HK1236357A1 - Protective case for a computing device with adjustable stand - Google Patents

Abstract

A case for a computing device includes a rear support surface that is operatively coupled to a perimetral edge that securely engages with a perimetral edge of the computing device. A support stand may be in communication with the rear support surface, wherein the stand is operable to move between one or more elevations. The rear support surface and the perimetral edge may substantially or entirely shield a rear surface of the computing device. The support stand may include a stand mechanism with support and pivot portions, the support portion operable to communicate with a corresponding mounting surface and the pivot portion operable to pivot the support stand between a closed state and one or more elevations.

Description

Protective case with adjustable stand for computing device

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority and benefit from united states provisional patent application serial No. 62/205,532 filed on 8/14/2015 as filed on volume 35, item 119(e) of the united states code, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth below.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to protective covers for computing devices, and more particularly to protective covers for mobile computing devices such as smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and laptops.

Background

With increasing regulatory requirements met, protective covers are being constructed for use with a variety of computing devices, such as smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and/or other portable computing devices. Their respective designs vary with the degree of protection and the need to adapt the computing device for use in a more protected environment.

Known sleeves are constructed from molded silicone rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane rubber that provide some substantial protection against dropping and scratching. Other boot designs are constructed from relatively hard injected plastics such as polycarbonate.

The design and construction of known cases therefore varies depending on the degree of protection required, the cost and the considerations of the mounting scheme for certain materials and balancing with features that contribute to the performance of the computing device itself. For example, certain materials may provide substantial structural protection, are relatively inexpensive, but such materials may result in excessive friction (e.g., grip) on the user that may interfere with the ease of attachment of the sleeve to the device or the grip with other items, such as parts of the user's body or other foreign objects with respect to the sleeve.

In addition to material selection, the sleeve can have the disadvantage of being too bulky and difficult to install. It is also known that the materials used for some sleeves can degrade over time, thereby weakening the protective ability of the sleeve and loosening its attachment to the computing device. Aesthetically, a worn sleeve also impairs the overall impression of the sleeve and attached computing device. Such sleeves may also have a reduced loft relative to their rubber counterparts. Plastic injection molded covers can have the drawback of transferring relatively high material stresses to the computing device itself due to differential elasticity and cushioning. For computing devices with sensitive displays or input devices, such protection devices may therefore be undesirable.

Some sleeves also reduce the ability of the device to reject heat because of the material selected to reduce the ability of the device to be positioned within the sleeve or because of the cover over the vents or other heated areas of the device.

Certain hybrid combinations are therefore designed to combine each solution with a softer cushioning portion that is placed in association with the computing device, while the outer portion is constructed of less bulky injected plastic.

However, even with these hybrid solutions, stress testing of the computing device through drops or bumps in normal use can result in device damage and sleeve separation. Further, the user may have to secure the device, purchase a new sleeve, and/or reassemble the sleeve with the computing device. Furthermore, many enclosures do not fully protect or encapsulate the associated computing device, which unnecessarily risks structural damage to the computing device.

Known enclosures also have limited access or storage for certain features of the computing device received by the enclosure. Many cases, such as the split cases used with computing devices, are designed to allow a portion of the case to be folded and used with a stand to adjust the angle and height of the device in certain positions. However, such sleeves are known to be cumbersome and difficult to use for adjusting the height or position of the sleeve itself. Accordingly, there is a need to address these and other problems in the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

The following presents a simplified summary 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.

In one preferred embodiment, a case for a computing device includes a rear support surface operatively coupled to a peripheral edge that securely engages the peripheral edge of the computing device. A support bracket may be associated with the rear support surface, wherein the bracket is operably movable between one or more elevations. The rear support surface may have a greater material strength (e.g., hardness, rigidity, etc.) than the peripheral edge of the sleeve. It is contemplated that the rear support surface and the peripheral edge may be integrally formed with one another or detachably connected to one another.

The cradle may be substantially recessed into the rear support surface or substantially parallel to the rear support surface. The rear support surface and the peripheral edge may partially, mostly, or preferably completely obscure the rear surface of the computing device.

The outer shield portion may be integrally formed with the rear support surface or detachably connected to the rear support surface. In this aspect, the external shield portion may be sized to correspond with the rear support surface and at least partially cover the rear portion of the computing device. Optionally, the outer shield portion may include one or more impact resistant portions or resilient portions. The impact resistant or resilient portion may be constructed from a foam, polymer, or elastomer.

