Patent Application
20120031786
The present invention relates to a protective case or skin for an e-reader, and more specifically, to a silicone protective case or skin for an e-reader.
Recently, eReaders such as electronic books have become increasingly popular. Such eReaders include a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying the contents or text of an electronic book.
A user may control the eReader using key commands including, for example, directional key commands (e.g., up, down, left, right), enter/ok, next page or previous page, or menu structure key commands (e.g., menu, home, back), etc.
A user may read the eReader in a variety of places and in a variety of environmental conditions, such as while travelling, vacationing, at home, etc.
An eReader is designed to be lightweight, compact, and portable. In this manner, an eReader may be easily stowed, for example, in a book bag, purse, pocket, briefcase, etc. and transported by a user, or simply be hand-carried by the user. As a result of this portability, the eReader may be susceptible to wear or damage from other objects, liquids, etc., including for example, scratches, dings, chipping, etc.
To protect the eReader, and particularly the display of the eReader, from wear or damage, it is known to provide a protective case or cover for an eReader. Although, conventional covers are generally thought to be acceptable, they are not without limitations. For example, conventional covers may have limited applications, may be cumbersome or difficult to use, may not reliably hold or secure the eReader therein, may not protect all surfaces of the eReader, and/or may inhibit access to input/output controls of the eReader.
Moreover, conventional covers may not protect the eReader from damage resulting from exposure to the elements, such as dirt, dust, sand, moisture or liquids from, for example, rain, spills, etc.
These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, a first exemplary embodiment of which includes a protective case or skin for an eReader including a body having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, a first opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective case, and a first closure device that substantially closes the first opening. The protective skin can protect the eReader from various types of damage, including damage from liquids or spills.
Another embodiment can include a first securing device that secures the first closure device to the body in a closed position and/or a second securing device that secures the first closure device to the body in an open position. The first securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. Further, the first securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The first closure device can include a spine portion. Also, the first closure device can include a flap portion. Further, the flap portion can be coupled to the body via the spine portion.
Another embodiment can include an eReader with a second opening and a second closure device that substantially closes the second opening. Further, the second closure device can include a knob. The knob can include a cylindrical plug.
A portion or all of the protective case can be transparent or tinted/opaque. An embodiment of the protective case can include an anti-reflective film that protects the screen area of the case while allowing for uninhibited reading in bright or sunny environments. In other embodiments, the protective case can be integrally formed from a material having anti-reflective properties, polarizing properties, resistance to ultra-violet light, etc.
Yet another embodiment can include an eReader with a silicone body or a silicone skin body.
Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device with a transparent portion. Another embodiment can include a transparent portion that includes one of a tinted material and a light polarizing material.
Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device with an opaque portion. Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device with a silicone body.
The eReader case can include a panel portion corresponding to input controls of the eReader and providing full functionality to one or more of the eReader's navigation buttons and keyboard while the eReader is sealed within the case. Further, the panel portion can overlay at least one input control of the eReader when the eReader is inserted into the interior of the protective case, the panel portion transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion to an input control of the eReader to actuate the input control of the eReader.
Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a protective case for an eReader, including a body having a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, a first opening for inserting the eReader into an interior of the protective case, and closure means for closing the first opening. Further, the body can include means for actuating one or more input controls of the eReader when the eReader is inserted into the interior of the protective case.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.
These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will be better understood after a reading of the following detailed description, together with the attached drawings, wherein:
The present invention now is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Referring now to the drawings,
With reference to
The body 102 can be connected to a first closure device 112 via front spine 108a. Alternatively, the body 102 can be connected to the first closure device 112 via a plurality of front spines 108a, 108b and 108c. The first closure device 112 and the body 102 are pivotable with respect to one another about front spine(s) 108a, 108b and/or 108c such that the first closure device 112 is movable between a closed position and an open position, as well as any positions therebetween. The front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c can be an integral portion of the body 102 and/or the first closure device 112. Alternatively, the front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the body 102 and the first closure device 112.
The first closure device 112 has an interior surface 104a and an exterior surface 104b. The first closure device 112 can be utilized to completely close the first opening 110 and to completely open the first opening 110, as well as any positions therebetween. Further, the first closure device 112 can include a flap or tongue portion that opens/closes the first opening 110.
