US20100294683A1 - PLATFORM JACKET FOR AN eREADER - Google Patents

Abstract

A protective cover for an eReader, including a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other, a mounting device for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover, and a closure device including a closure strap slot on the first cover, and a closure strap on at least the second cover, wherein the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover, wherein the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover, and wherein, in the open position with the closure strap engaging the closure strap slot, the first cover and the second cover form an upright frame for supporting the eReader.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/534,850, filed Aug. 3, 2009, and entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR AN eREADER”, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/138,522, filed Dec. 17, 2008, and entitled “PROTECTIVE COVER FOR AN eREADER,” and this application also claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/179,712, filed May 19, 2009, and entitled PLATFORM JACKET FOR AN eREADER”, and the entire contents each of the above identified patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed toward an eReader jacket, and more specifically, to a platform jacket for an eReader or other electronic device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 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. The eReader or other electronic device commonly does not include any protection for the body of the eReader, or for that matter, for protecting the eReader display from damage, such as scratching.
• 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 cover for an eReader. Conventional covers commonly 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.
• The eReader commonly is substantially flat, and therefore, the user commonly either lays the eReader on a flat surface, or manually holds the eReader in front of the user to position the eReader for optimal visibility for the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• These problems and others are addressed by the present invention, a first exemplary embodiment of which comprises a protective cover for an eReader, including a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other, a mounting device for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover, and a closure device including a closure strap slot on the first cover, and a closure strap on at least the second cover, wherein the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover, wherein the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover, and wherein, in the open position with the closure strap engaging the closure strap slot, the first cover and the second cover form an upright frame for supporting the eReader.
• Another exemplary embodiment comprises a protective cover for an eReader, including a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other, a mounting device for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover, wherein the mounting device includes a first corner support that engages a first corner of the eReader, and a first elastic corner strap that engages a second corner of the eReader, and a closure device that selectively secures the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover, and in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover, wherein, in the open position, the first cover and the second cover form an upright frame for supporting the eReader.
• Another exemplary embodiment comprises a protective cover for an eReader, including a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other, mounting means for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover, and closure means for selectively securing the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover, and in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover, wherein, in the open position, the closure means secures the first cover and the second cover in an upright frame position for supporting the eReader.
• In this manner, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can provide an eReader jacket, and more specifically, a platform jacket for an eReader or other electronic device that not only protects the eReader, but also can be manipulated into a platform that supports the eReader or other electronic device in a desirable reading position.
• The platform jacket can provide a stable and secure base for physically holding the eReader or other electronic device in a position that provides optimal visibility for the user. The platform jacket also relieves the user from holding the eReader while reading, thereby reducing fatigue on the user and providing a more enjoyable reading experience. The user also can easily stop and start reading without having to pick up or put down the eReader.
• The exemplary embodiments provide a protective cover or jacket for an eReader that easily and reliably secures and protects a variety of types of eReaders, while also being lightweight, compact, and portable.
• The exemplary embodiments can provide a protective jacket or cover having a closure strap that fully wraps around the cover and engages a closure strap slot to secure the cover in a closed position. The closure strap also can be configured to engage the closure strap slot to secure the cover in a full open position.
• The exemplary embodiments also can provide a protective jacket or cover having a mounting system that securely and reliably holds the eReader device in the cover, and more particularly, a variety of types of eReaders or other electronic devices by various manufacturers. In this manner, the mounting system can be universal for a plurality of eReader devices or other electronic devices, and therefore, does not need to be configured specifically for one particular device, model, or manufacturer. The exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, reliably and firmly holds or secures the eReader in place inside the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and made by various manufacturers.
• Additionally, the exemplary embodiments can provide a protective cover including a pocket for receiving a base of a portable and/or flexible booklight such that a booklight can be easily and effortlessly carried with the eReader, for example, at all times. The exemplary embodiments also can be configured to receive and seamlessly integrate and store the booklight within the protective cover, for example, in an area adjacent to the stored eReader that is protected by the protective cover when the protective cover is in a closed position and the eReader is not in use. In this manner, a lightweight, durable, and compact booklight can be easily collapsed and stored inside the protective cover along with the eReader, thereby providing a booklight that is easily and conveniently carried or transported along with the eReader, while also protecting the booklight from damage. Thus, a user of an eReader can easily and conveniently illuminate the screen of the eReader in instances in which the level of ambient light is limited or reduced.
• The exemplary protective cover provides an important advantage in that the cover can provide full surface protection for the eReader device. In other exemplary embodiments, the protective cover can include padded cover portions that permit the user to comfortable grasp or hold the protective cover, while also increasing the amount of force that can be absorbed by the protective cover, thereby increasing a level of protection provided by the cover for the eReader contained therein, as well as for the optional booklight stored therein. The protective cover also can include a solid front panel and/or rear panel to protect the eReader and/or booklight.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the protective cover can include one or more soft, plush, compressible, or padded interior surfaces to protect or cushion the eReader within the protective cover, as well as to protect or cushion the optional booklight.
• An exemplary embodiment of the protective cover also may include one or more interior pockets for storage of notes, business cards, documents, memory cards, and other items. The protective cover also may include a device for conveniently holding or securing a pen, pencil, stylus, etc., for example, in the spine of the jacket or cover.
• The exemplary embodiments of the protective cover can provide a user with full access and use of most or all of the input/output ports and controls, etc. of the eReader without having to remove the protective cover from the eReader.
• The protective cover is not limited to use with any particular eReader or electronic device. The protective cover can be generic to any type of eReader or other electronic device, wireless device, including devices with or without on-board backlighting.
• For purposes of this disclosure, an eReader can include any electronic device, wireless device, stand alone device, or the like for displaying content, such as e-books, newspapers, documents, text, images, etc. to be read by a user. The eReader can include electronic devices having wired or wireless connectivity for downloading content and conducting other Web-based tasks, or input devices for installing content. The eReader can include electronic devices having a physical keyboard, virtual keyboard, touchscreen, or the like. The eReader can include electronic devices having on-board backlighting, such as LED or florescent backlighting, or no backlighting at all. The eReader can include electronic devices having internal and/or external memory devices.
• Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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:
• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a platform jacket for an e-Reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate plan views of an interior of a platform jacket for an e-Reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate plan views of an interior of a platform jacket for an e-Reader according to another embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of an exterior of a platform jacket for an e-Reader jacket according to embodiments of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of a platform jacket for an e-Reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• 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,FIGS. 1-5 illustrate exemplary aspects of a platform jacket for an eReader. The jacket is a protective cover for an eReader, such as the Amazon® Kindle™ or Apple® iPad™. The jacket can be configured for other eReaders or electronic devices and is not limited to the eReader illustrated inFIGS. 1-5.
