US20150129438A1 - Electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device - Google Patents
Electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150129438A1 US20150129438A1 US14/075,775 US201314075775A US2015129438A1 US 20150129438 A1 US20150129438 A1 US 20150129438A1 US 201314075775 A US201314075775 A US 201314075775A US 2015129438 A1 US2015129438 A1 US 2015129438A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- electronic device
- component
- tilting
- lift component
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
- B65D5/52—External stands or display elements for contents
- B65D5/5206—External stands for supporting the container in display position, e.g. easels, covers forming a support for the containers in the display position
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/04—Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/002—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C11/00—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00
- A45C2011/003—Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45C
- A45C2200/15—Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/18—Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment
- H04M1/185—Improving the rigidity of the casing or resistance to shocks
Definitions
- the invention is related to a holder or case for an electronic device such as a tablet computer.
- Portable or handheld electronic devices such as eReader devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, tablet computers and the like, have internal circuitry, delicate components, and screens that are prone to damage.
- holders, covers or cases for such devices that protect such devices from the environment.
- users In order to protect their device and serve all viewing preferences, users often purchase protective holders or cases with viewing stands.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device.
- the case includes at least one panel, a frame configured to hold an electronic device, and a tilting subassembly disposed between the panel and the frame.
- the frame is hingedly coupled to the panel adjacent a first edge of the panel.
- the tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the panel. A first end of the lift component is coupled to the panel and a second end of the lift component is coupled to the tether component.
- the tilting subassembly is operable to selectively alternate between a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the panel and a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch when the tether component is selectively pulled such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the panel.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device case including at least one panel and a tilting subassembly.
- the tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the panel. A first end of the lift component is coupled to the panel and a second end of the lift component is coupled to a first end of the tether component.
- the lift component is substantially planar and lies flat upon the panel when the tilting subassembly is in a first configuration such that an electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly also lies substantially flat upon the panel and wherein the lift component bows into an arch when the tilting subassembly is in a second configuration such that an electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the panel.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device case including a first panel, a second panel, a spine, a frame configured to hold an electronic device, and a substantially planar tilting subassembly disposed between the second panel and the frame.
- the first panel includes a first panel outer surface and a first panel inner surface
- the second panel includes a second panel outer surface and a second panel inner surface
- the spine connects the first panel to the second panel.
- the frame is hingedly coupled to the second panel inner surface adjacent a first edge of the second panel.
- the tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the second panel.
- a first end of the lift component is coupled to the second panel inner surface and a second end of the lift component is coupled to a first end of the tether component.
- Pulling of the tether component selectively transforms the tilting subassembly from a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the second panel into a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the second panel.
- a fastener is coupled to a second end of the tether component, wherein the fastener is operable to selectively couple to an edge of the second panel to secure the tilting subassembly in the second configuration such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to the second panel.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device according to an embodiment hereof, wherein the case includes a tilting subassembly therein and the case is shown closed.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the case of FIG. 1 , wherein the case is shown laid open with the inside surfaces of the case visible.
- FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is an end view of FIG. 2 , wherein the tilting subassembly is stretched out for illustrative purposes only and a frame of the case is removed for sake of illustration only.
- FIGS. 4-6 are detailed views of the hinge connection between the frame and a back panel of the case.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the inner surface of the back panel of the case of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the back surface of the frame of the case of FIG. 1 .
- FIGS. 9 , 10 , and 11 are top, end, and perspective views, respectively, of the case of FIG. 2 and an electronic device positioned therein, wherein the tilting subassembly of the case is in its first or flat configuration.
- FIGS. 12 , 13 , 14 , and 15 are top, end, and two perspective views, respectively, of the case of FIG. 2 and an electronic device positioned therein, wherein the tilting subassembly of the case is in its second or arched configuration.
- FIG. 16 is an end view of a case for selectively tilting an electronic device according to another embodiment hereof, wherein the tilting subassembly is stretched out for illustrative purposes only and includes a plurality of fasteners for securing the tilting subassembly in a plurality of arched configurations.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device holder or case 100 for protecting and selectively tilting an electronic device.
- case 100 includes a first or front panel 102 A connected to a second or back panel 102 B via a spine 103 in the manner of a book, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates case 100 closed, with front panel 102 A overlaying back panel 102 B, while FIG. 2 illustrates case 100 open and laid flat out for illustrative purposes.
- Front panel 102 A includes an inner surface 122 A, an outer surface 124 A, an inner edge 126 A attached to spine 103 , an outer edge 128 A, a top edge 130 A, and a bottom edge 132 A.
- back panel 102 B includes an inner surface 122 B, an outer surface (obscured from view in FIGS. 1-2 ), an inner edge 126 B attached to spine 103 , an outer edge 128 B, a top edge 130 B, and a bottom edge 132 B.
- a frame 120 for removably holding an electronic device is hingedly coupled to inner surface 122 B of back panel 102 B, as will be explained in more detail below.
- Case 100 further includes a tilting mechanism or subassembly 104 coupled to inner surface 122 B of back panel 1202 B for selectively lifting or tilting a portion of frame 120 and an electronic device received therein, as will be described in more detail herein.
- Frame 120 is shown in phantom in FIG. 2 in order to view tilting subassembly 104 .
- Case 100 may be formed from a relatively hard or rigid material that operates to protect the electronic device from breakage or damage. More particularly, front panel 102 A, back panel 102 B, and spine 103 may be formed from any relatively hard or stiff protective material including but not limited to cardboard, bamboo, fiberboard, wood, wood fiber, metal, polymer, synthetic textiles, nylon, polyurethane, wool, polyester, and other suitable materials as would be known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the outer or exterior surfaces of front and back panels 102 A, 102 B may include a covering for aesthetic purposes. The covering may be canvas, cloth, synthetic leather, leather, or tarpaulin.
- inner or interior surface 122 A of front panel 102 A may include an inner lining of a soft, non-scratch microfiber material and/or a thin padding of approximately 2-3 mm thickness between the lining and the hard protective material of front panel 102 A to protect the electronic device when electronic device case 100 is closed.
