US20240049847A1

US20240049847A1 - Casing for tablets

Info

Publication number: US20240049847A1
Application number: US18/382,328
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Charles Angel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-10-20
Filing date: 2023-10-20
Publication date: 2024-02-15

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a tablet casing. The tablet casing includes a detachable retainer configured to receive a tablet computer, a support wall and a flap element rotatably connected to the support wall. The flap element includes multiple tip portions. A base wall is configured to be rotatably connected to the support wall. The base wall includes a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface. The first surface of the base wall is configured to rest on a ground surface. The second surface of the base wall includes a plurality of cut outs spaced apart from each other. Each tip portion of the flap element is configured to selectively engage with a cut out selected from the cut outs. The tablet casing includes magnets and further, the tablet casing could be converted into a tablet stand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of casing for tablet computers, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a tablet casing that includes magnets. Further, the tablet casing could be converted into a tablet stand.

BACKGROUND

The use of hand-held electronic devices, such as tablets or E-readers, has become prolific. However, the use of such devices can be uncomfortable for prolonged periods, particularly if a user is in a supine or semi-supine position, such as while sitting or lying on a bed or other support structure configured to support a human in a prone or supine position. Tablet computers, such as the iPad®, unlike laptop computers, require a stand to hold them in a comfortable position for prolonged use. Further, tablet computers are also subject to soiling, wear, and damage due to shocks and therefore require casings for protection. Further, sometimes, the user wants to use their mobile phone along with a tablet computer.
Various types of tablet casings exist in the prior art that can be converted into tablet stands. For instance, US20140291175A1 discloses a tablet computer cover and stand that includes a front cover, and a rear cover interconnected by a cover hinge and configured to enclose a tablet computer therebetween in a closed condition. The front and rear covers have respective inner and outer surfaces and the inner surface of the front cover has an anti-slip surface. A shell is rotatable on the rear cover about a shell hinge and configured to hold the tablet computer. The shell has a free end configured to engage anywhere on the anti-slip surface upon opening the front and rear covers about the cover hinge and rotating the shell about the shell hinge from the closed condition to a standing position. The shell can be adjusted into infinitely variable positions for carrying out applications on the tablet computer and can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations.
However, the US20140291175A1 utilizes a hinge wherein the hinge is configured to be used for holding a tablet computer. The hinge has a few disadvantages. Prolonged use of the hinge loosens the hinge connection, thereby rendering the hinge ineffective. Further, the US20140291175A1 device does not support the placement of mobile phone on the casing.
The existing solutions related to tablet casings are ineffective, complex in use, difficult to manufacture, costly, inefficient, and do not support placement of mobile phones. There is a need for an effective and efficient solution that solves the aforementioned problem by providing a new and improved tablet casing that includes magnets and further, the tablet casing could be converted into a tablet stand.

SUMMARY

While the way that the present disclosure addresses the disadvantages of the prior art will be discussed in greater detail below, in general, the present disclosure provides a tablet casing comprising a detachable retainer configured to receive a tablet computer, a support wall comprising a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface; wherein the first surface of the support wall is configured to magnetically connect with the detachable retainer in multiple modes; a flap element rotatably connected to the second surface of the support wall, wherein the flap element comprises a plurality of tip portions; a base wall rotatably connected to the support wall; wherein the base wall comprises a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface; wherein the first surface of the base wall is configured to rest on a ground surface; wherein the second surface of the base wall comprises a plurality of cut outs spaced apart from each other; wherein each tip portion is configured to selectively engage with a cut out selected from the plurality of cut outs.
In an embodiment, the detachable retainer comprises a plurality of front magnets.
In an embodiment, the detachable retainer comprises a plurality of side walls that are configured to removably retain the tablet computer.
In an embodiment, the support wall comprises a plurality of front ferromagnetic pieces.
In an embodiment, the detachable retainer includes a plurality of holes to ensure proper functionality of the tablet computer.
In an embodiment, the detachable retainer includes a plurality of side magnets to magnetically connect with a stylus pen.
In an embodiment, the tablet casing is further configured to support the placement of a mobile phone cover on the tablet casing.
In an embodiment, the support wall and the base wall are predominantly made of a material selected from a group comprising of: leather, textile, plastic, polymer, cellulose, glass, metal, and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the second surface comprises a back pocket that is configured to hold a stylus pen.
In an embodiment, the support wall is configured to be selectively brought in a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the support wall is arranged substantially parallel to the base wall; and the tablet computer as well as the detachable retainer are sandwichedly positioned between the support wall and the base wall.
In an embodiment, the support wall is configured to be selectively brought in a stand position, wherein in the stand position, the support wall forms an inclination angle relative to the base wall, wherein the inclination angle is in the angular range of 5 degrees to 90 degrees.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout the figures, and

