and advantages are detailed below. 
         [0028]    The device pocket may include a soft pocket made from a fabric or leather, which may be fixed about an inside surface of the carrying case. In an alternative embodiment, the device pocket may comprise a rigid pocket made from a molded plastic, wood, or other rigid material. Moreover, the soft or rigid pocket may be hinged about the inside surface of the carrying case as shown herein. 
         [0029]    Now turning to a first illustrated embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13 , a trifold carrying case  100  for a portable electronic device is shown. The trifold carrying case  100  comprises a flap panel  101  coupled to a first side of a center panel  102  at a first hinge  104 , and further comprises a terminal panel  103  coupled a second side of the center panel  102  at a second hinge  105  wherein the second side is opposite the first side. The terminal panel and flap panel are configured to fold about the first and second hinges, such that the flap panel is configured to overlap and secure with the terminal panel to close the trifold carrying case. When the flap panel and terminal panel are folded about the first and second hinges as shown in  FIG. 1 , the carrying case is said to be in a “closed configuration”. 
         [0030]    Each of the flap panel  101 , center panel  102 , and terminal panel  103  form the carrier. The carrier may be fabricated from one or more layers of fabric or leather, or of a similar material. 
         [0031]    One of the panels of the trifold carrying case, preferably the terminal panel in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, may include a camera aperture  106  as shown in  FIG. 1 , which illustrates the carrying case from a front view. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  shows a rear view of the trifold carrying case, wherein a screen aperture  107  is shown. The screen aperture is configured to expose a screen portion of a portable electronic device once inserted and enclosed within the case. Also shown is the center panel  102  which is connected to each of the flap panel and terminal panel by the first and second hinges, respectively. The screen aperture  107  may optionally further include (i) a first notch  108  for exposing a control button or other feature of a portable electronic device, and/or (ii) a second notch  109  for exposing a front-facing camera or other feature of a portable electronic device. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a left-rear perspective view of the carrying case  100  in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. Each of the screen aperture  107 , first notch  108 , second notch  109 , center panel  102 , and first hinge  104  are further illustrated from another angle. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom view of the trifold carrying case. As shown, the trifold carrying case may comprise a first layer  111  and second layer  112  attached together by stitching  110 , or other suitable attachment means known to those with skill in the art, which forms each of the flap panel, center panel, terminal panel and first and second hinges therebetween. 
         [0035]    The trifold carrying case may further comprise corner slots  114  for securely cradling the portable electronic device when enclosed within the device pocket, and sub-element apertures  113   a;    113   b;  and  113   c  for exposing a speaker of an enclosed device, a port associated with a device, or other portion of an enclosed device. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  shows a right-rear perspective view of the carrying case  100  in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. Each of the screen aperture  107 , first notch  108 , second notch  109 , center panel  102 , and second hinge  105  are further illustrated from another angle. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  shows a top view of the trifold carrying case, including a securing element  115 , which is illustrated as a planar strap extending from the center panel and configured to removeably engage the pocket for securing the portable electronic device therein. The securing element may include a chain, loop, or other element (not shown) that would be appreciated by those with skill in the art. 
         [0038]    Also illustrated in  FIG. 6  is the stitching  110  which binds the first and second layers  111 ;  112 , respectively, and the camera aperture  106 . 
         [0039]    Each of  FIG. 1  thru  FIG. 6  shows the trifold carrying case being configured in the closed state. However, so that a review may further appreciate the disclosed invention,  FIG. 7  thru  FIG. 13  further illustrate the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment and configured in an “open configuration”. 
         [0040]    Now turning to  FIG. 7 , an inside of the trifold carrying case is shown. The trifold carrying case comprises one or more first slots  116   a;    116   b  coupled to an inside surface of the terminal panel  103 ; and one or more second slots coupled to an inside surface of the device pocket (which is shown being connected to the center panel). The trifold carrying case may comprise one or more viewing slots  117  which are formed of a transparent material, such as a plastic film, such that a card may be viewed while inserted within the viewing slot  117 . 
         [0041]    The device pocket  120  is shown having a camera notch  118  such that a camera of the portable electronic device may not be obstructed. Each of the flap panel  101 , securing element  115 , camera aperture  106 , first hinge  104  and second hinge  105  are further shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 8  illustrates an outside surface of the trifold carrying case in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment and being configured in the open configuration. Here, the flap panel  101 , center panel  102 , terminal panel  103 , first hinge  104 , second hinge  105 , screen aperture  107 , first notch  108 , second notch  109 , stitching  110 , and securing element  115  are shown from a unique perspective. 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  shows a top view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 10  shows a bottom view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 11  shows a left view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 12  shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein the securing element  115  is closed. A number of the above-described features are shown from a unique perspective in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 13  shows a right view of the trifold carrying case in the open-configuration and in accordance with the first illustrated embodiment, wherein the securing element  115  is open. Further shown are attachment features  130   a;    130   b,  which may be individually selected from a magnet, metal plate, Velcro, or other component known to those having skill in the art to form a removeable attachment such that the securing element  115  is configured to removeably attach with the device pocket  120 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 14  shows the inside of a trifold carrying case being configured in an open configuration in accordance with a second illustrated embodiment. Here, the case includes a rigid device pocket  220  secured to an inside surface of the case at pocket hinge  221 . The rigid device pocket  220  may comprise a shell having five sides configured to receive and engage the portable electronic device. The rigid device pocket may comprise a camera notch  118  silar to that shown in  FIG. 7 , or may alternatively include a second camera aperture  222  therein, as shown. Other features of the trifold carrying case are similar to that described above concerning the first illustrated embodiment; for example, flap panel  101 , securing element  115 , camera aperture  106 , first slots  116 , viewing slot  117 , first hinge  104 , and second hinge  105 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 14  further shows an optional attachment feature  130   c  which can be embedded or attached to the flap panel for configuring a removeable attachment between the flap panel  101  and terminal panel  103 . Those having skill in the art will appreciated that a corresponding attachment feature will be implemented into the terminal panel (not shown) such that the flap panel will be configured for removeable attachment therewith. 
         [0050]      FIG. 15  shows the trifold carrying case in accordance with the second illustrated embodiment, wherein the device pocket  220  is extended at the pocket hinge  221 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 16  shows the trifold carrying case  100  having a shoulder strap  300  attached therewith for added style and portability. 
         [0052]    Now, while the invention has been disclosed in order to enable those with skill in art to make the trifold carrying case, it should be recognized by the same that other features and variations may be similar implemented without undue experimentation in order to achieve the same or substantially similar results. Accordingly, the instant disclosure is intended to be enabling only, and not limiting in any way with regard to the spirit and scope of the invention.