(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0199727 A1
` Probst (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 18, 2011
`
`
`
`US 20110199727A1
`
`(54) TABLET COMPUTER CASE AND
`ASSOCIATED METHODS
`
`(76)
`
`lnventor:
`
`.
`Brlan Probst, Orem, UT (US)
`
`(21) App1,No.:
`
`13/016,830
`
`(22)
`
`.
`Flled‘
`
`Jan. 28’ 2011
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`_
`.
`_
`_
`(60) Provmonal 81313110311011 NO- 61/298,974; filed 011 Jan.
`28, 2010.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G06F 1/16
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. . .................................................. 361/679.09
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed
`and described. In one embodiment, a clam shell keyboard
`case may include a tablet panel with a hollowed out bed
`defined by a recessed back surface and a raised perimeter
`ed e extendin around the recessed back surface. The erim-
`etegi edge canghave an internal shape and size substalhtially
`matching a shape and size of an external perimeter edge of a
`tablet computer to be held in the hollowed out bed. The tablet
`panel can be hingedly coupled to a keyboard panel having a
`keyboard. When a tablet computer is held in the hollowed out
`bed of the tablet panel, the keyboard can be used for input
`and/or control actions with respect to the tablet computer.
`
`210
`
`220
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1053
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Patent Application Publication
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`US 2011/0199727 A1
`
`Aug. 18, 2011
`
`TABLET COMPUTER CASE AND
`ASSOCIATED METHODS
`
`PRIORITY DATA
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of US. Provi-
`sional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/298,974 filed on Jan.
`28, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to cases for tablet com-
`puting devices and related methods. Accordingly, the present
`invention involves the fields of electronics, material science,
`and mechanical engineering.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Tablet computers such as Personal Digital Assis—
`tants (PDA), cellular phones, and the computing device
`recently released by Apple Corporation under the trade name
`IPAD® have become increasingly popular. The simple and
`slim form factor of such devices is one reason. Another reason
`
`is that many of such devices come with a touch sensitive
`screen, or “touch screen” where user input and computing
`control are engaged by simply touching the digital display
`screen. One pioneering example is the cellular phone mar-
`keted by Apple under the trade name IPHONE®. This phone
`has a touch screen that allows navigation of computing func-
`tion, such as intemet navigation, program engagement, and
`communication (i.e. placement of calls, generation of e-mail,
`and creation of text messaging) all by directly touching the
`screen or visual interface.
`
`[0004] Direct screen touch navigation has been met with
`tremendous success in the marketplace because of the ease of
`navigation and the absence of navigation hardware that is
`often bulky, difficult or unnatural to use, and often fragile.
`While direct screen touch navigation overcomes these issues,
`it is not ideal for some functions such as text input. Particu-
`larly, most tablet devices do not allow the user to input text
`with a full sized or nearly full sized QWERTY keyboard or
`other format keyboard for full typing capacity with both
`hands. Neither would the touch sensitive display provide
`sufficient responsiveness to acconnnodate normal
`typing
`even if size were not an issue. Further, many people simply
`prefer the feel and performance of hardware based text and
`data input, such as a slide out keyboard on a cell phone to the
`feel and performance of text input on a touch screen. Finally,
`the slim and compact form factor of such devices often trades
`battery life and memory size for the small and thin overall
`design.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`used in connection with the tablet computer. Once use of the
`keyboard is completed, the tablet can remain in place and use
`continued via the touch screen navigation provided with most
`tablet computers. Alternatively, if use of the tablet computer
`is compete, then the tablet and keyboard panels can be closed
`together thus substantially completely hiding the tablet com-
`puter there between and providing a protective case thereof.
`Once use of the tablet computer is again desired, the panels
`may be actuated apart to expose the tablet for use. If use ofthe
`tablet without the keyboard is desired, the tablet can be
`readily removed from the tablet panel of the case by popping
`or snapping it out of place. In some embodiments, such
`removal will employ a slight deformation of the tablet panel.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
`
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a tablet com-
`[0006]
`puter case in an open position in accordance with one embodi-
`ment of the present invention.
