WO2017051144A1

WO2017051144A1 - An electronics display housing

Info

Publication number: WO2017051144A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/000167
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Casey
Original assignee: Futurenova Ltd
Current assignee: Futurenova Ltd
Priority date: 2015-09-21
Filing date: 2016-09-21
Publication date: 2017-03-30
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-21
Also published as: GB201516716D0; GB201616101D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of electronics display housings, namely housings for the support and protection of electronic devices having video screens. In particular, the present invention relates to housings for electronic devices such as tablet computers, slate computers, for example, which protect the electronic devices and can be easily cleaned. The use of electronic devices such as a tablet computers is becoming ever more widespread. However, tablet computers are electronic devices which need to be protected from damage in use, whether from mishandling including being dropped onto hard surfaces, splashed with water, chemicals etc. and they need to be capable of being cleaned with detergents - especially in healthcare facilities, for example, whilst, of course, retaining their functionality. Accordingly, a market has developed for cases for tablets. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a tablet enclosure that can be readily used in medical environment, be easily and reliably cleaned by aseptic techniques is minimize the possibility that microorganisms remain associated with an enclosure. Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide an enclosure that does not impede any functionality of tablet control, via screen manipulation and/or switches whilst maintaining providing a fully waterproof (to IP 65) enclosure, that can be sterilised by way of topical fluids and creams or be autoclaved.

Description

An Electronics Display Housing

Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to tne field of electronics display housings, namely housings for the support and protection of electronic devices having video screens. In particular, the present invention relates to housings for electronic devices such as tablet computers, slate computers, for example, which protect the electronic devices and can be easily cleaned.

Background to the Invention

[0002] A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile computer with a touchscreen display, circuitry and battery in a single device. Tablets come equipped with sensors, including cameras, a microphone and an accelerometer, and the touchscreen display uses finger or stylus gestures substituting for the use of computer mouse and keyboard. They usually feature on-screen, pop-up virtual keyboards for typing. Tablets may include physical buttons for basic features such as speaker volume and power, and ports for network communications and battery charging. Tablets are typically larger han smartphones or personal digital assistants at 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally. Tablets can be classified into several categories according to the presence and physical appearance of keyboards. Slates and booklets do not have a physical keyboard and typically feature text input performed through the use of a virtual keyboard projected on a touchscreen-enabled display. Hybrids and convertibles do have physical keyboards, although these devices typically also make virtual keyboards available.

[0003] The tablet computer and its associated operating system began with the development of pen computing. Throughout the 20th century devices with these characteristics have been imagined and created whether as blueprints, prototypes, or commercial products. In addition to many academic and research systems, several companies released commercial products in the 1980s, employing various input/output types.

[0004] A key component among tablet computers is touch input. This allows the user to navigate easily and type with a virtual keyboard on the screen. The first tablet to do this was a tablet "GRiDPad" by GRiD Systems Corpn, that featured both a stylus, a pen-like tool to aid with precision in a touchscreen device as well as an on-screen keyboard. Such systems respond to touches of the screen rather than clicks of a keyboard or mouse, which allows integrated hand-eye operation, a natural use of the somatosensory system. This is even truer of the more recent multi-touch interfaces, which often emulate the way objects behave.

[0005] Touchscreens usually come in one of two forms: Resistive touchscreens are passive and respond to pressure on the screen. They allow a high level of precision, useful in emulating a pointer, as is common in the use of tablet computers, but may require calibration. In view of the high levels of resolution possible, a stylus or fingernail is often used, although this also means that they are less suited to multi-touch functioning. In contrast, capacitive touchscreens tend to be less accurate, but more responsive than resistive devices. However, because they require a conductive material, such as a fingertip, for input, they are not common among stylus-oriented devices, but are prominent with consumer devices. Finger-driven capaci:ive screens do not currently support pressure input.

[0006] Some capacitive touch-screens can detect the size of the touched area and the pressure used. Besides a touchscreen and keyboard, some tablets can also use inputs from other sensors. For example, the tablet may have an accelerometer operable to detect the physical movement and orientation of the tablet. This can allow the touchscreen display to shift to either portrait or landscape mode from, respectively, a landscape or portrait mode. In addition, tilting the tablet may be used as an irput (for instance to steer in a driving game); ambient light and proximity sensors, to detect if the device is close to something, in particular, to your ear, etc., which help to distinguish between intentional and unintentional touches. Further recognition input systems such as speech recognition, gesture recognition and character recognition can enable a user to write text on the tablet, such that the speech, gesture or character can be interpreted by the device and can be stored as any other text in the intended storage, instead of using standard keyboard operations. Additionally, infra-red near field communication is also possible, with other compatible devices including ISO/IEC 14443 RFID tags. Fingerprint access systems are also being developed.

