WO2003030603A1 - Personal digital assistant screen protecting system - Google Patents

Personal digital assistant screen protecting system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003030603A1
WO2003030603A1 PCT/US2002/003338 US0203338W WO03030603A1 WO 2003030603 A1 WO2003030603 A1 WO 2003030603A1 US 0203338 W US0203338 W US 0203338W WO 03030603 A1 WO03030603 A1 WO 03030603A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing member
portable electronic
electronic device
display
pda
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2002/003338
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
John Hurd
Original Assignee
Acco Brands, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Acco Brands, Inc. filed Critical Acco Brands, Inc.
Publication of WO2003030603A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003030603A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F2200/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/04 - G06F1/32
    • G06F2200/16—Indexing scheme relating to G06F1/16 - G06F1/18
    • G06F2200/163—Indexing scheme relating to constructional details of the computer
    • G06F2200/1633—Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to protective enclosures for portable electronic devices, and more specifically to carrying cases for personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices having a I/O display operable with a stylus for entering data or operating/controlling the PDA.
  • PDAs personal digital assistants
  • One useful feature of the portable electronic device is its diminutive size which often includes a touch sensitive display that serves as both input and output.
  • a stylus is often preferably used in conjunction with the display to facilitate data or instruction entry. It is desirable to protect the display during transportation or other periods when the portable electronic device is not being used.
  • the slip cover type case has a disadvantage in that it must be removed and separately stored in order to operate the PDA.
  • the book-like case has a disadvantage in that it has a tendency to close while the user operates the PDA with the cover opened. This tendency results primarily due to the fact that most users are right-handed. Most right handed users hold the stylus in the right hand and support the PDA case/PDA in the left hand. The construction of most book-like cases results in the left hand naturally urging the cover to the closed position when supported in the left hand for cooperative operation with the right hand. The closing cover interferes with operation of the PDA, thus decreasing the benefits of the book-like case.
  • a further disadvantage of the prior art cases is that they are typically sized and designed to work with a single model PDA made by a single manufacturer.
  • the present invention improves upon the current state of the art with respect to protection cases for portable electronic devices such as PDAs, portable computers, hand helds and other portable devices having touch-sensitive or touch- responsive display interfaces.
  • the preferred embodiment provides for a top-hinged display cover and a body member that includes a pair of side wings sized to hold the PDA while not interfering with the interface elements of the device to be protected.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a case for a portable electronic device having a touch-responsive display.
  • the embodiment includes a first housing member having a first and a second lateral wall defining a pair of wings for engaging and securing the portable electronic device while not impairing access to the display; and a second housing member, pivotally coupled to the first housing member by a coupler along a top-edge of the first housing member, for pivotal movement relative to the first housing member to move between an open position in which the portable electronic device is accessible for operation and a closed position in which the portable electronic device is secured between the first housing member and second housing member inhibiting access to the touch- responsive display.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a PDA being inserted into a preferred embodiment of a PDA case
  • Fig. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the PDA being inserted into the preferred embodiment of the PDA case
  • Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the case in the closed position
  • Fig 4 is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of the case in the closed position; and Fig. 5 is an alternate perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the case into which a PDA has been installed.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a PDA being inserted into a preferred embodiment of a PDA case 100.
  • Case 100 includes a first housing member 105 having a pair of wings (wing 110 and wing 115), and a second housing member 120 moveably attached to first housing member 105 by a coupler 125.
  • Coupler 125 is a hinge in the preferred embodiment though other coupling systems may be used to moveably permit the housing members to move relative to each other to provide for a closed mode and an open mode.
  • Case 100 is preferably manufactured of steel, and a magnet 130 affixed to the first housing member operates to maintain second housing member 120 closed. In certain other applications, it may be desirable to attach second housing member 120 to first housing member 105 along a bottom edge of first housing member 105.
  • Fig. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the PDA being inserted into the preferred embodiment of the PDA case 100.
  • second housing member 120 is opened and PDA is slid into first housing member 105 under wing 110 and wing 115.
  • Wing 110 and wing 115 are sized to interface with one or more types of PDAs.
  • PDA may be operated inside case 100 when second housing member 120 is in the open position as shown in Fig. 1.
  • Wing 110 and wing 115 do not interfere with the touch sensitive display screen of the PDA or other user interface controls.
  • Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of case 100 in the closed position in which the PDA shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is secured inside.
  • Fig 4 is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of case 100 in the closed position with the PDA is secured within; and
  • Fig. 5 is an alternate perspective view of a preferred embodiment of case 100 in the open position into which a PDA has been installed.
  • the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative, not restrictive, of the invention, the scope of which is to be determined solely by the appended claims.