- frame 120 is made from a plastic material such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, and other similar materials known to those skilled in the art.
- Frame 120 includes a flat inner surface 134 that curls or curves at its edges 136 towards inner surface 122 A of front panel 102 A when case 100 is in the closed configuration shown in FIG. 1 to form a holder for the electronic device. With the curved edges 136 , frame 120 forms a snap fit connection.
- An electronic device (not shown in FIGS. 1-2 ) is inserted into frame 120 and is held by or within curved edges 136 of frame 120 .
- curved edges 136 of frame 120 is generally continuous, and may include strategically located openings and/or gaps through curved edges 136 for access to edges of an electronic device received therein.
- openings through frame 120 may be provided for various features or elements of the electronic device, such as a camera, speakers, microphones, and other similar items typically found on an electronic device.
- gaps in curved edges 136 of frame 120 may provide access to power ports, USB ports, power switches, headphone ports, volume controls, and other similar items generally found along edges of electronic devices.
- Frame 120 and case 100 are generally sized to hold particular sizes of electronic devices.
- case 100 and corresponding frame 120 may be sized to receive an eBook reader such as the KindleTM, or tablet computers, such as the iPadTM or iPadTM mini from Apple Inc. or other similar devices. Case 100 and frame 120 may also be sized to hold other electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP 3 player, or other handheld portable electronic devices.
- eBook reader such as the KindleTM
- tablet computers such as the iPadTM or iPadTM mini from Apple Inc. or other similar devices.
- Case 100 and frame 120 may also be sized to hold other electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP 3 player, or other handheld portable electronic devices.
- PDA personal digital assistant
- MP 3 player or other handheld portable electronic devices.
- tilting subassembly 104 coupled to back panel 1202 B is operable to selectively tilt a portion of frame 120 and an electronic device received therein in order to provide a more convenient viewing configuration or angle.
- frame 120 is hingedly connected to inner surface 122 B of back panel 102 B adjacent inner edge 126 B of back panel 102 B.
- FIGS. 4-6 show details of one embodiment of such a hinge connection 170 , with frame 120 separated from back panel 102 BA for convenience.
- a back surface 121 of frame 120 includes recesses 172 and knuckles 174 for connecting to corresponding parts coupled to inner surface 122 B of back panel 102 B.
- hinge connection 170 further includes a plate or wing 176 coupled to inner surface 122 B of back panel 102 B with knuckles 177 extending therefrom and holding a pin 178 .
- the exposed portions of pin 178 between knuckles 177 are snap-fit into knuckles 174 of frame 120 and knuckles 177 are disposed within recesses 172 of frame 120 to complete the hinge connection 170 .
- a specific hinge connection 170 is described herein, those skilled in the art would recognize that other types of hinge connections may also be used.
- frame 120 and back panel 102 B may be rotated relative to each around the location of hinge connection 170 , thereby permitting outer edges 179 , 128 B of frame 120 and back panel 102 B, respectively, to move apart from each other and towards each other.
- FIGS. 7-8 also show another feature of case 100 of the present application.
- a protrusion 150 extends from inner surface 122 B.
- Protrusion 150 is situated and configured to snap-fit fit into a recess 152 formed on back surface 121 of frame 120 .
- protrusion 150 snap-fits into recess 152 such that frame 120 does not move relative to back panel 102 B unless the user pulls frame 120 /back panel 102 B with sufficient force to dislodge the snap-fit connection.
- This connection prevents frame 120 and back panel 102 B from moving relative to each other when it is not desired by the user.
- removable connections may be utilized to selectively couple the free edge portions of frame 120 /back panel 102 B to each other.
- a hook and loop connection, magnetic connection, or other similar removable connections may be utilized.
- Tilting subassembly 104 includes a bendable lift component 106 and a tether component 112 that is slidingly disposed between the lift component and back panel 102 B.
- lift component 106 lies substantially flat against or upon back panel 102 B and tether 112 is pulled to selectively curve or bow lift component 106 into an arch, thereby lifting or tilting one edge of frame 120 and an electronic device received therein.
- lift component 106 of tilting subassembly 104 has a shape of the letter Y or wishbone with a stem or base 108 and two arms 110 A, 110 B having a space or gap 109 therebetween.
- stem 108 and arms 110 A, 110 B are integrally formed as a single unitary element or component having first ends 111 A, 111 B formed from arms 110 A, 110 B, respectively, and a second end 107 . Second end 107 of lift component 106 is not coupled to back panel 102 B.
- Lift component 106 is formed from a material that is substantially rigid to support an electronic device while also being sufficiently flexible to bend or bow such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other similar materials known to those skilled in the art.
- a material that is substantially rigid to support an electronic device while also being sufficiently flexible to bend or bow such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other similar materials known to those skilled in the art.
- Tether 112 of tilting subassembly 104 has a shape of an elongated ribbon or strip.
- a first end 114 of tether 112 is coupled to second end 107 of lift component 106
- a second end 116 of tether 112 may include one or more fasteners 118 used to secure or lock tilting subassembly 104 into place as will be described in more detail herein.
- tether component 112 is slidingly disposed or positioned between lift component 106 and back panel 102 B, and extends underneath stem 108 of lift component 106 and underneath space 109 between arms 110 A, 110 B of lift component 106 .
- Tether 112 is formed from a soft, fabric material such as nylon or polyester webbing in a 15-20 mm width.
- both lift component 106 and tether component 112 of tilting subassembly 104 are substantially flat or planar components.
- Lift component 106 has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.00 mm
- tether component 112 has a thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Due to the flat profile thereof, tilting subassembly 104 adds minimal thickness or bulk to case 100 . Since tilting subassembly 104 and back panel 102 B are flat components or have flat surfaces, tether component 112 and lift component 106 lay substantially flush against back panel 102 B with tether component 112 disposed between the lift component and the back panel.
- substantially flush includes components that are lying flat, level, or in plane with and abutting against or in contact with each other as well as components that are flat, level, or in plane tangential to each other but slightly spaced apart therefrom, i.e., less than 0.1 millimeters therefrom.