• With reference toFIGS. 1-5, the platform jacket and the operation of the platform jacket according to aspects of the invention will now be described.
• An exemplary embodiment of aprotective cover100 for an eReader can include afront cover102 and arear cover104. Thefront cover102 andrear cover104 each can include interior102a,104aandexterior surfaces102b,104b. Thefront cover102 andrear cover104 can be pivotable directly with respect to one another such that thecovers102,104 are movable between a closed position, a flat open position, and a full open position, as well as positions therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, thefront cover102 andrear cover104 can be pivotable with respect to one another about a spine orbinding part113, or the like, such that thecovers102,104 are movable between a closed position, a flat open position, and a full open position, as well as positions therebetween. In an embodiment, the spine orbinding part113 can be an integral portion of thecover100 that folds or bends when thefront cover102 is overlapped with therear cover104. In another embodiment, the spine orbinding part113 can be a separate section (e.g., a reinforced section) that joins the front andrear covers102 and104. In the embodiments, a width of the spine orbinding part113 can be selected to accommodate various types of eReader devices having a variety of thicknesses.
• For purposes of this disclosure, the closed position is defined as a position in which thefront cover102 overlaps therear cover104 and theinterior surface102aof thefront cover102 is opposed to theinterior surface104aof therear cover104. The flat open position is defined as a position in which thefront cover102 and therear cover104 are disposed in substantially the same plane and do not overlap each other. The open or full open position is defined as a position in which thefront cover102 overlaps therear cover104 and theexterior surface102bof thefront cover102 is opposed to theexterior surface104bof therear cover104. The open position can include a position in which thefront cover102 and therear cover104 provide a base for supporting thecover100 in an upright position on a surface, such as a flat surface.
• In the closed position, thefront cover102 andrear cover104 are configured to cover at least the screen of the eReader, and preferably, the entire surface of the eReader device stored therein, thereby providing protection for all surfaces of the eReader.
• One or more of the cover parts can include, for example, one or more of the business card slots, MMC/SD card slots, and/or document storage locations, such as one or more pouches, slots, pockets, etc. These features will be described in more detail below.
• Closure Strap
• Exemplary embodiments of aprotective cover100 having aclosure strap118 will now be described.
• As shown inFIGS. 1-5, an exemplaryprotective cover100 can include aclosure strap118 that wraps either partially or fully around the exterior surface of thecover100. For example, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, theclosure strap118 can extend the full length of the exterior of the jacket, for example, including the exterior of thefront cover102, the binding part113 (if equipped), and therear cover104. In one aspect, theclosure strap118 can be secured to theexterior surfaces102b,104bof the front and/or rear covers102,104, for example, by stitching thestrap118 to the protective cover orjacket100. In other embodiments, thestrap118 can be integrally formed with the exterior surface of the protective cover orjacket100.
• In an exemplary embodiment, theclosure strap118 can include, for example, afixed end118athat is adjacent to a free edge of the exterior surface of thefront cover102, as illustrated for example inFIGS. 1,2A,2B, and5. Theclosure strap118 can further include a fixedcentral portion118bextending across a longitudinal length of thefront cover102 and therear cover104, and afree end118cextending from a free edge of the exterior surface of therear cover104.
• In another exemplary embodiment, as shown for example inFIGS. 3A,3B, thefixed end118acan be formed adjacent to the free edge of therear cover104, and thefree end118ccan extend from the free edge of thefront cover102.
• In the exemplary embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, thefixed end118acan include aclosure strap slot118dthat is configured to receive thefree end118aof theclosure strap118 when theprotective cover100 is in the open and/or the closed position. Theclosure strap slot118dcan have a predetermined size that is sufficient to accommodate or receive an end of the closure strap therein, thereby securing the closure strap and the position of the platform jacket in one of an open position and a closed position. A width of thefixed end118aand a width of theclosure strap slot118dcan be selected to be equal to or greater than thefree end118c. Theclosure strap118 can be coupled to the exterior surfaces of thefront cover102 and therear cover104, for example, by sewing or stitching, using an adhesive, or the like.
• In an exemplary embodiment, theclosure strap slot118dcan include a semi-circular opening formed in the open edge of theclosure strap slot118d, thereby improving the insertion of thefree end118cinto theclosure strap slot118d.
• In operation, when thefront cover102 andrear cover104 are in the closed position, thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can include a length L that is sufficient to engage theclosure strap slot118dto secure thecover100 in the closed position, as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 5. Additionally, the length L of thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can be sufficient to engage theclosure strap slot118dto secure thecover100 in the open or full open position, as shown inFIG. 1.
• For example, a length L of thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can be selected such that thefree end118ccan be inserted into theclosure strap slot118dwhen the jacket is in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 5. The length L of thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can be selected such thatfree end118ccan be inserted into theclosure strap slot118dwhen the jacket can be configured as a platform (e.g., a tented, standing up, open, or full open position) when thecover100 is folded back such that theexterior surfaces102b,104bof the front andrear covers102,104 substantially are opposed to each other.
• In operation, aneReader10 can be secured to the jacket orprotective cover100 using one or more corner pockets and elastic corners, as described in more detail below. Thefront cover102 then can be folded over therear cover104, for example about a binding part, to provide a closed position, as shown inFIG. 5. In an exemplary embodiment, thecover100 can include a binding part that can be hinged separately at an intersection with the front andrear covers102,104.
• In the closed position, aninterior surface102aof thefront cover102 is opposed to aninterior surface104aof therear cover104, with theeReader10 interposing the front andrear covers102,104. Thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can be inserted into theclosure strap slot118dto secure the jacket or cover100 in the closed position.
• In operation, thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can be removed from theclosure strap slot118dand thefront cover102 can be hinged or pivoted away from therear cover104 until theexterior surface102bof thefront cover102 is adjacent to theexterior surface104bof therear cover104. That is, in the open or full position, anexterior surface102bof thefront cover102 is opposed to anexterior surface104bof therear cover104. The eReader does not interpose the front andrear covers102,104 in the open or full position. Instead, the eReader is disposed on theinterior surface104aof therear cover104 with the screen facing away from the jacket or cover100 such that the use easily can read the contents of theeReader10 and operate the controls of theeReader10.
• As shown inFIG. 1, thefree end118cof theclosure strap118 can be inserted into theclosure strap slot118dto secure the jacket or cover100 in the open or full open position. The front andrear covers102,104 are hinged about each other, or about one or more edges of a binding part, to form a generally wedge-shaped arrangement or easel-shaped arrangement, as illustrated inFIG. 1.
• As shown inFIG. 1, the exemplary embodiments can provide a platform jacket or cover100 for an eReader that not only protects the eReader, but also can be manipulated into a platform that supports the eReader in a desirable reading position. The exemplary embodiments of the platform jacket or cover100 can provide a stable and secure base for physically holding the eReader in a position that provides optimal visibility for the user. The platform jacket or cover100 also can minimize or relieve the user from holding the eReader while reading, thereby reducing fatigue on the user and providing a more enjoyable reading experience. The user also can easily stop and start reading without having to pick up or put down the eReader.
• Mounting System
• Exemplary embodiments of aprotective cover100 having an eReader mounting system that securely and reliably holds the eReader device in the cover will now be described.
• As shown inFIGS. 1-3B, exemplary embodiments of a mounting system can include a four-point mounting system to hold or secure the eReader in place against the interior surface of therear cover104 of the protective cover. The mounting system can include, for example, a pocket114 at one or more of the four corners of the protective cover. Each of the pockets is configured to engage a corresponding corner of the eReader. In a preferred mounting system, at least one of the four corners can include anelastic strap116 for engaging a corresponding corner of the eReader.
• For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 1,2A, and2B, an exemplary embodiment of a mounting system can includepockets114a,114b,114c, respectively, provided at each of the first, second, and third corners of the protective cover (e.g., the upper left corner, the lower left corner, and the lower right corner of the protective cover100). The mounting system can include anelastic strap116 at the fourth corner of the protective cover (e.g., the upper right corner, as shown inFIG. 1).
