# US 2018/0024591 A1 · Foldable case for use with an electronic device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2018/0024591 A1 - Document ID: US20180024591A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 15/694,094 - Filed: 2017-09-01 - Published: 2018-01-25 - Earliest claimed: 2010-01-06 - Assignees: Apple Inc. - Applicants: Apple Inc. - Inventors: Matthew D. ROHRBACH; Vinh DIEP - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20180024591A1 ## CPC - G06F 1/1633: {Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626} - A45C 9/00: {Purses,} Luggage or bags convertible into objects for other use (sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles A45F4/02; trunk-wardrobes A47B61/06; trunk-beds A47C17/82) - A45C 11/00: Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 (specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48) - A45C 13/02: Interior fittings; Means, {e.g. inserts,} for holding and packing articles - G06F 1/1628: {Enclosures for carrying portable computers with peripheral devices, e.g. cases for a laptop and a printer} - A45C 3/02: Briefcases or the like - A45C 7/00: Collapsible or extensible {purses,} luggage, bags or the like - A45C 11/003: {for storing portable computing devices, e.g. laptops, tablets or calculators} - A45C 2013/025: {for holding portable computers or accessories therefor} - A45C 2200/15: Articles convertible into a stand, e.g. for displaying purposes - G06F 2200/1633: Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer - Y10T 29/49826: Assembling or joining - G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N) - A45C: PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract This is directed to a case for securing and protecting an electronic device. The case can include a cover connected to a pouch by a hinge such that the cover can be overlaid over a device interface (e.g., a device display). The case can be constructed by layering and combining several types of materials, including for example materials having resistant outer surfaces, materials limiting the deformation of the case, materials providing a soft surface to be placed in contact with the device, and rigid materials for defining a structure of the case. In some embodiments, the case can include a tab that allows a user to fold open the cover of the case to form a triangular prism. The prism can be placed on any of its surfaces such that the device can be oriented towards a user at particular angles (e.g., a typing-specific orientation and a media playback orientation). ## Claims ### Claim 1 (canceled) ### Claim 2 A protective case for a portable electronic device, the protective case being capable of supporting the portable electronic device at inclination angles with respect to a support surface, the protective case comprising: a body configured to carry the portable electronic device such that a back wall of the body covers at least a portion of a rear surface of the portable electronic device; and a single piece flap comprising a first portion, and a second portion positioned between the first portion and the body, the second portion pivotally coupled to the body and the first portion such that the first portion and the body are each capable of moving independently of each other, such that: in a closed configuration, the first portion covers at least a portion of a front surface of the portable electronic device, in a first support configuration, the first portion is in contact with the body at a first angle and the second portion is in contact with the body at a second angle, the body being inclined relative to the support surface at the second angle, and in a second support configuration, the first portion is in contact with the body at a third angle and the second portion is in contact with the body at a fourth angle, the body being inclined relative to the support surface at the third angle. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The protective case as recited in claim 2, wherein the body comprises a pouch element. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The protective case as recited in claim 2, wherein the portable electronic device is inverted in the first support configuration with respect to the portable electronic device in the second support configuration. ### Claim 5 (depends on 2) The protective case as recited in claim 2, wherein the second portion is configured to cooperate with the body to retain the portable electronic device in the closed configuration. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The protective case as recited in claim 2, wherein the body includes an external layer comprising polyurethane, a polyester knit layer adjacent the external layer, and a rigid layer bonded to the polyester knit layer by an adhesive and comprising fiberglass or polycarbonate. ### Claim 7 (depends on 2) The protective case as recited in claim 2, wherein the first angle and the third angle are different and the second angle and the fourth angle are different. ### Claim 8 (depends on 2) The protective case as recited in claim 2, wherein, in the first support configuration, the second portion is in contact with the support surface. ### Claim 9 A protective case for a portable electronic device, the protective case comprising: a body configured to carry the portable electronic device, the body being characterized as having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; and a single piece flap comprising a first portion, and a second portion positioned between the first portion and the first edge of the body, the second portion pivotally coupled to the body and the first portion such that the first portion is capable of being brought to the body to couple with the body to form triangular configurations, wherein the body is oriented at a first orientation in a first triangular configuration, the first orientation is characterized as having the first edge being positioned higher than the second edge, and wherein the body is oriented at a second orientation in a second triangular configuration, the first orientation is characterized as having the second edge being positioned higher than the first edge. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The protective case as recited in claim 9, wherein the first portion and the second portion comprise hard elements. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The protective case as recited in claim 9, wherein the portable electronic device is inverted in the first triangular configuration with respect to the portable electronic device in the second triangular configuration. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The protective case as recited in claim 9, wherein the second portion is a flexible and includes a microfiber material. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The protective case as recited in claim 9, wherein the body includes at least one interface opening. ### Claim 14 (depends on 9) The protective case as recited in claim 9, wherein the body includes an external layer comprising polyurethane, a polyester knit layer adjacent the external layer, and a rigid layer bonded to the polyester knit layer by an adhesive and comprising fiberglass or polycarbonate. ### Claim 15 A protective case for a portable electronic device, the protective case being capable of supporting the portable electronic device at inclination angles with respect to a support surface, the protective case comprising: a body comprising a back wall and side walls that extend from the back wall, the back wall and the side walls defining a recess configured to carry the portable electronic device, the side walls comprising an interface opening that limits a placement orientation of the portable electronic device with respect to the protective case; and a single piece flap comprising a first portion, and a second portion positioned between the first portion and the body, the second portion pivotally coupled to the body and the first portion, such that: in a closed configuration, the first portion covers at least a portion of the portable electronic device, in a first support configuration, the body is oriented at a first orientation as defined by a first position of the interface opening with respect to the support surface, and in a second support configuration, the body is orientated at a second orientation as defined by a second position of the interface opening with respect to the support surface, wherein the second orientation is inverted with respect to the first orientation. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The protective case as recited in claim 15, wherein the body is inclined at a first angle with respect to the support surface in the first support configuration and is inclined at a second angle with respect to the support surface in the second support configuration, the first angle being different than the second angle. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The protective case as recited in claim 15, wherein the first portion comprises a fastening mechanism for retaining the first portion over the body in the closed configuration. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The protective case as recited in claim 17, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises a mechanical snap, a magnet, or a hook and fastener material. ### Claim 19 (depends on 17) The protective case as recited in claim 17, wherein the portable electronic device is inverted in the first support configuration with respect to the portable electronic device in the second support configuration. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) The protective case as recited in claim 15, wherein a length of the first portion is greater than a length of the second portion. ### Claim 21 (depends on 15) The protective case as recited in claim 15, wherein the body includes an external layer comprising polyurethane, a polyester knit layer adjacent the external layer, and a rigid layer bonded to the polyester knit layer by an adhesive and comprising fiberglass or polycarbonate.