- the components may be slightly spaced apart from each other and thus not precisely flat or planar due to the particular configuration of case 100 as well as the weight of an electronic device that is held within case 100 .
- arms 110 A, 110 B of lift component 106 may abut against and be in plane with back panel 102 B since ends 111 A, 111 B thereof are coupled to the back panel 102 B while stem 108 of lift component 106 may be slightly spaced apart from back panel 102 B since tether component 112 extends directly underneath the stem.
- different portions of tether component 112 and/or lift component 106 may be flattened under the weight of frame 120 and/or an electronic device received therein.
- tether component 112 is essentially folded back under lift component 106 such that second end 116 of tether component 112 is disposed adjacent to first ends 111 A, 111 B of the lift component, which are coupled to back panel 102 B. With tether component 112 and lift component 106 adjacent to and/or abutting against each other, the components are folded together towards inner surface 122 B of back panel 102 B until the components lay flat or substantially flush against back panel 102 B as described above.
- Tilting subassembly 104 is operable to selectively alternate between a first configuration in which lift component 106 lies substantially flat upon back panel 102 B as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-2 and a second configuration in which lift component 106 bends into an arch when tether component 112 is selectively pulled.
- FIGS. 9-15 illustrate case 100 in use with an electronic device 140 , with FIGS. 9-11 illustrating tilting subassembly 104 in the first or flat configuration and FIGS. 12-15 illustrating tilting subassembly 104 in the second or arched configuration.
- front panel 102 A and spine 103 have been removed for sake of clarity and thus only back panel 102 B, frame 120 , and tilting assembly 104 are shown.
- electronic device 140 is disposed into frame 120 of case 100 .
- electronic device 140 received within frame 120 also lies substantially flat or flush upon tilting subassembly 104 and back panel 102 B.
- a first or outer edge 142 of electronic device 140 is intended to be lifted or tilted when lift component 106 of tilting subassembly 104 is selectively curved or bowed into an arch.
- Second end 116 of tether component 112 When it is desired to tilt electronic device 140 , second end 116 of tether component 112 is pulled in a direction away from case 100 to transform or change tilting subassembly 104 into the second or arched configuration. Second end 116 of tether component 112 may thus be considered a pull tab. Pulling tether component 112 causes second end 107 of lift component 106 , which is not attached to back panel 102 B, to move towards first ends 111 A, 111 B of lift component 106 , which are attached to back panel 102 B.
- first ends 111 A, 111 B of lift component 106 With first ends 111 A, 111 B of lift component 106 fixed or stationary, pulling tether component 112 and second end 107 of lift component 106 causes the lift component to bend, curve, or bow into an arch as the opposing ends of lift component 106 are moved closer together.
- Lift component 106 bends or bows with its concavity directed towards back panel 102 B.
- frame 120 When lift component 106 bows into an arch, frame 120 , as well as electronic device 140 received therein, are tilted with respect to back panel 102 B.
- Outer edge 142 of electronic device 140 is lifted or forced away from inner surface 122 B of back panel 102 B by bowed lift component 106 .
- frame 120 and electronic device 140 received therein are tilted at an angle ⁇ between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to back panel 102 B as best shown on FIG. 13 .
- Tilting electronic device 140 positions the device at a slant or angle, similar to an easel or stand, for better typing or viewing.
- case 100 when case 100 is utilized for securing an eReader device or tablet computer, the user may use case 100 as a reading stand that does not require the user to hold the electronic device while the user watches/reads the contents displayed thereon.
- Such a configuration is also convenient for typing on a touch-screen keyboard or viewing the screen of electronic device 140 , which may display videos, photographs, documents, or other images.
- tilting is accomplished via the simple step of pulling second end 116 of tether component 112 .
- the degree of angle ⁇ may vary according to application and depends upon the location or position of the lift component relative to the hinged edge as well as the distance or amount that tether component 112 is pulled. In general, placing tilting subassembly 104 closer to hinge connection 170 results in a higher or larger degree of tilt angle or inclination as compared to placing it closer to the edge opposite hinge connection 170 . Thus, the location of tilting subassembly 104 may vary according to application. In addition, in general, greater distance or amount of travel by tether component 112 results in a higher or larger degree of tilt angle or inclination.
- fastener 118 at second end 116 of tether component 112 may be coupled to or around an edge of back panel 102 B in order to secure or lock tilting subassembly 104 in the second configuration.
- fastener 118 is a hook or latch that is operable to frictionally engage or grasp an edge of back panel 102 B.
- the weight of electronic device 140 keeps tether 112 and fastener 118 in tension to further prevent tilting subassembly 104 from returning to its first or flat configuration.
- fastener 118 is a hook or latch
- different types of fasteners may be used to secure or lock tilting subassembly 104 in the second configuration, such as but not limited to hidden locking mechanisms that click into locked or unlocked positions, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, snaps, or other types of fasteners.
- a first mating component of the fastener may be located on the outer surface of back panel 102 B and a second mating component of the fastener may be located on the tether, similar to fastener 118 .
- the tether would be required to loop around to back panel 102 B such that the two mating components may be joined.
- fastener 118 When it is no longer desired to have electronic device 140 tilted, fastener 118 is released or removed from the edge of back panel 102 B and tilting subassembly 104 is permitted to return to its natural, flat configuration. Pulling and releasing tether component 112 may be repeated as desired to alternate tilting subassembly between the first, flat configuration and the second, arched configuration.
- a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fasteners may be coupled to the tether component in order to provide multiple tilting angle options. More particularly, with reference to FIG. 16 , a case 1600 having a tilting mechanism or subassembly 1604 is shown with tilting subassembly 1604 stretched out or unfolded from the back panel for illustrative purposes only. Similar to tilting subassembly 104 described herein, tilting subassembly 1604 includes a bendable lift component 1606 and a tether component 1612 .
- first fastener 1618 A and a second fastener 1618 B are coupled to a second end 1616 of tether component 1612 .
