WO2015054849A1

WO2015054849A1 - Folding case assembly for securing a portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2015054849A1
Application number: PCT/CN2013/085332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian C. Austin; Tinny SURI; Leslie M. THOMAS; Meng JIANG
Original assignee: PC Treasures, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-10-16
Filing date: 2013-10-16
Publication date: 2015-04-23

Abstract

A folding case assembly (20) for securing a portable electronic device. The assembly (20) includes a base (22) adapted to rest on a surface. The assembly (20) further includes a suport (24) pivotally couped to the base (22) and having a distal edge (26). A holder (28) is coupled to the support (24) for supporting the potable electronic device relative to the base (22). A rotational mechanism (30) is rotatably connected to the holder (28) and a link (32) is fixed to the support (24) along the distal edge (26) with the rotational mechanism (30) pivotally coupled to the link (32) enabling the holder (28) to pivot about the link (32) relative to the support (24) independently of the rotation about the rotational mechanism (30) for orienting the portable electronic device into a plurality of positions.

Description

FOLDING CASE ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING A PORTABLE

ELECTRONIC DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The subject invention relates generally to a case for a portable electronic device, and more specifically to a folding assembly to secure a portable electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as IPAD®s, tablet computers, cell phones, and the like are often protected in cases. It is desirable to have a case secure and protect all surfaces of a portable electronic device. However, it is also desirable that a case be designed so as to provide a user with access to various functions and operational orientations of the portable electronic device, especially so as to enable a user to operate the portable electronic device in both landscape and portrait orientations. Users are typically forced to choose between a case that offers protection but limits functionality and orientation, or a case that enables functionality and orientation but provides only limited protection. Thus, there remains a need in the art for an improved case that strikes a substantial balance between functionality, orientation, and protection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0003] The subject invention is directed toward a folding case assembly for securing a portable electronic device. The assembly includes a base adapted to rest on a surface. The assembly further includes a support pivotally coupled to the base and having a distal edge. A holder is coupled to the support for supporting the potable electronic device relative to the base. A rotational mechanism is rotatably connected to the holder and a link is fixed to the support along the distal edge with the rotational mechanism pivotally coupled to the link enabling the holder to pivot about the link relative to the support independently of the rotation about the rotational mechanism for orienting the portable electronic device into a plurality of positions.

[0004] The advantages of the present invention are directed toward achieving a substantial balance between case functionality, orientation, and protection while reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the folding case assembly as configured to display a portable electronic device in landscape orientation at a first viewing angle in accordance with the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the folding case assembly as configured to display a portable electronic device in landscape orientation at a second viewing angle.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the folding case assembly showing rotation of the holder about the rotational mechanism between landscape and portrait orientation.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the folding case assembly as configured to display a portable electronic device in portrait orientation at a first viewing angle.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the folding case assembly as configured to display a portable electronic device in portrait orientation at a second viewing angle. [0011] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a top of the folding case assembly as configured in a folded closed position.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a top of the folding case assembly as configured in a flat open position.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a bottom of the folding case assembly as configured in a flat open position.

[0014] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the folding case assembly showing a base, support, rigid upper panel, link, rotational mechanism, and holder in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 10 is an interior perspective view of the rotational mechanism.

[0016] FIG. 1 1 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the folding case assembly showing the support, link, rotational mechanism, and holder.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the rotational mechanism, holder, and link.

[0018] FIG. 13 is an exploded fragmented cross-sectional view of the rotational mechanism, holder, and link of FIG. 12.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rigid upper panel and link.

[0020] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the rotational mechanism.

[0021] FIG. 16 is an exploded fragmented partially cross-sectional side view of the rotational mechanism, support, link, and holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a folding case assembly 20 is generally shown in various configurations in FIGS. 1-8. As shown in FIG. 1, the folding case assembly 20 is employed to secure and provide protection to a portable electronic device 21. As shown in FIGS. 1 -5, the folding case assembly 20 is designed to allow the portable electronic device to rotate while remaining secured within the folding case assembly 20. Thus, a user can operate the portable electronic device while installed in the folding case assembly 20 from several different viewing positions, angles, and orientations.