`[0007]
`FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a tablet com-
`puter case in an open position with a tablet computer held
`therein in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a tablet com-
`[0008]
`puter case in a closed position in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0009]
`FIG. 4 is a cut away View of a tablet panel having a
`pin connector and a tablet computer aligned to be placed in
`the tablet panel and engage the pin connector.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention is disclosed and
`[0010] Before the present
`described, it is to be understood that this invention is not
`limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials
`disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as
`would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the rel-
`evant arts. It should also be understood that terminology
`employed herein is used for the purpose of describing par-
`ticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
`[0011]
`It must be noted that, as used in this specification
`and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and
`“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dic-
`tates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “the hinge”
`includes one or more of such hinges, and reference to “a port”
`includes reference to one or more of such ports.
`
`DEFINITIONS
`
`In describing and claiming the present invention, the
`[0012]
`following terminology will be used in accordance with the
`
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`Aug. 18, 2011
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`[0015] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the
`complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
`characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For
`example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would
`mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly
`completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation
`from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the
`specific context. However, generally speaking the neamess of
`completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if
`absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “sub-
`stantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative con-
`notation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an
`action, characteristic, property, state, structure,
`item, or
`result. For example, a composition that is “substantially free
`of’ particles would either completely lack particles, or so
`nearly completely lack particles that the effect would be the
`same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, a
`composition that is “substantially free of ’ an ingredient or
`element may still actually contain such item as long as there
`is no measurable effect thereof.
`
`[0016] As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide
`flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a
`given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the
`endpoint.
`[0017] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural ele-
`ments, compositional elements, and/or materials may be pre-
`sented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists
`should be construed as though each member of the list is
`individually identified as a separate and unique member.
`Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed
`
`as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list
`solely based on their presentation in a common group without
`indications to the contrary.
`[0018] Dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data
`may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is
`to be understood that such a range format is used merely for
`convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flex-
`ibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited
`as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual
`numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that
`range as if each numerical value and sub—range is explicitly
`recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to
`about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explic-
`itly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include
`individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range.
`Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values
`such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4,
`and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.
`This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one
`numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore,
`
`When a tablet computer is fit into the tablet panel, the key-
`board communicates with the tablet computer and is able to
`provide text input and optionally control other functions.
`
`[0020] Referring again to FIG. 1, in some aspects of the
`invention, the tablet panel 20 can have a hollowed out bed 60
`defined by a recessed back surface 70 and a raised perimeter
`edge 80 extending along, and in some aspects around, the
`recessed back surface. Such perimeter edge can be continu-
`ous or discontinuous as fiirther discussed herein. In some
`
`aspects, the perimeter edge may extend along all sides of the
`hollowed out bed, and in some other aspects, the perimeter
`edge may extend along only one, two, or three sides of the
`hollowed out bed. In some aspects, the perimeter may be
`open. In others the perimeter may be closed.
`
`In some embodiments, the perimeter edge may have
`[0 021]
`an internal shape and/or size substantially matching, or cor-
`responding to, a shape and size of an external perimeter edge
`90 of the tablet computer 30, which is to be held in the
`hollowed out bed 60. In some aspects, the internal shape
`and/or size may match along at least one external perimeter
`edge of the tablet computer. In another aspect, the internal
`shape and/or size may match along at least two external
`perimeter edges of the tablet computer. In a further aspect, the
`internal shape and/or size may match along at least three
`external perimeter edges ofthe tablet computer. In yet another
`aspect, the intemal shape and/or size may match along four
`external perimeter edges ofthe tablet computer. In yet another
`aspect, the internal shape/ size match may extend along, the
`entire, or substantially the entire external perimeter of the
`tablet computer. As the shape and size of tablet computer
`perimeters can vary, so can the shape and size of the perimeter
`edge vary. In some aspects, the shape may be a polygon. In
`another aspect,
`the shape may be a quadrilateral. In yet
`another aspect, the shape may be substantially square. In a
`further aspect, the shape may be substantially rectangular.