- First fastener 1618 A allows a user to secure or lock tilting subassembly 1604 in the second configuration with an electronic device positioned thereon tilted at a first angle
- second fastener 1618 B allows a user to secure or lock tilting subassembly 1604 in the second configuration with an electronic device positioned thereon tilted at a second angle.
- first fastener 1618 A may allow a user to secure tilting subassembly 1604 with the electronic device tilted at a 20 degree angle
- second fastener 1618 B may allow a user to secure tilting subassembly 1604 with the electronic device tilted at a 30 degree angle.
- additional fasteners may be included on the tether component to provide a user with additional tilting angle options at various increments.
- case 100 includes two panels 102 A, 102 B but those skilled in the art would recognize that the case may include other accessory case or holder configurations. Essentially, only a single panel, i.e., back panel 102 B, is required, while front panel 102 A and spine 103 are optional components that provide case 100 with a book-like configuration.
- the hinge connection 170 between frame 120 and back panel 102 B is not required to be located adjacent to inside edge 126 B of back panel 102 B.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
An electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device. The case includes at least one panel, a frame configured to receive an electronic device, and a tilting subassembly. The tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the at least one panel. Pulling of the tether component selectively transforms the tilting subassembly from a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the panel into a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch, thereby tilting the frame and an electronic device positioned within the frame. One or more fasteners may be coupled to a second end of the tether component to secure the tilting subassembly in the second configuration.
Description
- The invention is related to a holder or case for an electronic device such as a tablet computer.
- Portable or handheld electronic devices, such as eReader devices, personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, tablet computers and the like, have internal circuitry, delicate components, and screens that are prone to damage. Thus, there are holders, covers or cases for such devices that protect such devices from the environment. Further, it is often desirable to stand these electronic devices at various orientations and angles to use the electronic devices various functions, such as watching video programming, viewing still images, typing on a touch-screen keypad/keyboard that appears on the device screen, and video-chatting with another user at a remote location, such as through FaceTime® or Skype®. In order to protect their device and serve all viewing preferences, users often purchase protective holders or cases with viewing stands. However, many conventional cases available for mobile phones, PDAs, portable video/music players, and table computers, have rather limited functionality. Although they generally succeed in protecting the portable electronic device, they can detract from its portability, usability and/or aesthetic appearance, and fall short of the needs of the user in many other ways. Thus, there is a need for a case for electronic devices which can conveniently hold the electronic device in various desirable viewing configurations.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device. The case includes at least one panel, a frame configured to hold an electronic device, and a tilting subassembly disposed between the panel and the frame. The frame is hingedly coupled to the panel adjacent a first edge of the panel. The tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the panel. A first end of the lift component is coupled to the panel and a second end of the lift component is coupled to the tether component. The tilting subassembly is operable to selectively alternate between a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the panel and a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch when the tether component is selectively pulled such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the panel.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device case including at least one panel and a tilting subassembly. The tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the panel. A first end of the lift component is coupled to the panel and a second end of the lift component is coupled to a first end of the tether component. The lift component is substantially planar and lies flat upon the panel when the tilting subassembly is in a first configuration such that an electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly also lies substantially flat upon the panel and wherein the lift component bows into an arch when the tilting subassembly is in a second configuration such that an electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the panel.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device case including a first panel, a second panel, a spine, a frame configured to hold an electronic device, and a substantially planar tilting subassembly disposed between the second panel and the frame. The first panel includes a first panel outer surface and a first panel inner surface, the second panel includes a second panel outer surface and a second panel inner surface, and the spine connects the first panel to the second panel. The frame is hingedly coupled to the second panel inner surface adjacent a first edge of the second panel. The tilting subassembly includes a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the second panel. A first end of the lift component is coupled to the second panel inner surface and a second end of the lift component is coupled to a first end of the tether component. Pulling of the tether component selectively transforms the tilting subassembly from a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the second panel into a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the second panel. A fastener is coupled to a second end of the tether component, wherein the fastener is operable to selectively couple to an edge of the second panel to secure the tilting subassembly in the second configuration such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to the second panel.
- The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. The drawings are not to scale.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device according to an embodiment hereof, wherein the case includes a tilting subassembly therein and the case is shown closed. -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the case ofFIG. 1 , wherein the case is shown laid open with the inside surfaces of the case visible. -
FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 is an end view ofFIG. 2 , wherein the tilting subassembly is stretched out for illustrative purposes only and a frame of the case is removed for sake of illustration only. -
FIGS. 4-6 are detailed views of the hinge connection between the frame and a back panel of the case. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the inner surface of the back panel of the case ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the back surface of the frame of the case ofFIG. 1 . -
FIGS. 9 , 10, and 11 are top, end, and perspective views, respectively, of the case ofFIG. 2 and an electronic device positioned therein, wherein the tilting subassembly of the case is in its first or flat configuration. -
FIGS. 12 , 13, 14, and 15 are top, end, and two perspective views, respectively, of the case ofFIG. 2 and an electronic device positioned therein, wherein the tilting subassembly of the case is in its second or arched configuration. -
