WO2019162704A1

WO2019162704A1 - A case for a computing device that is foldable between closed, open laptop and tablet configurations

Info

Publication number: WO2019162704A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/050527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Roberts; Benjamin Thorpe
Original assignee: Tech 21 Licensing Limited
Priority date: 2018-02-26
Filing date: 2019-02-26
Publication date: 2019-08-29
Also published as: GB201803117D0; GB2571345B; GB2571345A

Abstract

A case for a computing device with a screen and a keyboard. The computing device is foldable between closed, open laptop and tablet configurations. The case is formed of a number of panels which are hinged together such that the case is foldable to support the computing device in each of the closed, open laptop and tablet configurations.

Description

A CASE FOR A COMPUTING DEVICE THAT IS FOLDABLE BETWEEN CLOSED, OPEN LAPTOP AND TABLET CONFIGURATIONS

The present invention relates to a case for a computing device which is foldable between a closed configuration, an open laptop configuration and an open tablet configuration.

5 In recent years, a new market has developed for computing devices (in particular, laptops) which are switchable between a laptop configuration, with a screen and a physical keyboard extending transverse to the screen, and a tablet configuration, where the physical keyboard is removed or hidden and the only input is the screen. One way that this is achieved, is by having the screen and keyboard pivotally hinged to one another, as in 0 traditional laptop computers, but allowing the hinge to have nearly 360° rotational freedom.

In such a design, the screen can be rotated from the closed position all the way around so that it is facing outwards as a surface with the physical keyboard on the opposite surface of the device. 5 Providing a protective case for such a foldable computing device has proved difficult, as traditional cases are not provided with the correct components to fold with the computing device to provide support in both configurations. Indeed, many manufacturers have simply resorted to using slip-on sleeves for protecting the device in transit, which must be removed in use.

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There is therefore a need for an improved case for such computing devices which is able to readily provide support in all configurations. 5 A case for a computing device according to the present invention is provided according to claim 1.

This case allows the computing device to be protected and supported in all three of its configurations. The first and second angles increase the comfort and ergonomics of the0 computing device for the user in all of these positions. The first angle inclines the keyboard to aid typing, while the second position inclines the screen for a pleasant viewing angle.

Preferably, the second angle is greater than the first angle. The spacer and the first panel may be shorter than the other panels. The first panel may be longer than the spacer. The second panel may be longer than the first panel and the spacer, and shorter than the third panel.

This allows the computing device to be inclined at optimal angles for each configuration. In particular, in the tablet configuration a higher angle is preferred as this angle is more useful for the uses of the computing device in this configuration, such as watching media and/or drawing with a stylus.

The third panel may extend to a fifth fold line parallel to the fourth fold line, and a closure panel extends away from the fifth fold line, the closure panel comprising a retaining mechanism to retain the case in one or more of the configurations. Having the retaining mechanism provided as another panel simplifies the ease of manipulation of device for the user.

The retaining mechanism may be any suitable mechanism such as a clip, snap fitting or material hook. However, preferably the retaining mechanism may comprise one or more magnets. This is preferable as the magnets allow much greater flexibility of the retaining portion. In particular, magnets can act in multiple directions and can be mounted within the closure panel. This allows one retaining mechanism to retain the case in multiple configurations. In addition, certain computing devices are configured to turn off their screens when a case which is mounted thereto is closed, in response to magnets on the case engaging with trigger magnets in the device.

The receiving portion may be formed of a rectangular back panel with side walls extending from at least three sides of the back panel. Preferably, there is no wall at the side adjacent to the first edge. This allows the case to securely retain the computing device, while allowing the computing device to fold through its entire range of movement uninhibited.

The case may comprise a pocket for a stylus. This pocket may be attached to the third panel. This means that any stylus is accessible in all three configurations.