`Furthermore, while the comers of the hollowed out bed may
`be sharp with a vertex, in some aspects, the corners may be
`rounded. In one aspect, at least one corner may be rounded. In
`another aspect, two corners may be rounded. In a further
`aspect, all corners may be rounded. In one embodiment, the
`shape of the hollowed out bed may have a shape and size
`substantially matching a shape and size of an iPad® brand
`tablet computer. In some embodiments, the tablet computer
`held in the hollowed out bed may be an iPad® brand tablet
`computer.
`
`[0022] As also shown in FIG. 1, the raised perimeter edge
`80 of the hollowed out bed may in some aspects, have a flat
`inwardly facing surface 100. In some embodiments of the
`present invention, the flat inwardly facing surface may have a
`plane that intersects a plane in which the recessed back sur-
`
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`Aug. 18, 2011
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`curved shape. In another aspect, the shape of the edge may be
`pointed or have a ridge or vertex. In some aspects, the abut-
`ment of the external perimeter edge of the tablet with the flat
`inwardly facing surface of the raised perimeter edge may aid
`in holding the tablet computer in place in the hollowed out
`bed. In some aspects, abutment of opposing flat edges may
`further increase the hold of the tablet computer by the tablet
`panel. In yet other aspects, aspects, the abutment of the flat
`inwardly facing surface and the external perimeter edge ofthe
`tablet computer may extend along at least one side of the
`raised perimeter edge. In another aspect, the abutment of the
`flat inwardly facing surface and the external perimeter edge of
`the tablet computer may extend along at least two sides of the
`raised perimeter edge. In a further aspect, the abutment of the
`flat inwardly facing surface and the external perimeter edge of
`the tablet computer may extend along at least three sides of
`the raised perimeter edge. In yet a further aspect, the abutment
`of the flat inwardly facing surface and the external perimeter
`edge of the tablet computer may extend along all sides of the
`raised perimeter edge. In yet another aspect, the abutment of
`the abutment of the flat inwardly facing surface and the exter-
`nal perimeter edge of the tablet computer may extend along
`the corners of the raised perimeter edge. In an additional
`aspect, the abutment of the flat inwardly facing surface and
`the external perimeter edge of the tablet computer may extend
`along substantially the entire length of the entire raised
`perimeter edge, whether continuous or discontinuous. In one
`embodiment, the raised perimeter edge may bound, surround,
`or frame, substantially the entire hollowed out bed and have a
`substantially flat inwardly facing surface along substantially
`the entire length thereof. Furthermore, in some aspects, the
`abutment of the flat inwardly facing surface and the external
`perimeter edge of the tablet computer may extend along sub-
`stantially the entire raised perimeter edge bounding, sur-
`rounding, or framing substantially the entire hollowed out
`bed.
`
`In some embodiments, the raised perimeter edge
`[0023]
`may also have a top surface 120 and a height 130 to which it
`extends above the recessed back surface. In some aspects, the
`height of the raised perimeter edge may contribute to, or
`define, a depth of the hollowed out bed 60. In some aspects,
`the depth of the hollowed out bed may substantially match the
`thickness of the tablet computer.
`
`[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, a tablet computer 30 is
`shown being held in the hollowed out bed (not shown) of a
`tablet panel 20. The tablet panel has a raised perimeter edge
`80 extending around a recessed back surface (not shown). The
`raised perimeter edge has a top surface 120. The depth of the
`hollowed out bed substantially matches the thickness of the
`tablet computer so that the screen 205 of the tablet computer
`
`aspect, substantially the entire screen and bezel 210 of the
`tablet computer may be exposed. In yet another aspect, a front
`surface of a casing edge 220 of a tablet computer may be
`substantially exposed. In a further embodiment, the front
`surface of the casing edge of a tablet computer may be sub-
`stantially exposed, or entirely exposed, along two opposing
`ends of the tablet computer.