[0023] By way of example, FIG. 1 shows the folding case assembly 20 configured for landscape orientation, FIG. 3 shows the folding case assembly 20 partway through an orientation change, and FIG. 4 shows the folding case assembly 20 configured for portrait orientation. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the folding case assembly 20 can be folded upon itself to protect the portable electronic device (see FIG. 6) or can be opened like a book with the portable electronic device laying flat (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0024] The portable electronic device is typically a tablet computer with a touch screen interface. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the portable electronic device may be any movable electronic device.

[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5 and 9, the folding case assembly 20 includes a base 22 adapted rest on a surface 23. A support 24 is pivotally coupled to the base 22 and has a distal edge 26. A holder 28 is coupled to the support 24 for securing the portable electronic device. A rotational mechanism 30 is rotatably connected to the holder 28, and a link 32 is fixed to the support 24 along the distal edge 26 and pivotally coupled to the rotational mechanism 30. These components cooperate to enable the holder 28 to independently pivot about the link 32 and rotate about the rotational mechanism 30. Each of these components will be discussed in greater detail below [0026] The base 22 acts a foundation for the folding case assembly 20 and can be placed or rested upon a surface 23, such as a table, desk, a user's lap, or the like. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the surface 23 may be any external surface. The base 22 is configured to be substantially rigid and slightly larger in shape and size than the portable electronic device. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the base 22 may be any suitable size, shape, or configuration.

[0027] The base 22 includes grooves 34a, 34b disposed along its length so as to enable the holder 28 and secured portable electronic device to be positioned at different viewing angles. As shown, there are two grooves 34a, 34b. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number of grooves 34a, 34b or a single groove may be utilized for this purpose. The pivoting and rotating features of the link 32, rotational mechanism 30, and holder 28 (as discussed in detail below) cooperate with the grooves 34a, 34b as to enable the holder 28 and secured portable electronic device to be utilized in either landscape or portrait mode and be positioned at different viewing angles (as discussed above).

[0028] As is shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-8, the base 22, as shown, includes an elastic strap 36 to hold the folding case assembly 20 in a folded closed position to prevent pivoting of the support 24 with respect to the base 22. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the strap 36 may be eliminated, or any other type of clasping or securing mechanism may be utilized to keep the folding case assembly 20 in a folded closed position,

[0029] The support 24 is also substantially rigid and cooperates with the base 22 to maintain the holder 28 in an upright position. The support 24 includes a living hinge 42 for pivoting the support 24 relative to the base 42. [0030] As is shown in to FTGS. 1-2, 4-5, and 6-8, the living hinge 42 allows the support 24 to pivot with respect to the base 22 between different angles and open/folded closed positions. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any style of hinge or pivoting mechanism may be utilized for this purpose.

[0031] The living hinge 42 is configured to be more flexible than the rigid base 22 and support 24. A cover 58 extends over the base 22 and the support 24 to at least partially interconnect the base 22 and the support 24. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the cover may be formed from any suitable material.

[0032] As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the support 24 defines a valley 60 dividing the distal edge 26 into a first distal edge 62a and a spaced second distal edge 62b. The link 32 is fixed to at least one of the first and second distal edges 62a, 62b and partially extends into the valley 60. The support 24 with the valley 60 defines a yoke-like structure wherein the rotational mechanism 30 is pivotally coupled to the link 32 and partially disposed in the valley 60. The link 32 is further defined as at least one shaft 98 disposed along the distal edge 26 (see FIGS. 1 1 and 16)

[0033] As is best depicted in FIGS. 9 and 1 1 , the support 24, as shown, includes a lower panel 44 and a rigid upper panel 46 with the rigid upper panel 46 extending from the distal edge 26 to an opposing proximal edge 48 and fixed to the lower panel 44. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the support 24 may be formed from any number of bonded panels or from a single panel.