In other embodiments, the rear support surface may be selectively configured in all positions or in one or more predetermined positions in an enhanced honeycomb design. Optionally, the sleeve may be constructed of a single material, or wherein the peripheral edge may be relatively flexible or resilient, and the rear support surface may be impact resistant. In certain embodiments, one or more cut-outs or window portions may be included to provide access to computing device actuators or to provide visibility to one or more optical systems of the computing device. The cut-out or window portion may be removable, integrally formed with the sleeve, or otherwise modifiable as needed or desired. Optionally, the peripheral edge and/or the rear support surface may include one or more actuator surfaces to correspond with actuators of the computing device.

In other embodiments, the sleeve may include an externally positioned receiver for a control mechanism of the computing device. The receiver may be removable or may be integrally formed with the sleeve by one or more corresponding fastening mechanisms. The sleeve may also include one or more impact resistant corner portions formed by the peripheral edge and/or the rear support surface.

Preferably, the peripheral edge of the sleeve may be defined by a lip extending away from the rear support surface and terminating in an inwardly extending lip. The inwardly extending lip may be wider than a portion of the peripheral edge extending away from the rear support surface. Once the computing device is assembled with the inwardly extending lip, the peripheral edge is operable to flex outwardly while also being able to securely hold the computing device.

In certain embodiments, the support bracket may be pivotable about a first axis of rotation of the rear support surface and may include a bracket mechanism having a support and pivot portion. The support portion is operable to be associated with a corresponding mounting surface, and the pivot portion is operable to pivot the support stand between a closed condition and one or more heights. Optionally, the support portion may be wider than the pivot portion, but the sleeve is not so limited and the support portion and pivot portion may comprise any reasonable shape or width ratio as needed or preferred. The support portion may include one or more fastening mechanisms operable to securely engage with the rear support surface in the closed state, such as one or more bolts, clips, linkages, hooks, pins, latches, or magnets.

The pivot portion may also include first and second pivot links, the first pivot link being pivotably engaged with the first axis of rotation of the rear support surface and the second pivot link being pivotably engaged with the pivot arm. Preferably, the pivot arm is pivotably engaged with the second axis of rotation of the rear support surface. In this aspect, the second axis of rotation may be aligned with or otherwise associated with the support portion in the closed state. The pivot arm may further comprise a guide associated with the second pivot coupling, the guide optionally comprising a plurality of predetermined positions. The pivot arm, in turn, is slidable about or along the guide between predetermined positions, wherein each predetermined position corresponds to a height of the sleeve. Preferably, the second axis of rotation may be adjacent to, aligned with, or in contact with a lower portion of the peripheral edge of the sleeve.

In other embodiments, the peripheral edge or rear support surface is operatively coupled to the removable base along a lower portion thereof. The detachable base may be attached to the retaining slot or pivot axis of the rear support surface. The removable base may also be constructed of at least an impact resistant material and operable to securely engage the peripheral edge when the sleeve is in the closed condition. The removable base may also operate to completely or mostly enclose and/or conceal the computing device in the closed state. The removable base may also be operatively coupled to the rear support surface by one or more fasteners, such as snap-fit connectors, cables, clips, couplings, dowels, hooks, keys, latches, or magnets.

Various methods and systems of using and assembling the disclosed sleeves are contemplated in various 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.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary view of a protective sheath described herein with an adjustable support stand for a computing device, with the stand in a deployed state.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary holster with a bracket in a retracted state.

Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary sleeve showing an interior portion thereof.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exemplary case, where the case has now received the computing device.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of an exemplary sleeve operably attached to a base device.

FIG. 6A is a rear plan view of an exemplary case with the case in a closed state with a control mechanism of a computing device assembled thereto.

Fig. 6B is a similar view to fig. 6A, with the control mechanism no longer assembled to the sleeve.

Fig. 7 is a rear plan view of the receiving portion with the computing device removed.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary case assembled with a computing device and a base device.

FIG. 10 is a similar rear perspective view of FIG. 9, wherein the sleeve has been rotated to view the interaction between the adjustable bracket and the sleeve.

Fig. 11 is a close-up view of section 11-11 shown in fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a close-up view illustrating an exemplary adjustable support bracket.

Fig. 13 is a similar view to fig. 12, but rotated to further view certain features of fig. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary sleeve with an exemplary adjustable support bracket in an exploded condition.

FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of an exemplary feature of an adjustable support bracket.

Fig. 15B is a rear perspective view of the features shown in fig. 15A.

FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of a carriage mechanism of the adjustable support carriage.

Fig. 16B is a rear perspective view of the support mechanism shown in fig. 16A.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an exemplary case assembled with a computing and base device in a deployed state.

