Tablet computer case with pivoting connectors

Abstract

A tablet computer case comprises a receiving portion configured to receive at least one of a sensor device and a tablet computer, a connector connectable to at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer; and a hub connected to the connector and configured to transfer at least one of data and power between the sensor device and the tablet computer. The connector comprises a connection axis which defines a direction along which at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer move relative to the connector to connect to the connector. The connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion such that the connector is pivotable between a first position in which there is a first angle between the connection axis and the receiving portion and a second position in which there is a second angle between the connection axis and the receiving portion.

Description

[0001] TABLET COMPUTER CASE WITH PIVOTING CONNECTORS

[0002] FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

[0003] The present application relates to a tablet computer case.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] A tablet computer case is a case that receives and supports a tablet computer to improve the functionality of the tablet computer. For example, the tablet computer case may hold the tablet computer at an optimum angle to improve the ease of use of the tablet computer and the tablet computer case may protect the tablet computer to improve the survivability of the tablet computer in the event that the tablet computer is dropped. Tablet computer cases may also be formed to receive and encase additional accessories or items, as demonstrated in h tips : / / nanoporetech com / products / sequence / mini on-m ki d.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] A first aspect provides a tablet computer case comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive at least one of a sensor device and a tablet computer; a connector connectable to at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer; and a hub connected to the connector and configured to transfer at least one of data and power between the sensor device and the tablet computer, wherein: the connector comprises a connection axis which defines a direction along which at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer move relative to the connector to connect to the connector; and the connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion such that the connector is pivotable between: a first position in which there is a first angle between the connection axis and the receiving portion; and a second position in which there is a second angle between the connection axis and the receiving portion.

[0008] Pivotably mounting the connector may improve the ergonomics and robustness of the tablet computer case compared to using a non-pivotably mounted connector because the user may have greater freedom over the angle which they can connect the tablet computer and / or sensor device to the connector, whilst being able to pivot the tablet computer and / or sensor device into a different position for use. For example, with the connector in the first position, the user could connect the sensor device and / or tablet computer to the connector at a non-zero first angle, and then move the connector to the second position to lie the sensor device or tablet flat against the receiving portion for use.

[0009] Optionally, the first angle is no less than 1° greater than the second angle. The first angle being no less than 1° greater than the second angle may provide a large enough range of motion between the two positions to make a significant improvement to the ergonomics and robustness when compared with there being less than 1° between the two angles, such as may occur due to manufacturing tolerance in an otherwise rigid connection.

[0010] Optionally, the receiving portion is configured to support at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer once at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer are received by the receiving portion.

[0011] Optionally, the receiving portion comprises a base and a wall which projects from the base; the first angle is between the connection axis and the base; and the second angle is between the connection axis and the base. Optionally, the base has a larger surface area than a surface area of the wall. Optionally, the base is rectangular. Optionally, the hub forms part of the wall.

[0012] Optionally, the connector is resiliently biased towards the first position. As a result, the connector naturally rests in the first position ready to be connected to the tablet computer or sensor device, which may improve the ergonomics of the tablet computer case when compared with the connector naturally remaining in the second position. If the connector naturally rested in the second position, the user may have had to manipulate the connector into the first position prior to connection, which may be challenging given that connectors for connecting to sensor devices or tablet computers may typically be small in size relative to a hand of a user.

[0013] Optionally, the tablet computer case comprises a mount; the mount pivotably mounts the connector to the receiving portion; and the mount is configured to elastically deform to facilitate the pivoting of the connector between the first position and the second position. This may provide a robust and simple to manufacture mechanism for facilitating pivoting. Additionally, facilitating pivoting through elastic deformation may enable the connector to have additional degrees of freedom, which may enable complex motions, such as pivoting and sliding to be accommodated by the mount. This may improve the robustness and ergonomics of the tablet computer case by better accommodating the natural connection motion of the user.

