Case with keyboard for portable electronic computing devices inventors: sudeep balkrishna agalgaonkar and brian lewis piper

Abstract

To provide a system for a portable electronic device.SOLUTION: A case assembly 20 including a first side and a second side, the first side including at least one far wall portion and at least one near wall portion, the second side including at least one far wall portion and at least one near wall portion, the first side being removably couplable to the at least one far wall portion of the first side of the case assembly and extending perpendicular to the base 40e; And a keyboard assembly 40 including a third side 40c extending perpendicular to the second side and removably couplable to the at least one far wall portion of the third side of the case assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] In one or more embodiments, a system for a portable electronic device includes: (I) a case assembly including: (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side including at least one distal wall portion, at least one central wall portion, and at least one proximal wall portion, wherein the at least one distal wall portion is farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base, and the at least one central wall portion is between the at least one distal wall portion and the at least one proximal wall portion; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; and (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the second side, the third side including at least one distal wall portion, at least one central wall portion, and at least one proximal wall portion, wherein the at least one distal wall portion is closer to the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base. (A) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side, the third side extending perpendicular to the base and the first side being distal from the first side and at least one central wall portion being between the at least one distal wall portion and the at least one proximal wall portion; and (B) a fourth side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; and (C) a keyboard assembly including: (A) a base; and (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side being removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly. (C) a first side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side, (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the second side, the third side being removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly, and (E) a fourth side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side. In an embodiment, the first side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the first side that extends perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion, and the third side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the third side that extends perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion.

[0002] In an embodiment, the first side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the first side that extends perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion, and the third side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the third side that extends perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion.

[0003] In an embodiment, the first side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the first side that extends perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion, and the third side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the third side that extends perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion.

[0004] In an embodiment, the at least one keyboard support portion on the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion on the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side, and the at least one keyboard support portion on the third side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion on the third side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side.

[0005] In implementations, at least one keyboard support portion on the first side is a flexible material and at least one keyboard support portion on the third side is a flexible material.

[0006] In an embodiment, at least one central wall portion of the first side is removably coupleable with the portable electronic device, and at least one central wall portion of the third side is removably coupleable with the portable electronic device.

[0007] In an embodiment, a first side of the keyboard assembly is frictionally coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly, and a third side of the keyboard assembly is frictionally coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly.

[0008] In an embodiment, the first side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion that is removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly, and the third side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion that is removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly.

[0009] In an embodiment, at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion that is removably coupleable to the first side of the keyboard assembly, and at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion that is removably coupleable to the third side of the keyboard assembly.

[0010] In an embodiment, a first side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion, at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion, and the at least one protrusion of the first side of the keyboard is removably connectable to at least one protrusion of the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly, a third side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion, at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion, and the at least one protrusion of the third side of the keyboard is removably connectable to at least one protrusion of the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly.

[0011] In an embodiment, the case assembly includes at least one semi-rigid portion to allow decoupling of the portable electronic device from the case assembly when the portable electronic device is coupled to the case assembly.

[0012] In an embodiment, the second side of the case assembly includes an interior and an exterior, the case assembly includes an electrical case assembly having an electrical connector, the second side of the case assembly includes an opening from the exterior of the second side through the second side to the interior of the second side, the electrical case assembly includes an electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector assembly extends from the exterior of the second side through the opening in the second side and beyond the interior of the second side, a portion of the electrical cable assembly extends along the exterior of the second side, a portion of the electrical cable assembly extends along the interior of the second side, a third side of the case assembly includes an interior, a portion of the electrical cable assembly extends along the interior of the third side, and the electrical cable assembly is electrically coupled to the keyboard assembly.

[0013] In an embodiment, the third side of the case assembly includes an exterior having a stylus-shaped recess.

