US20160224125A1 - Combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard. The case includes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the second panel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/110,143, filed May 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. his application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/346,717, filed May 20, 2010 and entitled PROTECTIVE CASE FOR A TABLET COMPUTER AND KEYBOARD, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/353,171, filed Jun. 9, 2010 and entitled PROTECTIVE CASE FOR A TABLET COMPUTER AND KEYBOARD, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
• Tablet computing devices have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use, light weight and portability. Such devices typically include a thin, lightweight case and a touch-sensitive screen that occupies a majority of the area of the front face of the tablet. The touch-sensitive screen allows for ease of interaction with the interface of the tablet and for convenient consumption of media such as videos, photographs, and music, as well as web browsing and email.
• While tablet devices are convenient for media consumption, they are less convenient for media creation, for example, word-processing and email composition. This stems from the fact that on a tablet device, text is typically input via an on-screen keyboard, which lacks the tactile feedback of a physical keyboard, and is less conducive to rapid and accurate typing. To alleviate this inconvenience, some tablet devices can couple to a physical keyboard, for example via the Bluetooth wireless communications standard. However, the separate physical keyboard reduces the portability and convenience of the tablet device.
• Additionally, tablets are adapted for being held in the user's hands during usage; if the user's hands are occupied, the tablet typically must be laid flat on a surface. Neither arrangement allows for convenient viewing of the tablet simultaneous with the use of a keyboard.
• A convenient solution for transporting and situating a tablet computing device and associated keyboard is therefore desired.
SUMMARY
• According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard is disclosed. The case includes a first panel configured to receive a tablet device on a first face of the first panel, a second panel pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to receive a keyboard on a first face of the second panel, and a cover portion pivotably coupled to the first panel and configured to enclose the first panel and the second panel such that a first face of the cover portion is disposed in facing relation to the first panel and in facing relation to the second panel. The second panel can be pivoted so as to place the second panel in facing relation to a second face of the first panel. The cover portion may include a first cover panel, a second cover panel and a central cover panel disposed between the first cover panel and the second cover panel. At least one fastener may be disposed on a second face of the first panel and at least one complementary fastener may be disposed on a second face of the second panel. The case can further include at least one adjoining member adapted to be placed in adjoining relation with a rear portion of the keyboard. The adjoining member can include at least one fastener on a first face of the adjoining member. A covering may be disposed on the first face of the cover portion. The covering may be adapted to couple with the at least one fastener of the adjoining member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
• Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. The following detailed description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in which:
• FIGS. 1a-1cshow a first exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration.
• FIGS. 2a-2cshow a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in a first configuration.
• FIGS. 3a-3cshow a first exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel in a second configuration.
• FIGS. 4a-4cshow the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, closed configuration.
• FIGS. 5a-5cshow the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, open configuration.
• FIGS. 6a-6cshow the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptop mode configuration.
• FIGS. 7a-7cshow the first exemplary embodiment of the case in a hidden keyboard laptop configuration.
• FIGS. 8a-8cshow a second exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration.
• FIGS. 9a-9bshow a second exemplary embodiment of a keyboard panel.
• FIG. 10ashows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, closed configuration.
• FIG. 10bshows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a compact, open configuration.
• FIG. 11 shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a laptop mode configuration.
• FIG. 12 shows the second exemplary embodiment of the case in a hidden keyboard laptop configuration.
• FIGS. 13a-13bshow a third exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard in an open, flat configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description discussion of several terms used herein follows.
• As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood that the described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms “embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do not require that all embodiments of the invention include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. Furthermore, when elements are described as “coupled” or “connected,” it should be understood that the elements may be directly connected to each other or may be connected through one or more intervening elements.
