Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 61/601,999 filed Feb. 22, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates generally to a folding cover or case for electronic laptop and tablet computing and keyboard devices, such as the iPad manufactured by Apple and the Galaxy tablet manufactured by Samsung among others, and smartphone devices, such as the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy Note II, which have the capability of operating with a wired or wireless keyboard. 
         [0007]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0008]    Portable electronic tablet devices are gaining increasing popularity in the market. They are typically larger than smartphones in size and smaller than laptop and desktop computers. The user typically interacts with the tablet device by using a finger, a stylus and/or a keyboard to input data or instructions to the device. Typically, tablet devices are carried by hand and moved about. However, most tablet devices generally do not include any type of protective case to protect the device from damage by external conditions or forces, which may result during their use or transport. It is desirable that protective covers and cases allow users to use the tablet and or keyboard without requiring removal of the protective cover or case. When accompanied with a keyboard, most existing tablet case solutions do not include the capability to protect the keyboard and/or prevent the depression of a key or keys on the keyboard when the user is using their tablet device when use of the keyboard is not desired or required or to allow the user to use the case as a stand for the tablet while being used with a keyboard. 
         [0009]    Therefore, a need exists in the art for a folding tablet and keyboard cover which provides protection to the tablet and keyboard when not in use by the user, which provides an ergonomic, adjustable stand and stable platform for the user to position the tablet screen in proximity to the keyboard for use by the user, and which provides protection to the keyboard and prevents the depression of the keyboard keys while the tablet is being used without the aid or need of the keyboard. The invention disclosed herein satisfies such needs. Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from and understanding of the following figures, descriptions and claims. While specific advantages and embodiments have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or even none of these enumerated advantages. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention includes a folding tablet keyboard case comprising a tablet cover having exterior and interior sides with rounded circumferential edges, a keyboard cover having exterior and interior sides cover with circumferential edges and, and a spine including at least one or more folding hinges, where the spine connects the tablet cover and the keyboard cover and wherein a portion of the spine comprises a portion of the keyboard cover. The tablet keyboard case provides for at least four general configurations that provide for a streamlined form factor in the open tablet position, closed tablet position, open keyboard position and tilted tablet position. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, one or more grooves are formed into the interior surface of the keyboard cover to provide multiple different viewing angle capability in the open keyboard position. In one embodiment, one or more fastening devices such as magnets, hooks, levees, posts, snaps, hook and loop material or other fastening apparatus are located about the keyboard cover and tablet cover so as to provide fastening capability for retaining the tablet case in the open tablet, open keyboard, tilted tablet or closed tablet position as described herein. The tablet keyboard case is operable as a stand in the open keyboard position allowing the user to position the keyboard and tablet in multiple configurations without the need to carry a separate stand. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment, the present invention includes a folding tablet keyboard case which includes a folding tilt support which is deployed to orient the tablet cover at an acute angle relative to the keyboard cover allowing the user to adjust the viewing angle of the tablet in the open tablet position when the keyboard is not in use and remains in the keyboard cover. In one embodiment, one or more tilt support legs may be deployed to orient the tablet cover at an acute angle relative to the keyboard cover for adjusting the viewing angle of the tablet screen in the open tablet position when the keyboard is not in use and remains covered in the keyboard cover. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the present invention teaches a folding tablet keyboard case includes, providing a tablet cover with exterior and interior sides with rounded peripheral edges, a keyboard cover with exterior and interior sides with rounded peripheral edges, a spine with at least one or more folding hinges which allows the user to fold the tablet cover and keyboard cover on to each other providing protection for the keyboard and tablet. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0014]    Various aspects of the invention, as well as an embodiment, are better understood by reference to the following detailed description. The detailed description, given by way of examples and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and parts in which: 
           [0015]      FIGS. 1A-1C  are various views of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention shown in a closed tablet position as disclosed herein; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention shown in the open keyboard position as disclosed herein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention shown in the open keyboard position as disclosed herein; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention shown in the open keyboard position as disclosed herein; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3A-3B  are side and perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention in the open tablet position as described herein; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4A-4B  are side and perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention with integrated support stand in the tilted tablet position as described herein; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5A-5B  are side and perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention with integrated support legs shown in the tilted tablet position as described herein; and, 
           [0022]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are various views of an embodiment of the tablet keyboard case invention shown in with the spine folded to support the tablet keyboard case in the tilted tablet position as described herein. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    The above figures are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended to define the limits of the disclosed invention. Use of the same reference number in multiple figures is intended to designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “top,” “bottom,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the particular embodiment. The extension of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide some overview as to the way in which the invention disclosed herein operates. The following information may be viewed as a basis from which the present invention may by properly explained. Such information is offered for purposes of explanation only and, accordingly, should not be construed to limit the broad scope of the present invention and its potential applications. 