FIG. 16 is an end view of a case for selectively tilting an electronic device according to another embodiment hereof, wherein the tilting subassembly is stretched out for illustrative purposes only and includes a plurality of fasteners for securing the tilting subassembly in a plurality of arched configurations. - Specific embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the figures, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Although the description of the invention is in the context of tilting electronic devices, the invention may also be used to tilt other devices as it is deemed useful. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
- Embodiments hereof relate to an electronic device holder or
case 100 for protecting and selectively tilting an electronic device. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1-2 ,case 100 includes a first orfront panel 102A connected to a second orback panel 102B via aspine 103 in the manner of a book, as best seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 .FIG. 1 illustratescase 100 closed, withfront panel 102A overlayingback panel 102B, whileFIG. 2 illustratescase 100 open and laid flat out for illustrative purposes.Front panel 102A includes aninner surface 122A, anouter surface 124A, aninner edge 126A attached tospine 103, anouter edge 128A, atop edge 130A, and abottom edge 132A. Similarly,back panel 102B includes aninner surface 122B, an outer surface (obscured from view inFIGS. 1-2 ), aninner edge 126B attached tospine 103, anouter edge 128B, atop edge 130B, and abottom edge 132B. Those skilled in the art would recognize that although the terms “top” and “bottom” are used, they are only used for convenience to differentiate different edges, and thatcase 100 may be oriented in any direction. Aframe 120 for removably holding an electronic device is hingedly coupled toinner surface 122B ofback panel 102B, as will be explained in more detail below.Case 100 further includes a tilting mechanism orsubassembly 104 coupled toinner surface 122B of back panel 1202B for selectively lifting or tilting a portion offrame 120 and an electronic device received therein, as will be described in more detail herein.Frame 120 is shown in phantom inFIG. 2 in order to view tilting subassembly 104. -
Case 100 may be formed from a relatively hard or rigid material that operates to protect the electronic device from breakage or damage. More particularly,front panel 102A,back panel 102B, andspine 103 may be formed from any relatively hard or stiff protective material including but not limited to cardboard, bamboo, fiberboard, wood, wood fiber, metal, polymer, synthetic textiles, nylon, polyurethane, wool, polyester, and other suitable materials as would be known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the outer or exterior surfaces of front andback panels interior surface 122A offront panel 102A may include an inner lining of a soft, non-scratch microfiber material and/or a thin padding of approximately 2-3 mm thickness between the lining and the hard protective material offront panel 102A to protect the electronic device whenelectronic device case 100 is closed. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1-2 ,frame 120 is made from a plastic material such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, and other similar materials known to those skilled in the art.Frame 120 includes a flatinner surface 134 that curls or curves at itsedges 136 towardsinner surface 122A offront panel 102A whencase 100 is in the closed configuration shown inFIG. 1 to form a holder for the electronic device. With thecurved edges 136,frame 120 forms a snap fit connection. An electronic device (not shown inFIGS. 1-2 ) is inserted intoframe 120 and is held by or withincurved edges 136 offrame 120. In the embodiment shown,curved edges 136 offrame 120 is generally continuous, and may include strategically located openings and/or gaps throughcurved edges 136 for access to edges of an electronic device received therein. For example and not by way of limitation, openings throughframe 120 may be provided for various features or elements of the electronic device, such as a camera, speakers, microphones, and other similar items typically found on an electronic device. Similarly, gaps incurved edges 136 offrame 120 may provide access to power ports, USB ports, power switches, headphone ports, volume controls, and other similar items generally found along edges of electronic devices.Frame 120 andcase 100 are generally sized to hold particular sizes of electronic devices. For example and not by way of limitation,case 100 andcorresponding frame 120 may be sized to receive an eBook reader such as the Kindle™, or tablet computers, such as the iPad™ or iPad™ mini from Apple Inc. or other similar devices.Case 100 andframe 120 may also be sized to hold other electronic devices such as a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), an MP3 player, or other handheld portable electronic devices. - As previously stated, tilting
subassembly 104 coupled to back panel 1202B is operable to selectively tilt a portion offrame 120 and an electronic device received therein in order to provide a more convenient viewing configuration or angle. Thus, in order forframe 120 to tilt,frame 120 is hingedly connected toinner surface 122B ofback panel 102B adjacentinner edge 126B ofback panel 102B.FIGS. 4-6 show details of one embodiment of such ahinge connection 170, withframe 120 separated from back panel 102BA for convenience. In the embodiment shown, aback surface 121 offrame 120 includesrecesses 172 andknuckles 174 for connecting to corresponding parts coupled toinner surface 122B ofback panel 102B. In particular, in the embodiment shown,hinge connection 170 further includes a plate orwing 176 coupled toinner surface 122B ofback panel 102B withknuckles 177 extending therefrom and holding apin 178. The exposed portions ofpin 178 betweenknuckles 177 are snap-fit intoknuckles 174 offrame 120 andknuckles 177 are disposed withinrecesses 172 offrame 120 to complete thehinge connection 170. Although aspecific hinge connection 170 is described herein, those skilled in the art would recognize that other types of hinge connections may also be used. Withhinge connection 170 betweenframe 120 andback panel 102B,frame 120 andback panel 102B may be rotated relative to each around the location ofhinge connection 170, thereby permittingouter edges frame 120 andback panel 102B, respectively, to move apart from each other and towards each other. -
FIGS. 7-8 also show another feature ofcase 100 of the present application. In particular, adjacentouter edge 128B ofback panel 102B, aprotrusion 150 extends frominner surface 122B.Protrusion 150 is situated and configured to snap-fit fit into arecess 152 formed onback surface 121 offrame 120. Thus, whenframe 120 is closed againstback panel 102B,protrusion 150 snap-fits intorecess 152 such thatframe 120 does not move relative toback panel 102B unless the user pullsframe 120/back panel 102B with sufficient force to dislodge the snap-fit connection. This connection preventsframe 120 andback panel 102B from moving relative to each other when it is not desired by the user. Those skilled in the art would recognize other removable connections may be utilized to selectively couple the free edge portions offrame 120/back panel 102B to each other. For example, and not by way of limitation, a hook and loop connection, magnetic connection, or other similar removable connections may be utilized. - Tilting