[0007] Presently, almost all instructional and interactional input on tablets is given through the touch screen, which understands complex gestures using multi- touch. The tablet's interaction techniques enable the user to move the content up or down by a touch-drag motion of the finger. For example, zooming in and out of web pages and photos is done by placing two fingers on the screen and spreading them farther apart or bringing them closer together, a gesture known as "pinching". Scrolling through a long list or menu is achieved by sliding a finger over the display from bottom to top, or vice versa to go back. In either case, the list moves as if it is pasted on the outer surface of a wheel, slowly decelerating as if affected by friction. In this way, the interface simulates the physics of a real object.

[0008] A slate's size can vary considerably: starting from 6 inches (15 cm), as measured diagonally across a substantially rectangular screen, whilst some, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro 12.2, are effectively double the diagonal length at 12.2 inches, with the Dell XPS 18 being three times the size at 18.4 inches. As of March 2013, the thinnest tablet on the market was the Sony Xperia Tablet Z at only 0.27 inches (6.9 mm) thick. In Seotember 2015, Apple released the iPad Pro with a 12.9 inches (33 cm) screen size - larger than the regular iPad, in general correspondence with the ethos of one of their founder's (Steve Jobs) one time comment that a 7-inch (17.5cm) screen would be "too small to express the software". Like the iPhone, the iPad is designed to be controlled by bare fingers; normal, non-conductive gloves and styli do not work, although there are special gloves and capacitive styli designed for this use.

[0009] A tablet display can be responsive to other controlling factors: an ambient light sensor will cause screen brightness to vary; a 3-axis accelerometer can be deployed to determine tablet orientation and switch between portrait and landscape modes. Certain devices enable screen rotation in all four orientations, including upside-down. Consequently, the device has no intrinsic "native" orientation; only the relative position of the home button changes.

[0010] The use of tablets is becoming ever more widespread. As of July 2015, the tablet use in the world is nearly split evenly between the iPad and the main competing technology, "Android" tablets. Globally, there is some fifty per cent share of the market between the two technologies, but iPad usage is more dominant in North America, Western Europe, Japan and Australia. According to a survey conducted by the Online Publishers Association (OPA) in March 2012, 31% of Internet users in the United States owned a tablet, up from 12% in 2011. It has been shown, for example, that tablets can have several uses in the classroom, and have been praised as a valuable tool for home-schooling, in particular. Soon after the iPad was released, it was reported that 81% of the top book apps were for children. The iPad has also been called a revolutionary tool to help children with autism learn how to communicate and socialize more easily. In the healthcare field, tablets have been used to help hospitals manage their supply chain. For example, Novation, a heahhcare service company, developed a business intelligence app to help health care organizations manage its purchasing procedures more efficiently and save money for hospitals. Guillermo Ramas of Novation stated, "Doctors won't walk around a hospital with a laptop. With an iPad it's perfect to walk around the hospital with as long as they have the information they need." There is one Canadian hospital where iPads have been deployed at an enterprise level (more than 3500 iPads have been provided) this marks a departure from a consumer device into an enterprise ready device.

[0011] However, tablets - whether an iPad or not - are electronic devices which need to be protected from damage in use, whether from mishandling including being dropped onto hard surfaces, splashed with water, chemicals etc. and they need to be capable of being cleaned witn detergents - especially in healthcare facilities, for example, whilst, of course, retaining their functionality.

[0012] Accordingly, a market has developed for cases for tablets. There are a number of models presently on the market. Ipega of Shenzhen, China, manufactures, for example a waterproof protective case PG-Si020 suitable for the Samsung tablet "Note 3" (a 5.7" device) and also makes case for other devices, such as the iPad5, but has proven to have limited applicability in demanding environments, with the case comprising a Polyethylene terephthalate protective film material screen, which has a limited durablitiy and scratch resistance.