[0014] Optionally, the connector is configured to slide along the connection axis. Sliding may improve the robustness and ergonomics of the tablet computer case by better accommodating the natural connection motion of the user.

[0015] Optionally, the connector is configured to slide along the connection axis by no less than 0.1mm. Sliding by no less than 0.1mm provide a large enough range of motion to make a significant improvement to the ergonomics and robustness when compared with there being less than 0.1mm, such as may occur due to manufacturing tolerances. Additionally, sliding by no less than 0.1mm may mean manufacturing tolerances can become less restrictive and thereby fewer tablet computer cases may fail quality checks.

[0016] Optionally, the connector is configured to slide along the connection axis by no greater than 99% of a length of the connector. This may improve the ergonomics of the tablet computer case when compared with a mount which is able to slide by a greater amount because the connector may remain near to its intended position during connection. In contrast, if the connector slid by greater than 99% out of its intended position, the user may need to manually move the connector to correctly locate the tablet computer or sensor device, which may impair the ergonomics of the tablet computer case. Optionally, the connector is configured to slide along the connection axis by no greater than 15 mm.

[0017] Optionally, the connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion using a material having a Shore D hardness of no greater than 50. A relatively small amount of force may thereby be required to move the connector between the first and second positions, when compared with using a material with a greater Shore D hardness. This may improve the ergonomics of the tablet computer case as it may enable the weight of the tablet computer or sensor device to move the connector into the second position instead of requiring additional force to be applied by the user. This may be particularly beneficial in tablet computer cases where the connector is resiliently biased towards the first position because the weight of the tablet computer or sensor device may overcome the biasing force and retain the tablet computer or sensor device with the connector in the second position without requiring an additional holding force to be applied.

[0018] Optionally, the mount comprises the material having a Shore D hardness of no greater than 50.

[0019] Optionally, the connector has at least two degrees of freedom. This may improve the robustness and ergonomics of the tablet computer case by enabling the connector to better accommodate misalignment of the sensor device or the tablet computer with the connector than if the connector had only one degree of freedom.

[0020] Optionally, the tablet computer case has at least three degrees of freedom. This may improve the robustness and ergonomics of the tablet computer case by enabling the connector to better accommodate misalignment of the sensor device or the tablet computer with the connector than if the connector had only two degrees of freedom.

[0021] Optionally, a first degree of freedom is in a first plane which extends perpendicular to the base of the receiving portion, such that the connector is movable in the first plane in a height direction of the receiving portion. Optionally, the second degree of freedom is in a second plane which extends perpendicular to the first plane, such that the connector is movable in the second plane in a width direction of the receiving portion.

[0022] Optionally, the second angle is no greater than 1°. As a result, the tablet computer or sensor device may be laid substantially flat against the receiving portion, which may provide a compact assembly during use. Optionally, the second angle is no greater than 0.5°, 0.1°, or 0°. Optionally, when the connector is in the second position, the connection axis is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving portion. Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the receiving portion extends along the base of the receiving portion.

[0023] Optionally, the first angle is no less than 2° and no greater than 5°. This range of angles may provide a sufficiently large first angle to improve the ergonomics of the tablet computer case without requiring too great an angle, which could otherwise result in greater mechanical stresses and thereby reduce the longevity of the tablet computer case. Optionally, the first angle is no less than 3° and no greater than 4°.

[0024] Optionally, the receiving portion defines a recess. Receiving the tablet computer or sensor device in a recess may be desirable because it may improve the retention of the tablet computer or sensor device and / or provide better protection to the tablet computer or sensor device during operation and transport. Typically, the recess in a tablet computer case which receives the tablet computer or sensor device is of a similar size to the tablet computer or sensor device that it is designed to accommodate. Therefore, receiving the tablet computer or sensor device within a recess may inhibit the connection of the connector to the tablet computer or sensor device. Therefore, in tablet computer cases comprising a recess, having a pivotably mounted connector may be especially beneficial because the first position may enable sufficient clearance between the sensor device or the tablet computer and walls of the recess for the tablet computer or sensor device to be connected to the connector, which may not be possible if the connector were rigidly mounted in a flat position. Optionally, the recess has a width of between 50mm and 60mm, a depth of between 5mm and 15mm, and a length of between 120mm and 130mm. Optionally, the recess has a width of 54mm, a depth of 10mm, and a length of 125mm. Optionally, the recess has a width of between 175mm and 220mm, a depth of between 3mm and 10mm and a length of between 245mm and 285mm. Optionally, the recess has a width of 178mm, a depth of 7 mm, and a length of 250mm.