• Generally referring toFIGS. 1a-7c, a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device andkeyboard100 is disclosed.Case100 may include structures for retaining a tablet device and a keyboard therein.Case100 can further include a plurality of panels which may be arranged in various positions so as to allowcase100 to be adapted to a variety of desired functionalities. For example,case100 may be placed in a compact, closed configuration for transporting the tablet device and keyboard and protecting the tablet device and keyboard during transport, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device.Case100 may further be placed in a compact open configuration for handheld use of the tablet device, with the keyboard hidden behind the tablet device.Case100 may further be placed in an angled open configuration for use of the tablet device on top of a surface. In the angled open configuration, the keyboard may be presented or hidden as desired.Case100 may also include structures for maintaining the plurality of panels in desired positions. It should be appreciated that the configurations and positions described herein are not limiting, and that a variety of configurations and positions forcase100 may be contemplated and presented as desired.
• Case100, or portions thereof may include an outer covering that is formed from any desired material, for example leather, imitation leather, leatherette, cloth, microfiber, synthetic polymer-based materials, or any other material known in the art that enablescase100 to function as described herein, or any desired combinations of materials. Rigidity may be provided to desired portions ofcase100 through the use of rigid inserts or rigid shells made from any material known in the art that enablescase100 to function as described herein. Portions ofcase100 may be provided with fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, clasps, buttons, tab-and-slot fasteners, or any fastener known in the art that enablescase100 to function as described herein. Furthermore, portions ofcase100 may be provided with a napped covering, for example felt, suede, alcantara, velvet, or any other covering having a napped pile or texture known in the art that enablescase100 to function as described herein. The napped covering may further cooperate with the fasteners so as to facilitate coupling between the fasteners and the napped covering.
• Embodiments of the combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard illustrated in the provided figures are adapted for use with a tablet computing device such as the iPad, developed and sold by Apple, Inc. and a wireless keyboard such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard, also developed and sold by Apple, Inc. However, it should be appreciated that embodiments ofcase100, as well as the configurations and concepts disclosed herein may be adapted for use with any known tablet device and keyboard, and are not limited solely to the illustrated devices.
• FIGS. 1a-1cshow case100 in an open, flat configuration, illustrating the plurality of panels ofcase100.Case100 may include atablet panel102 having afirst face104 and asecond face106. A portion offirst face104 oftablet panel102 may include a napped covering108 disposed thereon.First face104 oftablet panel102 may further include atablet sleeve110 disposed thereon.Tablet sleeve110 may be sized to receive a tablet computing device therein, and to snugly and securely maintain the tablet computing device withintablet sleeve110.Tablet sleeve110 may further include anopening112 sized to allow viewing of the screen of the tablet computing device therethrough. Opening112 may be uncovered, or may include a transparent protective cover (not shown) that allows for operation of the touch-screen of the tablet computing device.Tablet sleeve110 may further include a plurality ofapertures114 for accessing the hardware ports and buttons of the tablet computing device.Second face106 oftablet panel102 may include a plurality offasteners180 disposed thereon. For example,fasteners180 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member.
• Case100 can further include akeyboard panel120 having afirst face122 and asecond face124.Keyboard panel120 may be pivotably coupled totablet panel102, for example via aflexible panel130 having afirst face132 and asecond face134. Coupled tokeyboard panel120 may befirst band126 andsecond band128, which may be sized to receive akeyboard10 betweenfirst face122 andbands126,128 and to snugly and securely maintainkeyboard10 therein.Second face124 ofkeyboard panel120 may include a plurality ofcomplementary fasteners182 disposed thereon. For example,complementary fasteners182 may be looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a book-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple withfasteners180.
• FIGS. 2a-2candFIGS. 3a-3cshow a detail ofkeyboard panel120 andflexible panel130.First band126 may be provided with at least twofastening straps140, each fastening strap having afirst face142 and asecond face144. First faces142 offastening straps140 may be provided withfasteners180 andsecond faces144 offastening straps140 may be provided withcomplementary fasteners182. Afterkeyboard10 is inserted underbands126,128. As shown inFIGS. 3a-3c, straps140 can then be inserted throughslits136 defined inflexible portion130 so as to placestraps140 in adjoining relation withrear portion12 ofkeyboard10.Straps140 can then be secured by couplingfasteners180 disposed onsecond face134 offlexible portion130 tocomplementary fasteners182 disposed onsecond faces144 ofstraps140.
• Turning back toFIGS. 1a-1c, acover portion150 may be pivotably coupled to a bridging panel158, which can in turn be coupled tosecond face106 oftablet panel102. Alternatively,cover portion150 may be directly pivotably coupled tosecond face106 oftablet panel102.Cover portion150 may include a rigidfirst panel160, a rigidsecond panel162, and acentral panel164 disposed between the first and second panels. In one embodiment,central panel164 may be flexible and may be pivotably coupled tofirst panel160 andsecond panel162. Alternatively,central panel164 may be rigid and may be pivotably coupled tofirst panel160 via a firstflexible panel166, and tosecond panel162 via a secondflexible panel168. The pivotable couplings offirst panel160,second panel162, andcentral panel164 may be such that each ofpanels160,162,164 may be fully articulable, with respect to the panel is proximate thereto, about the longitudinal axis of the pivotable coupling.
• Cover portion150 may have afirst face152 and asecond face154. A portion offirst face152 ofcover portion150 may include a napped covering156 disposed thereon.Second face154 may include a logo, ornament, decorative feature, orother indicia170 disposed thereon. Additionally,second panel162 may include a logo, ornament, decorative feature, orother indicia172 disposed at the edge thereof such thatindicia172 may be visible on bothfirst face152 andsecond face154.
