US20140197058A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20140197058A1
Application number: US13/800,658
Authority: US
Inventors: Ryan Alan Huet; Morgan Requel McMullin
Original assignee: Leedsworld Inc
Current assignee: Leedsworld Inc
Priority date: 2013-01-14
Filing date: 2013-03-13
Publication date: 2014-07-17

Abstract

An apparatus, such as a padfolio, for carrying an electronic tablet device, the padfolio including front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed positions; an electronic tablet case rotatably attached to the front cover, the electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the electronic tablet case rotatable between first and second positions, wherein with the electronic tablet case in the first position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device received within the electronic tablet case faces an inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position, and wherein with the electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic tablet case faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/752,228, filed on Jan. 14, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally directed towards padfolios and notebook holders and, more particularly, toward padfolios and notebook holders having an electronic tablet case integrally formed therewith for removably receiving an electronic tablet and allowing operation of the electronic tablet with the padfolio/notebook in an opened or closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Padfolios, notebooks and other cases and business accessories are widely used and are useful for storing and organizing documents and other business and personal accessories. Many padfolios, notebooks, cases, etc., while structured and arranged in an attempt to be user-friendly, are not always organized for use of the item(s) carried thereby in the most efficient manner. Accordingly, it is desirable for a padfolio to have effective organizational features with enhanced device attachment features that maximize its efficiency.

With the emergence of electronic tablet devices, users are typically forced to carry both an electronic tablet case (to protect and carry the electronic tablet) and also a padfolio, notebook or other case. The padfolio/notebook will typically have a writing pad and other organizational features which are often desirable by a user. This has the drawback that a user has to carry and travel with two separate items. Additionally, when a user desires to use the electronic tablet, he/she must remove it from the case for use. In this instance, a user again has at least two items to carry and maneuver (the electronic tablet and the case), and three items if the user also has a padfolio/notebook. Having to continually maneuver two to three items can become cumbersome for a user.

Additionally, if the user desires to use the padfolio/notebook in conjunction with the electronic tablet, it becomes even more difficult, as the user now has to open the padfolio/notebook to access the notepad or other materials inside, while maintaining control of the electronic tablet and its case. In situations where space is at a premium, such as, for example, on an airplane, the task of maneuvering and “juggling” the different items becomes difficult and burdensome, and hinders productivity.

The present disclosure is directed toward overcoming one or more of the above-identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A padfolio, also referred to herein as a notebook or carrying case, that incorporates a rotating electronic tablet holder, or case, is disclosed herein. The inventive padfolio allows the user to view the electronic tablet and access the graphical user interface (“GUI”) on the interior cover of the padfolio when the padfolio is open; allowing the user to simultaneously take notes and view/use the electronic tablet. Rotating the electronic tablet additionally allows the user to view the electronic tablet and access the GUI on the exterior cover of the padfolio when the padfolio is closed. This allows the electronic tablet to be utilized while the padfolio is in a closed position, resulting in space savings.

The padfolio of the present disclosure includes a padfolio which may incorporate a writing pad and other organizational features on the inside thereof. The padfolio includes a molded frame with a molded-in rotational axis defined by two positioning points on the frame. A mobile electronic tablet case is attached to the frame which removably secures the electronic tablet into the padfolio and frame. Two rotatable hinges, which define the two positioning points, attach the electronic case to the frame along the rotational axis. The two rotatable hinges rotate about the rotational (central) axis to allow an electronic tablet received in the electronic tablet case to be rotated between two positions. In a first position, the electronic tablet can be accessed and used with the padfolio in an open position. In the first position, closing the padfolio orients the GUI of the electronic tablet to the interior of the padfolio, such that it is protected and not accessible. Rotating the electronic tablet to the second position (e.g., 180-degrees) orients the GUI of the electronic tablet to the exterior of the padfolio, such that the GUI is accessible when the padfolio is in a closed position. This allows the electronic tablet to be used, while minimizing the space to that of a closed padfolio.

The present disclosure permits a mobile electronic tablet to be used in combination with the inventive padfolio that contains, for example, organizational compartments and a writing pad allowing the user to access the electronic tablet and writing pad simultaneously, or as a low-profile mobile electronic tablet case by way of a rotating electronic tablet case frame located on the front cover of the padfolio. The rotatable case frame allows the mobile electronic tablet to be rotated between two positions so that the electronic tablet can be used when the padfolio is in a closed or open position.

The front cover includes a frame, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame. The electronic tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.

In one form, the frame includes oppositely disposed tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case includes oppositely disposed pins at an edge thereof received in the tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatable along an axis at the edge defined by the pins, such that the electronic tablet case may be laterally moved along the tracks to rotate the electronic tablet case between the first and second positions.