[0014] In an embodiment, the flexible hinge is coupled to the case assembly and the flexible hinge is coupled to the keyboard assembly.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a system for a portable electronic device includes: (I) a case assembly including: (A) a base; and (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side including at least one distal wall portion and at least one proximal wall portion, the at least one distal wall portion being farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; and (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and parallel to the first side, the second side including at least one distal wall portion and at least one proximal wall portion, the at least one distal wall portion being farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; and (II) a keyboard assembly including: (A) a base; and (B) a keyboard assembly including: (A) a base; and (C) a keyboard assembly including: (A) a first side extending perpendicular to the base and extending parallel to the first side, the first side being removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly, the first side including at least one protrusion being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; and (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and extending parallel to the first side, the second side being removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the second side of the case assembly, the second side including at least one protrusion being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side of the case assembly.

[0016] In an embodiment, the first side includes at least one keyboard support portion and at least one portable electronic device support portion, wherein the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side, and the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the first side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side, and the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side. the second side includes at least one keyboard support portion and at least one portable electronic device support portion, the at least one keyboard support portion of the second side extending perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side, the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the second side extending perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side, and the at least one keyboard support portion of the second side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the second side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side.

[0017] In implementations, at least one keyboard support portion on the first side is a flexible material and at least one keyboard support portion on the second side is a flexible material.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a system for a portable electronic device includes: (I) a case assembly including: (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side including at least one distal wall portion and at least one proximal wall portion, the at least one distal wall portion being farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; and (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side, the third side including at least one distal wall portion and at least one proximal wall portion, the at least one distal wall portion being farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; and (II) a keyboard assembly including: (A) a base; and (B) a keyboard assembly including: (A) a base; The present invention may include, but is not limited to, a keyboard assembly including: (C) a first side extending vertically, the first side being removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly, the distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly including at least one protrusion that is removably coupleable to the first side of the keyboard assembly; and (D) a third side extending vertically from the base and extending vertically to the second side, the third side being removably coupleable to at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly, the distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly including at least one protrusion that is removably coupleable to the third side of the keyboard assembly.

[0019] In an embodiment, the first side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion, and the at least one protrusion of the first side of the keyboard is removably connectable with at least one protrusion of the distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly, and the third side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion, and the at least one protrusion of the third side of the keyboard is removably connectable with at least one protrusion of the distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second side of the case assembly includes an interior and an exterior, the case assembly includes an electrical case assembly having an electrical connector, the second side of the case assembly includes an opening from the exterior of the second side through the second side to the interior of the second side, the electrical case assembly includes an electrical connector assembly, the electrical connector assembly extends from the exterior of the second side through the opening in the second side and beyond the interior of the second side, a portion of the electrical cable assembly extends along the exterior of the second side, a portion of the electrical cable assembly extends along the interior of the second side, a third side of the case assembly includes an interior, a portion of the electrical cable assembly extends along the interior of the third side, and the electrical cable assembly is electrically coupled to the keyboard assembly.

[0021] In addition to the above, other aspects are set forth in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure set forth herein. Various other aspects are set forth and explained in the teachings, such as the documents (e.g., claims and / or detailed description) and / or drawings of this disclosure. The foregoing is a summary and, as such, may include simplifications, generalizations, inclusions, and / or omissions of details; thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and / or processes and / or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teachings set forth herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top view of a case assembly of a keyboard case system for a portable electronic device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a top view of a portable electronic device. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a portable electronic device. [Figure 10] 10 is a front perspective view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 9 with a cable assembly. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top view of a keyboard assembly of a keyboard case of a portable electronic device. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a top view of the interior portion of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 with the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 16] 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 with the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 17] 10 is a top view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 9 combined with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 18] 10 is a front perspective view of the portable electronic device of FIG. 9 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 20] 12 is a front perspective view of a portion of the case assembly of FIG. 1 and the portable electronic device of FIG. 9 coupled with the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 21]13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 and the case assembly of FIG. 1, both coupled with the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 22] 13 is a front perspective view of a portion of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 and the case assembly of FIG. 1, both coupled with the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 25] 13 is a top view of an inner portion of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with a portion of the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 26] 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 and the case assembly of FIG. 1 coupled with the portable electronic device of FIG. 9, all coupled with the cable assembly of FIG. 11. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 28] 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1 coupled with the portable electronic device of FIG. 9. [Figure 29] 13 is a top view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 combined with the case assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] For a more complete understanding of the embodiments, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0024] Referring now to the figures, one or more examples of a case, article of manufacture, or composition of matter having a keyboard for a portable electronic computing device are shown, which may, for example, provide a context for introducing one or more of the processes and / or devices described herein.

