HK1162885B - Foldable case for use with an electronic device - Google Patents

Description

Foldable sleeve for electronic device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a case (case) for protecting electronic equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to a case having a foldable cover for selectively covering a display of a device and for forming a stand for supporting the device in a particular orientation.

Background

The portable electronic device may include several interfaces through which a user may interact with the device. In particular, the device may include one or more displays and input interfaces through which a user may ingest displayed content or control the manner in which content is displayed. The device may comprise a housing supporting the number of interfaces and defining a volume within which components of the electronic device may be placed and supported. For example, the housing may be used to hold a power source (e.g., a battery), processing circuitry, communication circuitry, positioning circuitry, storage devices and memory, and conductive paths (e.g., a bus) connecting the device components.

The housing may be constructed from one or more different components. For example, the housing may include a housing having one or more components, a bezel disposed around a periphery of the housing, and a display. The housing may include a back plate and a sidewall extending from the back plate, and the bezel may be engaged with the sidewall. The bezel may include one or more structural elements for engaging and retaining windows within the perimeter of the bezel.

During use, the device housing may be impacted or exposed to the environment surrounding the device. Because the impact may damage the housing or damage components within the device, the user may wish to protect the electronic device by placing the device in a protective case. The protective sleeve may be constructed of a suitable soft or hard material and may protect part or the entire electronic device. For example, the sleeve may cover the housing and bezel and only a portion of the display. As another example, the case may cover substantially the entire electronic device so that the device may be removed from the case during use. As another example, the sleeve may selectively cover the display (e.g., with a cover). However, the sleeves may have limited aesthetic appearance, or may have limitations on the manner in which they protect the device.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a case (case) for a portable electronic device having a display. In particular, the present invention relates to a case having a pouch (pouch) in which an electronic device may be placed, and a cover that may be folded over the pouch to selectively protect the device display.

To protect the display of the electronic device, the sleeve may comprise a pocket member coupled to the cover member with a hinge (hinge). The pocket member may provide a protective surface around at least a portion of the electronic device. For example, the pocket may protect the sidewalls and one surface of the device, leaving only the display window exposed. The hinge and cover may be sized such that the cover may be folded over the pouch to substantially completely cover the exposed display window.

The sleeve may be constructed of any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the sleeve may be constructed by combining several different materials having different properties. For example, several different materials may be laminated to form the sleeve. The material may include, for example, polyester microfibers, polycarbonate fibers, polyurethane adhesives, polyester braids, and polyurethane sheets. The different materials may be laminated in different orders and may be based on portions of the sleeve, including only some of these materials. For example, certain portions of the cover may include fiberglass panels, while certain portions of the bag may include only softer layers (e.g., polyurethane and microfibers).

The sleeve may include one or more tabs (tab) for supporting the sleeve at an angle relative to the ground. For example, the back of the sleeve may include a tab into which the lid may be folded. When the lid is folded into the tab, the sleeve may define a triangular shape which may be placed on any of the three sides of the triangle. In some embodiments, the length of the sides of the triangle may be selected to provide different viewing angles (e.g., typing angles and media playback angles) for the devices in the sleeve.

Drawings

The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

2A-C are a series of schematic views of an illustrative sleeve according to one embodiment of the present invention;

3A-C are a series of schematic views of an illustrative sleeve according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an illustrative bag for use in a case for holding an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the bag of FIG. 4 taken from a viewpoint 402, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the bag of FIG. 4, wherein a flap has been folded over the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the bag of FIG. 6 taken from a viewpoint 402, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flap of the pouch of FIG. 4 along line 8-8 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral stack 420 taken along line 9-9, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the peripheral laminate of the tab and bag of FIG. 4 taken along line 10-10 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a base stack according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a base layer stack 1110 taken along line 12-12 and connected to a peripheral layer stack, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are end views of a folded sleeve defining a prism, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a tab 1150 taken along line 14-14 according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for assembling a sleeve for protecting an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The electronic device may include a housing within which different components may be secured to provide functionality of the electronic device. The housing may include one or more interfaces for interacting with the device, including, for example, one or more displays and input mechanisms. As another example, the housing may include one or more ports or connectors, or openings for ports or connectors (e.g., USB, power, and audio connectors). As another example, the housing may include an opening for a speaker. To protect the housing from impacts or other external forces applied to the device, the device may be placed in a sleeve.

The sleeve may have any suitable shape suitable for protecting at least a portion of an electronic device. In some embodiments, the case may include a primary pocket for receiving the electronic device. The bag may include an opening through which one or more of the display and the input interface may be accessed. In some embodiments, the opening may include a transparent film or layer through which an interface may be accessed (e.g., an interface through which a touch interface may be operated). To protect the display and the interface in the opening, the sleeve may comprise a cover connected to the bag by a hinge so that the cover can be folded over the opening of the bag.

The sleeve may be constructed of any suitable material to provide a particular aesthetic appearance or desired level of protection. For example, the sleeve may be constructed from a hard material. As another example, the sleeve may be constructed of a softer material, but include one or more hard elements to provide impact resistance. In one implementation, the sleeve may be constructed by laminating different types of materials to form a laminate. The material stack may comprise different types of materials, including materials selected based on different physical properties. For example, the material laminate may include a soft material (e.g., disposed in contact with the device), a hard material (e.g., fiberglass) for withstanding impact, and a dirt-resistant or water-resistant material (e.g., polyurethane) for providing a satisfactory outer surface for the sleeve.

The sleeve may include a tab embedded or attached to the back of the pouch so that the lid can be folded back along the hinge and secured within the tab. This may define a triangular prism, wherein the cover, hinge and pocket of the sleeve define three rectangular sides of the prism. The tab may be located on the pouch such that the length of the hinge and the length of the lid provide two different angles at which the sleeve may be placed. For example, the angles may be selected to optimize the typing angle and viewing angle of the device.

Any suitable electronic device may be placed in the sleeve. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the invention. Electronic device 100 may include a housing 110, a bezel 112, and a window 120. Bezel 112 may be coupled to housing 110 in a manner that secures window 120 to the bezel. Housing 110 and bezel 112 may be constructed from any suitable material, including, for example, plastic, metal, or composite materials. In one implementation, housing 110 may be constructed from plastic or aluminum, and bezel 112 may be constructed from stainless steel. The window 120 may be constructed from any suitable transparent or translucent material, including, for example, glass or plastic. Different electronic device components may be maintained within the electronic device 100 to provide different functionality to the user.

To protect the electronic device from damage due to impact or wear caused by the environment, the electronic device may be placed in a pocket. Fig. 2A-C and 3A-C are a series of schematic views of an illustrative sleeve according to one embodiment of the invention. The sleeves 200 and 300 are operable to receive electronic equipment, for example, in the pocket members 210 and 310, respectively. The pocket member may include an opening through which the display may be viewed (e.g., as described in more detail below). To protect the display, the sleeves 200 and 300 may include covers 220 and 320, respectively, connected to the bag members by hinges 220 and 320, respectively. The hinge may be constructed of a pliable material such that the covers 220 and 320 may be bent back and forth relative to the openings of the bags 210 and 310 (e.g., covering the display for protection of the device display when stored, or behind the bags for exposing the display when the device is in use).

Sleeves 200 and 300 may include a flap (flap)215, flap 215 being assembled into or coupled to an opening within bags 210 and 310, wherein a device may be inserted into bags 210 and 310, respectively. Flaps 215 and 315 can extend outward from the opening so that the flaps can be folded over the device and retain the device within the bag. In certain embodiments, flaps 215 and 315 can include one or more rigid elements for assisting a user in folding the flaps over the device or for retaining the flaps between the device and the bag surface.

In some embodiments, a user may wish to fold the covers 220 and 320 behind the bag members 210 and 310, respectively, in order to define other surfaces on which the sleeve may rest. For example, a user may fold covers 220 and 320 into tabs 250 and 350, respectively, such that sleeves 200 and 300 form prisms, wherein bag members 210 and 310, hinges 220 and 320, and covers 220 and 320 each define a sidewall of the prism. The sleeve can be placed on any side wall of the prism (e.g., resting on a hinge or lid) so that the device display within the bag forms a particular angle with respect to the user. In some embodiments, the location of tabs 250 and 350, and the length of hinges 220 and 320 and covers 220 and 320, may be selected such that when sleeves 200 and 300 rest on hinges 220 and 320 and covers 220 and 320, the device is displayed at a particular angle.

The sleeves 200 and 300 may be oriented in any suitable manner. In the examples of fig. 2A-C and 3A-C, the sleeves 200 and 300 are oriented in a transverse and vertical pattern, respectively. For example, hinge 220 is along the long end of rectangular bag member 210, while hinge 320 is along the short end of rectangular bag member 310. It should be understood, however, that the bag member may have any suitable shape, and the hinge may be along one or more of any edges of the bag member (e.g., the hinge is along two non-adjacent or non-continuous edges of the polygon). For simplicity, however, the following discussion will provide examples and details in the context of a transversely oriented sleeve (e.g., sleeve 200).

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of an illustrative bag for use within a case for holding an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The pouch element 400 may include a backing layer or primary laminate 410, and a peripheral or secondary laminate 420 may be attached to the backing layer or primary laminate 410. The peripheral laminate 420 may be placed around the periphery of the backing laminate 410 such that when the electronic device is inserted into the pouch 400, the periphery of the device is constrained between the laminates 410 and 420. The width of the peripheral laminate 420 may be selected based on any suitable criteria, including, for example, the size of the device to be placed within the pocket. In particular, the peripheral laminate 420 may be sized such that once the electronic device is inserted into the pocket, it cannot pass through an opening of the peripheral laminate (e.g., opening 422 described below). Peripheral laminate 420 may include an opening 422 through which the electronics may be viewed and manipulated. For example, the size of the opening 422 may generally match the size of a display area or window of the device. As another example, the opening 422 may be sized to enable the display and input interface (e.g., keyboard) to be viewed and accessed through the opening.

The electronic device may be placed within the bag 400 (e.g., between the laminates 410 and 420) using any suitable method. In some embodiments, the bag may include an opening through which the device may be slid into the bag. This may be necessary if the opening 422 is sized such that the device cannot pass through the opening (e.g., for insertion or removal). Fig. 5 is an end view of the bag of fig. 4 taken from a viewpoint 402, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 5, bag 400 may include an opening 440, and device 500 may be inserted through opening 440. To secure the device between stacks 410 and 420, flap 430 may be coupled to or embedded in one of the stacks (e.g., stack 420). Flap 430 can extend beyond peripheral stack 420 and away from opening 422 such that flap 430 can be folded toward stack 410 and define a sidewall between stacks 410 and 420. Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the bag of fig. 4, wherein the flap has been folded over the apparatus, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 6, flap 430 has been folded into opening 440 and toward stack 410 of bag 400. Fig. 7 is an end view of the bag of fig. 6 taken from a viewpoint 402, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 7, flap 430 can surround device 500 such that the free end of flap 430 is located between device 500 and stack 410. This may allow flap 430 to form a sidewall of bag 400 and thereby stabilize device 500 on all sides (one side is flap 430 and the other side is the junction between stacks 410 and 420).

Turning to fig. 4, flap 430 can have any suitable width 432 sufficient to secure the electronic device once flap 430 is folded under the device. In particular, width 432 may be selected such that width 432 is substantially greater than height 434 of device 500. The length of width 432 minus height 434 may be selected such that it provides sufficient resistance (e.g., based on friction between flap 430 and stack 410 to prevent flap 430 from slipping out). To make it easier for a user to insert the flap 430 around the device 500, the flap 430 can include one or more rigid elements 436 and 438 separated by a flexible portion 437. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 437 can be the same as the non-rigid portion of the flap 430 (e.g., by introducing additional material within the flap 430 to form the rigid elements 436 and 438). The width of the rigid element 436 and the position of the rigid element 436 relative to the boundaries of the flap 430 may be selected so that a user may easily fold the rigid element 436 around the device and into the bag 400. In particular, the width of the rigid element 436 may be no greater than the distance 433 between the rigid element 436 and the stack 420 (e.g., the minimum distance between portions of the rigid element 436 and the stack 420). In other words, the flexible portion 437 can extend a distance 433.

Since the height of the device (e.g., height 434) is less than the distance 433 between the rigid element 436 and the laminate 420, the flap 430 may include additional portions that a user may wish to insert between the device 500 and the laminate 410 to ensure that the device 500 remains secure within the pouch 400 (e.g., so that the flap 430 is only an amount equal to the height 434 not between the device and the backsheet laminate). The rigid element 438 may be placed substantially within this portion to provide a hard assembly that a user may easily slide into the bag 400. The stiffening element 438 may have any suitable size, including, for example, a width that is no greater than the difference between the distance 433 and the height 434 (e.g., the length of the amount remaining in the flap 430 to slide into the bag 400). In some embodiments, the rigid element 438 may be placed at the limits of the height 434 in order to provide an indication of how much the flap 430 should be inserted.

Rigid elements 436 and 438 may be constructed from any suitable material. In certain embodiments, the rigid elements 436 and 438 may comprise polycarbonate layers that are flexible for bending about axes that are in the plane of the layers, but stiff and resistant to bending about axes that are not in the plane of the layers (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the layers). Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a flap of the bag of fig. 4 along line 8-8 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cross-section 800 of flap 430 may comprise several materials. Layers 802 and 804 may form the outermost surface of flap 430. Since at least one of layers 802 and 804 (e.g., layer 804) will be in contact with the electronic device when inside the bag, the material chosen for these layers may be soft so as not to scratch the device housing. In one implementation, layers 802 and 804 may be constructed from microfibers (e.g., polyester microfibers). Although the example of fig. 8 shows layers 802 and 804 being constructed of the same material, different materials may be used instead. In one implementation, at least one of layers 802 and 804 (e.g., layer 802) may be an extension of a layer of peripheral laminate 420 (e.g., a layer that makes contact with the electronic device in other portions of bag 400) and is therefore also a soft layer.

Layers 802 and 804 may be coupled to each other using any suitable method, including, for example, using an adhesive. In the example of fig. 8, flap 430 may include an adhesive layer 810 extending between layers 802 and 804. Any suitable adhesive may be used including, for example, polyurethane based pressure adhesives. Flap 430 may include stiffening elements 836 and 838 corresponding to stiffening elements 436 and 438 (fig. 4). Rigid elements 836 and 838 may be constructed from any suitable material having sufficient stiffness or rigidity. In one implementation, the rigid elements 836 and 838 may be constructed from a fiberglass component (e.g., a fiberglass plate). To ensure that the stiffening elements 836 and 838 adhere to the layers 802 and 804, the flap 430 may include additional layers of adhesive 812 and 814 applied to the surfaces of the stiffening elements.

Returning to fig. 4, bag 400 defines an enclosure for an electronic device by bonding (bind) base layer stack 410 to peripheral stack 420. Peripheral laminate 420 may define a surface having an opening 422 through which a user may interact with device 500. The opening 422 may be empty or alternatively a transparent or translucent component that may be filled to preserve the ability of the user to interact with the device. The peripheral portion 424 of the peripheral laminate 420 may define a substantially continuous surface for retaining an edge (e.g., periphery) of the device 500. The peripheral portion 424 may have any suitable width (e.g., width 425) sufficient to hold the device 500. In particular, the width 425 may be selected such that the device 500 cannot be removed from the pouch 400 through the opening 422, but is not so large as to adversely affect the user's interaction with the device interface. Although in bag 400, width 425 is shown as being constant, it should be understood that width 425 may vary in some embodiments.

The small width 425 of the peripheral laminate 420 may cause the peripheral portion to warp outward (flare out) when the device 500 is inserted into the bag 400 and adversely affect the decorative appeal and use of the sleeve. To ensure that the peripheral stack 420 remains in contact with the device housing, the peripheral stack 420 may include a rigid ring 426 that is located within the peripheral portion 424 and defines a continuous or substantially continuous ring around the opening 422. The ring 426 may prevent the outer perimeter portion 424 from warping outward (e.g., stretching away from the device housing) and instead maintain contact of the surface of the device with the display with the bag.

Any suitable method may be used to embed the rigid ring 426 in the outer perimeter stack 420. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a peripheral laminate 420 taken along line 9-9, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Cross-section 900 of peripheral laminate 420 may include several layers having different physical properties that combine to provide a particular decorative and physical effect. On its outermost surface, the peripheral laminate 420 may include an outer layer 902. Layer 902 may include any suitable properties, including, for example, an aesthetically pleasing surface, a surface that is comfortable to the touch, dirt resistant, tear resistant, or otherwise damaged, or has any other properties. In one implementation, layer 902 may be constructed from polyurethane. Because polyurethane is stretchable, peripheral stack 420 may include a layer 904 for resisting deformation due to stretching of layer 902. For example, layer 904 may include a polyester braid that resists tension along the plane of the braid. Layer 904 may be bonded to layer 902 using any suitable method, including, for example, using an adhesive layer (not shown), compression, or any other suitable method. In some embodiments, an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 907) on the other side of layer 904 may pass through layer 804 (since it is a braid) and ensure that layer 904 bonds to layer 902.

To form a rigid ring around the outer circumference of outer circumferential stack 420, cross-section 900 may include a rigid layer 910. Rigid layer 910 may be constructed from any suitable material, including, for example, fiberglass (e.g., as described above in connection with ring 426 of fig. 4). To ensure proper bonding between layer 910 and the remaining layers, adhesive layers 906, 907, and 908 may be applied around rigid layer 910 (e.g., adhesive layers 907 and 908 on the upper and lower surfaces of layer 910, and layer 906 where rigid layer 910 is not present between layers 904 and 912). Any suitable adhesive may be used to form layers 906, 907, and 908, including, for example, pressure or thermal adhesives (e.g., polyurethane-based adhesives).

The last layer of the peripheral laminate 420 is placed in contact with the electronic device housing. Thus, the layer 912 may be constructed of a soft material that does not damage the housing. These materials may include, for example, microfibers (e.g., polyester microfibers). The stack 420 may be assembled by any suitable method. In certain embodiments, each layer may be added and bonded separately or integrated into the stack sequentially. Alternatively, some or all of the layers may be overlapped and pressure or heat based processes may be applied to assemble the stack. The various layers may be pre-cut and assembled, or alternatively, may be assembled together and cut to a particular shape (e.g., die cut) once the stack is created.

In certain embodiments, flap 430 can include at least one layer shared with peripheral stack 420. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tab and peripheral laminate of the bag of FIG. 4, taken along line 10-10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As described above in connection with fig. 8 and 9, cross-section 1000 of peripheral stack 420 and flap 430 may include different layers for each of stack 420 and flap 430. To ensure proper integration of the stack and flaps, layer 1002 can be used as both layer 912 of peripheral stack 420 (fig. 9) and layer 804 of flap 430 (fig. 8). The adhesive layer 1010 corresponding to the adhesive layer 810 (fig. 8) of the flap 430 can extend at least partially under the peripheral laminate 420 along the layer 820 (fig. 8) of the flap 430.

The device 500 may include several ports that interface with electronic devices. For example, device 500 may include one or more buttons or other controls (e.g., a sliding mechanism), connectors (e.g., USB or 30-pin connectors, or jacks), speakers, sensors (e.g., proximity or IR sensors), or other interface elements that a user may need to access through bag 400. For example, the pouch 400 may include a connector opening 452, button openings 452 and 454, a wheel opening 456, and a speaker opening 458. Although the openings in the bag 400 are characterized, it should be understood that these openings may be used for any other interface element, and that one opening may be used for several interface elements.

The opening 450 may be formed in any suitable element of the sleeve. In the example of fig. 4, an opening 450 is formed in flap 430. The opening 450 may be of any suitable size or purpose, including, for example, positioned and sized such that a connector may pass through and engage a corresponding interface of the device 500. The opening 450 may be made using any suitable method, including for example, die cutting before or after the flap 430 is assembled. The openings 452, 454, and 456 may have any suitable size and purpose, including, for example, a position and size corresponding to a button or other interface for actuating the device 500. Because openings 452, 454, and 456 may be relatively large (e.g., large enough to allow passage of a user's finger), portions of peripheral laminate 420 near or around these openings may warp outward when device 500 is inserted. To prevent warping, the peripheral laminate 420 or backsheet laminate 410 (e.g., a laminate having an opening) may include a stiffening layer that maintains the integrity and shape of the opening. For example, the laminate may include an additional polycarbonate layer (e.g., a polycarbonate disc around the edge of the opening) and a corresponding adhesive layer in the laminate (e.g., instead of or in addition to the rigid layer).

Opening 458 may include a number of holes through which the acoustic waves may propagate. To ensure optimal sound propagation, the openings 458 may be generally aligned with corresponding openings of speakers proximate the device 500. The openings 458 may be of any suitable size, including, for example, a large number of small openings or fewer (e.g., one) larger openings. When smaller openings are used, peripheral laminate 420 may be less prone to warping out because less material is missing and the force is more evenly distributed. To ensure that the shape of the bag 400 remains intact, the peripheral laminate 420 may include additional layers of material (e.g., softer materials such as additional microfiber or polyurethane layers).

The backsheet laminate 410 may comprise a substantially continuous surface to be in contact with one side of the device housing. For example, the side of the device opposite the display may be placed in contact with the backsheet laminate 410. In certain embodiments, the backsheet laminate 410 may extend beyond the edges of the peripheral laminate 420 and include some or all of the hinge and lid of the sleeve. FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a substrate stack according to one embodiment of the invention. Laminate 1100 may include several different portions including, for example, a pocket portion 1110, a hinge portion 1120, and a lid portion 1130, all within the same piece of material. In particular, laminate 1100 can be made from at least one layer of material whose dimensions include the pouch, hinge, and lid portions.

Stack 1100 may use any suitable method to distinguish between different portions of the stack. In some embodiments, stack 1100 may include portions of harder material that define boundaries of the different portions. For example, the stack 1100 can include the hard element 1112 of the bag portion 1100, the hard element 1122 of the hinge portion 1120, and the hard element 1132 of the cover portion 1130. The hard elements may be of any suitable size, including, for example, elements that extend almost or substantially to the side boundaries of the stack. The spaces between the hard elements (e.g., spaces 1115 and 1125) may comprise a softer material such that different hard elements may be at least partially folded over each other along spaces 1115 and 1125. The rigid elements may be constructed from any suitable material, including, for example, rigid layers (e.g., polycarbonate layers) that are flexible for bending about axes that are in the plane of the layers, but are rigid and resistant to bending about axes that are not in the plane of the layers (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the layers).

Each of pocket portion 1110, hinge portion 1120, and cover portion 1130 may be any suitable size. For example, the pocket portion 1100 may have substantially the same size as a peripheral pocket (e.g., the peripheral pocket 420 of fig. 4). In particular, the size of pocket portion 1100 may be selected based on the expected size of the electronic device to be placed within the pocket (e.g., width 1130 corresponds to one dimension of the device). Hinge portion 1120 may have any suitable width 1131. For example, the width 1131 may be selected to generally match the thickness of the device plus the thickness of the peripheral laminate so that the cover portion 1130 may be folded over the device and positioned directly over the device display. In particular, the spaces 1115 and 1125 may be allocated to ensure that the cover portion 1130 can be folded over the device and remain in place over the device while protecting the entire device (e.g., the cover portion does not remain partially open and the portion of the cover portion 1130 adjacent to the space 1125 is generally in contact with the device).