subassembly 104 includes abendable lift component 106 and atether component 112 that is slidingly disposed between the lift component andback panel 102B. As will be explained in more detail herein,lift component 106 lies substantially flat against or uponback panel 102B andtether 112 is pulled to selectively curve or bowlift component 106 into an arch, thereby lifting or tilting one edge offrame 120 and an electronic device received therein. With additional reference toFIG. 3 , which illustrates an end view ofcase 100 withframe 120 removed and tiltingsubassembly 104 stretched out or unfolded fromback panel 102B for illustrative purposes only,lift component 106 of tiltingsubassembly 104 has a shape of the letter Y or wishbone with a stem orbase 108 and twoarms gap 109 therebetween. Although described separately, stem 108 andarms arms second end 107.Second end 107 oflift component 106 is not coupled to backpanel 102B. Rather, only first ends 111A, 111B oflift component 106 are coupled toback panel 102B via adhesive, weld, solder, or other appropriate mechanical bond.Lift component 106 is formed from a material that is substantially rigid to support an electronic device while also being sufficiently flexible to bend or bow such as polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polycarbonate materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other similar materials known to those skilled in the art. - Tether 112 of tilting
subassembly 104 has a shape of an elongated ribbon or strip. Afirst end 114 oftether 112 is coupled tosecond end 107 oflift component 106, and asecond end 116 oftether 112 may include one ormore fasteners 118 used to secure orlock tilting subassembly 104 into place as will be described in more detail herein. As shown inFIG. 1 ,tether component 112 is slidingly disposed or positioned betweenlift component 106 andback panel 102B, and extends underneathstem 108 oflift component 106 and underneathspace 109 betweenarms lift component 106. Tether 112 is formed from a soft, fabric material such as nylon or polyester webbing in a 15-20 mm width. - As best shown in the cross-sectional view of
FIG. 2A , bothlift component 106 andtether component 112 of tiltingsubassembly 104 are substantially flat or planar components.Lift component 106 has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1.00 mm, whiletether component 112 has a thickness in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Due to the flat profile thereof, tiltingsubassembly 104 adds minimal thickness or bulk tocase 100. Since tiltingsubassembly 104 andback panel 102B are flat components or have flat surfaces,tether component 112 andlift component 106 lay substantially flush againstback panel 102B withtether component 112 disposed between the lift component and the back panel. As utilized herein, “substantially flush” includes components that are lying flat, level, or in plane with and abutting against or in contact with each other as well as components that are flat, level, or in plane tangential to each other but slightly spaced apart therefrom, i.e., less than 0.1 millimeters therefrom. The components may be slightly spaced apart from each other and thus not precisely flat or planar due to the particular configuration ofcase 100 as well as the weight of an electronic device that is held withincase 100. More particularly,arms lift component 106 may abut against and be in plane withback panel 102B sinceends back panel 102B whilestem 108 oflift component 106 may be slightly spaced apart fromback panel 102B sincetether component 112 extends directly underneath the stem. Further, although shown with constant thicknesses inFIG. 2 for illustrative purposes only, different portions oftether component 112 and/orlift component 106 may be flattened under the weight offrame 120 and/or an electronic device received therein. - To achieve the flat profile discussed above, i.e., to change from the stretched out configuration of
FIG. 3 to the flat or first configuration ofFIG. 2 ,tether component 112 is essentially folded back underlift component 106 such thatsecond end 116 oftether component 112 is disposed adjacent tofirst ends back panel 102B. Withtether component 112 andlift component 106 adjacent to and/or abutting against each other, the components are folded together towardsinner surface 122B ofback panel 102B until the components lay flat or substantially flush againstback panel 102B as described above. - Tilting
subassembly 104 is operable to selectively alternate between a first configuration in whichlift component 106 lies substantially flat uponback panel 102B as described above with respect toFIGS. 1-2 and a second configuration in whichlift component 106 bends into an arch whentether component 112 is selectively pulled.FIGS. 9-15 illustratecase 100 in use with anelectronic device 140, withFIGS. 9-11 illustrating tilting subassembly 104 in the first or flat configuration andFIGS. 12-15 illustrating tilting subassembly 104 in the second or arched configuration. InFIGS. 9-15 ,front panel 102A andspine 103 have been removed for sake of clarity and thus only backpanel 102B,frame 120, and tiltingassembly 104 are shown. - In
FIGS. 9-11 ,electronic device 140 is disposed intoframe 120 ofcase 100. When tiltingsubassembly 104 is in the first configuration in which it lies substantially flat or flush againstback panel 102B as described above with respect toFIGS. 1-2 ,electronic device 140 received withinframe 120 also lies substantially flat or flush upon tiltingsubassembly 104 andback panel 102B. In this embodiment, a first orouter edge 142 ofelectronic device 140 is intended to be lifted or tilted whenlift component 106 of tiltingsubassembly 104 is selectively curved or bowed into an arch. - When it is desired to tilt
electronic device 140,second end 116 oftether component 112 is pulled in a direction away fromcase 100 to transform or change tiltingsubassembly 104 into the second or arched configuration.Second end 116 oftether component 112 may thus be considered a pull tab. Pullingtether component 112 causessecond end 107 oflift component 106, which is not attached to backpanel 102B, to move towards first ends 111A, 111B oflift component 106, which are attached to backpanel 102B. With first ends 111A, 111B oflift component 106 fixed or stationary, pullingtether component 112 andsecond end 107 oflift component 106 causes the lift component to bend, curve, or bow into an arch as the opposing ends oflift component 106 are moved closer together.Lift component 106 bends or bows with its concavity directed towardsback panel 102B. Whenlift component 106 bows into an arch,frame 120, as well aselectronic device 140 received therein, are tilted with respect toback panel 102B.Outer edge 142 ofelectronic device 140 is lifted or forced away frominner surface 122B ofback panel 102B by bowedlift component 106. In an embodiment hereof,frame 120 andelectronic device 140 received therein are tilted at an angle Θ between 20 and 30 degrees with respect toback panel 102B as best shown onFIG. 13 . Tiltingelectronic device 140 positions the device at a slant or angle, similar to an easel or stand, for better typing or viewing. For example, whencase 100 is utilized for securing an eReader device or tablet computer, the user may usecase 100 as a reading stand that does not require the user to hold the electronic device while the user watches/reads the contents displayed thereon. Such a configuration is also convenient for typing on a touch-screen keyboard or viewing the screen ofelectronic device 140, which may display videos, photographs, documents, or other images. Advantageously, from a user perspective, tilting is accomplished via the simple step of pullingsecond end 116 oftether component 112. - The degree of angle Θ may vary according to application and depends upon the location or position of the lift component relative to the hinged edge as well as the distance or amount that
tether component 112 is pulled. In general, placing tiltingsubassembly 104 closer to hingeconnection 170 results in a higher or larger degree of tilt angle or inclination as compared to placing it closer to the edge oppositehinge connection 170. Thus, the location of tiltingsubassembly 104 may vary according to application. In addition, in general, greater distance or amount of travel bytether component 112 results in a higher or larger degree of tilt angle or inclination. - As best shown in the perspective view of