[0025] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, like symbols generally identify like elements unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1 , a top view of case assembly 20 of portable electronic device case system 10 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of case assembly 20 is shown to include sides 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, a base 20e, and an electrical cable assembly 20f. The illustrated embodiment of side 20a is shown to include exterior surface portion 20a1, keyboard support portion 20a3, and tablet support portion 20a5. The illustrated embodiment of side 20b is shown to include exterior surface portion 20b1, keyboard support portion 20b3, and tablet support portion 20b5. The illustrated embodiment of side 20c is shown to include exterior surface portion 20c1 with stylus-shaped recess 20c1a, tab 20c1b, and keyboard support portion 20c3. The illustrated embodiment of side 20d is shown to include exterior surface portion 20d1, keyboard support portion 20d3, and tablet support portion 20d5. The illustrated embodiment of base 20e is shown to include stand assembly 20e1. The illustrated embodiment of electrical cable assembly 20f is shown to include cable center portion 20f1.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of case assembly 20 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of side 20a is shown to include distal wall portion 20a2 having protrusions 20a2a and 20a2b, central wall portion 20a4, and proximal wall portion 20a6. The illustrated embodiment of side 20b is shown to include groove 20b4a and side exterior 20b-ext. The illustrated embodiment of side 20d is shown to include distal wall portion 20d2, central wall portion 20d4, and proximal wall portion 20d6. The illustrated embodiment of electrical cable assembly 20f is shown to include cable end portion 20f2 and cable central portion 20f3.

[0028] 3, there is shown a front perspective view of the case assembly 20. The illustrated embodiment of the side portion 20b is shown to include a stylus 22 having a tapered end portion 22a, a central portion 22b, and an end portion 22c.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 4, a front perspective view of case assembly 20 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of side 20b is shown to include distal wall portion 20b2, central wall portion 20b4 having opening 20b4b, tablet support portion 20b5, proximal wall portion 20b6, and side exterior 20b-int. The illustrated embodiment of side 20c is shown to include central wall portion 20c4 (having protrusions 20c2b and 20c2a), and tablet support portion 20c5. The illustrated embodiment of electrical cable assembly 20f is shown to include electrical connector assembly 20f4, cable central portion 20f5, cable central portion 20f6, and cable central portion 20f7.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, a front perspective view of the case assembly 20 is shown.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, a front perspective view of the case assembly 20 is shown.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 7, a front perspective view of the case assembly 20 is shown.

[0033] 8, a top view of portable electronic device 30 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of portable electronic device 30 is shown to include sides 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, and display 30e. In an embodiment, keyboard support portion 20a3, keyboard support portion 20b3, keyboard support portion 20c3, or keyboard support portion 20d3 is made from a flexible plastic or the like to allow insertion and removal of portable electronic device 30. In an embodiment, side 20a, side 20b, side 20c, side 20d, or base 20e of case assembly 20 is semi-rigid enough to allow insertion and removal of portable electronic device 30.

[0034] 9, there is shown a front perspective view of portable electronic device 30. In an embodiment, portable electronic device 30 is removably coupleable (e.g., frictionally coupleable, etc.) with case assembly 20. The illustrated embodiment of side portion 30b is shown to include electrical port 30b1.

