Tablet Computer Case with Glare Protection

Abstract

An improved protective case for portable electronic devices such as a tablet computer is described. The protective case comprises of a base, a cover that is pivotally connected to the base and is equipped with a pair of side panels that can be folded flat against the cover in a closed position and when extended in an open position can shield excess light from getting into the tablet computer that is housed within the case.

1 . A tablet computer case comprising:
 a. a base having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge,   b. a cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, wherein said cover is pivotally connected to said base at the rear edge thereof to facilitate a close and open position,   c. a pair of collapsible side panel comprises of a left side panel and a right side panel that is pivotally connected to the cover at the left edge and at the right edge thereof,   d. means to secure a tablet computer on the interior surface of said base, and   e. a handle for carrying the case disposed on the front edge of said base and said cover.   
       wherein said panel provide enhanced screen visibility to the user of the tablet computer by providing glare protection in addition to damage protection and privacy protection. 
     
     
         2 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein a tablet computer having a display screen on one side is placed on the interior surface of said base with the display screen facing up. 
     
     
         3 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said cover and said base can be secured in a close position by a closure mean including but not limited to a zipper, a strap, a button, a magnet, a Velcro® attachment or the like. 
     
     
         4 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel has a triangular shape. 
     
     
         5 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel is removably attached to said cover by a fastening mean including but not limited to a hook and loop attachment, i.e. Velcro®, a double sided tape, a clip-on attachment, or the like. 
     
     
         6 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel can be operated in a close and open position, wherein said panel is foldable against the interior surface of the cover in a closed position and is adapted to extend along the left and right edges of said cover and said base when said panel is in an open position 
     
     
         7 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel when extended in an open position has one edge that will rest against the interior surface of the left and right edges of said base, wherein when the tablet computer is placed inside the case under normal operating condition with the display screen facing up, the cover and the two side panels form three to sides of a dome structure to shield light from entering and causing glare to the tablet computer display screen. 
     
     
         8 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel is made of a rigid, light proof, durable material such as polyethylene foam. 
     
     
         9 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel is made of a non-rigid, light proof material such as fabric or cloth. 
     
     
         10 . The case as specified in  claim 9  wherein said panel is supported by a wire structure. 
     
     
         11 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said means to secure a tablet computer on the interior surface of the base comprises an elastic straps, foam inserts, fasteners, snap locks, clamps, or the like. 
     
     
         12 . The case as specified in  claim 1  wherein said panel can be retrofitted to an existing tablet computer case. 
     
     
         13 . A case to protect a tablet computer from damage with added features for providing glare and privacy protection, said case comprising:
 a. a base having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge,   b. a cover having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a left edge, a right edge, a front edge, and a rear edge, wherein said cover is pivotally connected to said base at the rear edge thereof to facilitate a close and open position,   c. a pair of collapsible side panel comprises of a left side panel and a right side panel that is pivotally connected to the cover at the left edge and at the right edge thereof, wherein said panel can be folded flat against the interior surface of said cover in a closed position and will extend along the left and right edges of said cover and said base in an open position,   d. means to secure a tablet computer on the interior surface of said base, and   e. a handle for carrying the case disposed on the front edge of said base and said cover.   
       wherein said panel has a triangular shape with one side removably attached to said cover and one side that will rest on the base of said case in an open position, wherein the cover and the two side panels form three sides of a dome structure to shield excess light from the tablet computer display screen. 
     
     
         14 . The case as specified in  claim 13  wherein said panel is removably attached to said cover by a fastening mean including but not limited to a hook and loop attachment, i.e. Velcro®, a double sided tape, a clip-on attachment, or the like. 
     
     
         15 . The case as specified in  claim 13  wherein said panel is made of a rigid, light proof, durable material such as polyethylene foam. 
     
     
         16 . The case as specified in  claim 13  wherein said panel is made of a non-rigid, light proof material such as fabric or cloth. 
     
     
         17 . The case as specified in  claim 16  wherein said panel is supported by a wire structure. 
     
     
         18 . The case as specified in  claim 13  wherein said panel is constructed to be able to provide support and prevent the cover from collapsing when in use. 
     
     
         19 . The case as specified in  claim 13  wherein said panel can be retrofitted to an existing tablet computer case