         [0025]    Turning to  FIG. 1A , a side view of the tablet keyboard case  10  embodiment is shown in the closed tablet position. As described herein, the closed tablet position describes a position in which tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  are folded over on to each other so that the keyboard and tablet devices enclosed in tablet keyboard case  10  face each other with the external surfaces of tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  exposed to the outside environment. In this configuration, the external surfaces of the tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  protect the tablet and keyboard from damage or shock. As shown, tablet edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D (as marked in  FIGS. 2-5 ) are substantially aligned and concentrically oriented with keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D (as marked in  FIGS. 2-5 ) and tablet cover  12  acts to cover and protect the keyboard surface secured within keyboard cover  14 . Spine  16  is integrated as part of the tablet cover  12  exterior surface in the closed tablet position as shown. As depicted in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C,  2 B, and  2 C, tablet keyboard case  10  includes tablet cover  12  with tablet cover edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D, a keyboard cover  14  with keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D, a tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device  20  secured by tablet cover  12  and a keyboard secured by keyboard cover  14 . 
         [0026]    A perspective view of tablet keyboard case  10  is shown in the closed tablet position in  FIG. 1B . In this view, a portion of spine  16  forms a corresponding portion of tablet cover  12  when the tablet keyboard case  10  is in the closed tablet position. Spine  16  includes at least one folding hinge  18  incorporated into spine  16  for adjustability of the tablet cover  12  relative to the keyboard cover  14  due to the folding nature of spine  16  via hinge  18  and as further described herein. In one embodiment, spine  16  is connected by hinge  18  on the exterior surface of tablet cover  12  (as shown in  FIG. 2A ). Spine  16  may be manufactured from flexible, stretchable, shrinkable materials such as metal, wood, nylon, neoprene, spandex, and/or layered, flexible metal bistable bands contained within a fabric or plastic covers, which allow the spine  16  to stretch, shrink, bend and/or flex to function and fit the different tablet keyboard case configurations described herein. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1C  shows a cross-section of the tablet keyboard cover  10  with a tablet or other electronic device  20  detachably secured with tablet cover  12 , a keyboard  22  detachably secured with keyboard cover  14 , and spine  16  which connects tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14 . Groove  14 E is shown which provides a friction or rest stop for an edge of tablet  20  or tablet cover edge  12 D to rest in while the tablet keyboard cover  10  is placed in the open keyboard position which is explained in greater detail below. Groove  14 E is generally parallel with keyboard edges  14 A,  14 D and generally extends the length of the keyboard cover  14  bounded by keyboard edges  14 B,  14 C. Keyboard  22  is secured within an area preformed into keyboard cover  14  as depicted. Tablet cover  12 , keyboard cover  14 , and groove  14 E or multiple or a plurality of grooves  14 E may be dimensioned to accommodate various sizes of electronic devices as known in the art. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 2A , a side view of tablet keyboard cover  10  in the open keyboard position is depicted. As described herein, the open keyboard configuration is the position in which the user desires to use a keyboard which is detachably secured in keyboard cover  14  to input information or otherwise operate a tablet detachably secured in tablet cover  12 . In this position, the user adjusts tablet cover  12  by folding spine  16  via hinges  18  while keyboard cover  14  remains in a substantially horizontal position when placed upon a stable surface such as a desk or worktable. Additional hinges  18  may be incorporated into spine  16  to provide variable viewing angles resulting from the variable folded configurations of spine  16  provided by each section of spine  16  disposed between hinge(s)  18  for the tablet touchscreen while the user is utilizing the keyboard enclosed by keyboard cover  14 . In this position, the user may input data, interact or otherwise operate tablet  20  by depressing or otherwise actuating the keys of keyboard  22 . In the depicted embodiment, keyboard  22  communicates wirelessly with tablet  20  by a wireless protocol such as Bluetooth wireless technology. The Bluetooth wireless protocol is a short-range wireless communication system intended to replace cables connecting portable devices, such as a tablet and a keyboard, while maintaining data transfer security. Bluetooth and other known wireless communication methodologies are well known in the art. In similar fashion, a wire or cable (not shown) could also be used to establish a communication pathway between tablet  20  and keyboard  22  if a wired connection is desired. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2B  provides a rear perspective view of tablet keyboard cover  10  shown in the open keyboard position. In this position, tablet cover  12  is oriented at an angle relative to keyboard cover  14  and is maintained in this position by placing an edge, such as tablet cover edge  12 D, in contact with an edge of the keyboard  22  or in a formed groove  14 E which acts as a friction stop. In one embodiment, groove  14 E may consist of multiple rows of grooves extending in a substantially parallel fashion and parallel to keyboard edges  14 A,  14 D providing the user with multiple grooves in which to rest tablet cover edge  12 D in the open keyboard position. In one embodiment, one or more magnets or other fasteners may be incorporated into various locations along, within or on edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D of tablet cover  12  and edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D of keyboard cover  14  and groove  14 E which may act to secure tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  in various angular configurations to provide multiple, securely adjustable viewing positions at the desire of the user. In one embodiment, parallel notches may be formed into one or more edges  14 B,  14 C of keyboard cover  14  with corresponding extensions formed and protruding from one or more edges  12 B,  12 C in tablet cover  12  into which an edge of tablet cover  12  may be inserted to act as a friction stop and still provide multiple, securely adjustable viewing positions at the desire of the user. 
         [0030]    Turning to  FIG. 2C , a front perspective view of tablet keyboard cover  10  is shown in the open keyboard position. In this position, the user may utilize keyboard  22  that is secured in keyboard cover  14  for interacting with tablet  20  that is secured in tablet cover  12 . Spine  16  acts to provide support for maintaining the viewing angle of tablet touchscreen  20  while the user utilizes keyboard  22  for inputting data and controlling the operation of tablet  20 . The user may also use a finger, stylus or other input device for inputting data or otherwise controlling tablet  20  by touching touchscreen surface  30 . In the depicted embodiment, keyboard  22  is detachably secured substantially within keyboard cover  14  with the top of the keyboard  22  substantially level and parallel with keyboard cover foreground  24 . In various embodiments, keyboard foreground  24  may consist of a series of parallel grooves  14 E which provide variable adjustability for positioning of the tablet viewing angle. In various embodiments, keyboard cover foreground  24  may consist of one or multiple component pieces that may be removed and sized to accommodate keyboard  22  of various dimensions and to provide variable viewing angles. For example, the selected viewing angle in the open keyboard position may range from about zero to ninety degrees, such as 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 degrees in various embodiments depending on the spacing and locations of grooves  14 E or in another embodiment comprising the width of keyboard cover foreground  24 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 3A  depicts a side view of tablet keyboard case  10  that is shown in the open tablet position. In this position, the tablet cover  12  is rotated substantially 180 degrees at the point of hinged rotation where the spine  16  attaches to tablet cover  12  and tablet cover  12  is folded on to the keyboard cover  14  and acts to cover and protect the keyboard secured by keyboard cover  14 . In the open tablet position, the user may operate the tablet by accessing the tablet touchscreen with a finger, stylus or other input device while keeping the keys on keyboard from being inadvertently depressed as the manipulates the tablet or while walking and carrying the tablet. In the open tablet position, tablet cover edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D are substantially parallel and concentric with keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D all of which are detachably secured by fasteners such as magnets, hook and loop, studs, snaps, hooks or other fasteners as known in the art. Spine  16  as folded may protrude (as shown) or may be constructed so as to fold or mold around keyboard cover edge  14 D in symmetrical fashion. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3B  depicts a perspective view of tablet keyboard case  10  in the open tablet position. As shown, tablet edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D are substantially aligned and concentrically oriented with keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D and tablet cover  12  acts to cover and protect the keyboard surface secured within keyboard cover  14 . In this configuration, the user may easily interface with tablet touchscreen  30  of tablet  20  that is secured with tablet cover  12 . While interfacing with tablet touchscreen  30  on the surface of tablet  20 , tablet cover  12  which is now detachably secured to keyboard cover  14  by releasable fasteners such as magnets, hook and loop material or snaps or other fasteners as known in the art and which maybe position along or within the tablet cover edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D and/or positioned along or within the keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D, to provide protection to the keyboard  22  secured by keyboard cover  14  and prevents the inadvertent depression of keys located on the keyboard  22 . In this configuration, the tablet  20  is easily utilized by the user and easily transported while being carried by the user in the tablet keyboard case  10 . 