Fig. 18A is a side plan view of the embodiment of fig. 17 in a closed carrying condition.

Fig. 18B is a view similar to fig. 18A, but further illustrating the detachable base device when assembled with the case of fig. 18A in a closed carrying condition.

Fig. 19A is a side plan view of the embodiment shown in fig. 18B but in an expanded state.

Fig. 19B is a side plan view of the embodiment shown in fig. 19A taken along a central cross-section.

FIG. 20A is a similar view to FIG. 19A, but without the base device, with the adjustable support stand at a first height in a deployed state.

FIG. 20B is similar to FIG. 20A, with the adjustable support bracket at a second height in a deployed state.

FIG. 20C is similar to FIG. 20A, with the adjustable support bracket at a third height in the deployed state.

Detailed Description

Features of the disclosed solutions may be economically molded or assembled through the use of one or more different components and associated assemblies that may be assembled together for removable or integral application with computing device suites that are or will be designed in an economical manner, wherein the features of the present disclosure may form the service apparatus disclosed herein, regardless of the particular form. Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms, symbols, and other scientific terms or words used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

Terms having a commonly understood meaning 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 commonly understood in the art. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If the definitions set forth in this section are contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with the definitions set forth in the patents, applications, published applications and other publications that are incorporated by reference herein, the definitions set forth in this section prevail over the definitions incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, "a" or "an" means "at least one" or "one or more". As used herein, the terms "user," "object," "end user," and the like are not limited to a particular entity or person. For example, the term "user" may refer to a person using the systems and methods described herein, and will typically be a technician. However, the term is not limited to end users or technicians, and thus includes all types of personnel that use the disclosed systems and methods.

The disclosed solution can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description. It should be clearly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth by way of example and not by way of limitation in the embodiments as ultimately defined by the claims. A computing device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, or any other portable computing device, is provided with a cover having an adjustable stand according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover may be constructed of multiple parts, integrally formed or removable.

It should be understood that "computing device" may refer to any mobile device, such as a cellular phone, mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computing device, PDA, or the like.

"shielding" as used herein in connection with the disclosed sleeves may mean protecting, surrounding, or encapsulating the respective computing device in a manner that prevents the computing device from being damaged, such as during a fall or accident from an impact or collision.

"impact resistance" or "shock resistance" as it relates to sleeve features disclosed herein may refer to any feature designed to withstand a relatively high applied force or associated shock throughout the design life of the disclosed sleeve. Thus, the features or materials described herein utilize the material properties and/or structural design of the case when providing impact resistance or is otherwise impact resistant, which is intended to mitigate the effects of an expected event that causes an impact (such as a drop, a collision, an accident, etc.) over the life cycle of the case and corresponding computing device.

"honeycomb design" as described herein is intended to mean any natural or man-made structure, such as a plastic injection molded structure or a composite sandwich structure comprising honeycomb geometry. It will be appreciated that such honeycomb designs include structures having geometries that achieve minimum weight and maximum strength, and that can provide materials having minimum density and relatively high compressibility and shear properties. Such a structure may enhance the structural integrity of the structure within the features included therein and/or may also allow for the minimization of the amount of material used in order to optimize feature weight and material cost.

The solution disclosed herein describes a sleeve that can exhibit the benefits of impact resistance of a sleeve with an elastic edge or outer portion, but also the benefits of consumer usability such as an elastic casing of relatively strong plastic. The solution described herein may also be a composite sleeve having some combination of one or more resilient materials with one or more harder resilient materials (such as injection molded plastic and/or rubber) in such a way as to form a permanent bond between the one or more resilient materials and the one or more harder resilient materials, resulting in a protective system that is sufficiently secure to hold and protect a computing device under most operating conditions, including but not limited to the standards specified by MIL-STD 810G, 506.6 VI. The solution disclosed herein also contemplates composite sleeves in which the geometry of the constituent components maximizes overall structural strength and impact resistance while minimizing material weight and size.

The sleeve 10 of the present disclosure is described for use with a tablet computer for purposes of simplicity and illustration only, but the solution is not so limited and may be used with other reference computing devices and other numerous consumer electronic devices as understood within the context of the present disclosure, wherein the sleeve 10 will employ similar details, features and benefits. Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the sleeve 10 with the adjustable support bracket 40 of the sleeve 10 in a deployed condition. Fig. 2 shows a similar embodiment, but instead the stent 40 is now in a closed state, as discussed in more detail below. The case 10 is operable to securely hold and shield the computing device 50, and preferably may be comprised of a front receiving portion 20 and a rear outer shielding portion 30.

