WO2018191761A2

WO2018191761A2 - Universal protective case for a computing device

Info

Publication number: WO2018191761A2
Application number: PCT/US2018/033514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Armstrong; Duong Bang LE
Original assignee: Urban Armor Gear, Llc
Priority date: 2017-03-31
Filing date: 2018-05-18
Publication date: 2018-10-18
Also published as: WO2018191761A3

Abstract

A case for a plurality of different sized computing devices. The case can include a frame operable to shield at least some of a rear portion of each of the plurality of different sized computing devices. The frame can be adjustable between a plurality of different sizes to accommodate the computing devices. The frame can also be linearly translatable in at least two directions to securely shield and adjust between one of the plurality of different sized computing devices.

Description

UNIVERSAL PROTECTIVE CASE FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. Design Patent

Application No. 29/599,318, filed March 31, 2017 entitled CASE FOR A MOBILE DEVICE, and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29/601,597, filed April 24, 2017 entitled A CASE FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE, which are incorporated by reference in its entirety, for all purposes herein; and this application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/508,354, filed May 18, 2017, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, for all purposes herein.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to protective cases for computing devices and more particularly, protective cases for computing devices such as, tablets, laptops, and smart phones.

BACKGROUND

[0003] With increasing regularity, protective cases are being constructed for a variety of computing devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, and/or other portable computing devices. Their respective designs vary, ranging between degrees of protection as well as facilitating use of the computing device in a more protected environment.

[0004] Cases have been known to be constructed from molding using silicon or thermoplastic polyurethane rubber that provides some basic protection against drops and scratches. Other case designs have been constructed from relatively stiffer injected plastics such as polycarbonate.

[0005] The design and construction of the known cases therefore vary depending on the desired amount of protection, costs, and consideration for certain materials and mounting schemes balanced with features that facilitate performance of the computing device itself. For example, certain material may provide basic structural protection, be relatively cheap, but this material may induce too much friction (e.g. grip) to the user that interferes with easy attachment of the case with the device or grip with other articles such as parts of the user's body or other objects foreign to the case. [0006] In addition to material selection, cases can suffer from being too bulky and difficult to stow away. It is also known that materials for certain cases can degrade over time thereby diminishing protective capabilities of the case as well as loosening its attachment with the computing device. Aesthetically, a worn case also diminishes the overall impression of the case and the attached computing device. Such cases can also have reduced bulk versus their rubber counterparts. Plastic injected mold cases can suffer from passing on relatively high material stresses to the computing device itself due to the differing elasticity and cushioning. For computing devices with sensitive displays or input devices, such protective devices may therefore may not be desirous. Certain cases also decrease the ability of a device positioned within them to expel heat by virtue of the materials chosen or the coverage over vents or other heated areas of the device.

[0007] Certain hybrid combinations have therefore been designed to combine each approach with the softer, cushion portions being placed in communication with the computing device whereas the exterior portion being constructed from the less bulky, injected plastic.

[0008] Yet, even with these hybrid solutions, stress tests to the computing devices caused by normal use through drops or collisions can lead to device damage and case separation. In turn, the user may have to fix the device, buy a new one, and/or re-assemble the case with the computing device. Furthermore, many cases fail to completely protect or envelope the associated computing device which unnecessarily risks structural harm to the computing device. Therefore, a need exists to resolve these and other problems in the art.

SUMMARY

[0009] The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] In some embodiments, a case for a plurality of different sized computing devices. The case can include a frame operable to shield at least some of a rear portion of each of the plurality of different sized computing devices. The frame can be adjustable between a plurality of different sizes to accommodate the computing devices. The frame can also be linearly translatable in at least two directions to securely shield and adjust between one of the plurality of different sized computing devices.

[0011] In some embodiments, a case for a plurality of different sized computing devices is disclosed. The case can include a plurality of frame portions connected together to form a protective shield adjustable between a plurality of sizes that accommodate the computing devices. Each frame portion can include a fastener to securely engage a location of the computing devices. The protective shield can be formed by the frame portions shields at least some of a rear portion of the computing device. Each frame portion can be linearly translatable to securely shield and adjust between one of the plurality of different sized computing devices.