• FIGS. 4a-4cshow case100 in an exemplary compact, closed configuration. In the closed configuration,keyboard panel120 can be positioned such thatsecond face124 ofkeyboard panel120 is proximatesecond face106 oftablet panel102.Keyboard panel120 can then be coupled totablet panel102 usingfasteners180 oftablet panel102 andcomplementary fasteners182 ofkeyboard panel120.Cover portion150 can then be pivotally moved towardskeyboard panel120 and aroundtablet panel102, such that cover portion enclosespanels102,120, withfirst panel160 disposed in facing relation tofirst face122 ofkeyboard panel120,central panel164 disposed in facing relation tofirst face104 oftablet panel102, andsecond panel162 disposed in facing relation to a portion ofsecond face104 oftablet panel102 and proximate bridging panel158.Second panel162 can then be coupled tosecond face104 oftablet panel102 usingfasteners180 oftablet panel102 andcomplementary fasteners182 ofsecond panel162. The compact closed configuration thus allows one to conveniently transportcase100 while protecting the tablet device and keyboard from damage. Furthermore,keyboard panel120 can be disposed behind and coupled totablet panel102. Consequently,keyboard10 is disposed behind, and not in front of the tablet device, facilitating minimizing damage to the screen of the tablet device during transport and storage.
• FIGS. 5a-5cshow case100 in: an exemplary compact, open configuration. In the open configuration,keyboard panel120 can be positioned such thatsecond face124 ofkeyboard panel120 is proximatesecond face106 oftablet panel102.Keyboard panel120 can then be coupled totablet panel102 usingfasteners180 oftablet panel102 andcomplementary fasteners182 ofkeyboard panel10.Cover portion150 can then be pivotally moved towardskeyboard panel120 such thatfirst panel160 is disposed in facing relation tofirst face122 ofkeyboard panel120.Central panel164 can then be pivoted around such that it is positioned in contact withfirst panel160.Second panel162 can then be folded, if desired, betweencentral panel164 andtablet panel102. The compact open configuration thus allows one to use the tablet device while providing a compact form factor that allowscase100 to be held with one or both hands, if desired. Furthermore,keyboard panel120 can be disposed behind and coupled totablet panel102. Consequently, askeyboard10 is disposed behind the tablet device and does not interfere with handheld use of the tablet device, the tablet device does not need to be removed fromcase100 for handheld use.
• FIGS. 6a-6cshow case100 in an exemplary laptop mode configuration. In the laptop configuration,second panel162 andcentral panel164 ofcover portion150 can be placed on a surface such that napped covering156 is oriented away from the surface.Tablet panel102 andkeyboard panel120 can then be placed on top of second andcentral panels162,164, withfirst panel160 acting as a support that facilitates maintainingtablet panel102 in an angled relation to the surface on whichcase100 placed. A desired angle fortablet panel102 may be achieved by repositioningtablet panel102 andkeyboard panel120 along the length of the second andcentral panels162,164 ofcover portion150. Furthermore, thefasteners180 that are disposed on thefirst face142 offastening straps140 can couple to the nappedsurface156 ofcover portion150, thereby preventing movement oftablet panel102 andkeyboard panel120, and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet device at a convenient viewing angle and to simultaneously use the keyboard in conjunction with the tablet device.
• FIGS. 7a-7cshow case100man exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration. In the hidden keyboard laptop configuration,second panel162 andcentral panel164 ofcover portion150 can be placed on a surface such that napped covering156 is oriented away from the surface.Keyboard panel120 can be positioned such thatsecond face124 ofkeyboard panel120 is proximatesecond face106 oftablet panel102.Keyboard panel120 can then be coupled totablet panel102 usingfasteners180 oftablet panel102 andcomplementary fasteners182 ofkeyboard panel120.Tablet panel102 can then be placed on top of second andcentral panels162,164, withfirst panel160 ofcover portion150 acting as a support that facilitates maintainingtablet panel102 in an angled relation to the surface on whichcase100 placed. A desired angle fortablet panel102 may be achieved by repositioningtablet panel102 along the length of the second andcentral panels162,164 ofcover portion150. Furthermore, thefasteners180 that are disposed on thefirst face142 offastening straps140 can couple to the nappedsurface156 ofcover portion150, thereby preventing movement oftablet panel102, and allowing the desired angle to be securely maintained. The laptop mode configuration thus allows one to position the tablet device at a convenient viewing angle while the keyboard remains concealed and protected behind the tablet device. Furthermore,keyboard panel120 can be disposed behind and coupled totablet panel102 during transport. Consequently,keyboard10 is disposed behind, and not in front of the tablet device, which facilitates protectingkeyboard10 from debris, liquid, and other possible sources of damage whilecase100 is in a laptop configuration.
• FIGS. 8a-12 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device andkeyboard200. Most components of the embodiment ofcase200 are the same or similar to those of the embodiment ofcase100, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in both embodiments.
• The embodiments ofcase200 may be provided withmagnetic fasteners280, and complementarymagnetic fasteners282 in lieu offasteners180,182 of the embodiments ofcase100.Magnetic fasteners280 may be provided on thesecond face206 oftablet panel202. Complementarymagnetic fasteners282 may be provided on thesecond face224 ofkeyboard panel220, and on thefirst face252 ofcover portion250, as shown inFIGS. 8a-8c.Magnetic fasteners280 may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementarymagnetic fasteners282 or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. Complementarymagnetic fasteners282 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple withmagnetic fasteners280. Alternatively, a plurality of complementary fastening strips283 may be provided on thefirst face252 ofcover portion250, in place of thecomplementary fasteners282, as shown inFIG. 8b. Complementary fastening strips283 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple withmagnetic fasteners280. It should be appreciated thatmagnetic fasteners280, complementarymagnetic fasteners282, andcomplementary fastening strips283 need not be exposed on the surface of their respective panels, but may be disposed behind a covering such that thefasteners280,282,283 are hidden while retaining the coupling functionality.