[0025] Optionally, the connector protrudes into the recess. As a result, the connector may extend into the tablet computer or sensor device when received by the receiving portion. Thereby, the space required for the corresponding connector on the tablet computer or sensor device may be reduce compared to if the connector were located outside the receiving portion, which may then require the sensor device or tablet computer to have a connector which protruded out to connect to the connector. Optionally, the connector is a male connector.

[0026] Optionally, the connector comprises a flexible PCBA. Using a flexible PCBA may provide a means of accommodating the pivoting motion of the connector whilst retaining the connection between the connector and other components of the hub.

[0027] Optionally, hub comprises a rigid PCBA connected to the flexible PCBA. Using a combination of flexible and solid PCBAs may provide greater design flexibility than, for example, using flexible PCBAs exclusively.

[0028] Optionally, the receiving portion comprises a magnet configured to magnetically attract the at least one of the tablet computer or sensor device to hold the tablet computer or sensor device against the receiving portion. This may reduce the likelihood of the sensor device or the tablet computer being released from the tablet computer case when the tablet computer case is moved around when compared with excluding the magnet.

[0029] Optionally, the connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion such that, when at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer are being connected to the connector, the connector provides a reaction force along the connection axis which inhibits a movement of the connector relative to the receiving portion along the connection axis. This may improve the ergonomics of the tablet computer case because, without the reaction force, the user may have to provide the reaction force themselves to hold the connector in place to connect the connector to the tablet computer or sensor device.

[0030] Optionally, the receiving portion is configured to receive the sensor device; and the connector is connectable to the sensor device.

[0031] Optionally, the tablet computer case comprises a further receiving portion configured to receive the tablet computer; the tablet computer case comprises a further connector connectable to the tablet computer; the hub is connected to the further connector; the further connector comprises a further connection axis which defines a direction along which the tablet computer moves relative to the further connector to connect to the connector; and the further connector is pivotably mounted to the further receiving portion such that the further connector is pivotable between: a third position in which there is a third angle between the further connection axis and the further receiving portion; and a fourth position in which there is a fourth angle between the further connection axis and the further receiving portion.

[0032] Optionally, the further connector is resiliently biased towards the third position; and the third angle is no greater than 1°. Due to the typical size of a tablet computer being larger than the typical size of a sensor device, the user may comfortably connect the tablet computer at a smaller angle that the user would for the sensor device. Optionally, the third angle is no greater than 0.5°.

[0033] Optionally, the further connector is at an angle of 0° to the further receiving portion.

[0034] Optionally, the tablet computer case comprises a sensor device lid release system. When the sensor device is received by the receiving portion, other parts of the tablet computer case (such as the wall of the receiving portion) may inhibit the user from accessing and opening the lid of the sensor device. By providing the sensor device lid release system, the user may still be able to open the lid of the sensing device when the sensing device is received by the receiving portion, thereby improving the ease of use of the tablet computer case. Optionally, a part of the sensor device lid release system is located within the recess.

[0035] Optionally, the sensor device lid release system comprises a lever configured to release a lid of the sensor device; and a release button configured to actuate the lever. This may provide a convenient means for providing the sensor device lid release system within the tight space constraints of the tablet computer case. Optionally, the lever is located within the recess; and the release button is spaced from the recess. Thereby, the release button may be easily accessible to the user, which may improve the ease of use of the tablet computer case. Optionally, the lever and the release button are moveable in the height direction of the receiving portion. This may make the sensor device lid release system easier to accommodate within the tight space constrains of the tablet computer case.