[0012] In some embodiments each frame portion can be translatable in at least two directions. For example, each frame portion can be translatable horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or some combination thereof, between one of plurality of different positions and orientations. Each frame portion can also include a rigid portion with a female fastener and a male fastener disposed on opposite ends. The rigid portion can be impact resistant and dimensioned to shield a rear surface of the display portion. The fastener of each frame portion can be formed from a resilient material and disposed between the male and female fastener of the rigid portion, the fastener being dimensioned to detachably receive a corner and/or perimetral edge of the computing device. In some embodiments, the rigid portion and/or resilient material can be constructed from plastic, foam, a polymer, or an elastomer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fastener of each frame portion can be removably connected to the frame. In some embodiments, the fastener of each frame portion can also include a perimetral edge that extends away and terminates in an inwardly extending lip to flexibly securely retain the different sized computing devices.

[0014] In other embodiments, the opposing fasteners of the frame portions are impact resistant corners configured to securely engage around a corner of the plurality of different sized computing devices. Each frame portion can also include a female fastener disposed opposite a male fastener. The male fastener of each frame portion can be translatably connected to a corresponding female fastener between a plurality of positions. The male fastener can be an elongate member orthogonal and integrally formed with the female fastener, the female fastener can include a translatable guide for the elongate member. The male fastener can also be an elongate member and the female fastener can include a translatable guide for the elongate member.

[0015] In other embodiments, each frame portion can be translatably connected to two different portions, wherein the protective shield can consist of four interconnected frame portions connected end-to-end via respective male and female fasteners. A perimetral edge of each frame portion can extend away and terminate in an inwardly extending lip to securely retain the different sized computing devices. A bias element can also be disposed between the elongate member and the female fastener of different frame portions. The bias element can be configured to permit the protective shield formed by the frame portions to move between the plurality of sizes. The bias element can be a spring extended between respective female and male fasteners. Each frame portion can include a post disposed between the female and male fasteners and the bias element can be connected to each post of the frame portions. The post can be an aperture on the frame portion through which a bolt, insert, rod, shaft, beam or the like is positionable, wherein the bias element comprises outwardly extended arms configured to connect to a respective bolt, insert, rod, shaft, beam or the like that is positioned in the aperture. In some embodiments, the bias element can be an integrally formed elastomer comprising central portion and a plurality of outwardly extended fastener arms. Each arm can be operable to connect to a respective post of the frame portions.

[0016] In some embodiments, the translatable guide can include a series of notches corresponding to a respective predetermined position and the elongate member comprising a locking member configured to securely engage with each of the plurality of notches, wherein the elongate member is operable to translate between a pluralities of

predetermined positions associated with each notch. In some embodiments, the elongate member can include a series of notches corresponding to a respective predetermined position and the translatable guide can include a locking member configured to securely engage with each of the plurality of notches. The elongate member can be operable to translate between a plurality of predetermined positions associated with each notch.

[0017] In other embodiments, at least one of the frame portions can include a support stand operable to move between a stand state and a collapsed state with the at least one frame portion. The support stand can be operable to support upright the plurality of different computing devices in the stand state. The support stand can be pivotable about a first rotational axis to move between a stand state and a collapsed state. The support stand can be operable to support the case when assembled with the computing device. In the closed state, the stand can be substantially recessed in or substantially parallel with the at least one of the frame portions. In other embodiments, in the closed state, the stand is substantially recessed in or substantially parallel with the at least one of the frame portions.

[0018] In other embodiments, a case for a plurality of different sized computing devices is disclosed. The case can include a plurality of frame portions translatably connected together between a plurality of positions. The frame portions can be connected together to form a protective shield adjustable between a plurality of sizes that

accommodate the computing devices. Each frame portion can have a fastener to securely engage a location of the computing devices. The case can also include a bias element connected to each frame portion and stretchable to a plurality of different stretch states as respective frame portions translate. Each stretch state corresponds to a tension setting applied to the respective computing device to which the case is assembled. The protective shield can be formed by the frame portions and shields at least some of a rear portion of the computing device. Each frame portion can be linearly translatable to securely shield and adjust between one of the plurality of different sized computing devices. In some embodiments, each frame portion comprises a post, wherein each bias element comprises outwardly extended arms configured to connect to a respective post of the respective frame portion.