[0013] US8531834 (Treefrog Developments) teaches of a housing for a tablet computer, where, in the event that the teblet has a touch-sensitive display then, the peripheral portion of the top menriber of the housing is configured for interfacing with the touch-sensitive display and/or edges of the electronic device to be housed. Hence, in certain embodiments, the peripheral portion of the top member of the housing is configured in such a manner that a top member front and back surface member is not necessary. Rather, a portion of the touch- sensitive display of the electronic device - a screen portion of the tablet - serves the function of the housing. GB2500943 (Paramount Medical Solutions) provides an enclosure comprises a "clamshell" housing for receiving a non-sterile electronic device. The clamshell housing comprises: a first part for receiving the electronic device, a second part whereby the first part can be closed off, and fastening means used to connect the first and second parts, thereby to retain the first part in its closed-off state. The clamshell comprises a flexible, non-rigid material - such as a PET, PE or PVC material - which allows the display and the one or more operating elements of the electronic device to be reliably viewed and operated. Whilst this system can be cleaned, it is provided with a plastics screen that can be scratched in use resulting in a reduced functionality. Adoption of this device has not been widespread. Object of the Invention

[0014] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to the problems addressed above. The present invention seeks to provide a tablet enclosure that can be readily used in medical environment, be easily and reliably cleaned by aseptic techniques is minimize the possibility that microorganisms remain associated with an enclosure.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention seeks to provide an enclosure that does not impede any functionality of tablet control, via screen manipulation and/or switches whilst maintaining providing a fully waterproof (to IP 65) enclosure, that can be sterilised by way of topical fluids and creams or be autoclaved.

Statement of Invention

[0016] In accordance with a general aspect of the invention, there is provided an enclosure for a tablet device having a flat screen display, the enclosure comprising first and second body members which are removably coupled together, to define a cavity therein for the placement of a tablet device therein;

Wherein a first body member having an outside surface and an inside surface is provided with a screen operable to view a first, flat screen display face of an electronic device when placed within the cavity, the screen being retained within a frame; wherein a second body member of the enclosure having an outside surface and an inside surface, has an inside surface operable to receive a second, rear face of the electronic device, the inside surface being provided with resilient members to protect and position a display of said device;

Wherein the first and second body members are each formed of a rigid material and are provided with a circumferential interface against which they sealing abut when coupled together;

Wherein the first and second body members have fastening members which clamp the first and second members together about their circumferential interface when coupled together;

Wherein the enclosure is provided with outwardly extending elastic shock absorbing portions that are positioned about projecting surface regions of the enclosure, which elastic shock absorbing portions are integrally moulded to the rigid first and second body members, whereby the first and second body members are sealingly retained one with respect to the other whereby to prevent seepage of fluids into the cavity.

[0017] Thus the present invention provides a rugged case or enclosure for an electronics device having a display, such as a tablet computer and the like. The rigid material can one of a number of materials, but it will be appreciated that a plastics moulding that can be easily and simply mass produced. Inventor has determined that polycarbonate resinous materials can be provided with suitable characteristics. In particular, one such plastics material that is readily available is Makrolon ® which is available from Bayer AG, which material has been used for over fifty years and is a well-known material, having a high flexural rigidity and has been used in many industries, including the food preparation and healthcare industries, with known and approved ^e.g. FDA) characteristics. Makrolon benefits from its ability to be manufactured reliably with high tolerances and can be autoclaved and, importantly, has a high resistance to all commonly used antiseptic agents.

[0018] The elastic shock absorbing plastics material can conveniently comprise a thermoplastics elastomer, whereby over-moulding manufacturing processes can be employed, whereby to provide a housing that has a finish that can be easily cleaned - and optionally sterilised - and does not have gaps between the two plastics materials, which would otherwise be susceptible of harbouring dirt and germs. Inventor has determined that styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene thermoplastics elastomer, sold under the trade name Evoprene™, can provide not only suitable levels of shock absorption but also adheres well to Makrolon. Additionally, many plastics are easily provided with specific chemicals to provide a range of finished colours.

[0019] In common with electronics devices, such as a tablet computer, the enclosure is generally rectangular-shaped, having a thickness determined to a large degree by the thickness of the electronics device, although the cavity may be provided with storage compartments for additional functionality. Conveniently, there is at least one clamp associated with each major edge about the circumferential interface between the two members. Alternatively, the device comprises two body members or clamshell elements that are hingedly fastened about one edge and are clamped together by two or more clamping members that cooperate to ease the members together in a sealing arrangement. Conveniently, the fasteners comprise push-fit members, are fastened about a pivot with respect to one housing member and urge against a ramp-like member to cause the interfaces to come together in a sealing arrangement. Conveniently, when the first and second members are brought together, there is effectively no space therebetween, whereby no dirt and contaminants can reside, which is important generally and specifically with regard to use of the housing in healthcare facilities and laboratories.

[0020] Conveniently, there is provided a separate gasket member, which is manufactured from a plastics rubber such as silicone rubber, which possesses an excellent resistance to temperature, ozone and weathering. Nitrile rubbers can be provided where the enclosure would be subject to fuel, oil, aromatic solvents and alcohols. Alternatively, the gasket could be defined at the same time that the overmoulded elements are provided.