• With reference toFIGS. 3A and 3B, another exemplary embodiment of a mounting system for aprotective cover100 for an eReader will now be described.
• The exemplary mounting system can include apocket114a,114bprovided at each of the first and second corners of the protective cover100 (e.g., the lower left corner and the lower right corner of the protective cover100). The mounting system can includeelastic straps116aand116bat the third and fourth corners of the protective cover100 (e.g., the upper left corner and the upper right corner).
• In other embodiments, theprotective cover100 can include only a plurality of pockets114, or a plurality ofstraps116. In other embodiments, theprotective cover100 can include any combination of one or more pockets114 and one ormore straps116.
• In this manner, the exemplary embodiments shown for example inFIGS. 1-3B can provide a protective jacket or cover having a mounting system that securely, stably, and reliably holds the eReader device in the cover. Additionally, the mounting system can be universal for a plurality of eReader devices, and therefore, does not need to specifically be configured for one particular device, model, or manufacturer. The exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, while also being capable of reliably and firmly holding or securing the eReader device in place in the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and made by various manufacturers.
• With reference again toFIGS. 1-3B, exemplary features of the corner supports will now be described.
• The corner supports114a,114b,114ccan include a flexible body extending diagonally from a first side of a corner of the protective cover to a second side of a corner of the protective cover. The flexible body can include anopening115a,115b, which may reduce or eliminate creasing of the flexible body while also providing a seat for engaging a corner of the eReader in a mounted state.
• The corner supports114a,114b,114ccan be formed from a material, for example, that provides at least some traction on the corner of eReader to reduce or prevent slippage of the eReader from the corner supports, such as leather, suede leather, rubber, felt, etc. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the corner supports can be formed from leather, or include leather cover portions, for reducing or preventing slippage of the eReader from the corner supports. The leather corner supports or cover portions for the corner supports also provide an advantage in that they may be aesthetically pleasing to the user.
• With reference again toFIGS. 1-3B, exemplary features of theelastic straps116,116a,116bwill now be described.
• Theelastic straps116,116a,116bcan extend diagonally from a first side of a corner of the protective cover to a second side of a corner of the protective cover. In operation, one or more corners of an eReader can be inserted into one or more corner supports114 of theprotective cover100. Next, one or moreelastic straps116,116a, and/or116bcan be stretched over one or more corners of the eReader.
• In this manner, the exemplary mounting system can easily, securely, and reliably hold the eReader device in the cover. Additionally, since theelastic straps116,116a, and/or116bcan be stretched over the corners of the eReader, the mounting system can be universal for a plurality of eReader devices, and therefore, does not need to be configured specifically for one particular device, model, or manufacturer. Hence, the exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, reliably and firmly holds or secures the eReader device in place in the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and made by various manufacturers.
• Theelastic straps116,116a, and/or116bcan be formed from a suitable elastic material. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3B, the elastic straps also can include a cover portion orgripping feature117,117a,117bthat provides at least some traction on the corner of eReader to reduce or prevent slippage of the eReader from the corner supports. For example, the cover portion orgripping feature117,117a,117bcan be leather, suede leather, rubber, felt, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic straps can includeleather cover portions117,117a,117bfor reducing or preventing slippage of the eReader from the corner supports. The exemplaryleather cover portions117 also provide an advantage in that they may be aesthetically pleasing to the user.
• In this manner, the exemplary embodiments provide a mounting system that securely and reliably holds the eReader device in the cover. Additionally, the mounting system can be universal for a plurality of eReader devices, and therefore, does not need to be configured specifically for one particular device, model, or manufacturer. The exemplary mounting system of the invention is easy to use, reliably and firmly holds or secures the eReader device in place in the protective cover, and can be used with eReaders of various sizes, shapes, and weights, and made by various manufacturers.