[0019] In other embodiments, a method of protecting a computing device is disclosed according to any of the herein disclosed cases. A variety of methods and systems of utilizing and assembling the disclosed case is also contemplated in a variety of situations and environments. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the claimed subject matter may be employed and the claimed subject matter is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features may become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a forward perspective view of an exemplary view of the herein described protective case for a plurality of different sized computing devices.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a forward plan view of the case of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 2B is a forward plan view of the case of FIG. 2A, wherein the case is in an extended state.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 3A, wherein the case is in an extended state.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a close-up rear perspective view of section A of FIG. 3B.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the case of FIG. 1, wherein the case is in an extended state with a support stand deployed.

[0027] FIG.6 is a forward perspective view of an exemplary view of another embodiment of the herein described protective case for a plurality of different sized computing devices.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a forward perspective view of the case of FIG. 6, wherein the case is in an extended state.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 6.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of the case of FIG. 6 in an exploded state.

[0031] FIG. 10 is a forward perspective view of an exemplary bias element of FIG. 6.

[0032] FIG. 11A is a forward perspective view of the case of FIG. 6 assembled with an exemplary computing device.

[0033] FIG. 11B is rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 6 assembled with an exemplary computing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The features of the presently disclosed solution may be economically molded or assembled by using one or more distinct parts and associated components that may be assembled together for removable or integral application with a known or to-be-designed computing device case in an economical manner, wherein the features of the present disclosure may form the herein disclosed servicing apparatus regardless of the particular form. Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0035] Terms with commonly understood meanings may be defined herein for clarity and/or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in the patents, application, published applications and other publications that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this section prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more." As used herein, the term "user", "subject", "end-user" or the like is not limited to a specific entity or person. For example, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses the systems and methods described herein, and frequently may be a technician. However, this term is not limited to end users or technicians and thus encompasses a variety of persons who can use the disclosed systems and methods.

[0037] The disclosed solution can now be better understood turning to the following detailed description. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the embodiments as ultimately defined in the claims. An embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure provides a cover for a computing device such as a laptop, a tablet or any other portable computing device. The cover can be made of multiple parts, integrally formed therewith or detachable. [0038] It is understood that "computing device" can mean any computer such as a laptop, a tablet computing device, a mobile device such as a cellular phone, a mobile phone, a smart phone, or the like.

[0039] "Shield" as used herein with the disclosed case can mean to protect, wrap around, or envelope a corresponding computing device in a manner that conceals the computing device from injuries during a drop or accident such as by impact or collision.

[0040] "Impact resistant" or "impact resistance" as it relates to the herein disclosed case features can mean any feature designed to withstand relatively high applied forces or related shock. Accordingly, features or materials described herein as providing impact resistance or being impact resistant utilize material properties and/or structural design of the case directed towards mitigating the effects of expected events in the life-cycle of the case and corresponding computing device that incur impact (e.g. drops, collisions, accidents, etc).

[0041] The herein disclosed solution described a case capable of exhibiting the shock resistant benefits of a case with elastomeric edges or outer portions combined with the consumer usability benefits of a resilient outer case such as relatively stronger plastics. The herein described solution may also be a composite case with some combination of one or more elastic materials with one or more harder, resilient materials, such as injection molded plastic and/or rubber, in a way that forms a permanent bond therebetween resulting in a protective system that sufficiently securely retains and protects a computing device in most operating conditions including, but not limited to, the standards set forth by MIL-STD 810G, 516.6. The herein disclosed solution also contemplates a composite case in which the geometric shape of the constituent components maximizes overall structural strength and impact resistance while minimizing material weight and size.

[0042] For simplicity and illustration purposes only, the presently disclosed cases 10, 110 are depicted for use with ranging from tablets to mobile devices such as smart phones though the solution is not so limited and could be used with other referenced computing devices as understood in the context of this disclosure and other numerous consumer electronic devices, wherein cases 10, 110 would employ similar details, features and benefits. [0043] The herein disclosed case offers solutions to protect and shield computing devices while also be capable of adjusting in size to accommodate a plurality of different sized computing devices (e.g. from a smart phone to tablet or the like). The case of this disclosure can be light weight yet strong and include a support stand to use and protect a respective computing device in an upright position.