[0035] 10, there is shown a front perspective view of portable electronic device 30 having electrical cable assembly 20f. The illustrated embodiment of electrical cable assembly 20f is shown to include end cable portion 20f8, coupler bracket 20f9, and coupler bracket 20f10.

[0036] 11 , a top view of keyboard assembly 40 of portable electronic device case system 10 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of keyboard assembly 40 is shown to include sides 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and a base 40e. In an embodiment, keyboard assembly 40 is removably coupleable (e.g., frictionally coupleable, etc.) with case assembly 20. The illustrated embodiment of side 40a is shown to include protrusions 40a1 and 40a2 that removably couple (e.g., via a friction fit, a click fit, a force fit, etc.) with protrusions 20c2b and 20c2a, respectively. The illustrated embodiment of side 40c is shown to include protrusions 40c1 and 40c2 that removably couple (e.g., via a friction fit, a click fit, a force fit, etc.) with protrusions 20a2a and 20a2b, respectively. The illustrated embodiment of base 40e is shown to include keys 40e1 and a trackpad 40e2.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 12, a front view of keyboard assembly 40 is depicted.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 13, a side view of keyboard assembly 40 is shown.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 14, a top view of an interior portion of keyboard assembly 40 is shown. The illustrated embodiment of side 40a is shown to include flexible hinge 40a3. The illustrated embodiment of base 40e is shown to include opening 40e3, opening 40e4, opening 40e5, protrusion fluid diverter 40e6, protrusion fluid diverter 40e7, protrusion fluid diverter 40e8, protrusion fluid diverter 40e9, and protrusion fluid diverter 40e10. The illustrated embodiment of protrusion fluid diverter 40e6 is shown to include channel 40e6a and channel 40e6b. The illustrated embodiment of protrusion fluid diverter 40e7 is shown to include channel 40e7a and channel 40e7b. The illustrated embodiment of protruding fluid diverter 40e8 is shown to include channel 40e8a, channel 40e8b, and channel 40e8c. The illustrated embodiment of protruding fluid diverter 40e9 is shown to include channel 40e9a and channel 40e9b. The illustrated embodiment of protruding fluid diverter 40e10 is shown to include channel 40e10a.

[0040] 15, there is shown a top view of keyboard assembly 40 electrically coupled with electrical cable assembly 20f. The illustrated embodiment of electrical cable assembly 20f is shown to include electrical cable portion 20f11 electrically coupled with keyboard assembly 40.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown a front perspective view of keyboard assembly 40 electrically coupled with electrical cable assembly 20f.

[0042] 17, there is shown a top view of portable electronic device 30 coupled to case assembly 20. In an embodiment, portable electronic device 30 is removably coupleable to central wall portion 20a4, central wall portion 20b4, central wall portion 20c4, and central wall portion 20d4 of case assembly 20.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a front perspective view of portable electronic device 30 coupled with case assembly 20.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a front perspective view of keyboard assembly 40 coupled with case assembly 20.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a front perspective view of a portion of the case assembly 20 and a portable electronic device 30 coupled with an electrical cable assembly 20f.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly 40 and case assembly 20, both coupled with an electrical cable assembly 20f.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown a front perspective view of a portion of the keyboard assembly 40 and case assembly 20, both coupled with an electrical cable assembly 20f.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a front perspective view of keyboard assembly 40 coupled with case assembly 20.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a rear perspective view of keyboard assembly 40 coupled with case assembly 20.

[0050] 25, there is shown a top view of an interior portion of keyboard assembly 40 electrically coupled with a portion of electrical cable assembly 20f. The illustrated embodiment of electrical cable assembly 20f is shown to include electrical cable portion 20f12 and keyboard controller portion 20f13.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 26, there is shown a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly 40 and case assembly 20 coupled with the portable electronic device 30, all coupled with the electrical cable assembly 20f.