Portion 20 may be constructed of a relatively elastic material having a peripheral edge portion 22. The edge portion 22 may be mostly or partially flexible in one or more predetermined areas. For example, certain areas of the portion 22 proximate to the corner 24 or near the corner 24 may be relatively elastic or rigid, while areas disposed within a central portion further from the corner 24 may be more flexible, such that the portion 22 may conform to the computing device 50 as desired. The corners 24 may thus in turn be reinforced with one or more impact resistant materials and/or structural designs to support and conceal the device 50 during a collision, fall, or other accident.

Turning to fig. 3, the sleeve 10 is shown without the corresponding means 50 so that the rear support surface 23 can be easily observed. The surface 23 may be defined by a structural backing sheet and structurally reinforced, for example, by utilizing a honeycomb pattern. The shapes associated with the honeycomb design may be convex or, instead, the boundaries between the shapes may be convex. As a result, the honeycomb pattern of the surface 23 may be a raised or recessed relief configuration. Advantageously, the honeycomb embodiment of the surface 23 may provide additional stiffness, strength, or rigidity to the portion 20 of the sleeve 10 in such a manner as to optimize the weight and material cost of the overall sleeve 10.

Preferably, the edge 22 may be defined by a lip 28 extending away from the rear support surface 23 and terminating in an inward extension. The lip 28 may be wider or thicker than the lower portion of the rim 22 extending away from the rear support surface 23. In this regard, the peripheral edge 28 is operable to flex outwardly while also being able to securely retain the device 50 once assembled with the lip 28.

Portion 20 may also include optional optics cutout 21 and/or actuator surface or cutout 29 positioned through edge 22. The cut 21 and/or surface 29 may be formed by the end user trimming or cutting from the edge 22 depending on the particular device 50. The edge 22 may in turn be formed by a pre-etched portion that is operable to be trimmed or modified as desired by an end user. The cutout 21 and/or the surface 29 may also include a respective hingeable cover surface or removable cover that can be easily moved to further obscure the respective optical system 56 of the device 50 and/or associated actuators positioned along the respective perimeter of the device 50 as needed or desired.

The rim 22 may also include a base receiving portion 25, with the base receiving portion 25 being thinner than the remainder of the rim 22. In this regard, when the removable base 53 (also referred to herein as a base unit) is introduced through the portions 20, 25, the reduced material creates a gap, space, or retaining groove that is operable to securely retain the base 53, as described in greater detail below.

Fig. 4 shows the sleeve 10 in a similar manner to fig. 3, but the sleeve 10 has securely received the device 50 within the portion 20. Similarly, fig. 5 shows a front perspective view of device 50 assembled with sleeve 20, wherein base 53 is now operably coupleable therewith via portion 25. The portion 25, in turn, may include the aforementioned retaining slots and corresponding fasteners, such as one or more snap-fit connectors, cables, clips, couplings, dowels, hooks, keys, latches, or magnets. Preferably, the fastening scheme of the portion 25 will be aligned with the base 53 as required to facilitate easy and effective fastening and quick release of the base 23 when required.

Turning to fig. 6A, the sleeve 10 is shown assembled with a control mechanism 55 of the device 50, the control mechanism 55 optionally being received by the mechanism receiver 27. In this particular embodiment, the mechanism 55 is a digital stylus in the shape of an elongated member such as a pencil or pen. In this regard, receiver 27 is shown having a cylindrical receiver operable to slidably receive and retain mechanism 55. However, the receiver 27 may be of any shape or manner, including a two-part flexible receiver operable to securely hold the additional optional control mechanism 55 of the device 50, including a mouse, remote control, or the like. The receiver 27 may also be integrally formed with the rim 22, or may be detachable from the rim 22, as desired or required. Optionally, the device 10 may include a belt 26, the belt 26 being positioned anywhere along the edge 22, preferably in association with the corner 24. Belt 26 may also include a tension adjustment mechanism to enable an end user, for example, to adjust the respective tension and engagement between device 50 and edge 22. Preferably, strap 26 is attachable to corner 24 and is operable to wrap around base 53 and device 50 when assembled with portion 20.

Fig. 7 and 8 show the relevant views of fig. 6A and 6B, with the device 50 removed again so that the portion 20 and its features can be more easily seen. In particular, fig. 7 shows a front plan view of the portion 20, so that the surface 23 and the edge 22 and the support 40 can be seen. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of fig. 7, wherein the stent 40 of fig. 8 is more clearly visible in the deployed state, as described in more detail below. Exemplary portion 25 is also more clearly seen in fig. 8, portion 25 preferably being recessed to receive device 53. However, the portion 20 is not so limited and the portion 25 may be trimmed to fit or be pivotable or adjustable to run continuously between the respective corners 24 while still being able to receive the device 53 without being permanently recessed.