[0044] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a forward perspective view of an example case 10 for protecting and shielding a plurality of different sized computing devices. Case 10 can be formed from one or more interconnected frame portions 30. When connected together, the frame portions 30 can be translated in one or more directions so that the total size of the case can accommodate a plurality of different sized computing devices. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, case 10 includes four interconnected frame portions 30. However, case 10 is not so limited and any number of frame portions could be included and/or modified to accommodate the computing device as needed or required.

[0045] As shown, each frame portion 30 can include fastener 24 disposed on a distal tip of an outward extended arm. Fastener 24 may be integrally formed with or detachably connected to the respective frame portion 30. Fastener 24 can be constructed from a shock absorbing, resilient material and include one or more flexible, inwardly extended lips 22 operable to flexibly and securely engage with a computing device. When the frame portions 30 are interconnected, case 10 attaches to and partially covers the back of the computing device as case 10 follows the contour of the computing device (along with the lip 22) such that case 10 advantageously offers zero obstruction of the face of the computing device. Lips 22 are more clearly seen in FIGs. 3A-3B. In use, the corner of the computing device can be inserted into fastener 24 and one or more features of the fastener 24 can be used, including lip 22, to flexibly yet securely retain the computing device with the case 10. Case 10 may optionally include a folio receiver F to receive a folio or other control mechanism for use with the computing device assembled therewith.

[0046] In terms of the frame of case 10 being adjustable, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 it can be seen that frame portions 30 may be translatably connected along the lateral edges of case 10 at ends 37 and 33, respectively. Frame portions 30 may be linearly translatably (e.g. two separate frame portions moving relative to the other) connected along the upper and lower edges of case 10 at ends 32 and 36, respectively. Frame portions 30 may be optionally separately detached between use to conserve space. Optionally, stand 60 may be included in one of the frame portions 30, stand 60 being configured to move case 10 when assembled to a computing device between a stand state (e.g. upright with the computing device disposed at predetermined viewing angle) and a collapsed state within the respective frame portion 30. To be clear, in FIG. 1 stand 60 is depicted in a collapsed state flush or substantially flush with the frame portion 30 of the lower left of case 10. As shown more particularly below, stand 60 can pivot about a pivot axis between the stand and collapsed state.

[0047] FIG. 2A is a rear plan view of the case 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2B is a rear plan view of the case 10 in an extended state. In the extended state, it can be seen that the frame portions 30 have translated horizontally and/or vertically so that the case 10 can accommodate a larger, different sized computing device than the one in FIG. 2A. It can also be seen that each frame portion 30 of case 10 in FIGs. 2A-2B are capable of being translated in two separate directions: vertically and horizontally. However, case 10 is not so limited and instead one or some of frame portions 30 could instead be capable of only translating or otherwise moving in one direction or more than two directions. It also understood that the extended state of case 10 depicted in FIG. 2B is merely one of a plurality of possible extended positions from the depicted closed position of FIG. 2A.

[0048] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 1. It can be seen that the frame portion 30 along the upper and lower edges of case 10 can include a female fastener end 32 and a male fastener end 36 disposed on opposite ends of the respective frame portion 30. FIG. 3B is a rear plan view of the case 10 of FIG. 3A, wherein the case 10 is in an extended state. In this respect, end 36 may be an outward extended arm movably translated through end 32 from the closed position of FIG. 3A to the extended position of FIG. 3B. Similarly, end 37 may be an outward extended arm movably translated through end 33 from the closed position of FIG. 3A to the extended position of FIG. 3B. As shown, one frame portion 30 includes ends 36 and 33 disposed on opposed portions and another frame portion 30 includes ends 37 and 32 disposed on opposed portions, respectively. Ends 37, 36 may each be elongate members orthogonal and integrally formed with opposite ends 32, 33, respectively. Each of ends 32, 33 may be female fasteners that can be a translatable guide for the elongate member associated with ends 37, 36. In the closed position of FIG. 2A, it can be seen that ends 32, 33 are in communication with ends 36, 37, respectively. [0049] For example, FIG. 4 depicts a close-up rear perspective view of section A of FIG. 3B. As shown, end 37 may include outward extended grooves 31 along its lateral edge dimensioned to translate through guides 43, 41 of end 33. Groove 31 may be tapered outward from the arm of end 37. Guides 43, 41 may be include one or more windows, apertures, or bored out sections through which end 37 can be translated. While two guide portions are used with end 33, one single guide may instead be used or more than two guide portions are also contemplated.

