Tri-fold case for a tablet computer

Abstract

A tri-fold case for a tablet computer includes front and rear covers, a spine and hinges for rotating the covers and converting the case between storage and standing positions. The front cover has corner folding lines dividing the front cover into a center portion and corners. The rear cover has cutout flaps and flap folding lines for bending the flaps away from the rear cover. The front and rear covers have outer surfaces facing away from each other and inner surfaces facing toward each other for receiving the tablet computer in the storage position. The outer surfaces of the covers face each other, the corners are bent along the corner folding lines and the flaps are bent along the flap folding lines and attached to the outer surface of the front cover, for supporting the tablet computer at the outer surface of the rear cover in the standing position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of provisional application No. 61 / 491,684 filed May 31, 2011; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The invention relates to a tri-fold case for a tablet computer. Tablet computers, such as the iPad from Apple, are devices which are between a laptop computer and a smart phone, both in terms of size and capabilities.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Tablet computers are too large to be held comfortably in the hand like a smart phone and do not have a horizontally-oriented keyboard which can rest on a surface while supporting a vertically-aligned screen like a laptop computer. Such devices therefore require accessories to enable them to be protected from damage and held in positions which are ergonomically correct, so as to increase productivity while limiting fatigue ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a tri-fold case for a tablet computer, which overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and which both protects the tablet computer when not in use and allows it to be used comfortably, especially its touch screen, while freeing both hands.

Problems solved by technology

Tablet computers are too large to be held comfortably in the hand like a smart phone and do not have a horizontally-oriented keyboard which can rest on a surface while supporting a vertically-aligned screen like a laptop computer.

However, the prior art does not provide both a case supplying adequate protection and a stand supplying ergonomically correct positioning for the device in one unit.

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