Turning to fig. 9-16, a preferred embodiment of the bracket 40 is more clearly shown. Specifically, fig. 9 shows the sleeve 10 assembled with the base 53, with the stand 40 shown deployed to support the base 53 and sleeve at a certain height. Fig. 9 also shows a portion 30 coupled to portion 20. Portion 30 may be constructed from impact resistant or resilient portions such as foams, polymers, or elastomers. The portion 30 may be sized to correspond to the surface 23 and to partially or largely cover a rear portion of the device 50 opposite its graphical user interface or display.

It can be seen that portion 30 may include one or more raised portions 33 for additional protection of device 50 and portion 20. Further, the portion 30 may form the device 20, or may be removable via one or more fasteners 36. It should be noted that each height associated with stand 40 may include a predetermined height and/or angle of the graphical user interface of device 50 relative to a corresponding surface on which base 53 and/or device 10 is located. Fig. 10 simply shows the same embodiment of fig. 9, wherein the sleeve 10 has been rotated so that certain features of the holder 40 can be more clearly seen. On the underside of the bracket 40, fasteners 51a and 51b are also visible. The fasteners 51a and 51b are operable to facilitate and/or securely fasten the sleeve 10 with the bracket 40 in the closed state. The fasteners 51a and 51b may be magnetic fasteners recessed into the respective bracket 40 and sleeve 10 such that in the closed state, the bracket 40 and sleeve 10 are generally planar. However, the disclosed solution is not so limited, and it is contemplated to incorporate any type of fastener or fastening engagement including one or more bolts, clips, couplings, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, pins, and/or latches, to secure the bracket 40 and the sleeve 10.

FIG. 11 shows a close-up view of section 11-11 of FIG. 10 in sequence. More specifically, the bracket 40 may include a bracket mechanism 41, the bracket mechanism 41 being pivotally connected to a rotatable axis 47 of the portion 20. Axis 47 may be defined by a void or chamber having a fastening mechanism and/or a rotation pin operable to rotatably engage mechanism 41. The mechanism 41 is in turn rotatable about an axis 47 between a closed state, wherein in the closed state the mechanism 41 may be substantially parallel with the surface 23 and/or may be positioned within a mounting recess or cavity operable to correspond to the mechanism 41. However, the mechanism 41 disclosed herein is not so limited, and any number of bracket mechanisms that can adjust the position and/or height of the respective sleeve 10 are contemplated in the disclosed solution.

As can also be seen, the position slider 43 is pivotably engaged with the second rotation axis 48 of the bracket 40. In particular, slide 43 may include a rotating pin, rod, or shaft operable to securely and pivotally engage axis 48, this location of axis 48 being distal to axis 47 along a lateral edge of mechanism 41. As seen more particularly in fig. 12, the slider 43 may further include a pivot link 49, the pivot link 49 being positioned relative to the axis 48 and associated with the edge portion 22. In this regard, as the mechanism 41 pivots away from the sleeve portion 20 about the axis 47, the slider 43 is operable to also rotate about the respective axes 48 and 49 while also providing additional support to the stand portion 20.

Turning back to fig. 11, it can be seen that the slide 43 may include a position guide 42A to correspond with the guide 42B of the pivot arm 45. The arm 45, in turn, may form a lower portion of the slider 43 and may include a link or shaft 49. Arm 45 may also include one or more positioning mechanisms 46, one or more positioning mechanisms 46 operable to cooperate with guides 42A and 42B. In particular, the arm 45 is operable to slide along the guide 42A, said guide 42A being in the closed condition and at one or more heights. To secure the bracket 40 in place at one or more heights, the slider 43 may also include a latch receiver 46A. The receiver 46 in turn acts as a position locking mechanism to receive a latch 46B provided on the underside of the arm 45 (the opposite surface 11 not shown in the figures). The latch 46B, in turn, may be designed to securely engage the receiver 46A, for example, by extending into the void of the receiver 46A until an outwardly extending portion of the latch 46B secures the arm 45 in place. If it is desired that the slider 43 be longer in order to affect the height or angle imparted to the sleeve 10 by the bracket 40, the slider 43 may be slid further along the guides 42A and 42B until the desired arrangement is defined between the latch 46B and the corresponding receiver 46A. At this time, the latch 46B may be mechanically fixed to the receiver 46A. Optionally, the bracket 40 may rattle when the latch 46B has been securely fastened with the receiver 46A.