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a tablet casing in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a back view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left-hand side view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a right-hand side view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in the closed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in the closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of a detachable retainer of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottom view of a tablet casing of FIG. 1 in an open position, wherein the detachable retainer is not shown for the sake of simplicity and understanding.

FIGS. 11-16 illustrates a first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth modes of the magnetic connection between the detachable retainer and a support wall of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 respectively in an open position.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of a tablet casing of FIG. 1 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18-19 illustrates a perspective view of a tablet casing of FIG. 1 in a stand position, wherein the detachable retainer and the support wall of the tablet casing are magnetically connected in a first mode and a second mode respectively.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top perspective view of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in a closed position, wherein a back pocket is holding a stylus pen.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate various perspective views of the tablet casing of FIG. 1 in a stand position, wherein the tablet casing is holding a stylus pen in multiple configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed with alternatively configured devices having different shapes, components, attachment mechanisms and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not for limitation.
Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
The tablet casing will now be described with reference to accompanying drawings, particularly FIGS. 1-23 .
Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1-7 which illustrate a top view, a bottom view, a back view, a left-hand side view, a right-hand side view, a bottom perspective view, and a top perspective view of a tablet casing 100 in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tablet casing 100 is configured to be selectively deployed in multiple positions that include a closed position (FIGS. 1-7 ), an open position (FIG. 8 , FIGS. 10-17 , FIG. 20 ), and a stand position (FIGS. 18-19 , FIGS. 21-23 ). However, it should be understood that the tablet casing 100 could be selectively deployed in any other position not shown in any figures. The tablet casing 100 comprises a detachable retainer 110 (FIG. 9 ), a support wall 120, and a base wall 150, the entirety of which will be described in greater detail in the below description. The support wall 120 is configured to be selectively brought in a closed position. In the closed position as seen in FIGS. 1-7 , the support wall 120 is arranged substantially parallel to the base wall 150. Further, in the closed position as seen in FIGS. 1-7 , the detachable retainer 110 retaining (receiving) the tablet computer (not shown in figures) is sandwichedly (intermediately) positioned between the support wall 120 and the base wall 150.
Referring to FIGS. 1-10 , the tablet casing 100 comprises a detachable retainer 110 that is configured to retain (receive) a tablet computer (not shown in figures). As seen in FIG. 9 , the detachable retainer 110 comprises a plurality of front magnets 112 that are arranged in a variety of patterns, wherein the variety of patterns include: semicircular shape pattern, rectangle pattern and square shape pattern. However, it should be understood that the variety of patterns could include other patterns such as but not limited to: linear pattern, triangle pattern, and so on. The detachable retainer 110 comprises a plurality of side walls 113 that are configured to removably retain a tablet computer (not shown in figures). The detachable retainer 110 further includes a plurality of holes 114 to ensure proper functionality of the tablet computer (not shown in figures). The plurality of holes 114 could have any number of holes 114 and are individually designated as 114A, 114B, 114C, 114D, and so on. The plurality of holes 114 is configured to allow (expose) multiple parts/components (not shown in figures) associated with the tablet computer (not shown in figures) to function properly without impairment wherein the multiple components (not shown in figures) could include but not limited to: speaker port, headphone port, charging port, camera hole, volume buttons, power button and so on. Similarly, it should be understood that the support wall 120 further includes a cut out 124 to ensure proper functionality of the tablet computer (not shown in figures). The cut out 124 is configured to allow (expose) multiple parts/components (not shown in figures) associated with the tablet computer (not shown in figures) to function properly without impairment wherein the multiple components (not shown in figures) could include but not limited to: speaker port, headphone port, charging port, camera hole, volume buttons, power button and so on. Further, as seen in FIGS. 21-23 , the detachable retainer 110 includes a plurality of side magnets 115 to magnetically connect with a stylus pen 160 in multiple positions.