• FIGS. 9a-9bshow a detail ofkeyboard panel220 andflexible panel230. Coupled tokeyboard panel220 may beside tabs225 andcomer tabs227, which may be disposed so as to receive akeyboard10 therebetween, and to snugly and securely maintainkeyboard20 in place. Additionally,sheath241 may be provided, and placed in adjoining relation with therear portion22 ofkeyboard20, for example by snap fit, by slidingsheath241 on torear portion22, or by any other manner.Sheath241 can include a pair of fastening strips284 • disposed on the exterior face thereof. Fastening strips284 may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple with complementarymagnetic fasteners282 or complementary fastening strips283, or may be formed from a ferromagnetic material.
• As shown inFIGS. 10a-10b, whencase200 is an exemplary compact closed configuration,magnetic fasteners280 oftablet panel202 may be coupled to complementarymagnetic fasteners282 ofkeyboard panel220 and to complementarymagnetic fasteners282 ofsecond panel262 ofcover portion250. In the exemplary compact open configuration,second panel262 may be uncoupled fromtablet panel202 and second andcentral panels262,264 may be folded behindfirst panel260 ofcover portion250.
• As shown inFIGS. 11-12, whencase200 is in an exemplary laptop configuration or an exemplary hidden keyboard laptop configuration, fastening strips284 ofsheath241 can couple to desired complementarymagnetic fasteners282 or complementary fastening strips283 onfirst face252 ofcover portion250, so as to prevent movement oftablet panel202 and to allow the desired angle oftablet panel202 to be securely maintained.
• As shown inFIGS. 8a-12, the exemplary configurations ofcase200 are substantially similar to the configurations ofcase100. In the exemplary configurations,Magnets280,282 andmagnetic strips283,284 provide for the desired couplings of the various panels and portions ofcase200, as illustrated. It should be appreciated that the shown exemplary configurations ofcase100 andcase200 are not the only possible configurations, and additional configurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired.
• FIGS. 13a-14billustrate another exemplary embodiment of a combination protective case and stand for a tablet device andkeyboard300. Most components of the embodiment ofcase300 are the same or similar to those of the embodiments ofcase100 andcase200, and are identified by similar numerals. Such components should be understood to have substantially similar characteristics and functionality in all embodiments.
• Turning toFIGS. 13a-13b,case300 may include akeyboard30.Keyboard30 may be provided in lieu of a keyboard panel and may be pivotably coupled totablet panel302 viaflexible panel330, as shown inFIGS. 13a-13b. Alternatively,keyboard30 may be directly pivotably coupled totablet panel302.Keyboard30 may be included incase30 and may communicatively couple with a tablet device via any desired connection, for example, via a cable such as a USB-compliant cable, or via a wireless connection such as the Bluetooth wireless communication standard. If desired,keyboard30 may be formed integral withcase300 or may be partially or substantially enclosed bycase300. For example, an integrally formedkeyboard30 may have an outer covering that is substantially similar to the outer covering ofcase300, and which may be contiguous with the outer covering ofcase300.
• Alternatively,keyboard30 may be separately formed fromcase300 and may be included with the case. As shown inFIGS. 14a-14b,keyboard30 may then be retained by aretention structure325, which may be a panel, straps, outer shell, or any other structure that can retainkeyboard30 in place.Retention structure325 may be formed from any desired material, for example the material ofcase300, plastic, or the like.
• Referring generally toFIGS. 13a-14b, the bottom34 ofkeyboard30 may include a plurality ofcomplementary fasteners382 disposed thereon. Ifkeyboard30 is disposed in a retention structure, theretention structure325 may be configured such that the complementary fasteners on the bottom34 ofkeyboard30 can be exposed.Fasteners382 may be, for example, looped fasteners or hooked fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member that couple tofasteners380 disposed on thesecond face306 oftablet panel302.Fasteners380, may be, for example, hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, or any other desired fastener member. Alternatively,complementary fasteners382 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple withfasteners380. Likewise,fasteners380 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple withcomplementary fasteners382.
• Keyboard30 may further include fastening strips384 disposed on therear portion32 ofkeyboard30. Fastening strips384 may be hooked fasteners or looped fasteners of a hook-and-loop fastener pair, or may be any other desired fastener member that is adapted to couple with napped covering356 ofcover portion350. Alternatively, fastening strips384 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or may be permanent magnets oriented so as to couple withfasteners380 disposed on thefirst face352 ofcover portion350.
• It should be understood that the exemplary configurations ofcase300 are substantially similar to the configurations ofcase100 andcase200. Furthermore, the shown exemplary configurations ofcases100,200 and300 are not the only possible configurations, and additional configurations may be contemplated and achieved as desired.
• The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments alld modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
• Therefore, the above-described embodiments should′ be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (13)