The front and back covers may remain in the closed position while the electronic tablet case is rotated between the first and second positions. Further, the electronic tablet may be secured in a third, upright position between the first and second positions.

The electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the hinge members and the frame.

The electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic tablet case.

In another form, a padfolio for carrying an electronic tablet device includes front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed positions. The front cover includes an electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the electronic tablet case rotatable between first and second positions. With the electronic tablet case in the first position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device received within the electronic tablet case faces an inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position. With the electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic tablet case faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position. The first and second positions of the electronic tablet case can be 180-degrees apart.

The front cover includes a frame, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame by at least one hinge member. The electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the at least one hinge member and the frame.

In a further form, a padfolio for carrying an electronic tablet device includes front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed positions, wherein the back cover is solid and the front cover comprises a frame. An electronic tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame and rotatable between first and second positions, the electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device. The electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic tablet case. With the electronic tablet case in the first position, the open front cover faces an inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position. With the electronic tablet case in the second position, the open front cover faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position. The first and second positions of the electronic tablet case can be 180-degrees apart.

The electronic tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably attach the electronic tablet case to the frame. The electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the hinge members and the frame.

The electronic tablet case may be removably attached to the frame.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a padfolio with an electronic tablet case that allows for ease of use of the electronic tablet and space savings.

It is an additional object of the present disclosure to combine the features of a padfolio and an electronic tablet case making travel easier and more efficient for the user.

It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a padfolio that provides for ease of transport and use of electronic tablets.

It is yet a further object of the present disclosure to provide a padfolio having an integral electronic case positionable between at least two positions for use and/or transport of the electronic tablet.

Various other objects, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure can be obtained from a study of the specification, the drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further possible embodiment(s) are shown in the drawings. The present disclosure is explained in the following in greater detail with reference to exemplary embodiment(s) depicted in drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates the inventive padfolio in a closed position with the electronic tablet case (with electronic tablet therein) rotated to face the interior of the padfolio with the padfolio in a closed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates the inventive padfolio in a closed position with the electronic tablet case (with electronic tablet therein) rotated to face the exterior of the padfolio and thus be accessible for use by a user with the padfolio in a closed position;

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate rotation of the electronic tablet case of the inventive padfolio;

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the rotatable attachment of the electronic tablet case to the frame of the front cover of the inventive padfolio;

FIG. 7 illustrates insertion and retention of an electronic tablet into the electronic tablet case of the inventive padfolio;

FIG. 8 illustrates the inventive padfolio in an open position with both the electronic tablet and a writing pad included within the inventive padfolio accessible;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the inventive padfolio; and

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate a further embodiment of the inventive padfolio.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventive padfolio disclosed herein generally includes a pocket for attaching a writing pad, other organizational features, and a rotating electronic tablet case assembly. The padfolio includes front and back covers that are pivotally attached, and can also include a closure element, such as a zipper, buttons, etc. about the periphery of the covers to maintain the padfolio in a closed position. The front cover includes a frame embedded therein, and can have a rotational axis point (central or offset) and two inverted bumps (i.e., depressions) that cooperate with bumps (i.e., projections) formed on two hinges to secure the rotating electronic case assembly in two positions. The frame encases the electronic tablet case, which removably secures an electronic tablet device therein, and the two hinges, which are attached to the electronic tablet case and which have the projections. The electronic tablet case is secured into the frame by way of the two hinges having a rotational axis point and two positioning points. The hinges are molded to have a flange that is secured into the electronic tablet case, a pivot pin, and a bump or bumps that allows the electronic tablet case to snap into, and be rotated between and maintained in, two different positions.

The first position is a closed position in which the electronic tablet received within the case is rotated to face the inside of the padfolio. In the second position, the electronic tablet case is rotated outward so that the surface of the mobile electronic tablet is visible from the front view of the closed padfolio. With the mobile electronic tablet case rotated to the first position—inward—and the padfolio in the closed position, the mobile electronic tablet is protected as it is encased within the padfolio. With the padfolio in the open position, the user can utilize the mobile electronic tablet surface as well as the organizational padfolio features and the writing tablet inside. With the mobile electronic tablet case rotated to the second position—outward—the surface (e.g., GUI) of the mobile electronic tablet is revealed to the user when the padfolio is in the closed position, so that it may be used without opening the padfolio. Utilizing/operating the mobile electronic tablet within the mobile electronic tablet case when it is in the second position consumes less physical space.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate theinventive padfolio10 in a closed position. In each ofFIGS. 1 and 2, anelectronic tablet12 is inserted within anelectronic tablet case14 included in the front cover16 (see alsoFIG. 3) of thepadfolio10. InFIG. 1, the electronic tablet12 (with theelectronic tablet case14 in a first position) faces toward the interior of thepadfolio10 and is thus inaccessible. InFIG. 2, the electronic tablet12 (with theelectronic tablet case14 in a second position) faces toward the exterior of thepadfolio10, and thus theGUI18 of theelectronic tablet12 is accessible for operation and use by a user with the padfolio in the closed position.

As shown inFIGS. 3-8, thepadfolio10 includes afront cover16 and aback cover20 pivotally attached to each other at aspine22 of thepadfolio10. The

covers

16 and20 can be opened in the manner of a book to reveal the interior (seeFIG. 8) of thepadfolio10. The joints between the various sections of thepadfolio10 can be made of adhesives, stitching, welding, or a combination of techniques. The interior of thepadfolio10 can be widely variable and, thus, is not shown herein. In general though, the interior can have a variety of sleeves, pockets, binder rings, etc. for mounting, storing and organizing various elements and devices. The facing material for the exteriors of the

covers

16 and20 can be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, cloth, plastic, leather (imitation and real), etc. The

covers

16 and20 can be spanned about their perimeters by a closure element that can include, for example, azipper24 or other securing device. Alternately, the

covers

16 and20 need not have a closure element spanned about their perimeter, such they are joined at thespine22 and are opened and closed like a book.

Thefront cover16 includes aframe26 integrally formed or secured therein. Theelectronic tablet case14 is rotatably attached to theframe26. Theelectronic tablet case14 is attached to theframe26 at two attachment points28 and30, and is rotatable aboutrotational axis32 defined thereby.

Theelectronic tablet case14 includes asolid back cover34 and an openfront cover36. The

covers

34 and36 may be made of the same material as the front16 and back20 covers of thepadfolio10. The openfront cover36 includes an opening sufficient to access theGUI18 and other operational buttons of theelectronic tablet12. Theelectronic tablet case14 is rotatably attached to theframe26 via two

hinges

38 and40. The hinges38 and40 are attached to thesolid back cover34 of thecase14. Typically, only the edges of the

hinges

38 and40 are visible, and covering material on the faces of theback cover34 hides the rest of the

hinges

38 and40. The hinges38 and40 rotatably attach thecase14 to theframe26 viapins42 which are received and extend intoapertures44 formed in the frame26 (only oneaperture44 is shown inFIG. 6). Theapertures44 are formed opposite one another in theframe26 and define the attachment points28 and30.

To rotate and lock thecase14, and hence theelectronic tablet12, in the two positions exterior to and interior to thepadfolio10, cooperatingdetents46 andprojections48 are formed on theframe26 and hinges38,40, respectively (seeFIG. 6). With thecase14, and hence theelectronic tablet12 received therein, in a first position where theGUI18 of thetablet12 faces the interior of thepadfolio10, theprojections48 will be received in one of thedetents46 on either side of theapertures44 to frictionally maintain thecase14 in the first position. A user can supply enough force to disengage theprojections48 anddetents46 and rotate thecase14, and hence theelectronic tablet12 received therein, to a second position where theGUI18 of thetablet12 faces the exterior of thepadfolio10. In this position, theprojections48 will be received in the other of thedetents46 on either side of theapertures44 to frictionally maintain thecase14 in the second position. While the drawings show the hinges38,40 having theprojections48 and theframe26 having thedetents46, theprojections48 anddetents46 can be alternately displaced on those elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other securing mechanisms to frictionally secure thecase14 in the two positions can be implemented as well.

As shown inFIG. 7, to insert theelectronic tablet12 into thecase14, aflap50 on thefront cover36 of thecase14 is folded back, and then theelectronic tablet12 is slid into the case14 (seeFIG. 7). After theelectronic tablet12 is fully received in thecase14, theflap50 is folded back and disposed behind theelectronic tablet12 between theelectronic tablet12 and theback cover34 to removably secure theelectronic tablet12 within the case14 (seeFIGS. 3 and 7). Of course, this is only one type of closure element which can attach thetablet12 to theframe14. One skilled in the art will appreciate that thecase14 may take various other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, thecase14 can be formed such that thetablet12 snaps into thecase14. Alternately, thecase14 may secure the tablet thereto via elastic or other bands, via Velcro™, etc. Thetablet12 need only be removably secured to thecase14 and rotatable therewith. With theelectronic tablet12 secured in thecase14, thecase14, with thetablet12 therein, may be rotated between the two positions, as described above. Additionally, thecase14 may also be removably secured to theframe26.