[0021] The screen of the housing can be made from a number of materials, for example form a polycarbonate screen or a silicon screen. A further benefit of the present invention, in having rigid first and second housing members is that the screen for viewing the display can be manufactured form a glass without fear of the glass cracking due to an inherent flexibility of the enclosure. Inventor has determined that glasses made using a high-ion exchange process, such as Asahi Dragontrail™ glass, Schott's Xensation™ glass or Coming's Gorilla™ glass can provide glass that is suitably scratch resistant and This type of glass - alumina- silicate glass benefits from being capable of being manufactured using float processing techniques and is readily available in thicknesses of 0.5 - 5mm, although other thicknesses available.

[0022] A stiff material needs more force to deform compared to a soft material. The Young's modulus of a material is a measure of the stiffness of a solid material, noting that the strength of material is the amount of force it can withstand and still recover its original shape. The geometric stiffness of a product depends on its shape, whilst the hardness of a material defines the relative resistance that its surface imposes against the penetration of a harder body. In contrast, the; flexible cases as have been employed hitherto cannot provide a required degree of rigidity to prevent flexural cracking of glass. Notwithstanding this, plastic films may be provided over the glass to contain any shards in the unlikely event that the glass shatters.

[0023] Conveniently, the first and second housings, the overmoulded elastomers and the glass can be provided with dopants which provide an anti-bacterial effect, to minimise risk of contamination and spread of disease, which is especial benefit when an enclosure in accordance with the present invention is employed by healthcare professionals. Conveniently the screen, whether plastics or glass is adhesively attached by means of a glue gasket, conveniently cut by laser, when the peripheral dimensions are complex and intricate.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0024] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the Figures as shown in the accompanying drawing sheets, wherein : -

Figures 1A & IB show front and rear views of a tablet device;

Figures 2A & 2B illustrate front and rear perspective views of a first embodiment in accordance with the invention in a closed position ;

Figures 2C - 2F illustrate, respectively, views of a front face, a rear face, a top edge and a side edge of the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the first embodiment, from a first clasped side to a second clasped side of the housing ;

Figures 3E, 3E' and 3F show greater detail of the cross-section in Figure 3, with reference to the items circled 3E and 3F, respectively;

Figure 4 shows a cross-section through the first embodiment, from a hinged side to a clasped side of the housing ;

Figures AC and 4D show greater deta il of the cross-section in Figure 4, with reference to the items indicated 4C and 4D, respectively; Figures 4H and 4H' show two handle arrangements;

Figure 5A shows a perspective view of a hinge component as employed in the first embodiment of the invention ;

Figures 5B and 5C show, respectively, views perpendicular and axial with respect the hinge component of Figure 5A;

Figures 6A - 6C show a second embodiment of the invention in front and rear views and in erected position, from the side;

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate, respectively, views of a front face and a rear face of a third embodiment of the invention;

Figures 7C and 7D show the third embodiment with the housing partially open and fully open in perspective view; and,

Figures 7E - 7G show the third embodiment in views from the side, respectively, resting upon the handle of the rear face whilst open; a top edge and a side edge. Detailed description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0025] There will now be described, by way of example only, the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the present invention. In the following description, numerous specific details are set out in order to provide a complete understanding to the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that the present invention may be put into practice with variations of the specific.

[0026] Figures 1A and IB show an example of an iPad tablet 10, with a front face 12 and a rear face 14, the model "iPad Air 2" has a height of 240 mm (9.4 inches), a width of 169.5 mm (6.6 inches) and a depth - or thickness - of 6.1 mm (0.24 inches). Referring now to the first embodiment of the invention, an enclosure or housing 20 is shown in Figures 2A - 2Ff and is provided with a two- part clamshell construction, having a first, front panel 21 with a screen 22 surrounded by a frame 23 and a second, rear panel 25 with a handle 26. The rear panel and the frame of the front panel being coextensive and meeting along a mating peripheral circumferential edge. In this embodiment, the first, front panel and the second, rear panel are hingedly connected together by means of a hinge 29. The first and second panels are formed from a relatively rigid material, whereby when formed they substantially resist deformation. It has been determined that polycarbonate resinous materials can be provided with suitable characteristics. In particular, one readily available plastics material is Makrolon ® in the name of Bayer, which has been used for over fifty years and is a well- known material, having a high flexural rigidity (Flexural Modulus of 2.4 GPa), and has been used in many industries, including the food preparation and healthcare industries, with well-defined characteristics; it can be manufactured reliably with high tolerances and can be autoclaved and, importantly, has a high resistance to all commonly used antiseptic agents. It will be appreciated that whilst specific reference is made to the iPad Air 2, the present invention can be provided for the iPad Air Pro (9.7 inch version) and for notebook / tablet computers as produced by other manufacturers.