To release the secure engagement between the latch 46B and the receiver 46A, a predetermined force or movement may be applied to the mechanism 41 so that the bracket 40 may again be moved between the closed state or one or more heights. Optionally, the release actuator may include a bracket 40 and/or any other feature of the bracket 40 that may secure the bracket 40 in a particular height position, the bracket 40 releasing the secure engagement between the latch 46B and the receiver 46A.

Turning to fig. 12 and 13, a close-up view of mechanism 41, slide 43, and arm 45 can be seen when assembled with portion 20. Fig. 14 shows the sleeve 10 with the exemplary bracket 40 in a disassembled state, so that it can be seen more clearly how the mechanism 41, the slider 43 and the arm 45 can be assembled with each other and with both the respective portions 20. Further, it can be seen more clearly how the latch 46B is operable to securely engage with the corresponding receiver 46A. Preferably, the latch 46B may include an outwardly extending portion that is slidable into position until secured to the receiver 46A. The latch 46B may be substantially rigid, resilient, or may also be constructed of a resilient material operable to flex into secure engagement with the corresponding receiver 46A. The coupling between the receiver 46A and the latch 46B need not be limited to the tapered, substantially parallel edges and forward edges of fig. 14, and may include any bolt, clip, dowel, hook, joint, key, or other shaped latch and receiver as needed or desired.

Turning to fig. 15A and 15B, an exemplary slider 43 is shown. As previously described, the slide 43 may include an upper rotational axis 48 operable to pivotally engage the mechanism 41. Fig. 15B is similar to fig. 15A in that it can be seen that the slide 43 has been rotated so that the features of the opposite side are now clearly seen. With the exemplary arm 43 in the exploded condition shown in fig. 15A and 15B, it is more clearly seen how the guides 42A and 42B and latch 46B and corresponding receiver 46A can act together relative to them. It should be noted that the latch 46B, guide 42B, or shaft 48 may be integrally formed or removable as desired or required. The latch 46B, the receiver 48A, the guides 41A and 42B, and/or the shafts 49A and 48 may be constructed of a relatively resilient material such as injection molded plastic. Alternatively, the latch 46B, guide 42B, or shaft 48 may be formed of a rubber or elastomeric material that may prevent wear during continued use, as well as mask or reduce any sound generated as the slider 43 translates between one or more predetermined positions of its deployed state.

It should also be noted that slide 43 may include more or less than three receivers 46A. Optionally, the receivers 46A may be positioned closer together or further apart and/or a plurality may not fully pierce the pass-through slide 43. In other embodiments, neither the latch 46B nor the receiver 46A is included, but instead, the guides 42A and/or 42B may include a fastening mechanism operable to securely hold the slider 43 in a particular position or height. The optional fastening mechanism of guides 42A and/or 42B may include any clips, bolts, couplings, dowels, latches, locks, pins, rivets, etc. formed therewith.

Fig. 16A and 16B illustrate an exemplary bracket mechanism 41, with fig. 16A showing a front perspective view of the mechanism 41 and fig. 16B showing the opposite side of the mechanism 41. Fig. 16B shows in particular the respective axes of rotation of the pivoting part 41A, which correspond to the axes 47 and 48 as previously described. The support portion 41B may, in turn, be a lower portion of the mechanism 41 and is designed to securely support the sleeve 10 when in the unfolded state and positioned on an installation surface such as a table. As can be seen, portion 41B may be wider than portion 41A, but mechanism 41 is not so limited. Optionally, the mechanism 41 may be imparted structural support and stability by optional support legs (not shown), gripping surfaces on mounting lips of the mechanism 41, or in any other manner in the nature of the disclosed sleeve 10.

Turning to fig. 17, sleeve 10 is shown with the aforementioned stand 40 when coupled to removable base 53 and sleeve 50. It can be seen that the stand 40 and the base 53 are each in an expanded state. Fig. 18A and 18B illustrate a similar embodiment to that of fig. 17, but with the aforementioned features in a closed, portable state. More specifically, fig. 18A shows a side plan cross-sectional view of the sleeve 10 when assembled with the device 50. It can be seen that the latch 46B and receiver 46A are in a position adjacent to the axis 48 and that the mechanism 41, slide 43 and arm 45 are substantially parallel to the plane 23 of the portion 20.