[0052] 27, there is shown a bottom perspective view of keyboard assembly 40 coupled with case assembly 20. As shown, flexible hinge 40a3 is coupled with case assembly 20 and can cover electrical cable portion 20f11.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 28, there is shown a front perspective view of keyboard assembly 40 coupled with case assembly 20 coupled with portable electronic device 30.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 29, there is shown a top view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 combined with the case assembly of FIG.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 30, there is shown a front perspective view of the keyboard assembly of FIG. 12 coupled with the case assembly of FIG.

[0056] While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based on the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made without departing from the present subject matter described herein and its broader aspects, and therefore, the appended claims are intended to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. In general, those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used in this specification, and particularly in the claims (e.g., the body of the claims), are generally intended as "open-ended" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" as "having at least," the term "includes" as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). If a specific number of claim recitations are intended, such intent will be explicitly stated in the claim, and those skilled in the art will further understand that the absence of such recitation does not mean that such intent is not presented. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim recitation with the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular statement containing such an introduced claim recitation to claims containing only one such statement, even when that same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.Additionally, where a specific number of recitations in a claim is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will understand that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least one of the recited number (e.g., a minimum recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is applied, such construction is generally intended in the sense that those skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Where a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is applied, such construction is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include, but be limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those of ordinary skill in the art will further understand that disjunctive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should typically be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms, unless the context dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" is typically understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0057] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations recited herein may generally be performed in any order. Also, while various operational flows are presented in a sequence(s), it should be understood that various operations may be performed in other orders than those depicted, or may even be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preparatory, supplemental, simultaneous, reverse, or other variant orderings, unless the context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives generally are not intended to exclude such variants, unless the context dictates otherwise.

Claims

1. 1. A system for a portable electronic device, comprising: (I) a case assembly, (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side including at least one distal wall portion, at least one central wall portion, and at least one proximal wall portion; the at least one distal wall portion is further from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is further from the base; the first side, wherein the at least one central wall portion is between the at least one distal wall portion and the at least one proximal wall portion; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the second side, the third side including at least one distal wall portion, at least one central wall portion, and at least one proximal wall portion; the at least one distal wall portion is further from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is further from the base; the third side, wherein the at least one central wall portion is between the at least one distal wall portion and the at least one proximal wall portion; (E) a fourth side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; the case assembly including: (II) a keyboard assembly, (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the second side, the third side being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly; and (E) a fourth side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; the keyboard assembly, The system comprising:

2. the first side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the first side extending perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion; the third side includes at least one portable electronic device support portion on the third side extending perpendicular to the at least one central wall portion; The system of claim 1 .

3. the first side includes at least one keyboard support portion; the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side; the third side includes at least one keyboard support portion; the at least one keyboard support portion of the third side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side; The system of claim 2 .

4. the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side; the at least one keyboard support portion of the third side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the third side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side; The system of claim 3.

5. the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side is a flexible material; the at least one keyboard support portion of the third side is a flexible material; The system of claim 3.

6. the at least one central wall portion of the first side is removably coupleable with the portable electronic device; the at least one central wall portion of the third side is removably coupleable with the portable electronic device; The system of claim 1 .

7. the first side of the keyboard assembly is frictionally coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; the third side of the keyboard assembly is frictionally coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly; The system of claim 1 .

8. the first side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; the third side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly. The system of claim 1 .

9. the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the first side of the keyboard assembly; the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the third side of the keyboard assembly. The system of claim 1 .

10. the first side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion; the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion; the at least one protrusion on the first side of the keyboard is removably connectable with the at least one protrusion on the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; the third side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion; the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly includes at least one protrusion; the at least one protrusion on the third side of the keyboard is removably connectable with the at least one protrusion on the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly; The system of claim 1 .

11. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the case assembly includes at least one semi-rigid portion to enable decoupling of the portable electronic device from the case assembly when the portable electronic device is coupled to the case assembly.