FIG. 15 ,fastener 118 atsecond end 116 oftether component 112 may be coupled to or around an edge ofback panel 102B in order to secure orlock tilting subassembly 104 in the second configuration. In an embodiment,fastener 118 is a hook or latch that is operable to frictionally engage or grasp an edge ofback panel 102B. The weight ofelectronic device 140 keepstether 112 andfastener 118 in tension to further prevent tiltingsubassembly 104 from returning to its first or flat configuration. Althoughfastener 118 is a hook or latch, different types of fasteners may be used to secure orlock tilting subassembly 104 in the second configuration, such as but not limited to hidden locking mechanisms that click into locked or unlocked positions, hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, snaps, or other types of fasteners. In some instances, when the fastener requires two mating components, a first mating component of the fastener may be located on the outer surface ofback panel 102B and a second mating component of the fastener may be located on the tether, similar tofastener 118. The tether would be required to loop around to backpanel 102B such that the two mating components may be joined. - When it is no longer desired to have
electronic device 140 tilted,fastener 118 is released or removed from the edge ofback panel 102B and tiltingsubassembly 104 is permitted to return to its natural, flat configuration. Pulling and releasingtether component 112 may be repeated as desired to alternate tilting subassembly between the first, flat configuration and the second, arched configuration. - In another embodiment hereof, a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart fasteners may be coupled to the tether component in order to provide multiple tilting angle options. More particularly, with reference to
FIG. 16 , acase 1600 having a tilting mechanism orsubassembly 1604 is shown with tiltingsubassembly 1604 stretched out or unfolded from the back panel for illustrative purposes only. Similar to tiltingsubassembly 104 described herein, tiltingsubassembly 1604 includes abendable lift component 1606 and atether component 1612. Two longitudinally spaced apart fasteners, afirst fastener 1618A and asecond fastener 1618B, are coupled to asecond end 1616 oftether component 1612.First fastener 1618A allows a user to secure orlock tilting subassembly 1604 in the second configuration with an electronic device positioned thereon tilted at a first angle, whilesecond fastener 1618B allows a user to secure orlock tilting subassembly 1604 in the second configuration with an electronic device positioned thereon tilted at a second angle. For example,first fastener 1618A may allow a user to securetilting subassembly 1604 with the electronic device tilted at a 20 degree angle, whilesecond fastener 1618B may allow a user to securetilting subassembly 1604 with the electronic device tilted at a 30 degree angle. Although shown with two fasteners, additional fasteners may be included on the tether component to provide a user with additional tilting angle options at various increments. - While various embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of illustration and example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example,
case 100 includes twopanels back panel 102B, is required, whilefront panel 102A andspine 103 are optional components that providecase 100 with a book-like configuration. In addition, thehinge connection 170 betweenframe 120 andback panel 102B is not required to be located adjacent toinside edge 126B ofback panel 102B. For example, it may be desirable to locate the hinge connection adjacent tobottom edge 132B ofback panel 102B such that top edges of the frame and electronic edge, that is the edges adjacent totop edge 130B ofback panel 102B, are selectively lifted or tilted via operation of the tilting subassembly. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that each feature of each embodiment discussed herein, and of each reference cited herein, can be used in combination with the features of any other embodiment. All patents and publications discussed herein are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Claims (20)
1. An electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device, the case comprising:
at least one panel;
a frame configured to hold an electronic device, wherein the frame is hingedly coupled to the panel adjacent a first edge of the panel; and
a tilting subassembly disposed between the panel and the frame, the tilting subassembly including a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the panel, wherein a first end of the lift component is coupled to the panel and a second end of the lift component is coupled to the tether component,
wherein the tilting subassembly is operable to selectively alternate between a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the panel and a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch when the tether component is selectively pulled such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the panel.
2. The electronic device case of claim 1 , wherein the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to the panel.
3. The electronic device case of claim 1 , wherein the panel is a back panel and the case further includes a front panel connected to the back panel via a spine in the manner of a book.
4. The electronic device case of claim 1 , wherein the lift component has a shape of the letter Y with a stem and two arms and the tether component extends underneath the stem and underneath a space formed between the two arms of the lift component.
5. The electronic device case of claim 4 , wherein a first end of the tether component is coupled to the second end of the lift component and the tether component is folded back under the lift component such that a second end of the tether component is adjacent to the first end of the lift component that is coupled to the panel.
6. The electronic device of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the lift component is not coupled to the panel.
7. The electronic device case of claim 1 , wherein a first end of the tether component is coupled to the second end of the lift component and the electronic device case further comprises:
a fastener coupled to a second end of the tether component, wherein the fastener is operable to selectively couple to an edge of the panel to secure the tilting subassembly in the second configuration.
8. The electronic device case of claim 7 , further comprising
at least a second fastener coupled to the second end of the tether component and longitudinally spaced apart from the first fastener, wherein second fastener is also operable to selectively couple to an edge of the panel.
9. The electronic device case of claim 1 , wherein the tilting subassembly is positioned adjacent to a second edge of the panel, the second edge of the panel being opposite the first edge of the panel.
10. An electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device, the case comprising:
at least one panel; and
a tilting subassembly including a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the panel, wherein a first end of the lift component is coupled to the panel and a second end of the lift component is coupled to a first end of the tether component,
wherein the lift component is substantially planar and lies flat upon the panel when the tilting subassembly is in a first configuration such that an electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly also lies substantially flat upon the panel and wherein the lift component bows into an arch when the tilting subassembly is in a second configuration such that an electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the panel.
11. The electronic device case of claim 10 , further comprising:
a frame configured to hold the electronic device, wherein the frame is hingedly coupled to the panel adjacent a first edge of the panel and the tilting subassembly is disposed between the panel and the frame.
12. The electronic device case of claim 10 , wherein the panel is a back panel and the case further includes a front panel connected to the back panel via a spine in the manner of a book.