The cover portion 1130 may have any suitable length 1132 and width 1134. In particular, the length 1132 may be selected such that the cover portion 1130 may cover at least a portion of the entire circumference along the peripheral stack of the sleeve (e.g., at least the ring of the peripheral stack). The width 1134 may be selected such that it is less than or equal to the width 1133 of the pocket portion. In certain embodiments, the width 1134 may be selected to be less than the width 1133, but at least sufficient to cover a portion of the entire circumference of the peripheral stack along the sleeve (e.g., at least the ring of the peripheral stack). The width 1134 will be distributed within the width 1133 in any suitable manner, including, for example, in an off-center manner (e.g., such that the distance between each side edge of the lid portion and the side edge of the corresponding pocket portion is different). In certain embodiments, the cover portion 1130 may include a fastening mechanism for retaining the cover on the peripheral laminate. The fastening mechanism may include, for example, a mechanical clasp, a magnetic clasp, hook and fastener material, or any other suitable fastening mechanism.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a substrate layer stack 1110 taken along line 12-12 and connected to a peripheral layer stack, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section 1200 of the base layer stack 1100 may include several layers constructed of different materials. In particular, the base layer stack 1100 can include an inner layer 1202 that contacts an electronic device housing (e.g., electronic device 500). To protect the device from damage, the layer 1202 may be constructed of a soft material. These materials may include, for example, microfibers (e.g., polyester microfibers).

The layer 1202 may be coupled to a rigid layer 1208 (e.g., a polycarbonate layer) by an adhesive layer 1204. In certain embodiments, the layers 1208 may extend over only portions of the stack 1200 (e.g., portions of the substrate layer stack that include the stiffening elements). To ensure proper bonding between the layer 1208 and the remaining layers, adhesive layers 1204, 1205, and 1206 may be applied around the layer 1208 (e.g., adhesive layers 1204 and 1206 on the upper and lower surfaces of the layer 1208, and the layer 1205 where there is no rigid layer 1208 between the layers 1202 and 1210). Any suitable adhesive may be used to form layers 1204, 1205, and 1206, including, for example, pressure sensitive or heat sensitive adhesives (e.g., polyurethane-based adhesives).

On its outermost surface, substrate laminate 1200 may include an outer layer 1212. Layer 1212 may include any suitable property, including, for example, an aesthetically pleasing surface, a surface that is comfortable to the touch, dirt resistant, tear resistant, or otherwise damaged, or has any other property. In one implementation, layer 1212 may be constructed from polyurethane. Because polyurethane is stretchable, stack 1100 may include layer 1210 to resist deformation due to stretching of layer 1212. For example, layer 1210 may include a polyester braid that resists tension along the plane of the braid. Layer 1210 may be bonded to layer 1212 using any suitable method, including, for example, using an adhesive layer (not shown), compression, or any other suitable method. In some embodiments, an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 1206) on the other side of layer 1210 may pass through layer 1210 (since it is a braid) and ensure that layer 1210 bonds to layer 1212.

The stack 1200 may be assembled by any suitable method. In certain embodiments, each layer may be added and bonded separately or integrated into the stack sequentially. Alternatively, some or all of the layers may be overlapped and pressure or heat based processes may be applied to assemble the stack. The various layers may be pre-cut and assembled, or alternatively, may be assembled together and cut to a particular shape (e.g., die cut) once the stack is created.

Any suitable method may be used to couple base stack layer 1100 to outer stack layer 420. In certain embodiments, an adhesive layer 1220 may be positioned between base laminate layer 1100 and peripheral laminate layer 420, thereby joining the edges of these laminate layers. In some embodiments, the various layers of each laminate can be seen along the edges of the sleeve (e.g., braid 1210 can be seen and the corresponding braid of peripheral laminate 420 can be seen). In certain embodiments, one or more layers in each laminate may terminate before reaching the edge of the laminate (similar to the fiberglass and polycarbonate layers described above). For example, the layer 1202 and its corresponding layer in the peripheral laminate (e.g., microfiber layer) may not extend to the edges of the laminate, so that the adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 1205) of each laminate may be used to couple the base laminate 1100 to the peripheral laminate 420.

In some embodiments, substrate laminate 1100 may include tabs 1150 coupled to the back side of the laminate (e.g., the side opposite the peripheral laminate, or the side not in contact with the device). Tabs 1150 may be positioned any suitable distance from the edge of substrate laminate 1100. For example, tabs 1150 may be equidistant from the side edges of base layer stack 1100 (e.g., the side edges including the side edges of cover portion 1130) such that distances 1160 and 1162 are the same. In certain embodiments, distances 1160 and 1162 may be different, for example, based on characteristics of bag portion 1110 or cover 1130 (e.g., arrangement of rigid elements, openings in the cover or bag, or other physical properties of the laminate). Although only one tab 1150 is shown in fig. 11, the base laminate 1100 may include several tabs distributed along the laminate (e.g., distributed based on corresponding elements of the cover portion).

