Computing device case with integrated stand

Abstract

A case ( 10 ) for a computing device ( 50 ) and an integrated stand ( 11 ) provides the user of the computing device a case ( 10 ) for carrying a computing device and a mechanism that supports the portable computing device ( 50 ) in an elevated manner. The portable computing device carrying case ( 10 ) includes a first housing portion ( 12 ) and a second housing portion ( 14 ) pivotably connected ( 16 ) to the first housing portion ( 12 ) for movement between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position the first housing portion ( 12 ) and the second housing portion ( 14 ) form a cavity adapted to receive and enclose a portable computing device ( 50 ) when in the closed position. The portable computing device carrying case ( 10 ) includes an inner platform ( 40 ) positioned within the cavity when the second housing portion ( 14 ) is in the closed position. The inner platform ( 40 ) is moveable to an inclined position to support the portable computing device ( 50 ) when the second housing portion ( 14 ) is in the open position. The inner platform ( 40 ) is pivotably connected to the first housing portion ( 12 ) and supported by the second housing portion ( 14 ) when in the inclined position.

1 . A portable computing device carrying case, comprising:
 a first housing portion;   a second housing portion pivotably connected to said first housing portion for movement between an open position and a closed position forming a cavity adapted to receive a portable computing device, said first housing portion and said second housing portion adapted to enclose the portable computing device in said cavity when in the closed position;   an inner platform positioned within said cavity when said second housing portion is in said closed position and moveable to an inclined position to support the portable computing device when said second housing portion is in said open position, said inner platform pivotably connected to said first housing portion and supported by said second housing portion when in said inclined position.   
     
     
         2 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said inner platform is movable into a plurality of inclined positions. 
     
     
         3 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said inner platform is sized to extend across substantially an entire extent of said cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The carrying case of  claim 3 , wherein said inner platform is a flat, planar structure. 
     
     
         5 . The carrying case of  claim 4 , wherein said inner platform includes a plurality of vent openings to allow air to pass through said inner platform. 
     
     
         6 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , further including a connection means for connecting said inner platform to said second housing portion when in the inclined position. 
     
     
         7 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said second housing portion includes a first support and a second support positioned on opposite sides of said second housing, said inner platform including a first connector and a second connector mounted on opposite sides of said inner platform to engage said first support and said second support, respectively, to secure said inner platform in said inclined position. 
     
     
         8 . The carrying case of  claim 7 , wherein each of said first connector and said second connector includes a projection, each of said first support and said second support including a notch adapted to receive a respective said projection. 
     
     
         9 . The carrying case of  claim 8 , wherein said second housing portion includes a first side wall and a second side wall positioned opposite said first side wall, said projections extending laterally from said inner platform toward said first and said second side walls. 
     
     
         10 . The carrying case of  claim 1 , wherein said first housing portion includes at least one access opening formed in said first housing portion, positioned adjacent said inner platform, and sized to receive at least one of a user's finger and an inner platform extension to permit a user to apply a force to said inner platform. 
     
     
         11 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said inner platform includes at least one contact portion positioned in or adjacent to said at least one access opening. 
     
     
         12 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one access opening includes a first access opening positioned on one side of said first housing portion and a second access opening positioned on an opposite side of said first housing from said first access opening. 
     
     
         13 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one access opening is a hole positioned in an underside of said first housing portion. 
     
     
         14 . The carrying case of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one access opening is a slot positioned in a side wall of said first housing portion. 
     
     
         15 . The carrying case of  claim 11 , wherein said contact portion includes a tab extending from one side of said inner platform to engage said slot. 
     
     
         16 . The carrying case of  claim 6 , wherein said connection means includes a lower pair of supports extending from said second housing portion and positioned to support said inner platform in a lower inclined position, and a higher pair of supports extending from said second housing portion and positioned to support said inner platform in a higher inclined position. 
     
     
         17 . A portable computing device carrying case, comprising:
 a first housing portion;   a second housing portion pivotably connected to said first housing portion for movement between an open position and a closed position forming a cavity adapted to receive a portable computing device, said first housing portion and said second housing portion adapted to enclose the portable computing device in said cavity when in the closed position;   an inner platform positioned within said cavity when said second housing portion is in said closed position and moveable into a plurality of inclined positions to support the portable computing device when said second housing portion is in said open position, said inner platform pivotably connected to said first housing portion; and   at least one access opening formed in said first housing, positioned adjacent said inner platform, and sized to permit receiving at least one of a user's finger and an inner platform extension to permit a user to apply a force to said inner platform.   
     
     
         18 . The carrying case of  claim 17 , wherein said at least one access opening is a hole positioned in an underside of said first housing portion. 
     
     
         19 . The carrying case of  claim 17 , wherein said at least one access opening is a slot positioned in a side wall of said first housing portion. 
     
     
         20 . The carrying case of  claim 17 , wherein said at least one access opening includes a first access opening positioned on one side of said first housing portion and a second access opening positioned on an opposite side of said first housing from said first access opening.