[0050] Ends 32, 33 may include one or more positional adjustment mechanisms 50 for securely translating frame portion 30. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, mechanism 50 may include one or more elongate segments 52 positioned with frame 30 and in communication with end 33. Each segment 52 can include a series of notches spaced apart a predetermined distance, each notch associated with a position of case 10. On the underside of end 37 between end 37 and frame 30, a corresponding receiver for each segment 52 can also be included. A locking mechanism 35 may also be included in connection with end 37 to maintain end 37 in position over segments 52. In this instance, as end 37 translates along segments 52, distally or proximally, translating causes end 37 to move between the notches of segments 52 and the associated predetermined positions. It also understood that one or more similar guide portions, adjustment mechanisms, and associated guiding mechanisms are contemplated for use with end 32 opposite end 36.

[0051] Frame portion 30 may be constructed from a rigid material that is impact resistant and dimensioned to shield a rear surface of the computing device. Frame portion 30 may be entirely rigid or also include a softer, resilient material to connect with computing device. In certain embodiments, fastener 24 may be the resilient material operable to detachable connect with the computing device securely and safely. As stated, fastener 24 can be formed from a resilient material and disposed between the respective fastener ends of frame portion 30 and dimensioned to detachably receive a corner and/or perimetral edge of the computing device, for example through lip 22. The rigid material of frame portion 30 and/or resilient material can be constructed from plastic, foam, a polymer, or an elastomer.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of the case 10 of FIG. 1, wherein the case 10 is in an extended state, with each of frame portions 30 translatably extended, with support stand 60 deployed. The support stand 60 can be seen being pivotable about a first rotational axis 62 to move between a stand state and a collapsed state. Conversely, in the closed state, the stand 60 is substantially recessed in or substantially parallel with the at least one of the frame portions 30, including at recessed portion 45 of the depicted frame portion 30 of FIG. 5. The distal tip of stand 60 may include a friction inducing member to securely maintain case 10 and corresponding computing device in an upright, stable position. Stand 60 may be detachably connected with case 10 at frame portion 30 or integrally formed with one of the frame portions 30.

[0053] FIG.6 is a forward perspective view of an exemplary view of another example case 110 for a plurality of different sized computing devices, case 110 being depicted in a closed or non-extended state. When connected together, similar to frame portions 30 of case 10, the frame portions 130 can be translated in one or more directions so that the total size of the case can accommodate a plurality of different sized computing devices. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, case 110 includes four interconnected frame portions 130. However, case 10 is not so limited and any number of frame portions 130 could be included and/or modified to accommodate the respective computing device as needed or required.

[0054] As shown, each frame portion 130 can include the fastener 24 of case 1. Frame portions 130 may be translatably connected along the lateral edges of case 110 at ends 137 and 133, respectively, similar to case 10. Frame portions 130 may be translatably connected along the upper and lower edges of case 110 at ends 132 and 136, respectively, also similar to case 10.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the case of FIG. 6 in an extended state. In the extended state, similar to case 10, it can be seen that the frame portions 130 have translated horizontally and/or vertically so that the case 110 can accommodate a larger, different sized computing device than the one in FIG. 6. It can also be seen that each frame portion 130 of case 110 are capable of being translated in two separate directions: vertically and horizontally. However, case 110 is not so limited and instead one or some of frame portions 130 could instead be capable of only translating or otherwise moving in one direction or more than two directions. It also understood that the extended state of case 110 depicted in FIG. 7 is merely one of a plurality of possible extended positions from the depicted closed position of FIG. 6.