[0027] It will be appreciated that in particular environment, regard will be had to the operating conditions; whilst polycarbonates such as Makrolon are resistant to mineral acids (even in high concentrations), a large number of organic acids, many oxidizing and reducing agents, neutral and acidic saline solutions, some greases and oils, saturated aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, and most alcohols, certain operating circumstances may dictate that other specific material choices may be made. Conveniently, the plastics and resins contain an internal mould release additive. Further, many plastics and resins are available in natural, clear tints, select transparent, translucent, opaque colours and special effects.

[0028] By the use of a rigid material for the manufacture of the enclosure, Applicants have determined that the sealing qualities between the first and second panels are extremely good, with the inside faces of the sealing edge presenting minimal edge separation, whereby the harbouring of dirt (and germs) is effectively substantially reduced with regard to any known enclosures. In order to provide this sealing effect, care has been taken to ensure that the hinges ensure closure and assist in lateral rigidity; equally the clasps - although reduced in number with many similar prior devices - have been provided such that movement of the closure is smooth and gradual rather than being notched or requiring the use of a step, which could lead to a deterioration in the efficacy of the fastening device.

[0029] Given that the body of the enclosure is quite rigid, to afford good closing attributes, the clamshell body portions are provided with external shock absorbing features, to afford protection from physical shocks should the enclosure be dropped. Conveniently the external shock absorbing elements 24 comprise a layer of elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, which can be overmoulded with respect to the rigid clamshell panels. Inventor has determined that one type of styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene thermoplastics elastomer, sold under the trade name Evoprene™, can provide not only suitable levels of shock absorption but also adheres well to Makrolon. Indeed, these polymers are fully saturated so the resistance to oxidation, ozone and general outdoor weathering is excellent. Evoprene™ Standard Compounds are easy to mould / process on standard thermoplastic processing equipment. Whilst the embodiment of Figures 2A - 2F show resilient members 24 provided on the outwardly extending features of the case, namely, the four corners of each embodiment, it would be possible to have a layer of this material provided on all external surfaces. In addition to the chemical bonding, mechanical keying features are provided to ensure that the compound remains associated with the casings. Evoprene™ further benefits from being easy to colour and is free from phthalate or similar plasticisers.

[0030] A further benefit of employing a rigid material for the clamshell construction of the panels is that the screen element 22 can be formed of glass without any inherent deformability of the frame placing shear forces upon the glass, whereby to cause the glass to crack, reducing the performance of the screen. It is well known that glasses provide substantially greater resistance to scratching compared with plastics screens. Inventor has thus designed the enclosure such that the screen can be made from scratch resistant glasses, such as toughened glass, in particular glasses made using a high-ion exchange process, such as Asahi Dragontrail™ glass, Schott's Xensation™ glass or Coming's Gorilla™ glass. This type of glass - alumina-silicate glass - benefits from being capable of being manufactured using float processing techniques and is readily available in thicknesses of 0.5 - 5mm, although other thicknesses available. It has been found that such glass with a thickness of 0.7mm has provided sufficient for manufacturing and use; as a precaution, a 0.12mm anti- shatter film can be advantageously provided, where a degree of security from glass shards being spread in the unlikely event that the limits of structural integrity of the glass are exceeded, noting that insurance providers frequently stipulate the provision of such materials in, for example, medical environments.

[0031] A stiff material needs more force to deform compared to a soft material. The Young's modulus of a material is a measure of the stiffness of a solid material, noting that the strength of material is the amount of force it can withstand and still recover its original shape. The geometric stiffness of a product depends on its shape, whilst the hardness of a material defines the relative resistance that its surface imposes against the penetration of a harder body. In contrast, the toughness of a material is the amount of energy that a material can absorb before fracturing.

[0032] Inventor has found that by employing a rigid enclosure, the screen can be provided by high ion exchange glasses with typical values of a Young's modulus being of the order of 70 - 80 GPa, Vicker's Hardness being of the order of 600 - 800 kgf/mm2, preferably 665 - 685 kgf/mm², Fracture Toughness being of the order of 0.6 - 0.8 MPa m^0,5 Furthermore, glass produced using high ion exchange process can have anti-microbial coatings applied, such as silver ion and copper ion coatings, which are commonly used, although other metals such as the noble metals (including gold and platinum) can also be employed. Of the metallic ions with anti-microbial properties (i.e. they provide oligodynamic action), silver is perhaps the best known due to its unusually good bioactiyity at low concentrations.