[0036] Optionally, the tablet computer case comprises a fan for providing cooling to at least one of the tablet computer and the sensor device; and the sensor device lid release system conforms to a shape of the fan. As a result, the sensor device lid release system may be accommodated within the tight space constrains of the tablet computer case.

[0037] Optionally, the connector is an electrical connector configured to electrically connect at least one of a sensor device and a tablet to the other of the sensor device and the tablet computer to enable data transfer between the sensor device and the tablet computer.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising: the tablet computer according to the first aspect of the present invention; the tablet computer; and the sensor device.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure l is a perspective view of an example tablet computer case;

[0041] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a tablet computer receiving portion of the example tablet computer case;

[0042] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a sensor device receiving portion and a hub of the example tablet computer case;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the hub, a sensor device connector mount, and a tablet computer connector mount;

[0044] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the tablet computer connector mount;

[0045] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the sensor device connector;

[0046] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a sensor device lid release system of the example tablet computer case; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a sensor device being connected to the sensor device connector;

[0047] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the sensor device connected to the sensor device connector;

[0048] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a tablet computer being connected to the tablet computer connector; and

[0049] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the tablet computer connected to the tablet computer connector.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1 shows a tablet computer case 1 which has a tablet computer receiving portion 3, a sensor device receiving portion 5, a hub 7, a tablet computer connector 8, a tablet computer connector mount 9, a sensor device connector 10, a sensor device connector mount 11 (shown in Figure 4), and a sensor device lid release system 12.

[0052] The tablet computer receiving portion 3 (shown in Figure 2) has a main body 13, a long side wall 14, a channel 15, a first cut out 17, a second cut out 19, and a third cut out 20. The main body 13 is approximately planar and rectangular in shape. The main body 13 has a top surface 21, a bottom surface, a first long side 23, a second long side 25, a first short side 27, and a second short side 29. The top surface 21 has a length A of 250mm and a width B of 178mm such that the top surface 21 is sized to receive a tablet computer 33. The long side wall 14 projects upwards from the top surface 21 and extends along the first long side 23.

[0053] The channel 15 is defined in the top surface 21 of the main body 13 and extends from the first long side 23 of the top surface 21, which abuts the hub 7, to the first short side 27 of the top surface 21. The channel 15 is arcuate in shape.

[0054] The first cut out 17, the second cut out 19, and the third cut out 20 extend between the top surface 21 of the main body 13 and the bottom surface of the main body 13. The first cut out 17 and the second cut out 19 are located on an opposite side of the channel 15 from the third cut out 20. The first cut out 17 provides an opening through which a camera of the tablet computer 33 can be exposed. The second cut out 19 and the third cut out 20 provide ventilation to the tablet computer 33.

[0055] The sensor device receiving portion 5 (shown in Figure 3) has a base 43, a first wall 45, a second wall 46, and a magnet 47. The base 43 has a cut out 49 and is rectangular in shape. The base 43 has a first long side 63, a second long side 65, a first short side 67, and a second short side 69. The base 43 has a length C of 125mm and a width D of 54mm such that the base is sized to receive a sensor device 53.

[0056] The first wall 45 extends upwards from the base 43 and extends along the first short side 67 of the base 43. The second wall 46 extends upwards from the base 43 and extends along the second short side 69 of the base 43. The second wall comprises a release mechanism opening 48. The first long side 63 of the base 43 is connected to the long side wall 23. The first wall 45 and the second wall 46 have a total surface area which is smaller than a total surface area of the base 43. The first wall 45 and the second wall 46 each have a height E measured perpendicular to the base 43 of 10mm.

[0057] The base 43, the long side wall 23, the first wall 45, and the second wall 46 define a recess 75. The recess 75 has the same length C and width D as the base 43 and the same height E as the first wall 45 and the second wall 46. Thereby, the recess 75 is sized and dimensioned to receive the sensor device 53.