12. the second side of the case assembly includes an interior and an exterior; the case assembly includes an electrical cable assembly; the second side of the case assembly includes an opening from the exterior of the second side through the second side to the interior of the second side; the electrical cable assembly extends from an exterior of the second side through the opening in the second side and beyond the interior of the second side; a portion of the electrical cable assembly extending along an exterior of the second side; a portion of the electrical cable assembly extending along the interior of the second side; the third side of the case assembly includes an interior; a portion of the electrical cable assembly extending along the interior of the third side; the electrical cable assembly is electrically coupled to the keyboard assembly; The system of claim 1 .

13. the third side of the case assembly includes an exterior having a stylus-shaped recess; The system of claim 1 .

14. further comprising a flexible hinge; the flexible hinge is coupled to a case assembly; the flexible hinge is coupled to the keyboard assembly; The system of claim 1 .

15. 1. A system for a portable electronic device, comprising: (I) a case assembly, (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side including at least one distal wall portion and at least one proximal wall portion; the first side, wherein the at least one distal wall portion is farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and parallel to the first side, the second side including the at least one distal wall portion and the at least one proximal wall portion; the second side, wherein the at least one distal wall portion is farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; the case assembly including: (II) a keyboard assembly, (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; the first side of the keyboard including at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and parallel to the first side, the second side being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side of the case assembly; the second side of the keyboard including at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side of the case assembly; and the keyboard assembly, The system comprising:

16. the first side includes the at least one keyboard support portion and at least one portable electronic device support portion; the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side; the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the first side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side; the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the first side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side; the second side includes at least one keyboard support portion and at least one portable electronic device support portion; the at least one keyboard support portion of the second side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side; the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the second side extends perpendicular to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side; the at least one keyboard support portion of the second side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side than the at least one portable electronic device support portion of the second side is closer to the at least one distal wall portion of the second side; 16. The system of claim 15.

17. the at least one keyboard support portion of the first side is a flexible material; the at least one keyboard support portion of the second side is a flexible material; 16. The system of claim 15.

18. 1. A system for a portable electronic device, comprising: (I) a case assembly, (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side including at least one distal wall portion and at least one proximal wall portion; the first side, wherein the at least one distal wall portion is farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side, the third side including the at least one distal wall portion and the at least one proximal wall portion; the third side, wherein the at least one distal wall portion is farther from the base than the at least one proximal wall portion is farther from the base; the case assembly including: (II) a keyboard assembly, (A) a base; (B) a first side extending perpendicular to the base, the first side being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; a first side of the case assembly, the distal wall portion of the first side including at least one protrusion removably coupleable to the first side of the keyboard assembly; (C) a second side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the first side; (D) a third side extending perpendicular to the base and perpendicular to the second side, the third side being removably coupleable to the at least one distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly; a third side of the case assembly, the distal wall portion of the third side including at least one protrusion removably coupleable to a third side of the keyboard assembly; the keyboard assembly, The system comprising:

19. the first side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion; the at least one protrusion on the first side of the keyboard is removably connectable with the at least one protrusion on the distal wall portion of the first side of the case assembly; the third side of the keyboard includes at least one protrusion; the at least one protrusion on the third side of the keyboard is removably connectable with the at least one protrusion on the distal wall portion of the third side of the case assembly; 20. The system of claim 18.

20. the second side of the case assembly includes an interior and an exterior; the case assembly includes an electrical cable assembly; the second side of the case assembly includes an opening from the exterior of the second side through the second side to the interior of the second side; the electrical cable assembly includes an electrical connector assembly; the electrical connector assembly extends from an exterior of the second side through the opening in the second side and beyond the interior of the second side; a portion of the electrical cable assembly extending along an exterior of the second side; a portion of the electrical cable assembly extending along the interior of the second side; the third side of the case assembly includes an interior; a portion of the electrical cable assembly extending along the interior of the third side; the electrical cable assembly is electrically coupled to the keyboard assembly; 20. The system of claim 18.

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