As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can provide a protective case 100 having, for example, a read-through or transparent, clear first closure device 112 (e.g., interior surface 104a and exterior surface 104b), such as a clear vinyl closure device, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader 200 while the eReader 200 is enclosed within the protective case 100. Other transparent materials also may be used. Further, the entire protective case 100 can also utilize a read-through or transparent material that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader 200 while the eReader 200 is enclosed within the protective case 100.
For purposes of this disclosure, the closed position of the first closure device 112 is defined as a position in which the first closure device 112 overlaps the first opening 110 and the interior surface 104a of the first closure device 112 is opposed to the interior surface 106a of the body 102. The full-open position of the first closure device 112 is defined as a position in which the first closure device 112 overlaps the body 102 and the exterior surface 104b of the first closure device 112 is opposed to the exterior surface 106b of the body 102. Further, in the full-open position of first closure device 112, portions of the exterior surface 104b of the first closure device 112 can be in direct contact with the exterior surface 106b of the body 102. Alternatively, in the full-open position of the first closure device 112, portions of the exterior surface 104b of the first closure device 112 can be in partial contact or no contact at all with the exterior surface 106b of the body 102.
In the closed position of the first closure device 112, the first closure device 112 can be configured to cover all of the first opening 110 such that the entire surface of the eReader 200 stored therein is covered by the protective case 100, thereby providing protection for all surfaces of the eReader 200. Alternatively, in the closed position of the first closure device 112, the first closure device 112 can be configured to partially cover the first opening 110 such that a portion of the surface of the eReader 200 stored therein is covered by the protective case 100, thereby providing protection for a portion (e.g., a majority) of the surfaces of the eReader 200. As shown in
The first opening 110 can be aligned with the screen of the eReader 200 located within the protective case 100 as shown in
The first closure device 112 can extend across the entire first opening 110, for example, as illustrated in
As explained above, the first closure device 112 can be clear such that the user can read the screen of the eReader 200 through the first closure device 112. The first closure device 112 also can be tinted or polarized, etc. For example, the first closure device 112 can include a colored tint that reduces eye strain when reading. The first closure device 112 can be tinted, or include a material that reduces or limits the exposure of the eReader 200 to ultraviolet light, thereby reducing or preventing damage to the eReader 200 from exposure to sunlight. In other embodiments, the first closure device 112 can be tinted or include a material that reduces or limits glare.
In still other embodiments, the first closure device 112 can have optical properties, such as magnifying properties, focusing properties, etc., for example, that may reduce eye strain during reading, or improve the reading experience, etc. in less than optimum reading conditions. It is conceivable that the first closure device 112 can magnify the display of the eReader 200 such that a vision impaired user can more easily read the text displayed on the eReader display.
In the closed position of the first closure device 112, the first closure device 112 can be configured to cover all of the first opening 110 such that the substantially all surfaces (e.g., the entire surface) of the eReader 200 stored therein is covered by the protective case 100, thereby providing protection for all surfaces of the eReader 200. Alternatively, in the closed position of the first closure device 112, the first closure device 112 can be configured to partially cover the first opening 110 such that a portion of the surface of the eReader 200 stored therein is covered by the protective case 100, thereby providing protection for a portion of the eReader 200. As shown in
In the open position of the first closure device 112, the protective case 100 can provide protection for substantially all surfaces (e.g., the entire surface) of the eReader 200 by covering a majority of the eReader surface, except for the portion of the eReader exposed by the first opening 110. As shown in
As explained above, the body 102 of the protective case 100 can be connected to a first closure device 112 via front spine 108a. Alternatively, the body 102 can be connected to the first closure device 112 via a plurality of front spines 108a, 108b and 108c. The first closure device 112 and the body 102 are pivotable with respect to one another about front spine(s) 108a, 108b and/or 108c such that the first closure device 112 is movable between a closed position and an open position, as well as any positions therebetween. The front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c can be an integral portion of the body 102 and/or the first closure device 112. Alternatively, the front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the body 102 and the first closure device 112. In the protective case 100, as the first closure device 112 and the first opening 110 are transitioned from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, the first closure device 112 and the body 102 are pivotable with respect to one another about the front spine(s) 108a, 108b and/or 108c. As shown in
In an exemplary embodiment, as the first closure device 112 is pivoted about the front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c, the front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c can be aligned with the positioning of the top-edge portion 170 of the body 102 such that the first closure device 112 wraps around the top-edge portion 170 of the body 102. Alternatively, the first closure device 112 can wrap around any other portions of the body 102, or may not even wrap around the body 102 at all; instead the first closure device 112 can be rolled up against itself forming a cylindrical shape or any equivalent; or can even be repositioned such that the first closure device 112 is not fully obstructing the first opening 110. Further, when the first closure device 112 is pivoted about the body 102, the front spine(s) 108a, 108b and 108c need not be aligned with the positioning of the top-edge portion 170 of the body 102.