         [0033]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show one embodiment of the tablet keyboard case  10  which includes a tilt support  32  which acts to provide an adjustable viewing angle for the user while the tablet is in the tilted tablet position. In the depicted embodiment, tablet cover  12  is rotated in general fashion to the tilted tablet position. Instead of aligning concentrically and fastening tablet cover edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D with keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D, the user folds out tilt support  32  which is stored and integrated as a portion of tablet cover  12  allowing an edge of tilt support  32  to rest on keyboard  22  and/or against keyboard cover edge  14 A as shown. In one embodiment, at least one groove (not shown) is integrated between keyboard  22  and keyboard cover edge  14 A to act as a friction stop when tilt support  32  is placed in such groove or in another embodiment against keyboard cover edge  14 A . Alternatively, multiple grooves could be integrated parallel to keyboard cover edge  14 A to provide for a plurality of tilted viewing angles for the user. Alternatively, fasteners such as magnets, hook and loop material, levees, or peg and notch fasteners or such as is known in the art could be utilized to keep the tilt support  32  in the desired position. In this configuration, keyboard  22  is still substantially protected from inadvertent depression of keys located on keyboard  22  while the user uses, views content or otherwise interacts with tablet touchscreen  30  while using tablet  20 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show one embodiment of the tablet keyboard case  10  which includes at least two tilt support legs  34  which act to provide an adjustable viewing angle for the user while the tablet is in the tilted tablet position. In the depicted embodiment, tablet cover  12  is rotated in general fashion to the tilted tablet position. Instead of aligning and fastening tablet cover edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D with keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D, the user folds out tilt support legs  34  which are stored and integrated as a portion of tablet cover  12  allowing the free ends of each tilt support leg  34  to rest on keyboard  22  and/or against keyboard cover edge  14 A as shown. In one embodiment, at least one groove or notch (not shown) is formed between keyboard  22  and keyboard cover edge  14 , or along edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D to act as a friction stop when tilt support legs  34  are placed in such groove or notch. Alternatively, multiple grooves or notches could be integrated between keyboard  22  and keyboard cover edge  14 , or along edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D as discussed above to provide for a plurality of adjustable tilted viewing angles for the user. Alternatively, fasteners such as magnets, hooks, studs, snaps, levees, posts, hook and loop material, or peg and notch could be utilized along or within edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D to keep the tilt support legs  34  in the desired position. In this configuration, keyboard  22  is still substantially protected from inadvertent depression of keys located on keyboard  22  while the user uses, views content or otherwise interacts with tablet touchscreen  30  while using tablet  20 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 6A-6B  depict one embodiment of the tablet keyboard case  10  that utilizes at least one reusable fastener for securing the tablet keyboard case  10  in a variety of positions, and in the instant figures, the tilted tablet position. It is noted that such fasteners could be integrated in a variety of locations around the periphery of tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  along or within tablet cover edges  12 A,  12 B,  12 C,  12 D and keyboard cover edges  14 A,  14 B,  14 C,  14 D in positions to facilitate fastening the tablet keyboard case  10  into the open tablet position, closed tablet position and open keyboard position in similar manner. By way of example, folding and fastening the tablet keyboard cover  10  into the tilted tablet position is depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6B .  FIGS. 6A  depicts fasteners  36  which have been integrated into tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  in the corner peripheral region along tablet cover edge  12 D and corresponding keyboard cover edge  14 A.  