[0034] The valley 60, as shown, is formed in the rigid upper panel 46. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the valley 60 may be formed anywhere in the support 24. [0035] Referring also to FIGS. 1 1 and 14, the rigid upper panel 46 includes a mounting portion 50 disposed along the proximal edge 48 with the mounting portion 50 bonded to the lower panel 44. The lower panel 44, as shown, includes a first half 45a and a second half 45b with the mounting portion 50 of the rigid upper panel 46 bonded between the first and second halves 45a, 45b. The rigid upper panel 46 also includes a pair of connecting sides 52a, 52b extending between the distal edge 26 and the proximal edge 48 and a wall 54 disposed along the distal edge 26 and the connecting sides 52a, 52b to define a recess 56. The cover 58 also conceals the lower panel 44 and a portion of the rigid upper panel 46. The cover 58 is disposed within the recess 56 of the rigid upper panel 46 and abuts the wall 54 of the rigid upper panel.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 9-16, the holder 28 is coupled to the support 24 by the rotational mechanism 30 and is employed to retain and secure the portable electronic device. The holder 28, as shown, is a rigid shell-like panel and includes contoured features 66 to engage the outer edges of the portable electronic device. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the holder 28 could be any mechanism of any size or configuration that attaches to and secures a portable electronic device. The holder 28 also includes accommodations 68 such as slots and holes for accessing features of the portable electronic device such as cameras, buttons, switches, sensors, speakers, microphones, power and data cable connections, and the like (not shown).

[0037] The holder 28 is rotatably connected to the rotational mechanism 30. As best shown in Figures 9, 1 1 -13, and 16, the holder 28 includes a circular aperture 70 and a flange 72 disposed along the circular aperture 70. The rotational mechanism 30 includes a plurality of resilient locking tabs 74 connected to the flange 72. The holder 28 has a back face 94 and an opposing front face 96. The flange 72, as shown, is disposed on the back face 94 and has a rectangular, stepped configuration. Those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the flange may have any configuration suitable to connect to the plurality of resilient locking tabs 74 of the rotational mechanism 30.

[0038] The rotational mechanism 30 is annular and the plurality of resilient locking tabs 74 define a channel 78 with the flange 72 of the holder 28 being captured within the channel 78. The rotational mechanism 30, as shown, includes eight radially spaced resilient locking tabs 74. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable number of locking tabs could be utilized. Further, as best shown in FIGS. 10, 13, and 15, the resilient locking tabs 74 include hook-like sections 76. The underside of the hook-like sections 76, as shown, form the channel discussed above. The channel 78 and flange 72 are configured to provide a concentric, rotatable, secure connection between the rotational mechanism 30 and the holder 28.

[0039] The rotational mechanism 30 is at least partially transparent for allowing a portion of the portable electronic device to be visible therethrough. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 1 1, the rotational mechanism 30 has an outer section 31a and an inner section 31b. The inner section 31 b, as shown, is configured to be at least partially transparent. The transparency enables a logo of the portable electronic device to be visible without directly exposing a portion of the portable electronic device to the elements. The outer section 31 a, as shown, is configured to be opaque. The opaqueness conceals the connections between the rotational mechanism 30, link 32, and the holder 28 (discussed above and more thoroughly below). While it is advantageous to conceal the connections and also leave a portion portable electronic device visible, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the rotational mechanism 30 may be constructed either entirely or partially from a transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque material. [0040] Turning to FIGS. 10-13 and 15-16, the rotational mechanism 30 includes at least one receiver 80 pivotally coupled to the link 32 (see FIGS. 15-16). As shown, the rotational mechanism 30 includes a first receiver 80a and second receiver 80b with the first and second receivers 80a, 80b opposing each other and pivotally coupled to the link 32 (see FIGS. 10- 13). However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any suitable number of receivers 80a, 80b could be utilized for this purpose. Moreover, the link 32, as shown, is further defined as a first shaft 98a fixed to the first distal edge 62a and a second shaft 98b fixed to the second distal edge 62b with the first and second shafts 98a, 98b facing each other. The first shaft 98a is pivotally coupled to the first receiver 80a and the second shaft 98b is pivotally coupled to the second receiver 80b to partially position the rotational mechanism 30 in the valley 60. Further, the plurality of resilient locking tabs 74 are radially spaced about the circular aperture 70 with the receivers 80a, 80b disposed between adjacent tabs 74. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the position of the receivers 80a, 80b with respect to the plurality of resilient locking tabs 74 may change depending on how many receivers 80a, 80b or locking tabs 74 are utilized.

