Cases for tablet devices

Abstract

A case for a tablet device is disclosed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD The disclosure herein generally relates to cases for tablet-type devices. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of tablet devices include, but are not limited to, tablet computers, smartphones such as the Apple iPad Pro®, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S4®, the Amazon Fire HB 8®, and the Apple iPhone®.

[0003] The computer keyboard and the tablet-type device may each be configured to connect to each other, for example, the tablet-type device may have an electrical receptacle that can receive an electrical plug protruding from the computer keyboard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Disclosed herein is a case for a tablet-type device. The case includes a body with a peripheral wall defining a tablet-type device receiving area. The peripheral wall includes a wall portion for a side edge of the tablet-type device and another wall portion for another side edge of the tablet-type device. The case includes a connector provided in the wall portion for connecting to the tablet-type device. The case includes conductors terminated by the connector and arranged to conduct at least one of power and signals to the other wall portion.

[0005] One embodiment includes peripherals on the other wall.

[0006] In one embodiment, the peripheral device is mounted on the other wall.

[0007] In one embodiment, the peripheral comprises a user input device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the peripheral device comprises a computer keyboard.

[0009] In one embodiment, the conductors are arranged to conduct at least one of power and signals to the peripheral device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the peripheral device is attached to the main body on the other wall.

[0011] In one embodiment, the connector is movable relative to the wall.

[0012] In one embodiment, the conductor is flexible.

[0013] In one embodiment, the connector removably extends through the other wall.

[0014] In one embodiment, the other wall defines a connector receiving cavity and an outwardly facing connector port opening in communication with the connector receiving cavity.

[0015] In one embodiment, the conductor passes through the other wall.

[0016] In the context of this document, a connector is a device that can mechanically engage with another connector and, upon such engagement, allows power and / or signals to pass between the connector and the other connector. Examples of connectors include, but are not limited to, Lightning cables, USB-C cables, micro-USB cables, mini-USB cables, and dock connectors, such as Apple's 30-pin dock connector.

[0017] In the context of this document, a peripheral is a hardware device that can communicate signals and / or power with a tablet-like device. Examples of peripherals include, but are not limited to, computer keyboards, graphics tablets, data storage, modems, docks, and electronic displays.

[0018] In the context of this document, a conductor is one that conducts power and / or signals.

[0019] Any of the various features of the above disclosures and the various features of the embodiments described below may be combined as appropriate and desired. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a top view of a case for a tablet device according to one embodiment, the case being in a closed configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the case in a closed configuration. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view of the exterior of a case for a tablet-type device, the device in an open configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the inside of the case in an open position, revealing that the case includes a tablet device housing hingedly connected to a closure that includes an example of a computer keyboard. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a rear isometric view of the tablet device housing of the case. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of the tablet device housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tablet device storage section. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the tablet device storage section. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tablet device storage section. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of the periphery of a tablet device housing, partially hidden for illustrative purposes. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a portion of the periphery of a tablet device housing, partially hidden for illustrative purposes. [Figure 12]1 is an isometric view of conductors terminated by connectors associated with the periphery of the tablet device housing. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is an isometric view of conductors terminated by connectors associated with the periphery of the tablet device housing. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a case for a tablet device with a tablet device housed therein, the case open, and the case stand extended. [Figure 15] 15 is a plan view of the case of FIG. 14 with a tablet device housed therein, the case being closed. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the case of FIG. 14 in an open state with a tablet device inserted into the case. [Figure 17] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the case of FIG. 14 in an open state, with the tablet device housed in the case. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] 1 and 2 are top and bottom views of an embodiment of a case for a tablet-type device in the form of a computer tablet, the case in a closed configuration and generally designated by the numeral 10. Case 10 also has an open configuration, the exterior and interior plan views of which are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

[0023] The case 10 comprises a body 12 in the form of a tablet device protector configured to securely house the tablet device 10 (the "tablet device housing"). The body 12 is optionally made of both transparent and opaque materials. The case 10 also comprises a closure 14 in the form of a flap comprising a panel hingedly attached to an edge 18 of the body 12 by a membrane hinge 23 in the form of a flexible strip. The closure 14 can wrap around an opposite edge 20 of the body 12 and be secured in a closed position relative to the body by a hingedly connected closure flap 16 that is magnetically attracted thereto. The body 12 and the closure flap 16 are magnetically attracted to each other by ferromagnetic components attached to them, and in this embodiment, but not necessarily in all embodiments, by ferromagnetic components embedded therein. When the tablet device is housed within the body 12 and the closure 14 is secured in the closed position, the tablet device can be protected from damaging contact, such as being dropped or bumped.

[0024] 4 shows an interior plan view revealing that flap 14 includes peripherals 22 in the form of input devices including a computer keyboard 23 and a computer pointing device in the form of a computer trackpad 26. Peripherals 22 are on the interior surface of closure 14, which can provide protection when secured in the closed position by a magnetic fastener.

[0025] FIGS. 5-8 show various views of the main body 12 of the case 10 with the flap 14 hidden for illustrative purposes. The main body 12 includes a peripheral wall 28 that defines a tablet-type device receiving area 30 inside the case 10. The peripheral wall 28 includes a wall portion 32 for a side edge of the tablet-type device and another wall portion 34 associated with another side edge of the tablet-type device adjacent to the wall portion 32. The main body 12 includes a connector 36 in the form of a USB-C plug connector on the wall portion 32 for connecting to the tablet-type device when received within the main body 12. As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the connector 36 terminates a conductor 38 in the form of a flexible cable that is arranged to conduct at least one of power and signals between the other wall portion 34 (for the peripheral device 22) and the connector 36. FIGS. 12 and 13 show perspective views of the connector 36 and conductor 38 separated for illustrative purposes. Connector 36 is seen to be T-shaped with a plug portion 40 meeting an elongated strain relief portion 42 at the T-shaped junction. Connector 36 is movable by bending flexible conductors 38 relative to wall portion 32. As a result, connector 36 can be manipulated by a user to insert plug portion 40 into a receptacle connector on a tablet device.

[0026] 9-11 show the routing of the conductors 38 within the peripheral wall 28, which defines a channel or duct for the conduit 8. The conductive path defined by the connector 36 and the conduit 38 passes through the wall 32. The conductors 38 pass from the inside to the outside through an opening 44 defined by the wall 32. The plug portion 36 passes from the outside to the inside through another opening 46 defined by the wall 32. The connector 36 removably extends through the wall 32. The wall 32 defines an elongated connector-receiving cavity 48 having an outwardly facing connector port 60 that communicates with the connector-receiving cavity 48. When removably positioned in the cavity 48, the connector 36 is protected and less likely to snag or become disconnected. However, the connector 36 can be removed from the cavity to disconnect the connector 36 from the tablet device and remove the tablet device from the case 10. The connector 36 also serves to secure the tablet device within the body by functioning as a locking pin. The other ends of the conductors 38 are disposed in a passage defined by the other wall 34 in the form of a tunnel, routed through said passage and terminated by another connector 50 in the form of a ribbon cable connector, disposed at the hinge connection between the body 12 and the closure 14, for connection with a ribbon cable enabling communication between the peripheral device 22 and the connector 36.

[0027] The opening facing the front of the body 12 is narrowed by a resilient lip 52 that protrudes inward from the peripheral wall. A tablet-shaped device can be inserted by pushing it through the opening defined by the resilient lip 52. At least one of the resilient lips 52 deforms as the tablet-shaped device passes through and returns to its original shape after the tablet-shaped device has passed through.

[0028] The interior includes an optional liner in the form of a felt liner that provides a relatively soft surface to reduce scratches on the tablet device.

[0029] FIGS. 14-17 show various views of another embodiment of a case 100 for a tablet-type device 102. Parts similar or identical in shape and / or function to those in FIGS. 1-13 are similarly numbered. In FIG. 14, the tablet-type device 102 is housed within the case 100, the case is open, and the case stand 104 is extended. A user can place the case 100 on a surface, such as a table or bench, and interact with the user interface, with the case stand 104 elevating the tablet-type device 102 from the surface. FIG. 15 is a top view of the case 100 with the tablet-type device housed in the closed state. FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the open case 100 with the tablet-type device 102 inserted into it. The connector plug 40 of the case 100 is adapted to be received by the connector socket 41 of the tablet-type device 102. In this embodiment, connectors 40 and 41 are USB-C connectors, although generally any suitable desired connector may be used, such as, for example, an RJ-42 connector. Figure 17 is an isometric view of the case of Figure 14 in an open position, containing a tablet device.

[0030] To manufacture the cases 10 and 100, a one-step or two-step injection molding process can be used.

[0031] Having described embodiments, it will be appreciated that some embodiments may have the following advantages. The peripheral device can be placed along the edge of the tablet-type device without a connector, yet the tablet-type device and the peripheral device can be connected for signal and / or power communication therebetween.

[0032] Variations and / or modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention, for example: The connector may be any suitable type of connector, examples of which include, but are not limited to, a Lightning cable and a micro USB cable. The conductors may be of any suitable shape and configuration, such as round or flat cables. The hinge may generally have any suitable shape, for example it may have a hinge pin. A peripheral device may, for example, have only one of a computer keyboard and a trackpad, or may have additional and / or different functionality. The keyboard and / or trackpad may have different configurations. Closures may generally be secured using any suitable method, examples of which include, but are not limited to, clips and hook-and-loop fasteners. Other embodiments may have no liner or another suitable liner material. Conductors may also conduct light. Components may be, for example, opaque or transparent, as desired and suitable.

[0033] The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the reference to a feature disclosed herein does not imply that all embodiments must include that feature.

[0034] The disclosure of prior art, if any, herein is not to be construed as an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction.

[0035] In the claims that follow and in the foregoing description of the invention, unless otherwise required by context, express expression, or necessary implication, the word "comprises" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of stated features but do not exclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A case for a tablet device, the case comprising: a tablet-type device protector having a peripheral wall defining a tablet-type device receiving area, the peripheral wall having a wall portion for a side edge of the tablet-type device and another wall portion for another side edge of the tablet-type device; a closure hingedly attached to the tablet-type device protector at the other wall portion and having an inner surface on which a computer keyboard is located, the closure having an open position in which the tablet-type device receiving area is visible and a closed position in which the tablet-type device receiving area and the computer keyboard are protected; a plug connector provided in the wall portion for connection to the tablet-type device, the wall portion defining a plug connector receiving cavity and an opening, the plug connector being insertable through the plug connector receiving cavity and the opening to removably penetrate the wall portion; and a conductor terminated by the plug connector and arranged to conduct at least one of power and signals between the plug connector and the computer keyboard, the conductor being routed through a passage defined by the peripheral wall; Equipped with The plug connector is movable relative to the wall.

2. A case as described in claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is hingedly attached to the other wall portion.

3. A case as described in claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is hingedly attached to the tablet device protector at the other wall portion.

4. A case as described in claim 1, wherein the conductor passes from the inside to the outside through an opening defined by the wall portion, and the plug portion of the plug connector removably penetrates the wall portion from the outside to the inside through another opening defined by the wall portion.

5. A case as described in claim 1, wherein the conductor is flexible.

6. A case as described in claim 1, wherein the conductor passes through the other wall portion.

7. A case as described in claim 1, wherein the tablet device is received in the tablet device storage area.

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