The cover portion may be bonded to the receiving portion. This produces a secure case. The present invention will now be described in detail with respect to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a folding computing device in three configurations, to which the case of the present invention may be attached;

Figure 2 shows the folding computing device of Figure 1 in an alternative view of one of the three configurations;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a case according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a top view of a flattened cover portion of the case of Figure 3;

Figures 5A to 5D show the case of Figure 3 being fitted to the computing device of Figure 1 and folded into a closed configuration;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the case of Figure 3 in the closed configuration;

Figures 7A to 7C show the case of Figure 3 and computing device of Figure 1 being folded from the closed configuration of Figure 6 into an open laptop configuration;

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the case of Figure 3 in the open laptop configuration;

Figures 9A to 9D show the case of Figure 3 and computing device of Figure 1 being folded from the open laptop configuration of Figure 8 into an open tablet configuration; and

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the case of Figure 3 in the open tablet configuration. Figure 1 shows a computing device 100 (in particular, a laptop or notebook computer), which is designed to be foldable between a number of configurations 1 , 2, 3. The device 100 comprises a screen 5 on a front side 6A of a screen panel 6 and one or more input devices 7 on the front side 8A on an input device panel 8. The screen panel 6 and the input device panel 8 are pivotally connected to one another by hinges 9. While two hinges 9 are shown in Figure 1 , any number of hinges may be used, including a single hinge extending along the majority of the length of the device 100.

The input devices 7 typically include a keyboard 7A and a pointing device 7B. The pointing device 7B may be a touchpad as depicted in Figure 1 , or any other suitable pointing device 7B may be used such as a pointing stick. Alternatively, or in addition, the screen 5 may be a touchscreen 5 and accordingly act as a pointing device 7B. There may be no integrated pointing device 7B, and instead an external pointing device could be connected to the computing device 100.

The hinges 9 allow the computing device 100 to be folded between the three configurations 1 , 2, 3.

The first configuration 1 is a closed configuration 1 , which is used to protect the device 100 when it is being transported. The closed configuration 1 has the screen 5 facing the input devices 7, with screen front side 6A facing input device front side 8A.

The second configuration 2 is an open laptop configuration 2. This open laptop

configuration 2 has the screen 5 standing up from the input devices 7, with screen panel 6 standing up from the input devices panel 8. This allows the screen 5 to face the user, with the input devices 7 in a position where the user can easily access them. This open laptop configuration 2 may be used, for example, for writing documents.

The third configuration 3 is an open tablet configuration 3. The open tablet configuration 3 has the screen 5 and screen panel 6 folded back such that the back side 8B of the input devices panel 8 faces the back side 6B of the screen panel 6. The input devices 7 are generally inaccessible to the user in this configuration 3. This open tablet configuration 3 may be used, for example, for watching media. While Figure 1 shows the open tablet configuration 3 in a fully folded position, with the back side 8B of the input devices panel 8 touching or immediately proximate to the back side 6B of the screen panel 6, the open tablet configuration 3 also covers a number of intermediate positions between the second configuration 2 and the open tablet configuration 3. In particular, any arrangement where the input devices 7 are generally inaccessible at the same time as the screen 5 may be considered an open tablet configuration 3. Figure 2 shows an intermediate open tablet configuration 3, where there is an offset between the back side 8B of the input devices panel touching or immediately proximate to the back side 6B of the screen panel 6. This offset results in the screen 5 being inclined at an angle.

Figure 3 shows a case 200 according to the present invention, designed to be used with a computing device 100 such as shown in Figure 1 which is foldable between a closed configuration 1 , an open laptop configuration 2 and an open tablet configuration 3.

The case 200 comprises a receiving portion 300 and a cover portion 400. The receiving portion 300 is arranged to attach to the back side 8B of an input devices panel 8. As depicted in Figure 3, the back side 8B would be inserted from the side of the receiving portion 300 opposite from the cover portion 400.

The receiving portion 300 is formed of a generally rectangular back panel 32 with side walls 34 extending from at least three sides of the back panel 32. The receiving panel 300 has a first side 36 from which there is no side wall extending. The side walls 34 may comprise one or more openings 39 to allow peripheral devices to connect to any ports of the computing device 100 which would otherwise be obstructed by the side walls 34.

Examples of such ports on a computing device 100 may include a charging port, a USB port, an FIDMI port, an Ethernet port, or any other port.

In addition, an inner surface of the side walls 34 may be provided with ribbed protrusions which can act as a shock absorber to protect the computing device 100 against impacts when mounted in the case 200.