[0058] The magnet 47 is located in the base 43. The magnet 47 is for magnetically attracting the sensor device to aid retention of the sensor device 53.

[0059] The hub 7 (shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4) comprises a first housing 81, a second housing 83, a fan 84, a first flexible PCBA 89, a second flexible PCBA 91, a rigid PCBA 93, and a port 94.

[0060] The first housing 81 is cuboidal in shape and is located on an opposite side of the sensor device receiving portion 5 to the second housing 83. The first housing 81 forms the second wall 46 and is connected to the long side wall 14. The second housing 83 forms the first wall 46 and is connected to the long side wall 14.

[0061] The fan 84 is located within the first housing 81 and is in fluid communication with the channel 15.

[0062] The first flexible PCBA 89 is located within the sensor device connector mount 11 and the second housing 83. The first flexible PCBA 89 is electrically connected to the sensor device connector 10 and the rigid PCBA 93.

[0063] The second flexible PCBA 91 is electrically connected to the tablet computer connector 8 and rigid PCBA 93. The second flexible PCBA 91 is located within the tablet computer connector mount 9, the main body 13, and the second housing 83. The rigid PCBA 93 is located within the second housing 83 and is electrically connected to the first flexible PCBA 89 and the second flexible PCBA 91. Thereby, the sensor device connector 10 is electrically connected to the tablet computer connector 8 via the first flexible PCBA 89, the rigid PCBA 93, and the second flexible PCBA 91.

[0064] The port 94 is located in the second housing 83 and is electrically connected to the rigid PCBA 93.

[0065] The tablet computer connector 8 is a USB-C type electrical connector. The tablet computer connector 8 has a tablet computer connection axis 103, a first end 105, and a second end 107. The tablet computer connection axis 103 defines a direction along which the tablet computer moves relative to the tablet computer connector 8 to connect to the tablet computer connector 8. The first end 105 of the tablet computer connector 8 extends inwards from the first short side 27 of the top surface 21 such that the first end 105 of the tablet computer connector 8 overlies a portion of the top surface 21. The first end 105 of the tablet computer connector 8 has a length E of 6.5mm. The second end 107 of the tablet computer connector 8 is located within, and connected to, the tablet computer connector mount 9. The tablet computer connector mount 9 (an enlarged view of which is shown in Figure 5) is connected to the main body 13 along the first short side 27 of the top surface 21. The tablet computer connector mount 9 is formed from silicone rubber, which has a Shore A hardness of 90. The tablet computer connector mount 9 being formed from a material having a Shore D hardness of no greater than 50 is also envisaged.

[0066] The tablet computer connector mount 9 pivotably mounts the tablet computer connector 8 to the tablet computer receiving portion 3 such that the tablet computer connector 8 is pivotable between an angled position (shown in Figure 10) and a flat position (shown in Figure 11). When the tablet computer connector 8 is in the angled position, there is a first angle 108 of 0.5° between the top surface 21 and the tablet computer connection axis 103 measured in a plane 110 which is perpendicular to the of the top surface 21. The first angle 108 is exaggerated in Figure 10 for clarity. The first angle 108 being no less than 2° and no greater than 5° is also envisaged. When the tablet computer connector 8 is in the flat position, there is a second angle 112 of 0° between the base 43 and the tablet computer connection axis 103 when measured in the plane 110 which is perpendicular to the of the top surface 21. The second angle 112 being no greater than 1° is also envisaged. The second angle 112 being no less than 1° less than the first angle 108 is also envisaged.

[0067] The tablet computer connector mount 9 is in its natural resting position when the tablet computer connector 10 is in the angled position, such that the tablet computer connector mount 9 resiliently biases the tablet computer connector 8 towards the angled position.