13. The electronic device case of claim 10 , wherein the lift component has a shape of the letter Y with a stem and two arms and the tether component extends underneath the stem and underneath a space formed between the two arms of the lift component.
14. The electronic device case of claim 13 , wherein the tether component is folded back under the lift component such that a second end of the tether component is adjacent to the first end of the lift component that is coupled to the panel.
15. The electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the second end of the lift component is not coupled to the panel.
16. The electronic device case of claim 10 , further comprising:
a fastener coupled to a second end of the tether component, wherein the fastener is operable to selectively couple to an edge of the panel to secure the tilting subassembly in the second configuration.
17. The electronic device case of claim 16 , further comprising :
at least a second fastener coupled to the second end of the tether component and longitudinally spaced apart from the first fastener, wherein second fastener is also operable to selectively couple to an edge of the panel.
18. The electronic device case of claim 10 , wherein the tilting subassembly is positioned adjacent to a second edge of the panel, the second edge of the panel being opposite the first edge of the panel.
19. The electronic device case of claim 10 , wherein the electronic device positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to the panel.
20. An electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device, the case comprising:
a first panel including a first panel outer surface and a first panel inner surface;
a second panel including a second panel outer surface and a second panel inner surface;
a spine connecting the first panel to the second panel;
a frame configured to hold an electronic device, wherein the frame is hingedly coupled to the second panel inner surface adjacent a first edge of the second panel;
a substantially planar tilting subassembly disposed between the second panel and the frame, the tilting subassembly including a bendable lift component and a tether component slidingly disposed between the lift component and the second panel, wherein a first end of the lift component is coupled to the second panel inner surface and a second end of the lift component is coupled to a first end of the tether component, wherein pulling of the tether component selectively transforms the tilting subassembly from a first configuration in which the lift component lies substantially flat upon the second panel into a second configuration in which the lift component bows into an arch such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted with respect to the second panel; and
a fastener coupled to a second end of the tether component, wherein the fastener is operable to selectively couple to an edge of the second panel to secure the tilting subassembly in the second configuration such that the frame positioned on the tilting subassembly is tilted at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees with respect to the second panel.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/075,775 US20150129438A1 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2013-11-08 | Electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/075,775 US20150129438A1 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2013-11-08 | Electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150129438A1 true US20150129438A1 (en) | 2015-05-14 |
Family
ID=53042781
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/075,775 Abandoned US20150129438A1 (en) | 2013-11-08 | 2013-11-08 | Electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150129438A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD750086S1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2016-02-23 | FLB Group Limited | Tablet computer case |
US20160249472A1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2016-08-25 | Incipio Technologies, Inc. | Protective cover for mobile device having stand extending from internal surface |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1749696A (en) * | 1928-07-14 | 1930-03-04 | John C Duke | Display device |
US5778578A (en) * | 1996-03-28 | 1998-07-14 | Drapcho; Joseph E. | View-changing display |
US20110034221A1 (en) * | 2009-08-06 | 2011-02-10 | Bekin International, Inc. | Case for electrical device and method of providing same |
US7980526B2 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2011-07-19 | Hotwire Development, Llc | Portable inclinating desk for notebook computers |
US20120168323A1 (en) * | 2011-01-04 | 2012-07-05 | Fellowes, Inc. | Case for an electronic device having a screen |
US20130233732A1 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2013-09-12 | Fu-Yi Hsu | Protective bag |
-
2013
- 2013-11-08 US US14/075,775 patent/US20150129438A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1749696A (en) * | 1928-07-14 | 1930-03-04 | John C Duke | Display device |
US5778578A (en) * | 1996-03-28 | 1998-07-14 | Drapcho; Joseph E. | View-changing display |
US7980526B2 (en) * | 2007-06-26 | 2011-07-19 | Hotwire Development, Llc | Portable inclinating desk for notebook computers |
US20110034221A1 (en) * | 2009-08-06 | 2011-02-10 | Bekin International, Inc. | Case for electrical device and method of providing same |
US20120168323A1 (en) * | 2011-01-04 | 2012-07-05 | Fellowes, Inc. | Case for an electronic device having a screen |
US20130233732A1 (en) * | 2012-03-09 | 2013-09-12 | Fu-Yi Hsu | Protective bag |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160249472A1 (en) * | 2015-02-20 | 2016-08-25 | Incipio Technologies, Inc. | Protective cover for mobile device having stand extending from internal surface |
USD750086S1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2016-02-23 | FLB Group Limited | Tablet computer case |
USD750634S1 (en) * | 2015-08-17 | 2016-03-01 | FLB Group Limited | Tablet computer case with detachable stand |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9266641B2 (en) | Electronic device case having an A-frame configuration | |
US8899415B2 (en) | Electronic device case having variable angle stand | |
US8763795B1 (en) | Dual support flap case | |
US10085531B2 (en) | Case for electronic tablet | |
US10716376B2 (en) | Folding protective cover for an electronic device | |
US8714510B2 (en) | Electronic device holder and stand | |
EP2647306B1 (en) | Protective apparatus for tablet electronic device | |
US10211872B1 (en) | Case for electronic tablet | |
US8960421B1 (en) | Foldable front cover for electronic tablet | |
JP3174558U (en) | Multi-function protective case | |
US10671117B2 (en) | System and methods for device case magnets | |
EP3500906A1 (en) | Systems and methods for device case magnets | |
US20150296946A1 (en) | Portable computing device case convertible to upright stand | |
US20120211377A1 (en) | Combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard | |
US20150027911A1 (en) | Portable electronic device case with an adhesive panel | |
WO2020080547A1 (en) | A folding protective cover for an electronic device | |
US20140076748A1 (en) | Device for storing tablet computer and support the same in at least two erected/standing positions | |
US20040113036A1 (en) | Surface embedded collapsible support | |
KR200464678Y1 (en) | Tablet PC Bag | |
US20150129438A1 (en) | Electronic device case for selectively tilting an electronic device | |
US10716375B2 (en) | Folding protective cover for an electronic device | |
KR102135207B1 (en) | Transformable handle for mobile |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |