WO2015147797A1

WO2015147797A1 - Protective cover for a device

Info

Publication number: WO2015147797A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/031684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dimitre Mehandjiysky; Insun Hong; Ming-Chih Kuo
Original assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Current assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Co LP
Priority date: 2014-03-25
Filing date: 2014-03-25
Publication date: 2015-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2016-09-25

Abstract

Examples disclosed herein provide a protective cover for a computing device. The protective cover can include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section can include one or more input devices. The second section can be connected to the first section at a first end of the second section. The third section can be pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section. The protective cover can include a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device.

Description

PROTECTIVE COVER FOR A DEVICE

BACKGROUND

[0001] The emergence and popularity of mobile computing has made portable computing devices, due to their compact design and light weight, a staple in today's marketplace. Tablet computers and all-in-one devices are examples of portable computing devices that are widely used. Tablet computers and all-in-one devices generally employ a touchscreen on a display surface of the device that may be used for both viewing and input. Users of such devices may interact with the touchscreen via finger or stylus gestures. As an example, an on-screen keyboard may be illustrated on the touchscreen surface for entering characters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an accessory for a computing device, according to an example;

[0003] FIGs. 2A-C provide example illustrations of a system including the accessory fitted to a computing device at various viewing angles;

[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates the accessory functioning as a protective cover for the computing device, according to an example; and

[0005] FIG. 4 illustrates an accessory for a computing device, according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] As the computing power of portable computing devices, such as tablet computers and all-in-one devices, continue to increase, users may desire to expand the use of such devices, for example, from solely employing the touchscreen on the display surface of such devices for both viewing and input. As an example, various peripherals may be used to expand the use the portable computing device. An example of such peripherals include, but is not limited to, a keyboard. With regards to a keyboard, there may be instances when users may desire to enter characters via an external, physical keyboard, particularly when creating content or typing for a prolonged period of time (e.g., creating a document, spreadsheet, or slides).

[0007] Accessories are available for portable computing devices that include peripherals such as a physical keyboard for entering characters. Such accessories may be fitted to a portable computing device, such as a tablet computer, in various form factors. When designing such accessories, factors that may be considered include at least aesthetics and ease of use. When choosing an accessory including peripherals such as a physical keyboard, in addition to having the ability enter characters via the keyboard, users may also consider the overall appearance of the portable computing device when fitted with the accessory. With regards to ease of use, users may consider the ease of adding and removing the accessory from the device, and the ease of using the accessory while it is fitted to the device. For example, users may consider whether the system including the accessory fitted to the device is stable and sturdy for use on various surfaces (e.g., on a user's lap or a level surface, such as a desk or table).

[00081 Examples disclosed herein provide an accessory for computing devices, such as tablet computers and all-in-one devices. The accessory includes peripherals, such as a physical keyboard, and may also function as a protective cover to protect at least the display surface of the devices when not in use.

[0009] In one example, a protective cover for a computing device can include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section can include one or more input devices. The second section can be connected to the first section at a first end of the second section. The third section can be pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section. The protective cover can include a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device along a sidewall of the device. The third section can be coupled to a back surface of the connector.

[0010] In another example, a protective cover for a computing device can include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section can include one or more input devices. The second section can be connected to the first section at a first end of the second section. The third section can be pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section. The third section can include a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device along a back surface of the device.

[0011] In yet another example, a system can include a computing device and a protective cover. The computing device can include a display surface and a back surface opposite the display surface. The protective cover can include a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section can include one or more input devices. The second section can be connected to the first section at a first end of the second section. The third section can be pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section. The protective cover can include a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device along a sidewall of the device. The third section can be coupled to a back surface of the connector.

[0012] With reference to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates an accessory 100 for a computing device, such as a tablet computer or an all-in-one device, according to an example. The accessory 100 includes one or more input devices or peripherals for expanding the use of the computing device. While using the input devices or peripherals with the computing device, the system, including the accessory 100 fitted to the computing device, may remain stable and sturdy for use, such as on a level surface, as will be further described. The stability provided by the accessory 100 while using the input devices may contribute towards physical ergonomics. In addition to providing stability while in use, the accessory 100 may function as a protective cover to protect at least the display surface of the computing device when the device is not in use, as will be further described.