[0033] Significantly, the rigidity of the clamshell provides further benefits in that the screen of the electronic device can be placed in an abutting relationship with an inside face of the screen, whereby the capacitive touch technology employed by most tablet providers is not compromised by the clamshell screen glass, which also enables capacitive touch technology to be maintained. It will be appreciated that when an electronic device is placed within the enclosure of the present invention, upon closure of the clamshell elements, the base member is provided with resilient elements which act agains: the rear of the device, whereby the screen of the device is in touching contact with the inside face of the enclosure screen 22. The glass can be adhesively mounted to the Makrolon, but it has been found that a double-sided polyethylene foam tape can be employed. The thickness can be of the order of 0.5mm and a tackified acrylic adhesive can be employed. Such foam tapes are widely available since they are presently used in a number of diverse applications such as mirror attachment applications, trim fitment to white goods etc; furthermore, they can also resist the high temperatures as used in sterilising equipment - for example, Tesa Tape Inc of Charlotte USA provides a wide range of adhesive tapes / gaskets. Conveniently, the material is provided in planar form and is cut using laser cutting techniques or similar, to ensure that the attachment is consistent in quality.

[0034] As is known, many tablet devices, such as the iPad are designed to be controlled by bare fingers. The present invention, through the use of a glass such as a high ion exchange glass can enable control of the device though the use of gestures and the like, enabling effective capacitive functioning of the screen of the device. Importantly, such capacitive control can be maintained despite use of surgical gloves. Surgical gloves have more precise sizing with a better precision and sensitivity and are generally made to a higher standard than for general medical gloves, being disposable gloves used during medical examinations and procedures that help prevent contamination between caregivers and patients.

[0035] Figure 2E shows a top edge 27 of an enclosure in accordance with the invention and displays a castellating feature (when viewed from the side) at the joint where a hinge element 28 is employed, due to the hinge axis passing through both first and second portions of the clamshell enclosure. Figure 2F shows a view from the side of edge 29 with a handle element 26 shown in profile. Shown in greater detail in Figure 2D, the handle is pivotally mounted with respect to an upstanding member 30 mounted on an auxiliary base element 31 which is attached to and mounted for rotation with the rear surface of panel 25 upon circular base 32. Window 34 is providec to enable a camera associated with a rear face of an electronic device to take images through the rear face of the enclosure. The camera window glass need not be of the same type as the display screen's glass, although conveniently ma be so, and could comprise a suitable scratch resistant plastics material. Notwithstanding the type of material, the camera window needs to be affixed so that the adhesive fixing provides suitable degree of tolerance to thermal changes, shock and resist the conditions present in sterilising equipment.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a cross-section through the first embodiment, from a first clasped side to a second clasped side of the housing; Figures 3E details a clasp 37 which can be pulled back to expose a charging port 38 or other mechanical/electrical interface. As briefly mentioned above, there is an elastomeric gasket which is arranged about the circumferential join of the two enclosure panels. In this embodiment, the channel 40 for a gasket is of square cross-section, to enable fitment of a square cross-sectional gasket (not shown). Opposite the channel 40, there is a corresponding raised portion 41 to compress the gasket, without fear of gasket spread upon closure, about the mating surface, which might compromise the integrity of the seal. Additionally, the upstanding element can also assist in location correspondence of first and second clamshell portions, when no hinge element is employed. Figure 3F details these gasket features and also shows how the clasp 36, pivotally attached to the back panel at hinge point 39, has a mating portion 43 that slides over upstanding ledge element 44, whereby, once the clasps are arranged about the edges of the case, as the clasps are brought into locking engagement, the movement is gradual, with no decrease in the forces gripping the two clamshell portions together. Specifically, any detent (or other) mechanism to indicate that the clasp is in locked engagement, i.e. the two clamshell parts are in contact with each other, shall be arranged so as not to compromise such contact. Reference numeral 35 indicates a flush meeting of the screen 22 and the frame of the enclosure 21. The gasket can be made from a number of different materials, such as silicone rubber, which possess an excellent resistance to temperature, ozone and weathering. Silicone rubbers can easily be manufactured from FDA approved materials and also provides good insulation (electrical) properties but poor resistance to petroleum based fluids. Nitrile rubbers can be provided where the enclosure would be subject to fuel, oil, aromatic solvents and alcohols. Nitrile rubbers benefit from being rugged and have high tear strength and abrasion resistance, but suffer from ozone exposure and low temperature performance. In a further alternative, the gasket could be defined at the same time that the overmoulded elements are provided. Whilst this might assist in the manufacture of the enclosure, by simplifying the number of manufacturing/assembly steps, in the event of damage, the gaskets would not be easily be replaced. Figure 3E' shows an alternative configuration, noting that the mating element 43 is not present in the central section of the clasp (in this particular embodiment, and is screen is possible, even though the screen is glass, since high ion exchange glasses, typically with a Young's modulus in the range of 65-85kNmm^"2, when provided in a thickness in the range of 0.5 - 1.5 mm can easily be depressed to provide a pressure-based operational functionality to the button. Figure 6B shows a large window 55 for rear camera functionality of the electronic device; auto-focus and flash functionality can also be provide by the same aperture, although it will be appreciated that auto focus and flash features of the device may be provided through distinct windows, which can be beneficial in reducing flash reflections if there is a single window to serve both the flash and camera.

