Tablet computer case and associated methods
View Patent ↗Tablet computer cases and associated methods are disclosed and described. In one embodiment, a tablet computer case may include a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, a second panel having a keyboard a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels, and a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer.
1. A tablet computer case comprising: a first panel configured to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape;
at least one side edge which engages an edge of the tablet computer, and a fascia that extends along a portion of a visual output side of the tablet computer and that is integral with the at least one side edge;
a second panel having a keyboard side on which a keyboard is located, said second panel weighing substantially less than the first panel with the tablet computer engaged therein;
a hinge rotatably attaching the first panel and the second panel;
wherein the hinge comprises a first rotational axis adjacent to a bottom edge of the first panel and a second rotational axis adjacent to a back edge of the second panel, and wherein the hinge is configured so that the bottom edge of the first panel can rest in substantially a same plane as an underside of the second panel and a portion of the hinge when the first panel is at an angle of at least about 90° with respect to the second panel; and
a communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer; wherein a distribution of a total weight of the second panel minimizes tipping of the tablet computer case when the first panel with the tablet computer engaged therein is placed at an obtuse angle with respect to the second panel.
2. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the second panel weighs about 10% to about 70% less than the first panel with the tablet computer engaged therein.
3. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the second panel weighs about 50% less than the first panel with the tablet computer engaged therein.
4. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the second panel weighs about 20% less than the first panel with the tablet computer engaged therein.
5. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the total weight of the second panel is distributed in a pattern that increases in a direction from a third of the second panel proximal to the hinge toward a third of the second panel distal to the hinge.
6. The tablet computer case of claim 5 , wherein from about 67% to about 95% of the total weight of the second panel is located in the third of the second panel distal to the hinge and a medial third of the second panel combined.
7. The tablet computer case of claim 5 , wherein greater than 50% of the total weight of the second panel is located in the third of the second panel distal to the hinge.
8. The tablet computer case of claim 5 , wherein greater than 50% of the total weight of the second panel is located in the medial third of the second panel.
9. The tablet computer of claim 1 , wherein the total weight of the second panel comprises components arranged therein to achieve the distribution.
10. The tablet computer case of claim 9 , wherein the components include functional members selected from the group consisting of: a mouse controller, a power input, a power source, a memory module, a readable disk component, sound speakers, or any combination thereof.
11. The tablet computer case of claim 9 , wherein the components include at least one nonfunctional weight.
12. The tablet computer case of claim 9 , wherein the components include a first member of a magnetic closure positioned to engage a second member of the magnetic closure located on the first panel.
13. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , further comprising at least one spacer attached to the keyboard side of the second panel.
14. The tablet computer case of claim 13 , comprising at least four spacers attached to the keyboard side of the second panel.
15. The tablet computer case of claim 13 , wherein the spacer is configured to stably support the tablet computer case on a surface in a position where the keyboard side is facing down toward the surface.
16. The tablet computer case of claim 13 , wherein the spacer has a thickness of from about 1/16 inch to about ½ inch.
17. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein a greatest thickness of the second panel is less than a greatest thickness of the first panel.
18. The tablet computer case of claim 17 , wherein the greatest thickness of the second panel is from about 20% to about 80% of the greatest thickness of the first panel.
19. The tablet computer case of claim 17 , wherein the greatest thickness of the second panel is from about 30% to about 50% of the greatest thickness of the first panel.
20. The tablet computer case of claim 17 , wherein the greatest thickness of the second panel is from about 4.0 mm to about 10.0 cm.
21. The tablet computer case of claim 17 , wherein the greatest thickness of the second panel is from about 5.0 mm to about 7.0 cm.
22. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the communication connector is a wireless connector.
23. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the hinge engages a bottom edge of the first panel and connects the first panel to a back edge of the second panel, and is configured to allow the first panel to swing over a range of about 360° relative to the second panel.
24. The tablet computer case of claim 23 , wherein the hinge has a sufficient tension to hold the first panel and the second panel at substantially all positions of the first panel relative to the second panel within the range.
25. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein a weight of the first panel is substantially supported through the bottom edge of the first panel when the second panel rests on a surface and the bottom edge of the first panel is also in contact with the surface.
26. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the angle is from about 90° to about 175°.
27. The tablet computer case of claim 1 , wherein the hinge includes a foot for at least partially supporting the tablet computer case above an underlying surface.
28. The tablet computer case of claim 27 , wherein the foot raises the second panel so that the keyboard rests at an angle relative to the underlying surface.
29. The tablet computer case of claim 28 , wherein the bottom edge of the tablet panel rests in a same plane as the bottom of the foot and both the foot and the bottom edge of the tablet panel rest on the underlying surface, such that the underlying surface directly supports the weight of the first panel.
30. A method of making a tablet computer case with enhanced stability, comprising configuring a first panel to releasably engage and hold a tablet computer; and
at least one side edge which engages an edge of the tablet computer, and a fascia that extends along a portion of a visual output side of the tablet computer and that is integral with the at least one side edge
attaching the first panel through a hinge to a second panel having a keyboard, said second panel weighing substantially less than said first panel with the tablet computer held therein; and distributing a total weight of the second panel so as to minimize tipping of the tablet computer case when the first panel with the tablet computer engaged therein is placed at an obtuse angle with respect to the second panel; and
configuring the hinge comprises a first rotational axis adjacent to a bottom edge of the first panel and a second rotational axis adjacent to a back edge of the second panel, and wherein the hinge is configured so that the bottom edge of the first panel can rest in substantially a same plane as an underside of the second panel and a portion of the hinge when the first panel is at an angle of at least about 90° with respect to the second panel.
31. The method of claim 30 , comprising distributing the total weight of the second panel in a pattern that increases from a proximal third of the second panel toward a distal third of the second panel.
32. The method of claim 31 , comprising placing from about 30% to about 95% of the total weight of the second panel in the distal third and a medial third.