[0056] It can be seen that the frame portion 130 along the upper and lower edges of case 110 can include ends 132, 133, 137, 136, similar in structure and scope to ends 32, 33, 37, 36. Case 110 of FIGs. 6-7 may include a bias element 150 disposed and operatively connected between the elongate member 137, 136 and the opposite ends 132, 133 of different frame portions 130. Bias element 150 may be dimensioned and designed to provide resistance when the protective shield formed by case 110 is moved about the respective computing device between the plurality of different sizes. For example, in moving between FIGs. 6-7, it can be seen that element 150 has stretched a predetermined amount as portions 130 translate apart. The material and related material properties, including thicknesses in central portion 156 and arms 152 can be selected as needed or required.

[0057] In certain embodiments, it can be seen that each frame portion 130 can include one or more fasteners 146 that can be inserted through an aperture or void of portion 130 to form a post on portion 130 to which an outward extended arm of element 150 may operatively connect. A post can also be integrally formed with portion 130 to which bias element 150 may attach. The bias element 150 in this regard may be a molded or otherwise integrally formed stretchable article (e.g. an elastomer) that includes central portion 156 and a plurality of outwardly extended fastener arms 152, each arm operable to connect to a respective post of the frame portions at fastener end 154. Fastener end 154 may be constructed from different material from the rest of element 150 (e.g. be more or less resilient) as well as be integrally formed therewith or detachable thereto. Moving between FIGs. 6-7, it can be seen that element 150 can stretch a predetermined amount to accommodate a plurality of different sized computing devices. It can also be seen that once the computing device is assembled with case 110, activating element 150 by securing each arm 152 and corresponding fastener 154 to respective posts of frame portions 130 will in turn cause element 150 to deliver a tensile force that securely maintains case 110 to the computing device.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the case 110 of FIG. 6-7, whereby the case 110 is shown in a closed position with ends 132, 133 in contact with corresponding ends 136, 137, respectively. FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of the case 110 of FIGs. 6-8 in an exploded state, whereby it can be seen that ends 132, 133 of frame portion 130 are yet to be connected operatively with ends 136, 137 respectively to form the translatable, adjustable frame of case 110. Similarly, bias element 150 is yet to be operatively connected with post 146. FIG. 10 is a forward perspective view of an exemplary bias element 150 of FIG. 6-9.

[0059] FIG. 11A is a forward perspective view of the case 110 of FIG. 6-10 assembled with an exemplary computing device D, whereby it can be seen that fasteners 24 are securely engaged with corners and/or peripheral edges of device D. FIG. 11B is rear perspective view of the case 110 of FIGs. 6-10 assembled with device D.

[0060] The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. It is also contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination(s).

[0061] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.

[0062] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned

embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as

"comprising" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A case for a plurality of different sized computing devices, the case comprising:

a frame operable to shield at least some of a rear portion of each of the plurality of different sized computing devices, the frame being adjustable between a plurality of different sizes to accommodate the computing devices;

the frame being linearly translatable in at least two directions to securely shield and adjust between one of the plurality of different sized computing devices.

2. A case for a plurality of different sized computing devices, the case comprising:

a plurality of frame portions connected together to form a protective shield adjustable between a plurality of sizes that accommodate the computing devices, each frame portion having a fastener to securely engage a location of the computing devices; wherein the protective shield formed by the frame portions shields at least some of a rear portion of the computing device;

wherein each frame portion is linearly translatable to securely shield and adjust between one of the plurality of different sized computing devices.

3. The case of claim 2, wherein each frame portion is translatable in at least two directions.

4. The case of claim 3, wherein each frame portion is translatable horizontally and vertically between one of plurality of different positions.

5. The case of claim 2, wherein each frame portion comprises:

a rigid portion with a female fastener and a male fastener disposed on opposite ends, the rigid portion being impact resistant and dimensioned to shield a rear surface of the respective computing device; and the fastener of each frame portion being formed from a resilient material and disposed between the male and female fastener of the rigid portion, the fastener being dimensioned to detachably receive a corner and/or perimetral edge of the computing device.

6. The case of claim 5, wherein the rigid portion and/or resilient material are constructed from plastic, foam, a polymer, or an elastomer.

7. The case of claim 5, wherein the fastener of each frame portion is removably connected to the frame.

8. The case of claim 5, wherein the fastener of each frame portion comprises a perimetral edge that extends away and terminates in an inwardly extending lip to flexibly securely retain the different sized computing devices.