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a case for a portable electronic device (100) having a touch-responsive display. The embodiment includes a first housing member (105) having a first and a second lateral wall defining a pair of wings (110 & 115) for engaging and securing the portable electronic device while not impairing access to the display; and a second housing member (120), pivotally coupled to the first housing member by a coupler (125) along a top-edge of the first housing member, for pivotal movement relative to the first housing member to move between an open position in which the portable electronic device is accessible for operation and a closed position in which the portable electronic device is secured between the first housing member and second housing member inhibiting access to the touch-responsive display.

Description

PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT SCREEN PROTECTING
SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to protective enclosures for portable electronic devices, and more specifically to carrying cases for personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices having a I/O display operable with a stylus for entering data or operating/controlling the PDA.
One useful feature of the portable electronic device is its diminutive size which often includes a touch sensitive display that serves as both input and output. A stylus is often preferably used in conjunction with the display to facilitate data or instruction entry. It is desirable to protect the display during transportation or other periods when the portable electronic device is not being used.
It is conventional to provide customized protection cases for PDAs that cover and protect the display of the PDA. Conventional cases are made from metal or leather and are sized to engage and cover at least the display. Leather cases are either made into a slip cover for storing the PDA when not in use, or into a book-like form having a cover hinged on the left hand side. Opening the 'cover' of the case allows the user to view/operate the PDA.
The slip cover type case has a disadvantage in that it must be removed and separately stored in order to operate the PDA. The book-like case has a disadvantage in that it has a tendency to close while the user operates the PDA with the cover opened. This tendency results primarily due to the fact that most users are right-handed. Most right handed users hold the stylus in the right hand and support the PDA case/PDA in the left hand. The construction of most book-like cases results in the left hand naturally urging the cover to the closed position when supported in the left hand for cooperative operation with the right hand. The closing cover interferes with operation of the PDA, thus decreasing the benefits of the book-like case. A further disadvantage of the prior art cases is that they are typically sized and designed to work with a single model PDA made by a single manufacturer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention improves upon the current state of the art with respect to protection cases for portable electronic devices such as PDAs, portable computers, hand helds and other portable devices having touch-sensitive or touch- responsive display interfaces. The preferred embodiment provides for a top-hinged display cover and a body member that includes a pair of side wings sized to hold the PDA while not interfering with the interface elements of the device to be protected. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a case for a portable electronic device having a touch-responsive display. The embodiment includes a first housing member having a first and a second lateral wall defining a pair of wings for engaging and securing the portable electronic device while not impairing access to the display; and a second housing member, pivotally coupled to the first housing member by a coupler along a top-edge of the first housing member, for pivotal movement relative to the first housing member to move between an open position in which the portable electronic device is accessible for operation and a closed position in which the portable electronic device is secured between the first housing member and second housing member inhibiting access to the touch- responsive display.
These and other novel aspects of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the drawings and the remaining portions of the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a PDA being inserted into a preferred embodiment of a PDA case;
Fig. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the PDA being inserted into the preferred embodiment of the PDA case; Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the case in the closed position;
Fig 4 is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of the case in the closed position; and Fig. 5 is an alternate perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the case into which a PDA has been installed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a PDA being inserted into a preferred embodiment of a PDA case 100. Case 100 includes a first housing member 105 having a pair of wings (wing 110 and wing 115), and a second housing member 120 moveably attached to first housing member 105 by a coupler 125. Coupler 125 is a hinge in the preferred embodiment though other coupling systems may be used to moveably permit the housing members to move relative to each other to provide for a closed mode and an open mode. Case 100 is preferably manufactured of steel, and a magnet 130 affixed to the first housing member operates to maintain second housing member 120 closed. In certain other applications, it may be desirable to attach second housing member 120 to first housing member 105 along a bottom edge of first housing member 105. Fig. 2 is an alternate perspective view of the PDA being inserted into the preferred embodiment of the PDA case 100.
In operation, second housing member 120 is opened and PDA is slid into first housing member 105 under wing 110 and wing 115. Wing 110 and wing 115 are sized to interface with one or more types of PDAs. PDA may be operated inside case 100 when second housing member 120 is in the open position as shown in Fig. 1. Wing 110 and wing 115 do not interfere with the touch sensitive display screen of the PDA or other user interface controls.
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of case 100 in the closed position in which the PDA shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is secured inside. Fig 4 is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of case 100 in the closed position with the PDA is secured within; and Fig. 5 is an alternate perspective view of a preferred embodiment of case 100 in the open position into which a PDA has been installed. The invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof. However, these embodiments are merely illustrative, not restrictive, of the invention, the scope of which is to be determined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A case for a portable electronic device having a touch-responsive display, comprising:
a first housing member having a first and a second lateral wall defining a pair of wings for engaging and securing the portable electronic device while not impairing access to the display; and a second housing member, coupled to said first housing member by a coupler along a top-edge of said first housing member, for pivotal movement relative to said first housing member to move between an open position in which the portable electronic device is accessible for operation and a closed position in which the portable electronic device is secured between said first housing member and second housing member inhibiting access to the touch-responsive display.
2. A case for a portable electronic device having a touch-responsive display, comprising: a first housing member having a first and a second lateral wall defining a pair of wings for engaging and securing the portable electronic device while not impairing access to the display; and a second housing member, coupled to said first housing member by a coupler along a bottom-edge of said first housing member, for movement relative to said first housing member to move between an open position in which the portable electronic device is accessible for operation and a closed position in which the portable electronic device is secured between said first housing member and second housing member inhibiting access to the touch-responsive display.
PCT/US2002/003338 2001-10-01 2002-01-31 Personal digital assistant screen protecting system WO2003030603A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32641501P 2001-10-01 2001-10-01
US60/326,415 2001-10-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003030603A1 true WO2003030603A1 (en) 2003-04-10