[0068] The tablet computer connector mount 9 is elastically deformable to enable the tablet computer connector 8 to have three degrees of freedom. A first degree of freedom 106 of the tablet computer connector 8 is provided in the plane 110 which is perpendicular to the top surface 21. A second degree of freedom 114 of the tablet computer connector 8 is provided perpendicular to the tablet computer connection axis 103 and in a plane 116 which is parallel to the top surface 21. A third degree of freedom 118 is provided along the tablet computer connection axis 103 such that the tablet computer connector 8 can slide along the tablet computer connection axis 103. The tablet computer connector mount 9 enables the tablet computer connector 8 to slide 0.5mm along the tablet computer connection axis 103. Sliding by no less than 0.1mm and no greater than 99% of the length E of the first end 105 of the tablet computer connector 8 along the tablet computer connection axis 103 is also envisaged.

[0069] The sensor device connector 10 is a USB-C type electrical connector. The sensor device connector 10 has a sensor device connection axis 97, a first end 99, and a second end 101. The sensor device connection axis 97 defines a direction along which the sensor device moves relative to the sensor device connector 10 to connect to the sensor device connector 10. The first end 99 of the sensor device connector 10 projects from the first short side 67 of the wall 45 into the recess 75. The first end 99 of the sensor device connector 10 has a length F of 6.5mm. The second end 101 of the sensor device connector 10 is located within, and connected to, the sensor device connector mount 11.

[0070] The sensor device connector mount 11 is located within the second housing 83. The sensor device connector mount 11 is formed from silicone rubber, which has a Shore A hardness of 90. The sensor device connector mount 11 being formed from a material having a Shore D hardness of no greater than 50 is also envisaged.

[0071] Referring now to Figure 6, the sensor device connector mount 11 pivotably mounts the sensor device connector 10 to the sensor device receiving portion 5 such that the sensor device connector 10 is pivotable between an angled position (shown in Figure 8) and a flat position (shown in Figure 9). When the sensor device connector 10 is in the angled position, there is a third angle 120 of 3° between the base 43 and the sensor device connection axis 97 measured in a plane 122 which is perpendicular to the base 43. The third angle 120 is exaggerated in Figure 8 for clarity. The third angle 120 being no less than 2° and no greater than 5° is also envisaged. When the sensor device connector 10 is in the flat position, there is a fourth angle 124 of 0° between the base 43 and the sensor device connection axis 97 measured in the plane 122 which is perpendicular to the base 43. The fourth angle 124 being no greater than 1° is also envisaged. The fourth angle 124 being no less than 1° less than the third angle 120 is also envisaged. The sensor device connector mount 11 is elastically deformable to enable the sensor device connector 10 to have three degrees of freedom. A first degree of freedom 126 is provided in the plane 122 which is perpendicular to the base 43. A second degree of freedom 128 is provided perpendicular to the sensor device connection axis 97 and in a plane 130 which is parallel to the base 43. A third degree of freedom 132 is provided along the sensor device connection axis 97 such that the sensor device connector 10 can slide along the sensor device connection axis 97. The sensor device connector mount 11 enables the sensor device connector 10 to slide 5mm along the sensor device connection axis 97. Sliding by no less than 0.1mm and no greater than 99% of the length F of the first end 99 of the sensor device connector 10 along the sensor device connection axis 97 is also envisaged.

[0072] The sensor device lid release system 12 (shown in Figure 7) comprises a release button 201, a spring (not shown), a lever 205, and a rotary bushing (not shown).

[0073] The release button 201 is located on a top surface of the first housing 81. The spring is located within the first housing 81 beneath the release button 201. The spring is connected to the release button 201.

[0074] The lever 205 has a first end (not shown) and a second end 211. The first end of the lever 205 is connected to the release button 201 and is located within the first housing 81. The second end 211 of the lever 205 extends out of the release mechanism opening 48 in the second wall 46 and into the recess 75. The lever 205 extends through the rotary bushing. The lever 205 is shaped to conform to the shape of the fan 84.