9. The case of claim 2, wherein the opposing fasteners of the frame portions are impact resistant corners configured to securely engage around a corner of the plurality of different sized computing devices.

10. The case of claim 2, wherein each frame portion comprises a first fastener end disposed opposite a second fastener end, the first fastener end of each frame portion being linearly translatably connected to a corresponding second fastener end between a plurality of positions.

11. The case of claim 2, wherein each frame portion comprises a female fastener disposed opposite a male fastener, the male fastener of each frame portion being translatably connected to a corresponding female fastener between a plurality of positions.

12. The case of claim 11, wherein the male fastener is an elongate member orthogonal and integrally formed with the female fastener, the female fastener comprising a translatable guide for the elongate member.

13. The case of claim 11, wherein the male fastener is an elongate member and the female fastener comprises a translatable guide for the elongate member.

14. The case of claim 13, wherein each frame portion being translatably connected to two different portions, the protective shield consists of four interconnected frame portions connected end-to-end via respective male and female fasteners.

15. The case of claim 13, wherein a perimetral edge of each frame portion extends away and terminates in an inwardly extending lip to securely retain the different sized computing devices.

16. The case of claim 13, further comprising a bias element between the elongate member and the female fastener of different frame portions, the bias element permitting the protective shield to move between the plurality of sizes.

17. The case of claim 16, wherein the bias element is a spring extended between respective female and male fasteners.

18. The case of claim 16, wherein each frame portion comprises a post disposed between the female and male fasteners, and wherein the bias element is connected to each post of the frame portions.

19. The case of claim 18, wherein the bias element is an integrally formed elastomer comprising central portion and a plurality of outwardly extended fastener arms, each arm operable to connect to a respective post of the frame portions.

20. The case of claim 18, wherein the post is defined by an aperture on the frame portion through which a bolt is positionable, wherein the bias element comprises outwardly extended arms configured to connect to a respective bolt positioned in the aperture of the respective frame portion.

21. The case of claim 13, the translatable guide comprising a series of notches corresponding to a respective predetermined position and the elongate member comprising a locking member configured to securely engage with each of the plurality of notches, wherein the elongate member is operable to translate between a pluralities of

predetermined positions associated with each notch.

22. The case of claim 13, the elongate member comprising a series of notches corresponding to a respective predetermined position and the translatable guide comprising a locking member configured to securely engage with each of the plurality of notches, wherein the elongate member is operable to translate between a plurality of predetermined positions associated with each notch.

23. The case of claim 2, wherein at least one of the frame portions comprises a support stand operable to move between a stand state and a collapsed state with the at least one frame portion, wherein the support stand being operable to support upright the plurality of different computing devices in the stand state.

24. The case of claim 23, wherein the support stand is pivotable about a first rotational axis to move between a stand state and a collapsed state.

25. The case of claim 23, wherein in the closed state, the stand is substantially recessed in or substantially parallel with the at least one of the frame portions.

26. A case for a plurality of different sized computing devices, the case comprising:

a plurality of frame portions translatably connected together between a plurality of positions, the frame portions connected together to form a protective shield adjustable between a plurality of sizes that accommodate the computing devices, each frame portion having a fastener to securely engage a location of the computing devices;

a bias element connected to each frame portion and stretchable to a plurality of different stretch states as respective frame portions translate; wherein the protective shield formed by the frame portions shields at least some of a rear portion of the computing device of the computing device;

27. The case of claim 26, wherein each frame portion comprises a post, wherein each bias element comprises outwardly extended arms configured to connect to a respective post of the respective frame portion.

28. The case of claim 26, wherein each frame portion comprises an aperture through which a bolt is positionable, wherein each bias element comprises outwardly extended arms configured to connect to a respective bolt positioned in the aperture of the respective frame portion.

29. The case of claim 26, wherein each frame portion comprises a post;

wherein the bias element is an integrally formed elastomer comprising a central portion and a plurality of outwardly extended fastener arms, each arm operable to connect to a respective post of the respective frame portion. case of claim 26, wherein the bias element is one or more springs