What is claimed is:

1. A combination protective case and stand for a tablet device and keyboard, comprising:

a tablet panel configured to receive and secure a tablet device, the tablet panel comprising a first tablet panel face and a second tablet panel face, the second tablet panel face located on an opposite side of the tablet panel with respect to the first tablet panel face;

a flexible panel comprising a first flexible panel face and a second flexible panel face; and

a keyboard panel pivotably coupled to the tablet panel by the flexible panel, the keyboard panel comprising a first keyboard panel face and a second keyboard panel face, the first keyboard panel face integral with a keyboard or configured to receive a keyboard, and the keyboard panel being movable from a first position to a second position, wherein

the keyboard panel directly contacts the second face of the tablet panel at the second position.

2. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 1, comprising:

a first cover portion panel;

a second cover portion panel; and

a central cover portion panel, the central cover portion panel disposed between the first cover portion panel and the second cover portion panel.

3. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 1, comprising:

a sheath configured to connect to the keyboard panel, the sheath comprising a third fastener.

4. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 3, comprising:

a third fastener disposed on the first cover portion panel.

5. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 4, wherein at least one of the first, second, and third fasteners comprise a ferromagnetic material.

6. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 1, comprising:

a cover portion comprising a first cover portion panel, a second cover portion panel, and a central cover portion panel interposing the first cover portion panel and the second cover portion panel, wherein

the central cover portion panel is flexible and pivotably coupled to the first cover portion panel and the second cover portion panel.

7. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 5, wherein

the central cover portion panel is rigid and pivotably coupled to the first cover portion panel, and

the tablet device further comprises a first flexible panel and a second flexible panel, the central cover portion pivotably coupled to the first cover portion panel by the first flexible panel, and the central cover portion pivotably coupled to the second cover portion panel by the second flexible panel.

8. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 1, wherein the keyboard panel further comprises a keyboard.

9. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 1, wherein the keyboard is removable from the keyboard panel.

10. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 8, wherein the keyboard is directly attached to the tablet panel.

11. The combination protective case and stand ofclaim 2, further comprising:

a covering disposed on the first cover portion panel;

a first fastener disposed on the second tablet panel face; and

a second fastener disposed on the keyboard panel.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are hook-and-loop fasteners.

13. A combined case and stand apparatus, comprising:

a tablet panel comprising a first tablet panel face and a second tablet panel face, the first tablet panel face comprising a tablet retaining structure, the tablet retaining structure configured to receive and securely maintain a tablet device comprising a screen, the tablet retaining structure configured to expose the screen of the tablet device for user operation; and

a keyboard panel comprising a first face and a second face, the first face comprising a retaining structure, wherein the retaining structure is an outer shell configured to receive, cover, and securely maintain a keyboard, the keyboard panel pivotably coupled to the tablet panel whereby the keyboard panel is movable with respect to the tablet panel, the keyboard panel movable to a compact configuration, wherein

the second tablet panel face and the second keyboard face are positioned to face each other.

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