With reference to
The body 102 can be connected to a second closure device 142 via lower spine 172. Alternatively, the body 102 can be connected to the second closure device 142 via a plurality of lower spines (not shown). The second closure device 142 and the body 102 are pivotable with respect to one another about lower spine 172 such that the second closure device 142 is movable between a closed position and an open position, as well as positions therebetween. The lower spine 172 can be an integral portion of the body 102 and/or the second closure device 142. Alternatively, the lower spine 172 can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the body 102 and the second closure device 142.
The second closure device 142 has an interior surface 107a and an exterior surface 107b. The second closure device 142 can be utilized to completely close the second opening 140 and to completely open the second opening 140, as well as positions therebetween. Further, the second closure device 142 can include a flap or tongue portion that opens/closes the second opening 140.
For purposes of this disclosure, the closed position of the second closure device 142 can be defined as a position in which the second closure device 142 overlaps the second opening 140 such that the second closure device 142 lies in substantially the same plane as the body 102. The full-open position of the second closure device 142 can be defined as a position in which the second closure device 142 is disposed in a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the body 112 is disposed. Alternatively, the open position of the second closure device 142 can be defined as a position in which the second closure device 142 does not lie in substantially the same plane as the body 102, and does not overlap the second opening 140.
In the closed position of the second closure device 142, the second closure device 142 can be configured to cover all (or a portion) of the second opening 140 such that the second closure device 142 lies in substantially the same plane as the body 102 thereby providing protection for the encased eReader 200. As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can provide a protective case 100 having, for example, a read-through or transparent, clear second closure device 142 (e.g., interior surface 107a and exterior surface 107b), such as a clear vinyl closure device, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader 200 enclosed within the protective case 100. Other transparent materials also may be used. Further, the entire protective case 100 can also utilize a read-through or transparent material that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader 200 enclosed within the protective case 100.
In the open position of the second closure device 142, the second closure device 142 does not lie in substantially the same plane as the body 102 resulting in the second opening 140 being exposed externally in order to allow access to the eReader's peripheral hardware. For example, the second opening 140 can be aligned with the peripheral hardware of the eReader as shown in
The second closure device 142 can extend across the entire second opening 140, for example, as illustrated in
With reference to
As explained above, the exemplary embodiments can include a read-through, clear protective case 100 (e.g., exterior surface 106b and exterior surface 104b), such as a clear vinyl cover, that provides protection against moisture, dirt, dust, and sand, etc. while permitting the user to use the eReader while the eReader is enclosed within the protective case. Other transparent materials also may be used. In this manner, the exemplary embodiments provide an important advantage in that the protective case 100 provides a user with full access and use of most or all of the input/output ports and controls, etc. of the eReader device without having to remove the eReader 200 from the protective case 100.
The protective case 100 can include other features that promote use of the eReader device while the eReader is enclosed within the protective case 100, such as a panel portion (e.g., right-side panel portion 101a, left-side panel portion 101b and lower panel portion 101c) corresponding to the location of the 5-way control stick 126 and other input controls of one or more types of eReaders (not shown since covered by protective case 100), markings showing or designating the location of the input controls on the protective case 100, integrally formed pads or rigid parts that correspond to the input controls, etc. In this manner, when the user depresses the integrally formed pads or rigid parts from the exterior of the protective case 100, the interior sides of the pads or rigid parts can engage the input controls of the eReader device to actuate the input controls of the eReader.
For example, as illustrated in the exemplary embodiment of
The panel portion(s) (e.g., right-side panel portion 101a, left-side panel portion 101b and lower panel portion 101c) are capable of transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion(s) to an input control (e.g., Home button, the Next Page button, Menu button, five-way control stick 126, Back button, the Previous Page button, Next Page button and/or QWERTY keyboard/keypad) of the eReader 200 to actuate the input control of the eReader 200. The panel portion(s) (e.g., right-side panel portion 101a, left-side panel portion 101b and lower panel portion 101c) protect the eReader while allowing full functionality, for example, of one or more of the Home button, the Next Page button, Menu button, five-way control stick 126, Back button, the Previous Page button, Next Page button and/or QWERTY keyboard/keypad of the eReader 200 (not shown since covered by protective case 100). The panel portion(s) can be formed, for example, from the same material as that utilized for the protective case 100, such as a silicone body, or other suitable materials.