[0041] The receivers 80a, 80b have a primary pocket 82a, 82b defining a primary cavity 84a, 84b and a secondary pocket 86a, 86b defining a secondary cavity 88a, 88b with the secondary cavity 88a, 88b being larger than the primary cavity 84a, 84b. The pockets 82a, 82b, 86a, 86b are pivotally coupled to the link 32. As is discussed more thoroughly below, the pockets 82a, 82b, 86a, 86b cooperate with the link 32 to axially align the rotational mechanism 30 with the link 32 and enable pivoting.

[0042] Turning to FIGS. 1 1 -14 and 16, the link 32 is fixed to the support 24 and pivotally coupled to the rotational mechanism 30. As also discussed above, the link 32 is further defined as at least one shaft 98 disposed along the distal edge 26 (see FIGS. 11 and 16). As shown, the link 32 is still further defined as a first shaft 98a and a second shaft 98b with the first and second shafts 98a, 98b facing each other and the rotational mechanism 30 coupled to both of shafts 98a, 98b (See FIGS. 12-14).

[0043] Each of the shafts 98a, 98b of the link 32 has a first section 100a, 100b fixed to the support 24 and a second section 102a, 102b spaced and extending from the support 24. As best shown in FIGS. 12-14 and 16, the first section 100a, 100b has a first diameter and the second section 102a, 102b has a second diameter with the second diameter being larger than the first diameter. As discussed below, the larger second diameter of the second section 102a, 102b cooperates with features of the rotational mechanism 30 to axially align the support 24 with the rotational mechanism 30. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any ratio between the first diameter and the second diameter may be utilized.

[0044] The first section 100a, 100b of each of the shafts 98a, 98b cooperates with the corresponding primary pocket 82a, 82b of each of the receivers 80a, 80b of the rotational mechanism 30 to axially align the support 24 with the rotational mechanism 30. Likewise, the second section 102a, 102b of each of the shafts 98a, 98b cooperates with the corresponding secondary pocket 86a, 86b of each of the receivers 80a, 80b of the rotational mechanism 30 to axially align the support 24 with the rotational mechanism 30.

[0045] The rotational mechanism 30 and the holder 28 cooperate to capture the link 32. As best shown in FIGS. 6, 13, and 15-16, the rotational mechanism 30 has an outer face 90 and an opposing inner face 92. The holder 28 has a back face 94 and an opposing front face 96. The link 32 is captured between the inner face 92 of the rotational mechanism 30 and the back face 94 of the holder 28. The receivers 80a, 80b are disposed between the outer face 90 and the inner face 92 and the first and second shafts 98a, 98b of the link 32, as shown, are captured between the receivers 80a, 80b and the back face 94 of the holder. Further, the receivers 80a, 80b, as shown, each define a bump-like region 81a, 81b on the outer face 90 of the rotational mechanism 30. The bump-like regions 81a, 81b incorporate a sloping surface along the outer face 90 of the rotational mechanism 30. However, those having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that bump-like regions 81a, 8 l b may be any suitable shape or configuration.