Referring to FIGS. 1-10 , the tablet casing 100 further comprises a support wall 120 comprising a first surface 126 and an oppositely disposed second surface 132. The first surface 126 of the support wall 120 is configured to magnetically connect with the detachable retainer 110 in multiple modes as seen in FIGS. 11-16 that will be described in greater detail in the below description. As seen in FIG. 7 , a flap element 140 is rotatably connected to the second surface 132 of the support wall 120. The flap element 140 is substantially U-shaped in nature as seen in FIG. 7 . However, other shapes of the flap element 140 could be envisioned (configured) depending on the requirements of the user. The flap element 140 comprises a plurality of tip portions 142. Each tip portion 142 is configured to selectively engage with a cut out 164 of the second surface 162 of the base wall 150 selected from a plurality of cut outs 164 of a second surface 162 of a base wall 150 as seen in FIG. 18 . The support wall 120 comprises a plurality of front ferromagnetic pieces 122 arranged on the first surface 126 as seen in FIG. 10 wherein the ferromagnetic pieces 122 could be in the form of permanent magnets such as neodymium magnets and so on. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic pieces 122 could include ferromagnetic material such as but not limited to: iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, and so on. The base wall 150 comprises a tip portion 151 that is configured to be manually grasped by a user to facilitate opening (FIG. 8 , FIGS. 10-17 , FIG. 20 ) and closing (FIGS. 1-7 ) of the base wall 150 relative to the support wall 120. Further, as seen in FIG. 20 , the second surface 132 of the support wall 120 comprises a back pocket 134 that is configured to removably hold a stylus pen 160.
In an embodiment as seen in FIG. 9 , the plurality of front magnets 112 of the detachable retainer 110 could include any number of front magnets 112 and have various shapes and sizes and the front magnets 112 are individually designated (labeled) as 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D and so on. Similarly, in an embodiment as seen in FIG. 10 , the plurality of front ferromagnetic pieces 122 of the support wall 120 could include any number of front ferromagnetic pieces 122 and have various shapes and sizes and the front ferromagnetic pieces 122 are individually designated (labeled) as 122A, 122B, 122C,122D, 122E and so on. The front ferromagnetic pieces 122 (individually referred to as 122A, 122B, 122C, 122D, 122E, and so on) of the first surface 126 of the support wall 120 are configured to magnetically connect with the front magnets 112 (individually referred to as 112A, 112B, 112C, 112D and so on) of the detachable retainer 110 in multiple modes as described below in reference to FIGS. 11-16 .
The tablet casing 100 further comprises a base wall 150 rotatably connected to the support wall 120 through a connecting portion 154 that could include but not limited to: connecting flap, hinge, flexible sheet, and so on. The base wall 150 comprises a first surface 156 and an oppositely disposed second surface 162. The first surface 156 of the base wall 150 is configured to rest on a ground surface 10 wherein the ground surface 10 could be any surface capable of supporting the weight of a tablet computer (not shown in figures), the tablet casing 100, a mobile phone cover 300 and a mobile phone (not shown in figures) retained inside the mobile phone cover 300. The ground surface 10 could include but is not limited to: desk, table, bed, sofa, ground, workstation, chair, floor, and so on. The second surface 162 of the base wall 150 comprises a plurality of cut outs 164 spaced apart from each other as seen in FIG. 2 . As seen in FIG. 2 , the plurality of cut outs 164 is laterally spaced apart from each other by a distance. Each tip portion 142 is configured to selectively engage with a cut out 164 of the second surface 162 of the base wall 150 selected from a plurality of cut outs 164 of a second surface 162 of a base wall 150 as seen in FIG. 18 . Thus, the user can adjust the inclination angle (slope) of the support wall 120 relative to the base wall 150 by selectively choosing the cut out 164 of the second surface 162 of the base wall 150 for engagement with the tip portion 142 of the flap element 140. Further, the engagement of the tip portion 142 of the flap element 140 with the cut out 164 of the second surface 162 of the base wall 150 enables the tablet casing 100 to be brought in a stand position (FIGS. 18-19 , FIGS. 21-23 ).
In an embodiment, the support wall 120 and the base wall 150 is predominantly made of a material selected from a group comprising of: leather, textile, plastic, polymer, cellulose, glass, metal, and combinations thereof. However, it should be understood that the material of the tablet casing 100 is not a limiting factor of the present invention.
FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a first, second, and third modes of magnetic connection between the detachable retainer 110 and a support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 in an open position respectively. As seen in FIGS. 11-13 , the detachable retainer 110 is positioned at different heights, positions, and/or rotational orientations relative to the support wall 120 wherein multiple modes are enabled by changing magnetic connection between the front ferromagnetic pieces 122 (individually referred as 122A, 122B, 122C,122D, 122E and so on) of the first surface 126 of the support wall 120 with the front magnets 112 (individually referred as 112A, 112B, 112C,112D and so on) of the detachable retainer. As seen in FIG. 11 , the detachable retainer 110 is positioned at substantially the same height relative to the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100. As seen in FIG. 12 , the detachable retainer 110 is positioned above (at the top) relative to the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100. As seen in FIG. 13 , the detachable retainer 110 is shown rotated 90 degrees relative to the detachable retainer 110 of FIG. 12 . In other words, as seen in FIG. 13 , the detachable retainer 110 has a different rotational orientation relative to the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100.