• The exemplary embodiments of the protective cover can provide a user with full access and use of most or all of the input/output ports and controls, etc. of the eReader without having to remove the protective cover from the eReader.
• Booklight Pocket
• With reference toFIGS. 1-3B, exemplary embodiments of a protective cover including abooklight pocket120 will now be described.
• Thefront cover102 and/or therear cover104 of theprotective cover100 can include apocket120 or the like for receiving a base or other portion of a portable and/or flexible book light (not shown) such that the booklight can be easily and effortlessly carried with the eReader, for example, at all times. The booklight can include, for example, an LED booklight, such as the M-Edge™ e-Luminator™ booklight, or other illuminating devices.
• Thepocket120 can be formed, for example, at an upper end of the interior surface of therear cover104 such that the book light (not shown) can be positioned to extend from the upper end of therear cover104 toward the lower end of therear cover104. In other embodiments, thepocket120 can be formed at other locations on the interior of therear cover104, or at locations on the interior of thefront cover102. Thepocket120 can be formed on the same cover as the mounting system or on a different cover than the cover having the mounting system.
• Thepocket120 can be integrally formed or sewn into the interior surface of the cover or coupled to the interior surface of the cover, for example, by another adhering means, such as using a glue, adhesive tape, etc.
• Thepocket120 can include an open end adjacent to thestorage area112 of theprotective cover100 for receiving the base of a booklight. Thepocket120 can include a closed end at an opposite end from the open end. In other embodiments, both ends of the pocket can be open ends. A shape of thepocket120 can be configured to correspond to any shape of the base of a particular booklight and is not limited to a square or rectangular shape.
• In an exemplary embodiment, thecover100 can include a gap, free space, orstorage area112 that is adjacent to the mounting location of the eReader. Thisstorage area112 can be configured to provide storage for a booklight during periods of non-use. In an exemplary embodiment, thestorage area112 can include a plush or soft surface to cushion the stored booklight, and/or a rigid surface to protect the booklight from impact forces. In an embodiment, thestorage area112 can be covered with a material, such leather, suede leather, rubber, felt, etc.
• In operation, the base of a book light, such as a flexible book light, (not shown) can be inserted into thepocket120 until the booklight is positioned along thestorage area112 of theprotective cover100 that is adjacent to the stored position of theelectronic device10.
• In this manner, theprotective cover100 can seamlessly integrate and store a booklight (not shown) within theprotective cover100 in thestorage area112 when thecover100 is in the closed position. When thecover100 is in the flat open position or the full open position, the user can pivot the flexible book light about the base, thereby moving the booklight from a stored position in which the booklight is aligned along thestorage area112 of thecover100 and into an open or active position in which at least a portion of the booklight extends away from thecover100. A position of the booklight can then be manipulated to focus the light on the display of the eReader. In this way, the present invention provides aprotective cover100 including an integral booklight that is compact and portable.
• Other exemplary embodiments of the protective cover will now be described with reference again toFIGS. 1-5.
• In an exemplary embodiment, thefront cover102 and/or therear cover104 can include a solid front panel and/or rear panel. In another embodiment, thefront cover102 and/or therear cover104 can include a padded exterior cover. The exterior of the front andrear covers102 and104 can be covered with leather, fabric, canvas, synthetic leather, water-resistant or water-proof materials, or other materials.
• In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of thefront cover102 and therear cover104 can include a soft, plush, compressible, or padded interior surface to cushion the eReader within the protective cover. For example, the interior surface can be formed from a soft, microfiber material.
• In an exemplary embodiment, theprotective cover100 can include a pen loop, such as anelastic pen loop122, configured to receive and support a writing instrument or the like, such as a pen, pencil, marker, stylus, etc., for example, in the interior of, or the binding of, theprotective cover100.
• In another exemplary embodiment, theprotective cover100 can include one or morememory card slots106, for storing memory cards such as MMC/SD cards, on theinterior surface102aof thefront cover102 and/or on theinterior surface104aof therear cover104. In other exemplary embodiments, theprotective cover100 can include one or morebusiness card slots108 formed on theinterior surface102aof thefront cover102 and/or, on theinterior surface104aof therear cover104. Theprotective cover100 can include one or moredocument storage locations112, such as one or more pouches, slots, pockets, etc. formed on theinterior surface102aof thefront cover102 and/or, on theinterior surface104aof therear cover104.