[0013] The accessory 100 includes at least a first section 102, a second section 104, and a third section 106. The first section 102 may be composed of a rigid or semirigid material in order to provide a level of sturdiness and rigidity while using the accessory 100 with the device. Examples of materials that may be used for the section 102 include, but are not limited to, plastics, fiber glass, carbon fiber composites, and metals. The first section 102 may include one or more input devices or peripherals for expanding the use of the portable computing device. As an example, the first section 102 of the accessory 100 may include a keyboard 103.

[0014] The first section 102 may be connected to the second section 104 at a first end of the second section 104, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The second section 104 may be composed of foldable or pliable material, allowing for the second section 104 to be folded, as will be further described. The second section 104 may be pivotally connected to the third section 106 at a second end of the second section 104. The second section 104 and the third section 106 may be separated from each other by a folding region (e.g., pivotally or flexibly attached). In this way, the sections 104, 106 may be folded with respect to each other at the folding region. As an example, as the second section 104 is composed of foldable or pliable material, the folding region between the second section 104 and the third section 106 may be a continuation of the second section 104.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 , the accessory 100 may include a connector 108 for electrically coupling the input devices of the accessory 100 (e.g., keyboard 103) with the computing device. As an example, the input devices may be electrically coupled with the computing device when the connector 108 is connected with a port of the portable computing device (e.g., via protrusion 109 of the connector 108), as will be further described. As an example, the third section 106 may be attached or coupled to a back surface 11 1 of the connector 108, which is a rear surface of the connector 108 when viewing the accessory 100 from the front. The attachment between the third section 106 and the back surface 111 of the connector 108 may be made by various methods (e.g., using an adhesive or ultrasonic bonding). The wiring to power the input devices of the accessory 100 may originate within the first section 102, run through the second and third sections 104, 106, and into the connector 108 in order for the input devices to be electrically coupled with the portable computing device.

[0016] FIGs. 2A-C provide example illustrations of a system including the accessory 100 fitted to a computing device 200 at various viewing angles. The computing device 200 may include a display surface 202 (e.g., a touchscreen that may be used for both viewing and input) and a back surface 204 opposite the display surface 202. In between the display surface 204 and the back surface 204, the computing device 200 may include sidewalls around a perimeter of the device 200. As an example, the device 200 may include four sidewalls (e.g., a left sidewall, a right sidewall, a top sidewall, and a bottom sidewall 206). Although a user may be able to view the device 200 in a portrait or landscape orientation, the bottom sidewall 206 may refer to the same sidewall of the device 200.

[0017] As an example of fitting and electrically coupling the accessory 100 with the computing device 200, a protrusion 109 of the connector 108 may occupy a cavity disposed along the bottom sidewall 206 of the device 200. The cavity disposed along the bottom sidewall 206 may be a port used for other various purposes, such as for charging the device 200. As an example, the accessory 100 may include one or more magnetic members, for example, disposed within the connector 108, to magnetically couple with corresponding magnetic members disposed within the computing device 200, for example, along the bottom sidewall 206. The magnetic coupling may allow for the computing device 200 to properly align and attach with the accessory 100 when the connector 108 is to connect with the port of the device 200. The magnetic members may be arranged to produce magnetic fields that cooperate with each other to generate a magnetic attractive force that attaches the device 200 and the accessory 100 together in a mating engagement. Properties of the magnetic members that may be controlled include, but are not limited to, field strength and magnetic polarity.