`
`[0025] Regarding the recessed back surface 70 of the hol-
`lowed out bed 60, any shape, configuration, or texture con-
`ducive to the engagement of a tablet computer into the hol-
`lowed out bed may be used. However, in one aspect, the
`recessed back surface may be solid, or unbroken, at all points
`within the perimeter edge.
`
`[0026] Returning again to the raised perimeter edge 80 of
`the tablet panel 20, as previously mentioned, in some embodi-
`ments of the present invention, the perimeter may have one or
`more openings or gaps. In one aspect of the invention, such an
`opening may be located at a location corresponding to a
`functional feature on the tablet computer 30. Examples of
`such functional features may include without limitation, but-
`tons, pin connectors, speakers, headphone jacks, dials,
`switches, or slide bars. As shown in FIG. 1, speakers 140
`substantially correspond to openings 160. However, any
`number of openings,
`including holes, may be located as
`needed in order to provide full user access to any controls or
`features located on the tablet computer. In one aspect, the
`opening may correspond to the location of a button. In another
`aspect, the opening may correspond to the location of a pin
`connector.
`
`In addition to the foregoing, the tablet panel 20 be
`[0027]
`shaped with a number of different shape features on its exte-
`rior surfaces, including exterior edges. Referring to FIG. 3, is
`shown and embodiment of a clamshell tablet case 10 of the
`
`present invention in a close position. In this position the tablet
`panel 20 has been actuated using the hinge (not shown) to
`bring the tablet panel and the keyboard panel 40 together in a
`closed configuration. In this embodiment, the tablet panel
`corners 170 are rounded. Further, the external edges 180 of
`the tablet panel are also rounded. In addition, the edges 190 of
`the keyboard panel are also rounded and the external edges
`200 of the keyboard panel are rounded as well. However, it is
`to be understood that the extemal comers and edges of both
`the tablet panel and the keyboard panel may take any con-
`figuration desired in order to impart a desired property or
`function. In one aspect, the comers and/or edges may have a
`vertex. In another aspect, the edges and/or corners may be
`tapered. In yet another aspect, the edges and/or corners may
`be flat. In some aspects, the comers may be rounded with the
`edges being flat. In other aspects, the corners may be rounded
`
`8
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`

`

`US 2011/0199727 A1
`
`Aug. 18, 2011
`
`[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4 is shown an embodiment of
`the present invention depicting insertion of a tablet computer
`30 into a tablet panel 20 of the present invention. In such
`embodiment, the raised perimeter edge 80 includes a pin
`connector 230. Such pin connector can typically be located at
`a location on the raised edge which substantially matches a
`pin connector on the tablet computer. As such, the pin con-
`nector on the tablet can engage the pin connector on the
`perimeter edge of the hollowed out bed when the tablet is held
`in the hollowed out bed. The pin connector as previously
`mentioned can be one mechanism for communication
`
`between the keyboard and the tablet computer.
`
`In use, the tablet computer 30 can be snapped or fit
`[0030]
`into place in the tablet panel 20 of the clamshell case of the
`present invention in a number of ways. Typically, one side of
`an external edge 90 of the tablet computer is placed against
`one inwardly facing surface 100 of the raised peripheral edge
`80 and then the tablet computer aligned with the hollowed out
`bed in the tablet panel. The tablet computer is then slid, fit, or
`snapped into place. When the tablet panel includes a pin
`connector, the peripheral edge ofthe tablet computer contain-
`ing a corresponding pin connector is aligned therewith and
`then the unit slid, fit, or otherwise snapped into place.
`
`[0031] Referring again to FIG. 2, it is noted that they key-
`board panel 40 may include a pin connector or other input
`240. Such pin connector may be of any size or shape required
`to accomplish a desired purpose or provide a product with
`specific characteristics. In some aspects, the pin connector
`may be a USB port. In another aspect it may be a 30 pin
`connector used on products produced by Apple company,
`such as the iPad®. Moreover, this is true for the other pin
`connecters recited herein. In addition to a pin connector, the
`connector or other input 240 may include a power input.