[0046] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A folding case assembly for securing a portable electronic device, said assembly comprising:

a base adapted to rest on a surface;

a support pivotally coupled to said base and having a distal edge;

a holder coupled to said support for supporting the potable electronic device relative to said base;

a rotational mechanism rotatably connected to said holder; and

a link fixed to said support along said distal edge with said rotational mechanism pivotally coupled to said link enabling said holder to pivot about said link relative to said support independently of said rotation about said rotational mechanism for orienting the portable electronic device into a plurality of positions.

2. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said link is further defined as at least one shaft disposed along said distal edge.

3. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotational mechanism includes at least one receiver pivotally coupled to said link.

4. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said link is further defined as a first shaft and a second shaft with said first and second shafts facing each other and said rotational mechanism coupled to both of said shafts.

5. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said rotational mechanism includes a first receiver and a second receiver with said first and second receivers opposing each other, and said first shaft pivotally coupled to said first receiver and said second shaft pivotally coupled to said second receiver.

6. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said rotational mechanism has an outer face and an opposing inner face with said first and second receivers disposed between said outer face and said inner face and said holder having a back face and an opposing front face with said first and second shafts being captured between said receivers and said back face of said holder.

7. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said link has a first section fixed to said support and a second section spaced and extending from said support.

8. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said link has a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter with said second diameter being larger than said first diameter.

9. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said rotational mechanism includes a receiver having a primary pocket defining a primary cavity and a secondary pocket defining a secondary cavity with said secondary cavity being larger than said primary cavity, and said first section of said link pivotally coupled to said primary pocket within said primary cavity and said second section of said link pivotally coupled to said secondary pocket within said secondary cavity.

10. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotational mechanism has an outer face and an opposing inner face, and said holder has a back face and an opposing front face with said link being captured between said inner face of said rotational mechanism and said back face of said holder.

1 1. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said holder includes a circular aperture and a flange disposed along said circular aperture, and said rotational mechanism includes a plurality of resilient locking tabs connected to said flange.

12. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 1 wherein said rotational mechanism includes a first receiver and a second receiver with said first and second receivers opposing each other, and said plurality of resilient locking tabs are radially spaced about said circular aperture with said receivers disposed between adjacent tabs.

13. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said rotational mechanism is annular and said plurality of resilient locking tabs define a channel with said flange of said holder being captured within said channel.

14. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said rotational mechanism is at least partially transparent for allowing a portion of the portable electronic device to be visible therethrough.

15. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support includes a living hinge for pivoting said support relative to said base.

16. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support defines a valley dividing said distal edge into a first distal edge and a spaced second distal edge with said link fixed to at least one of said first and second distal edges and partially extending into said valley.

17. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 16 wherein said rotational mechanism is pivotally coupled to said link and partially disposed in said valley.

18. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said link is further defined as a first shaft fixed to said first distal edge and a second shaft fixed to said second distal edge with said first and second shafts facing each other, and said rotational mechanism includes a first receiver and a second receiver with said first and second receivers opposing each other with said first shaft pivotally coupled to said first receiver and said second shaft pivotally coupled to said second receiver to partially position said rotational mechanism in said valley.

19. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said support includes a lower panel and a rigid upper panel with said rigid upper panel extending from said distal edge to an opposing proximal edge and fixed to said lower panel.

20. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said rigid upper panel further includes a mounting portion disposed along said proximal edge with said mounting portion bonded to said lower panel.

21. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said rigid upper panel includes a pair of connecting sides extending between said distal edge and said proximal edge and a wall disposed along said distal edge and said connecting sides to define a recess.

22. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 21 wherein said support includes a cover concealing said lower panel and a portion of said rigid upper panel with said cover disposed within said recess and abutting said wall.

23. A folding case assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said rigid upper panel defines a valley dividing said distal edge into a first distal edge and a spaced second distal edge with said link fixed to at least one of said first and second distal edges and partially extending into said valley.