[0075] Prior to connecting the sensor device 53 to the sensor device connector 10, the sensor device connector 10 is in the angled position with the sensor device connector mount 11 in its natural resting position.

[0076] To connect the sensor device 53 to the sensor device connector 10, a user aligns a connection port 205 of the sensor device 53 with the sensor device connector 10 along the sensor device connection axis 97. Then the user moves the sensor device 53 along the sensor device connection axis 97 until the sensor device connector is received within the connection port 205 of the sensor device 53. Due to the sensor device connector mount 11 being resiliently deformable, any movement of the sensor device connector mount 11 away from its natural resting position along the sensor device connection axis 97 will be inhibited by the sensor device connector mount 11 providing a reaction force 207 along the sensor device connection axis 97. The reaction force 207 inhibits the sensor device connector 10 from moving along the sensor device connection axis 97 away from the sensor device 53 during connection.

[0077] Then the user guides the sensor device 53 down until the sensor device 53 contacts, and is supported by, the base 43 and is received within the recess 75. This movement causes the sensor device connector mount 11 to elastically deform such that the sensor device connector 10 is pivoted in the first degree of freedom 126 of the sensor device connector

[0078] 10 into the flat position (shown in Figure 9).

[0079] At this point, the magnet 47 magnetically attracts the sensor device 53 to aid retention of the sensor device 53 within the recess 75.

[0080] To disconnect the sensor device 53 from the sensor device connector 10, the user pivots the sensor device 53 away from the base 43, which causes the sensor device connector mount

[0081] 11 to elastically deform such that the sensor device connector 10 is pivoted in the first degree of freedom 126 of the sensor device connector 10 away from the base 43. The user then moves the sensor device away from the sensor device connector 10 along the sensor device connection axis 97. The sensor device connector 10 is biased by the sensor device connector mount 11 towards the angled position such that the sensor device connector mount 11 returns to its natural resting position which causes the sensor device connector 10 to returns to the angled position ready for the next time the user wants to connect the sensor device 53 to the sensor device connector 10.

[0082] Prior to connecting the tablet computer 33 to the tablet computer connector 8, the tablet computer connector 8 is in the angled position (shown in Figure 10) and the tablet computer connector mount 9 is in its natural resting position. To connect the tablet computer 33 to the tablet computer connector 8, the user aligns a connection port 223 of the tablet computer 33 with the tablet computer connector 8 along the tablet computer connection axis 103. Then the user moves the tablet computer 33 along the tablet computer connection axis 103 until the tablet computer connector is received within the connection port 223 of the tablet computer 33. Due to the tablet computer connector mount 9 being resiliently deformable, any movement of the tablet computer connector mount 9 away from its natural resting position along the tablet computer connection axis 103 will be inhibited by the tablet computer connector mount 9 provides a reaction force 227 along the tablet computer connection axis 103. The reaction force 227 inhibits the tablet computer connector 8 from moving along the tablet computer connection axis 103 away from the tablet computer 33 during connection.

[0083] Then the user guides the tablet computer 33 down until the tablet computer 33 contacts the top surface 21 and is supported by the top surface 21. This movement causes the tablet computer connector mount 9 to elastically deform such that the tablet computer connector 8 is pivoted in the first degree of freedom 106 of the tablet computer connector 8 into the flat position (shown in Figure 11).

[0084] To disconnect the tablet computer 33 from the tablet computer connector 8, the user pivots the tablet computer 33 away from the top surface 21 which causes the tablet computer connector mount 9 to elastically deform such that the tablet computer connector 8 is pivoted in the first degree of freedom 106 of the tablet computer 33 away from the top surface 21. Then the user moves the tablet computer 33 away from the tablet computer connector 8 along the tablet computer connection axis 103. The tablet computer connector 8 is biased towards the angled position by the tablet computer connector such that the tablet computer connector mount 9 returns to its natural resting position, which causes the tablet computer connector 8 to return to the angled position ready for the next time the user wants to connect the tablet computer 33 to the tablet computer connector 8.