• The aspects are not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and can include other arrangements. For example, one or more of the business card slots, MMC/SD card slots, and/or document storage locations, such as one or more pouches, slots, pockets, etc. can be provided on other surfaces of the jacket, such as on one or more of the exterior surfaces.
• In a first exemplary embodiment, a protective cover100 for an eReader, includes a first cover102,104 having an interior surface102a,104aand an exterior surface102b,104b, a second cover102,104 having an interior surface102a,104aand an exterior surface102b,104b, wherein the first cover and second cover102,104 are pivotable with respect each other, a mounting device (e.g.,114,114a,114b,114c,116,116a,116b) for securing the eReader10 on the interior surface102b,104bof one of the first cover and the second cover102,104, and a closure device118 including a closure strap slot118don the first cover102,104, and a closure strap118con at least the second cover102,104, wherein the closure strap118cengages the closure strap slot118dto secure the first cover and the second cover102,104 in a closed position (e.g.,FIG. 5) in which the interior surface102a,104aof the first cover102,104 is opposed to the interior surface102a,104aof the second cover102,104, wherein the closure strap118cengages the closure strap slot118dto secure the first cover and the second cover102,104 in an open position (e.g.,FIG. 1) in which the exterior surface102b,104bof the first cover102,104 is opposed to the exterior surface102b,104bof the second cover102,104, and wherein, in the open position with the closure strap118cengaging the closure strap slot118d, the first cover and the second cover102,104 form an upright frame for supporting the eReader10.
• Another exemplary embodiment comprises a protective cover for an eReader10, including a first cover102,104 having an interior surface102a,104aand an exterior surface102b,104b, a second cover102,104 having an interior surface102a,104aand an exterior surface102b,104b, wherein the first cover and second cover102,104 are pivotable with respect each other, a mounting device (e.g.,114,114a,114b,114c,116,116a,116b) for securing the eReader10 on the interior surface102a,104aof one of the first cover and the second cover102,104, wherein the mounting device includes a first corner support (e.g.,114,114a,114b,114c) that engages a first corner of the eReader10, and a first elastic corner strap (e.g.,116,116a,116b) that engages a second corner of the eReader10, and a closure device (e.g.,118c,118d, or118a,118b,118c,118d) that selectively secures the first cover and the second cover102,104 in a closed position (e.g.,FIG. 5) in which the interior surface102a,104aof the first cover102,104 is opposed to the interior surface102a,104aof the second cover102,104, and in an open position (e.g.FIG. 1) in which the exterior surface102b,104bof the first cover102,104 is opposed to the exterior surface102b,104bof the second cover102,104, wherein, in the open position, the first cover and the second cover102,104 form an upright frame for supporting the eReader10.
• Another exemplary embodiment comprises a protective cover for an eReader10, including a first cover102,104 having an interior surface102a,104aand an exterior surface102b,104b, a second cover102,104 having an interior surface102a,104aand an exterior surface102b,104b, wherein the first cover and second cover102,104 are pivotable with respect each other, mounting means (e.g.,114,114a,114b,114c,116,116a,116b) for securing the eReader10 on the interior surface102a,104aof one of the first cover and the second cover102,104, and closure means (e.g.,118c,118d, or118a,118b,118c,118d) for selectively securing the first cover and the second cover102,104 in a closed position (e.g.,FIG. 5) in which the interior surface102a,104aof the first cover102,104 is opposed to the interior surface102a,104aof the second cover102,104, and in an open position (e.g.FIG. 1) in which the exterior surface102b,104bof the first cover102,104 is opposed to the exterior surface102b,104bof the second cover102,104, wherein, in the open position, the closure means (e.g.,118c,118d, or118a,118b,118c,118d) secures the first cover and the second cover102,104 in an upright frame position for supporting the eReader10.
• 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.
• 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 terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
• As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”
• It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on”, “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting”, etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on”, “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
• Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “lateral”, “left”, “right” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
• For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the descriptors of relative spatial relationships used herein interpreted accordingly.