Referring to FIGS. 14-16 that illustrates a fourth, fifth, and sixth mode of the magnetic connection between the detachable retainer 110 and a support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 in an open position respectively. As seen in FIGS. 14-16 , the detachable retainer 110 is positioned at different positions relative to the support wall 120.
Further, the first surface 126 of the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 is configured to support the placement of a mobile phone cover 300 on the tablet casing 100, wherein the mobile phone cover 300 is removably retaining a mobile phone (not shown in figures). The mobile phone cover 300 could include magnetic elements (not shown in figures) that are configured to magnetically connect with the front ferromagnetic pieces 122 (individually referred to as 122A, 122B, 122C,122D, 122E, and so on) of the first surface 126 of the support wall 120. Further as seen in FIGS. 14-16 , the mobile phone cover 300 is positioned at different heights, positions, and/or rotational orientation relative to the support wall 120. Further, in various other embodiments (not shown in figures) it should be understood that a mobile phone (not shown in figures) could also be magnetically connected directly with the front magnets 112 of the detachable retainer 110.
FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of a tablet casing 100 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As seen in FIG. 17 , the various parts and components such as the support wall 120 and the base wall 150 of the tablet casing 100 have a multi-layer structure.
FIGS. 18-19 illustrates a perspective view of a tablet casing 100 in a stand position, wherein the detachable retainer 110 and the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 are magnetically connected in a first mode and a second mode respectively. As seen in FIGS. 18-19 , each tip portion 142 is configured to selectively engage with a cut out 164 of the second surface 162 of the base wall 150 selected from a plurality of cut outs 164 of a second surface 162 of a base wall. Thus, the support wall 120 is configured to be selectively brought in a stand position, wherein in the stand position, the support wall 120 forms an inclination angle (slope) relative to the base wall 150 wherein the inclination angle (slope) is in the angular range of 5 degrees to 90 degrees. As seen in FIGS. 18-19 , the detachable retainer 110 and the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 are magnetically connected in a first mode and a second mode respectively wherein the tablet casing 100 is in a stand position. However, it should be understood that the detachable retainer 110 and the support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 could be magnetically connected in either: a third mode (FIG. 13 ), fourth mode (FIG. 14 ), fifth mode (FIG. 15 ) and a sixth mode (FIG. 16 ) wherein the tablet casing 100 in a stand position. Further, it should be understood that the mobile phone cover 300 could be magnetically connected with the front magnets 112 of the detachable retainer 110 when the tablet casing 100 is in a stand position similarly described earlier in reference to FIGS. 14-16 . Broadly speaking, all six modes including a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, a fourth mode, a fifth mode and a sixth mode of magnetic connection between the detachable retainer 110 and a support wall 120 of the tablet casing 100 could be selectively enabled (achieved) in either open position or stand position with little to no variation.
Referring to FIGS. 21-23 , a stylus pen 160 is magnetically connected with the plurality of side magnets 115 of the detachable retainer 110 in multiple positions. Thus, the side magnets 115 of the detachable retainer 110 enable the magnetic connection of a stylus pen 160 in multiple positions. As seen in FIG. 21 , one sidewall 113 includes a groove portion 113A that includes a resting surface for supporting placement of the stylus pen 160. Further, the groove portion 113A includes magnets (not shown in figures) to magnetically connect with the stylus pen 160.
The various components and parts of the various embodiments of the tablet casing 100 of the present invention are similar and interchangeable. Further, it should be understood that the tablet casing 100 could be magnetically connected to any other surface such as but not limited to: refrigerator walls, wardrobes, tables, desks, and so on.
Finally, while the present invention has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments, many changes, combinations, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various components may be implemented in alternative ways. These alternatives can be suitably selected depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of factors associated with the operation of the device. In addition, the techniques described herein may be extended or modified for use with other types of devices. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tablet casing (100), comprising:

a detachable retainer (110) configured to receive a tablet computer;

a support wall (120) comprising a first surface (126) and an oppositely disposed second surface (132); wherein the first surface (126) of the support wall (120) is configured to magnetically connect with the detachable retainer (110) in multiple modes;

a flap element (140) rotatably connected to the second surface (132) of the support wall (120), wherein the flap element (140) comprises a plurality of tip portions (142);

a base wall (150) rotatably connected to the support wall (120); wherein the base wall (150) comprises a first surface (156) and an oppositely disposed second surface (162);

wherein the first surface of the base wall (150) is configured to rest on a ground surface (10);

wherein the second surface (162) of the base wall (150) comprises a plurality of cut outs (164) spaced apart from each other; and

wherein each tip portion (142) of the flap element (140) is configured to selectively engage with a cut out (164) of the base wall (150) selected from the plurality of cut outs (164).

2. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detachable retainer (110) comprises a plurality of front magnets (112).

3. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detachable retainer (110) comprises a plurality of side walls (113) that are configured to removably retain the tablet computer.

4. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (120) comprises a plurality of front ferromagnetic pieces (122).

5. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detachable retainer (110) includes a plurality of holes (114) to ensure proper functionality of the tablet computer.

6. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (120) further includes a cut out (124) to ensure proper functionality of the tablet computer.

7. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the detachable retainer (110) includes a plurality of side magnets (115) to magnetically connect with a stylus pen (160).

8. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 3, wherein the sidewall (113) includes a groove portion (113A) that includes a resting surface for supporting placement of the stylus pen (160).

9. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the tablet casing (100) is further configured to support placement of a mobile phone cover (300) on the first surface (126) of the support wall (120).

10. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (120) and the base wall (150) is predominantly made of a material selected from a group comprising of: leather, textile, plastic, polymer, cellulose, glass, metal, and combinations thereof.

11. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second surface (132) comprises a back pocket (134) that is configured to hold a stylus pen (160).

12. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (120) is configured to be selectively brought in a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the support wall (120) is arranged substantially parallel to the base wall (150); and the tablet computer, as well as the detachable retainer (110), are sandwichedly positioned between the support wall (120) and the base wall (150).

13. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the support wall (120) is configured to be selectively brought in a stand position, wherein in the stand position, the support wall (120) forms an inclination angle relative to the base wall (150), wherein the inclination angle is in an angular range of 5 degrees to 90 degrees.

14. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base wall (150) is rotatably connected to the support wall (120) through a connecting portion (154).

15. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the base wall (150) comprises a tip portion (151) that is configured to be manually grasped by a user to facilitate the opening and closing of the base wall (150) relative to the support wall (120).

16. The tablet casing (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first surface (126) of the support wall (120) is configured to magnetically connect with the detachable retainer (110) in multiple modes; wherein the detachable retainer (110) is positioned at different heights, positions, and/or rotational orientations relative to the support wall (120) in multiple modes.