Family

ID=23272100

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2002/003338 WO2003030603A1 (en) 2001-10-01 2002-01-31 Personal digital assistant screen protecting system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2003030603A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2399224A (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-09-08 Tatung Co Ltd Portable computer with panel attached by magnets

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5555157A (en) * 1994-03-02 1996-09-10 Apple Computer, Inc. Enclosure for electronic apparatus having a cover catch member engageable with two different housing catch members
US6231225B1 (en) * 1999-10-27 2001-05-15 Mark A. Bedol Attachment apparatus for checkbook cover and method of use thereof
US6239968B1 (en) * 1998-12-21 2001-05-29 Ideo Product Development Inc. Detachable case for an electronic organizer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5555157A (en) * 1994-03-02 1996-09-10 Apple Computer, Inc. Enclosure for electronic apparatus having a cover catch member engageable with two different housing catch members
US6239968B1 (en) * 1998-12-21 2001-05-29 Ideo Product Development Inc. Detachable case for an electronic organizer
US6231225B1 (en) * 1999-10-27 2001-05-15 Mark A. Bedol Attachment apparatus for checkbook cover and method of use thereof

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2399224A (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-09-08 Tatung Co Ltd Portable computer with panel attached by magnets
GB2399224B (en) * 2003-03-07 2006-02-15 Tatung Co Ltd Attached panel arrangement of a portable computer

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