Claims (27)

1. A protective cover for an eReader, comprising:

a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other;

a mounting device for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover; and

a closure device including:

a closure strap slot on the first cover; and

a closure strap on at least the second cover,

wherein the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover,

wherein the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover, and

wherein, in the open position with the closure strap engaging the closure strap slot, the first cover and the second cover form an upright frame for supporting the eReader.

2. The protective cover ofclaim 1, wherein the closure strap includes:

a fixed end that is adjacent to a free edge of the first cover;

a free end extending a predetermined distance from a free edge of the second cover; and

a fixed central portion extending over the first cover and the second cover and coupling the fixed end to the free end.

3. The protective cover ofclaim 2, wherein the free end of the closure strap engages the closure strap slot to secure the first cover and the second cover in the closed position.

4. The protective cover ofclaim 2, wherein the closure strap slot is integrally formed by the fixed end of the closure strap.

5. The protective cover ofclaim 4, wherein a width of each of the closure strap slot and the fixed end of the closure strap is one of equal to and greater than a width of the free end of the closure strap.

6. The protective cover ofclaim 5, wherein the closure strap slot includes a semicircular opening for receiving the fixed end of the closure strap.

7. The protective cover ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting device includes at least one of a corner support and an elastic corner strap that secures the eReader on the interior surface of the first cover or the second cover.

8. The protective cover ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting device includes:

a first corner support that engages a first corner of the eReader; and

a first elastic corner strap that engages a second corner of the eReader.

9. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the mounting device includes a four point mounting device that engages each of four corners of the eReader.

10. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the mounting device includes a second corner support that engages a third corner of the eReader.

11. The protective cover ofclaim 10, wherein the mounting device includes a third corner support that engages a fourth corner of the eReader.

12. The protective cover ofclaim 10, wherein the mounting device includes a second elastic corner strap that engages a fourth corner of the eReader.

13. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the mounting device includes a second elastic corner strap configured to engage a third corner of the eReader.

14. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the first corner support includes a flexible body extending diagonally from a first side of a first corner of the protective cover to a second side of the first corner of the protective cover.

15. The protective cover ofclaim 14, wherein the first corner support includes an opening adjacent to the first corner of the protective cover and forming a seat engaging the first corner of the eReader in a secured state.

16. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the first corner support includes a gripping surface that frictionally engages a surface of the eReader.

17. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the first elastic corner strap extends diagonally from a first side of a second corner of the protective cover to a second side of the second corner of the protective cover.

18. The protective cover ofclaim 8, wherein the first elastic corner strap includes a gripping surface that frictionally engages a surface of the eReader.

19. The protective cover ofclaim 1, wherein the first cover includes a storage area for a booklight, and

wherein the storage area is adjacent to the mounting device.

20. The protective cover ofclaim 19, comprising:

a booklight pocket on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover,

wherein the booklight pocket is configured to secure the booklight to the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover.

21. The protective cover ofclaim 20, wherein each of the mounting device and the booklight pocket are on the first cover.

22. The protective cover ofclaim 20, wherein the mounting device secures the eReader over the booklight pocket when the eReader is secured to the interior surface of the one of the first cover and the second cover.

23. The protective cover ofclaim 20, wherein the booklight pocket is located adjacent to an upper end of the interior surface of the one of the first cover and the second cover.

24. The protective cover ofclaim 20, wherein one of a size and a shape of the booklight pocket corresponds to a corresponding one of a size and a shape of a base of the booklight.

25. The protective cover ofclaim 20, wherein the booklight pocket includes an open end adjacent to the storage area, the open end for receiving a base of the booklight therein.

26. A protective cover for an eReader, comprising:

a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other;

a mounting device for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover, wherein the mounting device includes a first corner support that engages a first corner of the eReader, and a first elastic corner strap that engages a second corner of the eReader; and

a closure device that selectively secures the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover, and in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover,

wherein, in the open position, the first cover and the second cover form an upright frame for supporting the eReader.

27. A protective cover for an eReader, comprising:

a first cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface;

a second cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the first cover and second cover are pivotable with respect each other;

mounting means for securing the eReader on the interior surface of one of the first cover and the second cover; and

closure means for selectively securing the first cover and the second cover in a closed position in which the interior surface of the first cover is opposed to the interior surface of the second cover, and in an open position in which the exterior surface of the first cover is opposed to the exterior surface of the second cover,

wherein, in the open position, the closure means secures the first cover and the second cover in an upright frame position for supporting the eReader.

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