The cover portion 400 is formed of a plurality of panels. Figure 4 shows a top view of the cover portion 400 without the receiving portion. This allows the panels to be easily identified. The cover portion 400 is attached to the receiving portion 300 via an attachment panel 41. This attachment panel 41 may be integral with the receiving portion 300, or may be bonded thereto, such as via sonic welding or an adhesive.

The rest of the cover portion 400 extends from the attachment panel 41 via a first fold line 42. A first panel 43 extends away from the first fold line 42. The first fold line 42 allows the first panel 43 and attachment panel to pivot relative to one another about this fold line 42 into and out of the page as shown in Figure 4. The first fold line 42 is generally parallel with an outer edge 41 A of the attachment panel 41 , and generally perpendicular to two other outer edges 41 B, 41 C of the attachment panel 41.

The first panel 43 extends to a second fold line 44. This second fold line 44 is generally parallel to the first fold line 42.

A second panel 45 extends away from the second fold line 44 to allow the second panel 45 to pivot relative to the first panel 43 in the same manner as described above for the first panel 43 and the attachment panel 41.

The second panel 45 extends to a third fold line 46. The third fold line 46 is generally parallel to the second fold line 44.

A spacer 47 extends between the third fold line 46 and a fourth fold line 48. The fourth fold line 48 is generally parallel to the third fold line 46.

A third panel 49 extends away from the fourth fold line 48. The third panel 49 extends to a fifth fold line 52. The fifth fold line 52 is generally parallel to the fourth fold line 48. A pocket 50 is provided attached to, or integral with, the third panel 49. The pocket 50 may be provided on any of the other panels of the cover portion 400, or on the receiving portion 300. This pocket 50 is for retaining a stylus input device 58 for the computing device 100.

A closure panel 53 extends away from the fifth fold line 52. An outer edge 53B of the closure panel 53 forms a leftmost (according to Figure 1 ) edge of the cover portion 400. The closure panel 53 comprises a retaining mechanism 54. In the depicted embodiment the retaining mechanism 54 comprises a plurality of magnets 54. Flowever, any other suitable retaining mechanism may be used. As described above, each of the fold lines 42, 44, 46, 48, 52 are generally parallel to one another. A longitudinal direction 55 is defined, which is generally perpendicular to the fold lines 42, 44, 46, 48, 52. Each panel has a length in this direction 55.

The spacer 47 and the first panel 43 are shorter than the second and third panels 45, 49 in this direction 55. The first panel 43 is longer than the spacer 47 in the longitudinal direction 55. The second panel 45 is longer than the first panel 43 and the spacer 47, and shorter than the third panel 49 in the longitudinal direction 55.

The case 200 is arranged to be foldable between three configurations 10, 20, 30 in use; corresponding to the configurations 1 , 2, 3 of the computing device 100.

Figures 5A to 5D show, in order, the case 200 being attached to a computing device 100 and the case 200 then being folded into a closed configuration 10.

The computing device 100 in its closed configuration 1 is inserted into the receiving portion 300, with the rear side 8B of the input device panel 8 being received therein. The rectangular back panel 32 and walls 34 cooperate to retain the computing device 100 within the receiving portion. As shown in Figure 5A, the edge 36 of the rectangular back panel which does not have a side wall 34 is the edge where the hinges 9 of the computing device are arranged. There may be an indented portion of the back panel 32 in this area to allow free movement of the device 100 about these hinges 9. This edge 36 is opposite to where the attachment panel 41 attaches the cover portion 400 to the receiving portion 300.

With the case 200 attached to the computing device 100, the case 200 can be folded into its closed configuration 1 as shown in Figure 5C. This is achieved by folding the rest of the case 200 along the first fold line 42 in a direction 56 away from the attachment panel 41 towards the hinges 9. This results in the attachment panel 41 , first panel 43 and second panel 45 being substantially parallel and extending across a substantial portion of the bottom of the receiving portion 300. These three panels 41 , 43, 45 are configured to together substantially conform to the dimensions of the computing device 100. The third fold line 46 is substantially adjacent to the edge 36 of the receiving portion 300 and hence the hinges 9. From this position, the remaining panels 49, 53 are further folded about the third and fourth fold lines 46, 48 in a direction 57 around the hinges 9 of the computing device 100. This results in the third panel 49 and closure panel 53 being substantially parallel and extending across a substantial portion of the top of the receiving portion 300 and hence the computing device 100. In particular, the third panel 49 and closure panel 53 are arranged, in the case closed position 10, to cover and protect the rear side 6B of the screen panel 6 of the computing device 100. The spacer 47 extends across the hinges 9 of the computing device 100 to space the two sets of panels from the respective sides of the computing device 100. This puts the case 200 into its closed configuration 10.