As shown inFIG. 8, thecase14 andtablet12 may be rotated such that theGUI18 of thetablet12 faces toward the interior of the padfolio10 (i.e., first position). In this position, thetablet12 may be operated by a user (via the GUI18), while also enabling the user to utilize, for example, anotepad52 and other organization features located in the interior of thepadfolio10. Closing thepadfolio10 with thecase14 andtablet12 in the position shown inFIG. 8 results in theGUI18 of thetablet12 facing within the interior of thepadfolio10 and theback cover34 of thecase14 facing the exterior of the padfolio10 (seeFIG. 1).

Rotating thecase14 andtablet12 180-degrees (as described above) rotates thecase14 andtablet12 to a second position, as shown inFIG. 2, with theGUI18 of thetablet12 facing the exterior of thepadfolio10. With thecase14 andtablet12 in this second position, theGUI18 of thetablet12 remains accessible with thepadfolio10 in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 2. As will be appreciated, in the exemplary embodiment described herein, since the

hinges

38 and40 are attached to theback cover34 of thecase14, thefront cover36 of thecase14, and hence theGUI18 surface of thetablet12, will sit slightly above thefront cover16 of thepadfolio10 with thecase14 rotated to the second position with theGUI18 of thetablet12 facing the exterior of thepadfolio10. When thecase14 andtablet12 are rotated to the first position and face the interior of thepadfolio10, theback cover34 of thecase14 will be substantially flush with thefront cover16 of thepadfolio10.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. For example, while the two pivot position points28 and30 are shown located at the top and bottom of thecase14 andfame26, they may also be disposed on the sides of thecase14 andframe26 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Additionally, instead of two pivot position points as discussed above, the inventive padfolio may incorporate only one pivot point, as shown inFIG. 9. In this exemplary embodiment, theinventive padfolio100 includesfront102 and back104 covers connected at aspine106, such that they open and close much like a book. Ahinge mount108 is connected to thespine106 via rivets or other connection means. Thefront cover102 includes a hinge110 which is connected to thehinge mount108 via a ball and socket connection there between. Specifically, the hinge110 includes aball112 which is received in asocket114 formed in thehinge mount108 to define a pivot point116.

Thefront cover102 includeselastic bands118 located at each corner which are used to removably secure anelectronic tablet120 to thefront cover102. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that Velcro™ or other connection mechanisms may be utilized to removably secure theelectronic tablet120 to thefront cover102 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thefront cover102, withelectronic tablet120 attached, may be pivoted to an open position (as shown inFIG. 9) and rotated at the hinged pivot point116 to face the electronic tablet either toward the interior or the exterior of thepadfolio100. As previously described, with thecover102 andtablet120 facing the exterior of thepadfolio100, theelectronic tablet120 may be operated with thepadfolio100 in a closed position.

FIGS. 10-11 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. Theinventive padfolio200 is shown in a closed position inFIG. 10A and includes afront cover202 connected by aspine204 to aback cover206, such that these parts open and close in a manner similar to a book. Thefront cover202 includes the alternate embodiment which involves how thetablet case210 is rotated to access theGUI230 of theelectronic tablet228 removably secured thereto.

With the padfolio in a closed position, as shown inFIG. 10A, apull tab208 can be used to open thetablet case210. As shown inFIGS. 10B (an exploded view) and11A, thetablet case210 is rotated about its side edge. Thefront cover202 includes aframe212 having oppositely disposedtracks214 molded therein. Oppositely disposedpins216 are mounted to thetablet case210 viahinge parts218, which have flange parts that are secured in the construction of thetablet case210. Thetablet case210 rotates about an axis defined by thepins216 along an edge thereof, as shown inFIGS. 10B and 11A.

Thepins216 and hingeparts218 move along thetracks214 to allow the user to move thetablet case210 from the first position (FIG. 10A) to a second position (FIG. 11B) and ultimately to a third position (FIG. 11C). Thepull tab208 can be used to pull and/or push thetablet case210 laterally across theframe212 into which thetracks214 are molded.

In the second position, as shown inFIG. 11C, a stand (not shown) may be incorporated into thetablet case210,front cover202 and/orframe212 to maintain thetablet case210, and hence thetablet228, in an upright position for viewing and/or manipulation of theGUI230. Thetablet case210 may be rotated and moved laterally with the front202 and back206 covers in a closed position and secured with azipper220 or other closure member. Alternately, a closure member may be omitted.