`
`[0032] A wide variety of keyboard construction and con-
`figuration may be used for the keyboard in the keyboard
`panel. Standard QWERTY configuration of keys as well as a
`number of special control keys can be included as desired.
`Spacing and enter keys may also be included. Further, the
`keyboard can include keys capable of special programming
`so as to provide specific function or symbols when activated
`or depressed. Further, the keys may be individually sus-
`pended. In some aspects the keys may be programmed to type
`a corresponding letter or symbol. In other aspects, some keys
`may be configured or programmed to navigate or otherwise
`control the function of the tablet computer. In some aspects,
`the keys may have spaces therebetween such as the “chiclet”
`type keys or without substantial spaces therebetween, such as
`provided by a standard laptop or other type of keyboard.
`
`[0033] The materials used in the fabrication of the case of
`the present invention may include any suitable materials
`
`present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The
`detailed description and accompanying drawings are to be
`regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, and
`all such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall
`within the scope of the present invention as described and set
`forth herein.
`
`What is claimed is:
`
`1. A clam shell keyboard case for a tablet computer com-
`prising:
`a tablet panel with a hollowed out bed defined by a recessed
`back surface and a raised perimeter edge extending
`around the recessed back surface, said perimeter edge
`having an intemal shape and size substantially matching
`a shape and size of an external perimeter edge of a tablet
`computer to be held in the hollowed out bed, said perim-
`eter edge further having a substantially flat inwardly
`facing surface which abuts an external perimeter edge of
`the tablet computer when the tablet computer is fit into
`place and held in the hollowed out bed; and
`a keyboard panel with a keyboard, said keyboard panel
`hingedly coupled to the tablet panel.
`2. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the internal shape
`of the perimeter edge is substantially rectangle.
`3. The keyboard case of claim 2, wherein the internal shape
`of the perimeter edge has rounded corners.
`4. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the flat inwardly
`facing surface of the perimeter edge of the hollowed out bed
`abuts substantially the entire external perimeter edge of the
`tablet computer.
`5. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the external
`perimeter edge of the tablet computer includes a flat out-
`wardly facing surface.
`6. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the abutment of
`the external edge of the tablet computer with the substantially
`flat inwardly facing surface of the perimeter edge aids in
`holding the tablet computer in place in the hollowed out bed.
`7. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the perimeter
`edge of the hollowed out bed has a top surface and the hol-
`lowed out bed has a depth substantially matching a thickness
`of the tablet computer, so that a screen of the tablet computer
`is substantially in a same plane with the top surface of the
`perimeter edge of the hollowed out bed.
`8. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the recessed back
`surface is continuously solid at all points within the perimeter
`edge.
`9. The keyboard case of claim 1, further comprising at least
`one opening in the perimeter edge of the hollowed out bed
`located at a location corresponding to a button, speaker, a pin
`connector, or headphone jack on the tablet computer, such
`
`9
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`US 2011/0199727 A1
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`Aug. 18, 2011
`
`15. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the keyboard
`panel has rounded external edges_
`16. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the keyboard
`panel has a thickness substantially equal to or less than a
`thickness of the tablet panel.
`17. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein a screen of the
`tablet is fully exposed when the tablet is engaged in the
`hollowed out bed of the tablet panel.
`18. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the raised perim-
`eter edge of the hollowed out bed includes a pin connector at
`a location substantially matching a location of a pin connector
`
`on the tablet, such that the pin connector on the tablet can
`engage the pin connector on the perimeter edge of the hol-
`lowed out bed when the tablet is held in the hollowed out bed.
`
`19. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the tablet com-
`puter has a size and shape substantially matching a size and
`shape of an lpad® brand tablet computer.
`20. The keyboard case of claim 1, wherein the tablet com—
`puter securely fits into the hollowed out bed by snapping the
`tablet computer into the hollowed out bed.
`
`*
`
`>1:
`
`*
`
`*
`
`=1:
`
`10
`
`