The tabs 1150 may be positioned any suitable distance from the bottom edge 1112 of the bag portion 1110. In particular, distance 1164 and width 1131 and length 1132 may be selected such that cover portion 1130 may be folded back over pouch portion 1110 and the edges of the cover portion inserted into tabs 1150. This may form a triangular prism that the user may place on hinge portion 1120 or on pocket portion 1130. Fig. 13A and 13B are end views of a folded sleeve defining a prism, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Sleeve 1300 may include a pocket portion 1310, a hinge portion 1320, and a lid portion 1330. The cover portion 1330 may be folded over the pocket portion 1310 so that the cover portion 1330 may engage in the tab 1350. The sleeve 1300 may thus define a prism-type shape by which the interior surface of the pouch portion 1310 (e.g., the surface of the pouch portion 1310 through which the device interface may be accessed) is exposed on the exterior surface of the prism.

The tabs 1350 may be located at any suitable location on the back of the pocket portion 1310, including, for example, locations such that the prisms define an angle 1352 between the pocket portion 1310 and the cover portion 1330, and an angle 1354 between the pocket portion 1310 and the hinge portion 1320. Each of angles 1352 and 1354 may be selected based on any criteria, including, for example, the angle desired to perform a particular operation on the device. In one implementation, angle 1352 may be selected to enable a user to easily type on an interface of a device. In another implementation, angle 1354 may be selected to enable a user to view content (e.g., media) displayed by the device.

Returning to FIG. 11, any suitable method may be used to construct the tab 1150. In some embodiments, tab 1150 may be a component added to a surface of substrate laminate 1100. The tab 1150 may include a perimeter 1152 that defines the structure of the tab 1150 and surrounds the tab area. Tab element 1154 may extend from one side of outer perimeter 1152 such that the cover may engage tab element 1154. The tab element 1154 may be offset from the surface of the base laminate 1100 by a gap 1156, and the gap 1156 may extend within the area defined by the perimeter 1152. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a tab 1150 taken along line 14-14 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cross-section 1400 of the tab 1150 may comprise several layers constructed of different materials. In particular, section 1400 may include a softer material to be in contact with the lid, and a harder material to ensure that the tab may hold the lid. In particular, the tab 1150 may include an outermost layer 1402. Layer 1402 may include any suitable properties, including, for example, an aesthetically pleasing surface, a surface that is comfortable to the touch, resistant to soiling, resistant to tearing, or otherwise damaged, or has any other properties. In one implementation, layer 1402 may be constructed from polyurethane. Because polyurethane is stretchable, tab 1150 may include a layer 1404 for resisting deformation due to stretching of layer 1402. For example, layer 1404 may comprise a polyester braid that resists tension along the plane of the braid. Layer 1404 can be bonded to layer 1402 using any suitable method, including, for example, using an adhesive layer (not shown), compression, or any other suitable method. In certain embodiments, an adhesive layer (e.g., adhesive layer 1406 or 1407) on the other side of layer 1404 can pass through layer 1404 (since it is a braid) and ensure that layer 1404 is bonded to layer 1402.

To provide stiffness to the tab 1150 such that the tab can hold a cover when inserted into the tab, the tab 1150 can include a rigid layer 1410 (e.g., a polycarbonate layer) coupled to other layers by an adhesive layer 1406. In some embodiments, the layer 1410 may extend over only portions of the tab 1150 (e.g., the portions of the tab that include the rigid elements, such as tab element 1154 and outer perimeter 1152). To ensure proper bonding between layer 1410 and the remaining layers, adhesive layers 1406, 1407, and 1408 may be applied around layer 1410 (e.g., adhesive layers 1407 and 1408 on the upper and lower surfaces of layer 1410, and layer 1406 where there is no rigid layer 1410 between layers 1404 and 1412). Any suitable adhesive may be used to form layers 1406, 1407, and 1408, including, for example, pressure sensitive or heat sensitive adhesives (e.g., polyurethane-based adhesives).

Tab 1150 may include an inner layer 1412, and when the cover is folded into tab 1150, the cover may contact inner layer 1412. To prevent damage to the lid, the layer 1412 may be constructed of a soft material. Such materials may include, for example, microfibers (e.g., polyester microfibers). The tab 1150 may then be coupled to the bag portion 1320 using the adhesive layer 1414.

The tabs 1150 may be assembled in any suitable manner. In certain embodiments, each layer may be added and bonded separately or integrated into the stack sequentially. Alternatively, some or all of the layers may be overlapped and pressure or heat based processes may be applied to assemble the stack. The various layers may be pre-cut and assembled, or alternatively, may be assembled together and cut to a particular shape (e.g., die cut) once the stack is created.

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for assembling a sleeve for protecting an electronic device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Processing may begin at step 1502. At step 1504, the various layers of each stack forming the sleeve may be aligned. For example, each layer may be cut and aligned with respect to the other layers. As another example, the sheet of material may overlap with a layer that does not extend over the entire stack (e.g., a rigid layer, such as a polycarbonate layer or a fiberglass layer). At step 1506, the aligned layers may be assembled into a stack. The layers may be assembled using any suitable method, including, for example, using heat and/or pressure based treatments or adhesives. In some embodiments, one or more cuts may be applied to the assembled stack to provide an opening for an interface of a device to be placed in the case.