[0018] As an example, the system, including the accessory 100 and the computing device 200, may be supported on a surface (e.g., a user's lap or a horizontal surface) by a kickstand (not shown) disposed on the back surface 204 of the device 200. The kickstand may be attached to the back surface 204 by a torqued hinge, allowing for the display surface 202 of the device 200 to be viewed at the various viewing angles illustrated in FIGs. 2A-C (e.g., according to the placement of the kickstand on the horizontal surface). As an example, when the computing device 200 is supported by the kickstand, a bottom surface of the connector 108 may form an angle with the second section 104, at the second end of the second section 104. [0019] Referring to FIG. 2A, there may be no angle between the bottom surface of the connector 108 and the second section 104 due to, for example, the placement of the kickstand of the computing device 200 on the horizontal surface to provide the illustrated viewing angle of the display surface 202. However, referring to FIGs. 2B- C, there may be an angle between the bottom surface of the connector 108 and the second section 104 as the viewing angle of the display surface 202 of the computing device 200 changes via different placements of the kickstand on the horizontal surface. Referring to FIG. 2B, an angle Θ₁ 210 may be formed between the bottom surface of the connector 108 and the second section 104.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 2C, an angle Θ₂ 220 may be formed, which may be greater than angle Θ₁ 210, as the viewing angle of the display surface 202 of the computing device changes via placement of the kickstand on the horizontal surface. By coupling the third section 106 to the back surface 11 1 of the connector and pivotally connecting the second section 104 with the third section 106, the use of the input devices of the accessory (e.g., keyboard 103) may remain unaffected and consistent, regardless of the viewing angle selected for the display surface 202 of the computing device 200. As illustrated in FIGs. 2A-C, the accessory 100, particularly the first section 102 and second section 104, may remain level with the horizontal surface while the display surface 202 is positioned at various viewing angles. By remaining level with the horizontal surface, users may have a positive experience while using the input devices of the accessory 100.

[0021] Although the figures illustrate the accessory 100 including a connector 108, certain examples may not include the connector 108 (not illustrated). For example, rather than coupling the third section 106 of the accessory 100 to the back surface 1 11 of the connector 108, the third section 106 may be coupled directly to the back surface 204 of the computing device 200. As an example, the third section 106 may include a connector (e.g., similar to protrusion 109) to electrically couple the input devices of the accessory 100 with the computing device 200 when the connector is connected with a port disposed along a back surface of the device (e.g., near or adjacent to the bottom sidewall 206 of the device 200). As previously described, the second section 104 may be pivotally connected to the third section 106 at a second end of the second section 104. As a result, the second section 104 of the accessory 100 may be in contact with the bottom sidewall 206 of the computing device 200. As described above with reference to FIGs. 2A-C, instead of forming an angle between the bottom surface of the connector 108 and the second section 104, an angle may be formed between the bottom sidewall 206 of the computing device 200 and the second section 104.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, the accessory 100 may function as a protective cover, with the first section 102 of the accessory 100 protecting the display surface 202 of the computing device 200 (e.g., when the device 200 is not in use). As an example, the second section 104 may wrap around to a front surface 110 of the connector 108 opposite the back surface 11 1. As described above, the second section 104 may be composed of foldable or pliable material, allowing for the second section 104 to be folded or wrapped around the connector 108 to form portions 302, 304.

[0023] As an example, a region of the first section 102 may include a magnetic member 306 to cooperatively interact with a magnetic member 308 disposed within the computing device 200, in order to ensure that the first section 102 remains closed to protect the display surface of the device 200, until a sufficient force is applied to overcome the attractive magnetic force. As an example, the magnetic member 308 can include a Hall Effect sensor for detecting the presence of a magnetic field, for example, the magnetic field generated when the magnetic member 306 is placed within proximity of the Hall Effect sensor. The Hall Effect sensor can respond to the presence (or absence) of the magnetic field by generating a signal. The signal can be used to alter an operating state of the computing device 200. As an example, when the first section 102 of the accessory 100 is placed on or in proximity to the display surface 202 of the device 200, the Hall Effect sensor may generate a signal, which can be used to put the device 200 in standby mode. When the first section 102 is removed from the display surface 202, to the point where the Hall Effect sensor no longer responds to the magnetic field of magnetic member 306, the Hall Effect sensor may generate another signal, which can be used to wake the device 200 from standby mode.