[0040] A third embodiment of the invention is shown with respect to Figures 7A and 7B illustrate, respectively, views of a front face and a rear face of a tablet enclosure in accordance with the invention. Shown in greater detail in Figure 7B, the handle is pivotally mounted with respect to an upstanding member 60 mounted on an auxiliary base element 31, this upstanding member being provided with gently rounded corners, that are provided with the shock absorbing overmoulded plastics material. It will be appreciated that different colours between the different parts is optional. The handle 26 pivots with respect to the upstanding member and the interface is smooth, to provide a join that can easily be cleaned. As with the other designs, the handle and handle base 32 is mounted for rotation with the rear surface of panel 25. Window for the camera 55 is supplemented by a window 59 for a flash functionality. Figures 7c and 7d show the third embodiment with the housing partially open and fully open in perspective view with a base 61 shown which supports the rear of an electronic tablet. In the event that different device have different thicknesses, then the base material - which is resilient can be added to or reduce in thickness, to ensure that the screen of the electronic device abut the inside face of the screen, to ensure functionality by way of capacitive touchscreen functionality. Figures 7E - 7G show the third embodiment in views from the side, respectively, resting upon the handle of the rear face whilst open; a top edge and a side edge.

[0041] Polycarbonate is a material resistant to mineral acids (even in high concentrations), a large number of orga nic acids, many oxidizing and reducing agents, neutral and acidic saline solutions, some greases and oils, saturated aliphatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbons, and most alcohols. It is important to note that polycarbonate can be degraded by alkaline solutions, ammonia gas and its solutions, and amines.

[0042] The present invention thus provides a rugged enclosure for electronic tablet devices. It will be appreciated that the rigid design can provide effective shown to assist in understanding of the invention).

[0037] Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a cross-section through the first embodiment, from a hinged edge 4C to a clasped edge 4D, shown in detail in corresponding Figures. Figure 4C details the hinge 28; Figure 4 shows how the handle 26 is pivotally attached to upstanding member 30, itself mounted for rotation about axis 47. Rather than having a notched engagement means, this rotatable member 32 has a contact ring 45 of nylon, conveniently recessed, which abuts against upstanding circular member 46 associated with the rear panel of the enclosure. This provides a nylon - nylon contact surface whereby to provide a frictional resistance to rotation, whereby, in use, the enclosure can be held by a the hand/arm of a healthcare professional : the screen can be simply rotated to provide data upon the screen in a most convenient fashion, without fear of free rotation. Figure 4H indicates an inside bearing surface 50; the handle 26 can be arranged so that it can be placed about an upstanding frame member of a hospital bed, for example. Figure 4H' shows an alternative handle arrangement. The hinge 48 of the handle 26 may be notched or be provided with corresponding friction surfaces to enable the handle to vary in position with respect to the upstanding element 30; other means of retaining relative position of the handle with respect to the upstanding member can be provided.

[0038] Figure 5A shows how a section of an exemplary hinge element 51. A stainless steel having high corrosion resisting properties steel, e.g. grade 516, is provided with keying features 53, whereby the generally circular section hinge part can be securely fastened in one part of a clamshell enclosure, by standard plastics moulding techniques upon initial fabrication, with the boss 52 being associated with, and moulded to, the other clamshell enclosure member.