Thetablet case210 may be pushed and/or pulled along thetracks214 by thepull tab208 into a third position (seeFIG. 11C). In the position, thepadfolio200 is in a closed position while theGUI230 of thetablet228 remains accessible. Thetablet case210 may be snapped into the third position pivot and lock axis224 (seeFIG. 10B), such that thepins216 snap into theaxis224 to frictionally maintain thetablet case210 in the third position. Similarly, a first position pivot and lockaxis222 frictionally maintains thetablet case210 in the first position in a similar manner. Thetablet case210 can be pivoted into the third position pivot and lockaxis224 and then snapped into the first position pivot and lockaxis222 where it engages theframe212 securely.

As shown inFIGS. 10-11, the tablet is removably held into thetablet case210 via fourelastic bands226 at the four corners thereof. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other alternate methods of removably securing thetablet228 to thetablet case210 may be utilized, as long as theGUI230 of thetablet228 can be used in the second (FIG. 11B) and third (FIG. 11C) positions when thepadfolio200 is in the closed position.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. An apparatus for carrying an electronic tablet device comprising:

front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed positions;

an electronic tablet case rotatably attached to the front cover, the electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the electronic tablet case rotatable between first and second positions,

wherein with the electronic tablet case in the first position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device received within the electronic tablet case faces an inside of the apparatus with the front and back covers in the closed position, and

wherein with the electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic tablet case faces an outside of the apparatus with the front and back covers in the closed position.

2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the front cover comprises a frame, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame.

3. The apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the electronic tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.

4. The apparatus according toclaim 3, wherein the electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the hinge members and the frame.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the frame includes oppositely disposed tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case includes oppositely disposed pins at an edge thereof received in the tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatable along an axis at the edge defined by the pins, such that the electronic tablet case may be laterally moved along the tracks to rotate the electronic tablet case between the first and second positions.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the front and back covers remain in the closed position while the electronic tablet case is rotated between the first and second positions.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein electronic tablet case is securable in a third, upright position between the first and second positions.

8. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic tablet case.

9. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a padfolio.

10. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the first and second positions of the electronic tablet case are 180-degrees apart.

11. A padfolio for carrying an electronic tablet device comprising:

wherein the front cover includes an electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device, the electronic tablet case rotatable between first and second positions,

wherein with the electronic tablet case in the first position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device received within the electronic tablet case faces an inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position, and

wherein with the electronic tablet case in the second position, a graphical user interface on an electronic tablet device within the electronic tablet case faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position.

12. The padfolio according toclaim 11, wherein the front cover includes a frame, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatably attached to the frame by at least one hinge member.

13. The padfolio according toclaim 12, wherein the electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the at least one hinge member and the frame.

14. The padfolio according toclaim 12, wherein the electronic tablet case is removably attached to the frame.

15. The padfolio according toclaim 11, wherein the electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic tablet case.

16. The padfolio according toclaim 11, wherein the first and second positions of the electronic tablet case are 180-degrees apart.

17. A padfolio for carrying an electronic tablet device comprising:

front and back covers pivotally attached to each other along an edge and pivotal between open and closed positions, wherein the back cover is solid and the front cover comprises a frame;

an electronic tablet case rotatably attached to the frame and rotatable between first and second positions, the electronic tablet case configured for removably receiving an electronic tablet device,

wherein the electronic tablet case includes a solid back cover and an open front cover, wherein the open front cover allows access to a graphical user interface of an electronic tablet device received in the electronic tablet case,

wherein with the electronic tablet case in the first position, the open front cover faces an inside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position, and

wherein with the electronic tablet case in the second position, the open front cover faces an outside of the padfolio with the front and back covers in the closed position.

18. The padfolio according toclaim 17, wherein the electronic tablet case includes hinge members attached thereto at opposite ends thereof, the hinge members including pins which are received in oppositely displaced apertures formed in the frame to rotatably attach the electronic tablet case to the frame.

19. The padfolio according toclaim 18, wherein the electronic tablet case is frictionally secured in the first and second positions by cooperating projections and detents formed on the hinge members and the frame.

20. The padfolio according toclaim 17, wherein the first and second positions of the electronic tablet case are 180-degrees apart.

21. The padfolio according toclaim 17, wherein the electronic tablet case is removably attached to the frame.

22. The padfolio ofclaim 17, wherein the frame includes oppositely disposed tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case includes oppositely disposed pins at an edge thereof received in the tracks, and wherein the electronic tablet case is rotatable along an axis at the edge defined by the pins, such that the electronic tablet case may be laterally moved along the tracks to rotate the electronic tablet case between the first and second positions.

23. The padfolio ofclaim 22, wherein the front and back covers remain in the closed position while the electronic tablet case is rotated between the first and second positions.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 22, wherein electronic tablet case is securable in a third, upright position between the first and second positions.