FIG. 6B  demonstrates the folding hinges  18  included in spine  16  providing the user with the ability to tilt the tablet cover  12  at various multiple acute angle relative to the keyboard cover  14 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the fasteners  36  are detachably mated to connect the tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  together to form the desired viewing angle so the user may interact or otherwise operate the tablet secured with tablet cover  12  while preventing actuation or depression of the keys on they keyboard secured with keyboard cover  14 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 6B  is a rear perspective view of tablet keyboard case  10  shown in the tilted tablet position with fasteners  36  shown detachably mated to maintain tablet keyboard case  10  in the tilted tablet position. When the user desires to alter the position of the tablet for viewing purposes or move the tablet keyboard case  10  into the open tablet, closed tablet, or open keyboard positions, they may simply pull the mated portions of tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  apart, reposition them in the desired configuration and press tablet cover  12  and keyboard cover  14  in sufficient proximity so as to engage the particular fasteners  36 . Fasteners  36  which may be utilized to perform the reusable fastener function may include magnets, hook and loop material and snap fasteners among others as known in the art and as described elsewhere herein. 
         [0037]    The invention disclosed herein may be manufactured from various plastics, woods, carbon fiber, leather and metals. For example, the tablet cover and keyboard cover may be manufactured from polycarbonate, plastics, metals, rubber or soft polymers such as silicone. Other examples include thermoplastic, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic leather, leatherette, and carbon fiber. A touchscreen protector may also be incorporated to provide protection to the exposed touchscreen surface. The tablet cover case would also incorporate various openings and slots at various locations to allow the user to access the tablet control buttons, switches and connector ports. The tablet and keyboard covers would likewise be shaped to securely hold tablet and keyboard devices. For example, the tablet and keyboard covers may be contained within a pliable hard or soft shell designed to form a moldable, snug fit around the tablet and keyboard. Alternatively, the tablet and keyboard covers may include a snap flap along one or more edges to allow a user to open the flap and insert the keyboard and/or tablet into their respective covers and then snap the flap shut to provide secure retention of the keyboard and tablet in their respective covers. 
         [0038]    The spine may include both rigid and pliable materials manufactured in sections so as to hinge as described herein. The spine may incorporate metal, wood, carbon fiber, thermoplastic or hard plastics that are stitched or incorporated into a flexible or semi-flexible covering such as cloth, microfiber, plastic, and leather among others, providing a rigid or semi-rigid spine as desired with one or more hinged sections. In certain implementations, the hinge or hinges show as crease lines where the material (e.g. leather, plastic or fabric) at the crease line can be flexed, allowing the flaps or panels of the spine to swing or rotate with respect to each other. Other hinges and techniques may not result in crease lines in the material forming or covering the spine. These hinges may be referred to as hidden or invisible hinges. Whether shown or invisible, hinges which may used in connection with the invention include swing hinges, living hinges, flush hinges, piano hinges, continuous hinges, concealed hinges, and spring hinges among others as known in the art. The hinge or hinges may be made from various materials including leather, microfiber, plastic, metal, rubber, silicone, carbon fiber and other materials as known in the art. 
         [0039]    It should also be noted that the tablet keyboard case described and shown herein could easily be sized and manufactured for electronic devices of various sizes and shapes including computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, tablets, smartphones, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, music storage and listening devices such as the iPod and iPod Touch and other such devices produced by other manufacturers. As such, the description and claims herein are not to be construed as limited to certain types or dimensions of phones, computers, laptops, tablets, keyboards or other electronic devices. 
         [0040]    The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is established by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While various alterations and permutations of the invention are possible, the invention is to be limited only by the following claims and equivalents.

Technology Category: 3