At step 1508, the assembled stack may be joined to form a sleeve. For example, one or more layers of adhesive may be placed between the stacks to stabilize the stacks. As another example, a heat or pressure based process may be used to join the assembled stacks. At step 1510, the tabs may be attached to the sleeve (e.g., to the back of the substrate lamination layer) and various cutting or other finishing (finishing) processes may be performed. For example, the tab may be assembled to the laminate by adhesive and a cut in the flap or other portion of the peripheral laminate may be performed to allow access to the device interface element. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the sleeve may be finished (e.g., provided with a dirt-resistant coating). In some embodiments, the edges of the sleeve may be finished, if necessary. Process 1500 may then end at step 1512.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation. It is to be understood that one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment to provide a system and/or method without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A case for securing an electronic device, comprising:

a base stack comprising a pocket portion, a hinge portion, and a lid portion, wherein each of the hinge portion and the lid portion comprises at least one rigid element;

a peripheral laminate defining a ring shape, the peripheral laminate coupled to the pocket portion to define an area for receiving the electronic device, the area having an opening for enabling a user to view the electronic device when the electronic device is held by the area, wherein the peripheral laminate is coupled to the base laminate along three sides such that the sleeve includes an additional opening between the peripheral laminate and the base laminate for inserting the electronic device into the pocket portion, and further including a flap extending from a portion of the peripheral laminate adjacent the additional opening between the peripheral laminate and the base laminate, the flap operable to fold into the additional opening to completely enclose the electronic device on all sides to secure the electronic device in the pocket portion; and

a tab coupled to a surface of the pocket portion, wherein the cover portion and the hinge portion are folded over the opening in the first configuration and are folded under the opening in the second configuration, the tab operable to receive a portion of the cover portion in the second configuration.

2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the base laminate further comprises:

a plurality of material layers that combine to form the base stack.

3. The sleeve of claim 2, wherein the matrix laminate further comprises at least one layer of each of the following materials:

a polyurethane;

a polyester knit;

a polyurethane adhesive; and

a microfiber.

4. The case of claim 3, wherein:

at least two of the polyurethane layer, the polyester woven layer, and the microfiber layer have the same surface area.

5. The sleeve of claim 2, wherein the base laminate further comprises:

at least two distinct and separate polycarbonate elements are incorporated in the base laminate to define a hinge portion and a lid portion.

6. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein the peripheral laminate further comprises:

a continuous rigid element extending around a boundary of the peripheral laminate to prevent the peripheral laminate from warping outward when the electronic device is placed in the pocket.

7. The case of claim 6, wherein:

the continuous rigid element is composed of fiberglass.

8. The case of claim 1, wherein:

the peripheral laminate includes at least one opening proximate the junction between the base laminate and the peripheral laminate for accessing an interface element of an electronic device placed in the sleeve.

9. The case of claim 1, wherein:

the opening is located in the center of the ring through which the electronic device display can be viewed when the electronic device is placed in the pocket.

10. A case for securing and displaying an electronic device in two directions, comprising:

a base including a pocket portion, a hinge portion, and a lid portion, wherein the lid portion and the hinge portion are operable to fold over the pocket portion when the base is in a first configuration;

a periphery coupled to the first surface of the pocket, the periphery having an opening that enables a user to view a display of the electronic device when the electronic device is placed in the pocket, wherein the periphery is coupled to the base along three sides such that the pocket includes an additional opening between the periphery and the base for insertion of the electronic device into the pocket, and the base further includes a flap extending from a portion of the base adjacent the additional opening between the periphery and the base, the flap operable to fold into the additional opening to completely enclose the electronic device on all sides to secure the electronic device in the pocket; and

a tab coupled to a second surface of the pocket portion opposite the first surface, wherein the tab is operable to receive a portion of the lid portion when the base is in the second configuration to define a triangular prism that can be placed on the lid portion or on the hinge portion to provide different orientations of the opening relative to the user.

11. The case of claim 10, wherein:

the periphery is covered in the first configuration and exposed in the second configuration.

12. The case of claim 10, wherein:

the position of the tab is selected such that when the base is in the second configuration and when the sleeve is placed over the hinge region, the orientation of the opening is optimal for viewing media displayed by the electronic device through the opening.

13. The case of claim 10, wherein the tab comprises:

an outer periphery coupled to the pocket site; and

a tab element extending from the outer periphery such that there is a gap between the tab element and the pocket.

14. The sleeve of claim 13, wherein the tab elements are comprised of polycarbonate elements.

15. The case of claim 13, wherein:

the tab is made up of a combination of a series of layers of different materials.

16. The sleeve of claim 15, wherein the different materials comprise at least one of:

a polyurethane;

a polyester knit;

a polycarbonate;

microfibers; and

a polyurethane adhesive.