Fig. 18A also shows an outer shield portion 30 that is operatively coupled to the rear side of portion 20. In this aspect, the portion 30 is substantially parallel to the stand 40 when in the closed, portable state and may also be substantially planar with the mechanism 41. Fig. 18B is a similar embodiment to fig. 18A, but with a base 53 connected thereto. It should be understood that portion 20 may include additional fastening mechanisms operable to securely engage base 53 with portion 20 in addition to portion 25 and corresponding grooves. For example, base 53 may be removably hinged to portion 25 so that in its closed, portable state of fig. 18B, base 53 may be substantially parallel to surface 23 while also being fastened at one or more fastening regions or couplings along its perimeter. Optionally, the base 53 may include an impact resistant material to further protect the device 50 when assembled with the case and in the closed portable state.

Fig. 19A and 19B show side plan views of the embodiment of fig. 18A and 18B in an expanded state, respectively. Specifically, fig. 19A shows a side plan view of the sleeve 10 assembled with the base 53 and the device 50 in an expanded state, while fig. 19B shows the same embodiment of fig. 19A, but taken along a central cross-section. As can be seen, the stand 40 is at a first height with the mechanism 41 rotated outwardly about axis 47 and the slide 43 similarly rotated about axis 48.

Turning to fig. 20A-20C, it can be seen that the sleeve 10 is moved between three levels in the deployed state. Specifically, fig. 20 shows the bracket 40 at its first uppermost height with the latches 46B mechanically attached to the respective receivers 46A. With the latch 46B positioned in its uppermost position, the height of the sleeve 10 is highest, and the corresponding angle formed between the brackets 40 is the most acute angle in fig. 20A-20C. In contrast, as the latch 46B moves to lower the receiver 46A (see fig. 20B and 20C) as the slider translates along the guide 42, the angle formed between the bracket 40 and the sleeve 10 may become less obtuse while the height imparted by the bracket 40 decreases. Although fig. 20A-20C illustrate three different heights and angles, it is understood that any number of sliding positions may be defined by the slider 43 and the arm 45 as needed or desired.

It should be appreciated that when the sleeve 50 is securely engaged with the portion 20 of the sleeve 10, the portion 20 of the sleeve 10 preferably completely or substantially encapsulates the sleeve 50 even when the adjustable bracket 40 is moved between the closed and expanded states. This is particularly advantageous in the art because no secondary features or brackets are required to customize the computing experience with a particular device 50, transporting the device 50 safely between operating environments, while ultimately protecting against anticipated and unexpected incidents that tend to occur with computing devices.

The portions 20 and 30 may be integrally formed with one another or may be detachable as desired or preferred. Preferably, portion 20 and its features may be constructed from injection molded TPU rubber, but portion 20 is not so limited and may be made from a variety of materials. As can be seen throughout this disclosure, when a device 50 is received and securely retained by the portion 20 of the case 10, the case 10 and corresponding device 50 are substantially coextensive such that the case 10 adequately protects the device 50 and avoids damaging activities, including impacts, sharp objects, jarring and scratching of the graphical user interface or display screen of the device 50, from reaching the device 50.

As can be seen, the case 10 can easily and securely hold the device 50 while also having the ability to secure the device 50 within the case 10 in a variety of operating environments, including but not limited to accidental or intentional drops. Advantageously, the sleeve 10 of the adequate protection device 50 also does not interfere with the access to the buttons, ports or the graphical user interface 55 of the device 55. The sleeve 10 is also advantageous because if the bracket 40 or base 53 fails or breaks, the sleeve 10 will also protect the device 50 from damage that requires repair.

As the bracket 40 and its components may take various forms and shapes without departing from the scope of the solution discussed herein, fig. 21A-21C show an alternative slide 143. Fig. 21A specifically shows the slider 143 in an assembled state, and fig. 21B and 21C show the slider 143 in a disassembled state. Similar to the slide 43, the slide 143 may include an upper rotational axis 148, the upper rotational axis 148 operable to pivotally engage the mechanism 41. Fig. 21C is similar to fig. 21B in that it can be seen that slide 143 has been rotated so that features on the opposite side are now clearly visible. In the exploded state of fig. 21B and 21C, the guides 142A and 142B and the latch 146B and the corresponding receiver 146A can be seen more clearly with respect to how they act together.

