초록

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, and a hinge rotatably attaching the two panels.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A tablet computer case comprising: a first panel with a back surface and three perimeter edges with a size and a shape configured to match at least two external edges of a tablet computer to provide friction fit to releasably engage and hold the tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape;

1. A tablet computer case comprising: a first panel with a back surface and three perimeter edges with a size and a shape configured to match at least two external edges of a tablet computer to provide friction fit to releasably engage and hold the tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape; the tablet computer configured to be slidably inserted into the first panel through two of the perimeter edges; a detachable separate panel piece engages with the two edges and provides friction fit around an exposed portion of the tablet computer so as to provide the visual effect of a full panel;a second panel having a keyboard side on which a keyboard is located, a spacer attached to the keyboard side and separating keyboard from the first panel in a closed position in which the first panel opposes the keyboard, and a perimeter edge substantially matching a perimeter edge of the first panel;a hinge rotatably attaching the first panel and the second panel, said hinge having 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; anda communication connector that allows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer. 2. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the spacer has a thickness of from about 1/16 inch to about ½ inch. 3. The tablet computer case of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spacers attached to the keyboard side of the second panel. 4. The tablet computer case of claim 3, wherein the plurality of spacers is at least two spacers. 5. The tablet computer of claim 4, wherein the plurality of spacers are positioned proximal to a front edge of second panel. 6. The tablet computer of claim 4, wherein the plurality of spacers are positioned proximal to corners between the front edge of the second panel and side edges of the second panel. 7. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the first panel has a front with a viewing window for viewing a screen of the tablet computer. 8. The tablet computer case of claim 7, wherein the front further comprises 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. 9. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the at least two side edges comprise at least three side edges that engage at least three edges of the tablet computer. 10. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the positions include a laptop position wherein the keyboard and the viewing screen for an angle of up to 180 degrees. 11. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the communication connecter is a wireless communication connector. 12. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the communication connector is a wired communication connector. 13. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the second panel has a distribution of total weight that 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. 14. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the hinge is configured so that a 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 degrees with respect to the second panel. 15. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the hinge is configured to allow the first panel to swing over a range of about 360° relative to the second panel. 16. The tablet computer case of claim 15, wherein the first and second panels can be articulated into a tablet position where the viewing screen of the tablet computer and the second panel move apart and the second panel rests adjacent to a back side of the first panel. 17. The tablet computer case of claim 15, wherein the first and second panels can be articulated into a display position wherein a back side of the first panel and the second panel form an angle of 90° or less and the viewing screen of the tablet computer faces away from the second panel. 18. The tablet computer case of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels can be articulated into a display position wherein a back side of the first panel and the second panel form an angle of 90° or less, and wherein the spacer supports the tablet computer case on a surface with the keyboard side facing down towards the surface. 19. A tablet computer case in combination with a tablet computer of a predetermined size and shape, the tablet computer case comprising: a first panel with a back surface and three perimeter edges with a size and a shape configured to match at least two external edges of the tablet computer to provide a friction fit to releasably engage and hold the tablet computer; the tablet computer slidably inserted into the first panel through two of the perimeter edges; a detachable separate panel piece engages with the two edges and provides friction fit around an exposed portion of the tablet computer so as to provide the visual effect of a full panel;a second panel having a keyboard side on which a keyboard is located, a spacer attached to the keyboard side and separating keyboard from the first panel in a closed position in which the first panel opposes the keyboard, and a perimeter edge substantially matching a perimeter edge of the first panel;a hinge rotatably attaching the first panel and the second panel, said hinge having 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; anda communication connector that a lows the keyboard to communicate with the tablet computer. 20. The combination of claim 19, further comprising a spacer attached to the keyboard side and separating the keyboard from the first panel and the tablet computer in a closed position in which the first panel opposes the keyboard and the tablet computer.