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates an accessory 400 for a computing device, such as a tablet computer or an all-in-one device, according to an example. Similar to accessory 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 , accessory 400 may include first section 102, second section 104, and third section 106. In addition, the accessory 100 may include a fourth section 402 connected to the third section 106. As illustrated, the fourth section 402 may be disposed within the connector 108 through the back surface 1 11 of the connector 108. The wiring to power the input devices of the accessory 100 (e.g., keyboard 103) may originate within the first section 102, run through the second and third sections 104, 106, and into the connector 108 via section 402, in order for the input devices to be electrically coupled with the portable computing device. Similar to accessory 100 illustrated in FIGs. 2A-C, accessory 400 may be fitted to computing device 200. At least the first section 102 and second section 104 may remain level with the horizontal surface while the display surface 202 is positioned at various viewing angles. By remaining level with the horizontal surface, users may have a positive experience while using the input devices of the accessory 400.

[0025] It is appreciated that examples described may include various components and features. It is also appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the examples. However, it is appreciated that the examples may be practiced without limitations to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures may not be described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the examples. Also, the examples may be used in combination with each other.

[0026] Reference in the specification to "an example" or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one example, but not necessarily in other examples. The various instances of the phrase "in one example" or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same example.

[0027] It is appreciated that the previous description of the disclosed examples is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present disclosure. Various modifications to these examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A protective cover for a computing device, the protective cover comprising: a first section including one or more input devices;

a second section connected to the first section at a first end of the second section;

a third section pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section; and

a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device along a sidewall of the device, wherein the third section is coupled to a back surface of the connector.

2. The protective cover of claim 1 , wherein the second section is to wrap around to a front surface of the connector opposite the back surface of the connector, such that the first section is to protect a display surface of the computing device.

3. The protective cover of claim 2, wherein the first section comprises magnetic members to magnetically couple with magnetic members disposed within the computing device when the first section is placed within proximity of the display surface of the device.

4. The protective cover of claim 1 , comprising:

a fourth section connected to the third section, wherein the fourth section is disposed within the connector through the back surface of the connector.

5. The protective cover of claim 2, wherein a bottom surface of the connector forms an angle with the second section at the second end of the second section when the computing device is supported on a horizontal surface by a kickstand of the device when the connector is connected with the port of the device.

6. The protective cover of claim 5, wherein the angle formed between the bottom surface of the connector and the second section changes as a viewing angle of the display surface of the computing device changes via placement of the kickstand on the horizontal surface.

7. A protective cover for a computing device, the protective cover comprising: a first section including one or more input devices;

a second section connected to the first section at a first end of the second section; and

a third section pivotally connected to the second section at a second end of the second section, wherein the third section comprises a connector to electrically couple the input devices with the computing device when the connector is to connect with a port of the device along a back surface of the device.

8. The protective cover of claim 7, wherein the first section is to wrap around to a display surface of the computing device opposite the back surface of the device, such that the first section is to protect the display surface.

9. The protective cover of claim 8, wherein the first section comprises magnetic members to magnetically couple with magnetic members disposed within the computing device when the first section is placed within proximity of the display surface of the device.

10. The protective cover of claim 8, wherein a bottom sidewall of the computing device forms an angle with the second section at the second end of the second section when the computing device is supported on a horizontal surface by a kickstand of the device when the connector is connected with the port of the device.

1 1. The protective cover of claim 10, wherein the angle formed between the bottom sidewall of the computing device and the second section changes as a viewing angle of the display surface of the computing device changes via placement of the kickstand on the horizontal surface.

12. A system, comprising:

a computing device including a display surface and a back surface opposite the display surface; and

a protective cover for the computing device, comprising:

a first section including one or more input devices;

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the second section is to wrap around to a front surface of the connector opposite the back surface of the connector, such that the first section is to protect the display surface of the computing device.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein a bottom surface of the connector forms an angle with the second section at the second end of the second section when the computing device is supported on a horizontal surface by a kickstand of the device when the connector is connected with the port of the device.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the angle formed between the bottom surface of the connector and the second section changes as a viewing angle of the display surface of the computing device changes via placement of the kickstand on the horizontal surface.