Similar to the latch 46B, the latch 146B may extend outwardly from the arm 145 to associate and securely engage with the receiver 146A. In this embodiment, the receiver 146A may extend outwardly from the guide 142A toward the latch 146B. In this aspect, the receiver 146A may not include a window or cutout, but may be recessed to both securely engage the latch 146B and also ensure that the guides 142A and 142B remain aligned and substantially planar. Similar to the embodiment of fig. 15, the latch 146B, guide 142B, or shaft 148 may be integrally formed or removable as needed or desired. The latch 146B, the receiver 148A, the guides 141A and 142B, and/or the shafts 149A and 148 may also be constructed of a relatively resilient material such as injection molded plastic. The latch 146B, the guide 142B and/or 142A, or the shaft 148 may be formed of a rubber or elastomeric material that may prevent wear during continued use and/or reduce any sound generated when the slider 143 translates between its one or more predetermined deployed positions.

It should also be noted that slide 143 may include more receivers 146A than shown. Optionally, the receivers 146A may be positioned closer together or further apart and/or their respective positions may be adjusted in these embodiments, such as by being removably attached to the slide 143 at a desired position by means of adhesives, magnets, hook and loop fasteners, sonic welding, click-fit engagement, or the like.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only 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.

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. Thus, 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 embodiment.

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 (20)

1. A case for a computing device, comprising:

a rear support surface operatively coupled to a peripheral edge that securely engages with a peripheral edge of a computing device; and

a support bracket associated with the rear support surface, wherein the bracket is operable to move between one or more elevations.

2. The case of claim 1, wherein the rear support surface has a greater material hardness than the peripheral edge of the case.

3. The case of claim 1, wherein the brace is substantially recessed into or substantially parallel to the rear support surface in the closed state.

4. The case of claim 1, wherein the rear support surface and the peripheral edge substantially or completely obscure a rear surface of the computing device.

5. The case of claim 1, further comprising: an outer shield portion integrally formed with or removably connected to the rear support surface, and wherein the outer shield portion is sized to correspond with the rear support surface and at least partially cover a rear portion of the computing device.

6. The case of claim 5, wherein the outer shield portion comprises one or more impact resistant or resilient portions.

7. The case of claim 1, wherein the rear support surface selectively utilizes a reinforced honeycomb design configuration.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein the case is constructed of a single material, or wherein the peripheral edge is relatively flexible or resilient and the rear support surface is impact resistant.

9. The case of claim 1, further comprising: one or more impact resistant corner portions formed by the peripheral edge and/or the rear support surface.

10. The case of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the case is defined by a lip extending away from the rear support surface and terminating in an inward extension, and wherein the inward extension lip is wider than a portion of the peripheral edge extending away from the rear support surface.

11. The case of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the case is defined by a lip extending away from the rear support surface and terminating in an inward extension, and wherein the peripheral edge is operable to flex outward and the inward extension lip is operable to securely retain the computing device.

12. The case of claim 1, wherein the support bracket is pivotable about a first axis of rotation of the rear support surface, and the support bracket comprises:

a bracket mechanism having a support portion operable to be associated with a corresponding mounting surface of the rear support surface and a pivot portion operable to pivot the support bracket between a closed condition and one or more heights.

13. The case of claim 12, wherein the support portion is wider than the pivot portion, and wherein the support portion further comprises one or more fastening mechanisms operable to securely engage the rear support surface in the closed state.

14. The case of claim 12, wherein the pivot portion of the support bracket further comprises a first pivot coupling and a second pivot coupling, the first pivot coupling being pivotably engaged with the first axis of rotation of the rear support surface and the second pivot coupling being pivotably engaged with the pivot arm.

15. The case of claim 14, wherein the pivot arm further comprises a guide associated with the second pivot coupling, the guide comprising a plurality of predetermined positions.

16. The holster of claim 15, wherein the pivot arm is slidable about or along the adjustable guide between predetermined positions, wherein each predetermined position corresponds to a height of the holster.

17. The case of claim 1, wherein the pivot arm is pivotally engaged with a second axis of rotation of the rear support surface, the second axis of rotation being aligned with or associated with the support portion in the closed state, and wherein the second axis of rotation is adjacent to a lower portion of the peripheral edge of the case.

18. The case of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge or the rear support surface is operably coupled to a detachable base along a lower portion thereof, and wherein the detachable base is attached to the retention slot or the pivot axis of the rear support surface, the detachable base being a keyboard.

19. The case of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge or rear support surface is operatively coupled to the removable base along a lower portion thereof, and wherein the removable base is constructed of at least an impact resistant material and is operable to securely engage the peripheral edge when the case is in the closed state, and wherein the removable base is operable to completely or substantially enclose and/or conceal the computing device in the closed state.

20. The case of claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge or the rear support surface is operably engaged to the removable base along a lower portion thereof, and wherein the removable base is operably engaged to the rear support surface by one or more fasteners.