The retaining mechanism 54 on the closure panel 53 may cooperate with the receiving portion 300 or computing device 100 in order to retain the case 200 in its closed configuration 10. In particular, there may be corresponding magnetic sections on the receiving portion 300 or computing device 100 to attach to magnets of the retaining mechanism 54. A stylus 58 may then be inserted into the pocket 50.

Figure 5D shows the closed configuration 10 of the case 200 in an upside-down positon: with the rear side 8B of the input device panel 8 facing (through the case 200) upwards. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the case 200 in this closed configuration 10 in a normal position, where the rear side 6B of the screen panel 6 facing upwards. In this closed configuration 10, the case 200 acts as a“folio” case 200.

The case 200 has a second configuration 20, which is an open laptop configuration 20. The computing device 100 is opened by rotating about the hinges 9 in a direction 72 to the open laptop configuration 2 of the device 100 where the screen panel 6 stands up from the input devices panel 8. The third panel 49 and closure panel 53 rotate with the screen panel 6 about the fourth fold line 48 in the direction 72.

The third panel 49 and closure panel 53 could remain in this position attached to the screen panel. In certain embodiments, the third panel 48 and closure panel 53 continue to rotate with the spacer 47 about the third fold line 46 in a direction 74 away from the screen panel 6 as shown in Figure 7B. This rotation is continued about direction 76 and 78 until the third panel 49 and closure panel 53 are beneath the receiving portion 300. In this position, the spacer 47 may either lay flat, or as shown in Figure 7C may act as an upstanding support underneath the edge 36 of the receiving portion 300. This acts to support the receiving portion 300 in a first inclined position at an angle 79 relative to third panel 49 and closure panel 53. The third panel 49 and closure panel 53 are then typically placed on a surface such that the receiving portion 300 is inclined relative to the horizontal at the first angle 79. The first angle 79 acts to increase the comfort and ergonomics of the computing device 100 for a user by inclining the input devices 7. In particular, the first angle 79 may be less than 30°, preferably less than 20°.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the case 200 in the case open laptop configuration 20. In this view, the spacer 47 is arranged flat with the attachment panel 41 , first panel 43 and second panel 45, such that there is no incline.

The case 200 has a third configuration 30, which is an open tablet configuration 30. This case open tablet configuration 30 is reached via the case open laptop configuration as shown in Figure 9A to 9D.

The screen panel 6 is lifted 92 as shown in Figure 9A, while the input devices panel 8 is rotated relative to the screen panel 6 via the hinges 9. This results in the front edge of the input devices panel 8 and edge 36 of the receiving portion 300 travelling in direction 94 along the closure panel 53 and third panel 49 towards the third and fourth fold lines 46, 48.

During this movement, the spacer 47 folds about the fourth fold line 48 until it is

substantially parallel with the third panel 49 and the closure panel 53. The second panel 45 folds relative to spacer 47 via the third fold line 46 and relative to the first panel 43 via the second fold line 44. The first panel 43 also folds relative to the attachment panel 41 , and hence the receiving portion 300, via the first fold line 42.

This is continued until the edge 36 of the receiving portion is adjacent to the third fold line 46 (highlighted in Figure 9C, and the screen panel 6 and input devices panel 8 are substantially parallel as shown in Figure 9C.

In this position, the first panel 43 and the second panel 45 form a ramp with the second fold line 44 at its apex. This is isolated in Figure 9C.

The computing device 100 is further folded about its hinge in the direction 96 shown in Figure 9B. The edge 36 is kept adjacent the third fold line and the screen panel 6 folds such that the rear side 6B of the screen panel is facing the receiving portion 300 and hence the rear side 8B of the input device panel 8.