[0039] Figure 6A, 6B and 6C show Figures 6a - 6c show a second embodiment of the invention in front and rear views and in erected position, from the side. It will be appreciated, especially with reference to Figure 6A, that the corner members 24 extend in a curvilinear fashion to afford a greater thickness of resilient material about the edges. This Figure also shows the position of a power button 55, which in this case, corresponds with the position of a power button for an iPad air tablet. To assist in the functioning of the button - which is depressed with respect to the surface of the screen and has an inwardly curved surface, the underside of the screen 22 has an inwardly extending feature which has a corresponding upstanding element of a reduced diameter with respect to the power button, yet has a height in correspondence with the depth of the power button of the device whereby operation of the button through depression of the

14 shock absorption from incidents that are likely to happen in general usage. Different designs of tablet - if of similar general sizes can be accommodated with one enclosure; padding being provided not only to enable differ thicknesses of devices, but also to prevent lateral movement of a device once placed within the enclosure. It is expected that in certain institutions, the tablets will be provided by the operating body; however, in other institutions, tablets may be the personal property of specific users. By the provision of a cleaning department in a hospital or other healthcare facility, a pharmacy and pharmacological environments and food preparation areas, standards of cleanliness can be monitored and maintained. The present invention by the use of a rigid body with closure clasps can reliably prevent ingress of water into an enclosure, once closed and accordingly, it will be appreciated that the enclosure can be employed in many other environments where use of a tablet is required, but that such use in an unprotected environment can destroy the i/o ports, switches etc. Thus the present invention can be safely employed in many engineering situations from water processing plants, engineering works, forestry and in fisheries and outdoor research facilities. Furthermore the present invention can be applied in several marine areas, including research, whilst military versions (including casualty evacuation scenarios) are also envisioned. Lanyards may be adopted such that they can connect with the handle, for example, such that loss in an outdoor environment or to prevent damage from significant drops can be prevented.

Claims

1. An enclosure for a tablet device having a flat screen display, the enclosure comprising first and second body members which are removably coupled together, to define a cavity for the placement of a tablet device therein;

Wherein the first body member having an outside surface and an inside surface is provided with a screen operable to view a first, front flat screen display face of an electronic device when placed within the cavity, the screen being retained within a frame; wherein the second body member of the enclosure having an outside surface and an inside surface, has an inside surface operable to receive a second, rear face of the electronic device, the inside surface being provided with resilient members to protect and position a display of said device;

Wherein the enclosure is provided with outwardly extending elastic shock absorbing portions that are positioned about projecting surface regions of the enclosure, which elastic shock absorbing portions are integrally moulded to the rigid first and second body members, whereby the first and second body members are sealingly retained one with -espect to the other whereby to prevent seepage of fluids into the cavity.

2. An enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the first and second body members are manufactured from a plastics moulding.

3. An enclosure according to claim 2, wherein the polycarbonate moulding is a resinous plastics polycarbonate.

4. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the elastic shock absorbing plastics material can comprises a thermoplastics elastomer.

5. An enclosure according to claim 4, wherein the thermoplastics elastomer is a styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene thermoplastics elastomer.

6. An enclosure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the thermoplastics elastomer is provided as an over-moulded feature.

7. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 6, wherein the plastics are provided with dopants to provide anti-bacterial / antiseptic properties.

8. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the enclosure is generally rectangular-shaped, having a thickness determined by the thickness of the electronics device.

9. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the enclosure is provided with storage compartments for additional functionality.

10. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the enclosure comprises first and second members and there is at least one clamp associated with each major edge about the circumferential interface between the two members.

11. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 9, wherein the enclosure comprises first and second members that are hingedly fastened about one edge and are clamped together by two or more clamping members that cooperate to allow the members to come together in a sealing arrangement.

12. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 11, wherein the clamp fasteners comprise push-fit members that are fastened about a pivot with respect to one housing member and urge against a ramp-like feature of the other member, whereby to cause the interfaces to come together in a sealing arrangement.

13. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 12, wherein there is provided a gasket member that enable the contact surfaces between the two housing members to sealingly engage together.

14. An enclosure according to claim 13, wherein the gasket member is manufactured from a separate plastics rubber such as silicone rubber or nitrile rubbers or is integrally overmoulded with the housing members.

15. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the screen is selected from a material such as a polycarbonate plastics, a silicon plastics or a high ion exchange glass.

16. An enclosure according to any one of claims 1 - 15, wherein the enclosure is further provided with a handle, hingedly fixed to a support element that is mounted for rotation upon a rotatable mounting about the rear second housing.

17. An enclosure according to claim 16, wherein the rotatable member has, on an inside surface thereof, facing the rear panel of the enclosure, a contact ring of nylon, conveniently recessed, which abuts against upstanding circular member associated with the rear panel of the enclosure, whereby to provide a nylon - nylon contact surface in turn to provide a frictional resistance to rotation.