[0085] When the tablet computer 33 is connected to the tablet computer connector 8 and the sensor device 53 is connected to the sensor device connector 10, data is transferred from the sensor device 53 to the tablet computer 33 via the hub 7. Additionally, when an external power source is not connected to the port 94, power is transferred from the tablet computer 33 to the sensor device 53. When the external power source is connected to the port 94, power is transferred to the sensor device 53 and the tablet computer 33 from the external power source via the port 94.

[0086] When the sensor device 53 is located in the recess 75, the user can use the sensor device lid release system 12 to release a lid of the sensor device 52. This is performed by pushing the release button 201 down, which causes the lever 205 to pivot about the rotary bushing, and the second end 211 of the lever 205 to move upwards. When the sensor device 53 is located within the recess 75, the upward movement of second end 211 of the lever 205 causes the lever 205 to contact and release the lid of the sensor device 53. Once the user releases the release button 201, the spring then returns the release button 201 and the lever 205 to their starting positions, ready to be reused to release the lid of the sensor device 53.

[0087] Whilst a particular example has been described, it should be understood that this is an illustrative example only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tablet computer case comprising: a receiving portion configured to receive at least one of a sensor device and a tablet computer; a connector connectable to at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer; and a hub connected to the connector and configured to transfer at least one of data and power between the sensor device and the tablet computer, wherein: the connector comprises a connection axis which defines a direction along which at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer move relative to the connector to connect to the connector; and the connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion such that the connector is pivotable between: a first position in which there is a first angle between the connection axis and the receiving portion; and a second position in which there is a second angle between the connection axis and the receiving portion.

2. The tablet computer case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector is resiliently biased towards the first position.

3. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tablet computer case comprises a mount; the mount pivotably mounts the connector to the receiving portion; and the mount is configured to elastically deform to facilitate the pivoting of the connector between the first position and the second position.

4. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is configured to slide along the connection axis.

5. The tablet computer case claim 4, wherein the connector is configured to slide along the connection axis by no less than 0.1mm.

6. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion using a material having a Shore D hardness of no greater than 50.

7. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector has at least two degrees of freedom.

8. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second angle is no greater than 1°.

9. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first angle is no less than 2° and no greater than 5°.

10. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving portion defines a recess.

11. The tablet computer case as claimed in claim 10, wherein the connector protrudes into the recess.

12. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector comprises a flexible PCBA.

13. The tablet computer case as claimed in claim 12, wherein hub comprises a rigid PCBA connected to the flexible PCBA.

14. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving portion comprises a magnet configured to magnetically attract the at least one of the tablet computer or sensor device to hold the tablet computer or sensor device against the receiving portion.

15. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is pivotably mounted to the receiving portion such that, when at least one of the sensor device and the tablet computer are being connected to the connector, the connector provides a reaction force along the connection axis which inhibits a movement of the connector relative to the receiving portion along the connection axis.

16. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the receiving portion is configured to receive the sensor device; and the connector is connectable to the sensor device.

17. The tablet computer case as claimed in claim 16, wherein: the tablet computer case comprises a further receiving portion configured to receive the tablet computer; the tablet computer case comprises a further connector connectable to the tablet computer; the hub is connected to the further connector; the further connector comprises a further connection axis which defines a direction along which the tablet computer moves relative to the further connector to connect to the connector; and the further connector is pivotably mounted to the further receiving portion such that the further connector is pivotable between: a third position in which there is a third angle between the further connection axis and the further receiving portion; and a fourth position in which there is a fourth angle between the further connection axis and the further receiving portion.

18. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of claims, wherein the tablet computer case comprises a sensor device lid release system.

19. The tablet computer case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is an electrical connector configured to electrically connect at least one of asensor device and a tablet to the other of the sensor device and the tablet computer to enable data transfer between the sensor device and the tablet computer.

20. A kit comprising: the tablet computer as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; the tablet computer; and the sensor device.

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