In other exemplary embodiments, the protective case 100 can include padded case portions (e.g., ribs 160) that permit the user to comfortably grasp or hold the protective case 100, while also increasing the amount of force that can be absorbed by the protective case 100, thereby increasing a level of protection provided by the protective case for the eReader contained therein.
The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. It is intended that all such modifications and additions comprise a part of the present invention to the extent that they fall within the scope of the several claims appended hereto.
For example, in other embodiments, the first closure device 112 can include multiple layers allowing the protective case 100 to operate in both the aforementioned closed/open modes simultaneously. For example, one layer of the first closure device 112 (transparent portion) can be positioned directly on the surface of the eReader screen and another layer of the first closure device 112 can be secured by the second securing device. Further, the layer of the first closure device 112 (transparent portion) positioned on the eReader screen may be positioned either permanently or temporarily.
Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a protective case 100 for an eReader 200, including a body 102 having a first interior surface 106a and a first exterior surface 106b, a first opening 110 for inserting the eReader 200 into an interior of the protective case 100, and a first closure device 112 that substantially closes the first opening 110.
Another embodiment can include a first securing device (e.g., first post 114 and latch flap 118) that secures the first closure device 112 to the body 102 in a closed position and/or a second securing device (e.g., second post 116 and latch flap 118) that secures the first closure device 112 to the body 102 in an open position. The first securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one or more latches that secure the first closure device to the body. Further, the first securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The second securing device can include one of a hook and loop fastener and a re-usable adhesive that secure the first closure device to the body. The first closure device can include a spine portion (e.g., front spine(s) 108a, 108b and/or 108c). Also, the first closure device 112 can include a flap portion. Further, the flap portion can be coupled to the body 102 via the spine portion (e.g., front spine(s) 108a, 108b and/or 108c).
Another embodiment can include an eReader with a second opening 140 and a second closure device 142 that substantially closes the second opening 140. Further, the second closure device 142 can include a knob 144. The knob 144 can include a cylindrical plug.
A portion or all of the protective case 100 can be transparent or tinted/opaque. An embodiment of the protective case 100 can include an anti-reflective film that protects the screen area of the case while allowing for uninhibited reading in bright or sunny environments. In other embodiments, the protective case 100 can be integrally formed from a material having anti-reflective properties, polarizing properties, resistance to ultra-violet light, etc.
Yet another embodiment can include an eReader with a silicone body 102 or a silicone skin body 102 (e.g., flexible or resilient silicone body or skin body).
Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device 112 with a transparent portion. Another embodiment can include a transparent portion that includes one of a tinted material and a light polarizing material.
Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device 112 with an opaque portion. Another embodiment can include an eReader with a first closure device 112 with a silicone body 102.
The eReader case can include a panel portion (e.g., right-side panel portion 101a, left-side panel portion 101b and/or lower panel portion 101c) corresponding to input controls of the eReader and providing full functionality to one or more of the eReader's navigation buttons (e.g., five-way control stick 126) and keyboard (QWERTY keyboard 154) while the eReader 200 is enclosed within the case 100. Further, the panel portion (e.g., right-side panel portion 101a, left-side panel portion 101b and/or lower panel portion 101c) can overlay at least one input control of the eReader when the eReader is inserted into the interior of the protective case 100, the panel portion transferring a force applied to an external surface of the panel portion to an input control of the eReader to actuate the input control of the eReader.
Another exemplary embodiment is directed to a protective case 100 for an eReader 200, including a body 102 having a first interior surface 106a and a first exterior surface 106b, a first opening 110 for inserting the eReader 200 into an interior of the protective case 100, and closure means 112 for closing the first opening 110. Further, the body 102 can include means for actuating one or more input controls (e.g., right-side panel portion 101a, left-side panel portion 101b and/or lower panel portion 101c) of the eReader when the eReader 200 is inserted into the interior of the protective case 100.
The present invention has been described herein in terms of several preferred embodiments. However, modifications and additions to these embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.
The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/350,483, filed Jun. 2, 2010, and entitled “PROTECTIVE SKIN FOR AN E-READER”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61350483 | Jun 2010 | US |