This movement is continued until the position shown in Figure 9D is reached. The computing device 100 is in its tablet configuration 3, and the case 200 is in its tablet configuration 30. The ramp formed by the first and second panels 43, 45 extends away from the back of the receiving portion 300 and the rear side 6B of the screen panel 6 is supported thereupon.

This inclines the screen 5 relative to the receiving portion 300 at a second angle 98 and may result in a better viewing angle, or a better angle for using the stylus 58 to draw or write on the screen 5. The third panel 49 and closure panel 53 extend across the front side 8A of the input device panel 8 to protect and cover the input devices. The third panel 49 and closure panel 53 may then rest on a surface for the user to use the computing device 100 and hence incline the screen 5 relative to the horizontal.

The second angle 98 is greater than the first angle 49. The second angle 98 may be greater than 20°, preferably greater than 30°.

Figure 10 shows a side view of the case 200 without the computing device 100. The ramp formed by the first and second panels 43, 45 can be clearly seen in this view.

The reverse of these operations may be carried out to transition the device and case back through their configurations 1 , 10, 2, 20, 3, 30.

Thus, a case 200 is provided which can support a computing device 100 in a closed position 1 , 10, an open laptop configuration 2, 20 and an open tablet configuration 3, 30.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A case for a computing device having a screen and a keyboard, the screen and keyboard being foldable between:

a closed configuration where the screen faces the keyboard;

an open laptop configuration where the screen stands up from the keyboard; and a tablet configuration where the screen is folded back such that the back of the screen faces the back of the keyboard,

the case comprising:

a receiving portion, the top of which is attachable to the back of the keyboard; and a cover portion attached to the bottom of the receiving portion at a first fold line extending across a central region of the receiving portion,

the cover portion comprising a closed configuration in which:

a first panel extending away from the first fold line across the bottom of the receiving portion to a second fold line parallel to the first fold line;

a second panel extending away from the second fold line to a third fold line parallel to the second fold line, adjacent to a first edge of the bottom of the receiving portion;

a spacer extending between the third fold line and a fourth fold line which is above the first edge of the receiving portion in a closed position, and is parallel to the third fold line;

a third panel extending away from the fourth fold line, extending across a substantial portion of the top of the receiving portion,

the cover portion being foldable into a laptop configuration in which:

the first and second panels remain in the same position as in the closed

configuration, and the cover is folded about the third and fourth fold lines until the third panel is beneath the receiving portion and the spacer provides an upstanding support at the first edge of the receiving portion such that the receiving portion is supported in a first inclined position at a first angle relative to the horizontal in which the first edge of the receiving portion is raised with respect to a second opposite edge,

the cover portion further being foldable into a tablet configuration in which:

the cover is folded from the laptop configuration in the same direction about the first, second, third and fourth fold lines;

the first panel extends away from the bottom of the receiving potion and provides, in use, an upstanding portion on which the screen is supported in a second inclined position at a second angle relative to the horizontal; the second panel extends to the second edge of the receiving portion opposite to the first edge;

the spacer extends around the second edge; and

the third panel extends beneath the front of the keyboard such that the keyboard is supported on the third panel.

2. The case of claim 1 , wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle.

3. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the case has a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the fold lines, and the spacer and the first panel are shorter than the other panels in this direction.

4. The case of claim 3, wherein the first panel is longer than the spacer in the longitudinal direction.

5. The case of claim 3 or 4, wherein the second panel is longer than the first panel and the spacer, and shorter than the third panel in the longitudinal direction.

6. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the third panel extends to a fifth fold line parallel to the fourth fold line, and a closure panel extends away from the fifth fold line, the closure panel comprising a retaining mechanism to retain the case in one or more of the configurations.

7. The case of claim 6, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises one or more magnets.

8. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the receiving portion is formed of a rectangular back panel with side walls extending from at least three sides of the back panel.

9. The case of claim 8, wherein there is no wall at the side adjacent to the first edge.

10. The case of any preceding claim, comprising a pocket for a stylus.

1 1 . The case of claim 10, wherein the pocket is attached to the third panel.

12. The case of any preceding claim, wherein the cover portion is bonded to the receiving portion.