Exterior cover for a hinged computing device with modified footprint

Abstract

An exterior cover for attachment to the exterior surface of a hinged computing device's base may modify the size, position, and/or footprint of one or more extensions, or feet, projecting from the bottom of the base. The modification may serve to increase the stability of the hinged computing device when the hinged computing device is in an open position (i.e., when the display element is separated from the base).

1 . An exterior cover for a base of a hinged computing device having a display element and a base joined together via a hinge, wherein an exterior surface of the base includes an extension, the exterior cover comprising:
 a fitted cavity shaped to accept insertion of the base, the fitted cavity including a depression shaped to accept insertion of the extension and modify a footprint of the extension; and   an attachment mechanism for attaching the exterior cover to the base, the attachment mechanism being coupled to the fitted cavity.   
     
     
         2 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the depression is shaped so as to decrease a distance between the extension and the hinge. 
     
     
         3 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the shape of the footprint of the extension is modified by the exterior cover so as to improve the stability of the hinged computing device when the display element is extended away from the base. 
     
     
         4 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the modification is an enlargement of the footprint. 
     
     
         5 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the modification is a repositioning of the footprint. 
     
     
         6 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the exterior cover is comprised of at least one of plastic, rubber, metal, a polycarbonate material, and a para-aramid material. 
     
     
         7 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an aperture sized and positioned to align with a feature of the hinged computing device and thereby enable access to the feature.   
     
     
         8 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is at least one of a plurality of tabs, an adhesive, an overhang, a clip, and a strap. 
     
     
         9 . The exterior cover of  claim 1 , wherein the fitted cavity is shaped to accept insertion of only a portion of the base. 
     
     
         10 . An exterior cover for an base of a hinged computing device having a display element and a base, wherein an exterior surface of the base includes an extension, the exterior cover comprising:
 a molded piece of material shaped to attach to and substantially cover an exterior surface of the base and modify a footprint of the extension.   
     
     
         11 . The exterior cover of  claim 10 , wherein the modification is an enlargement of the footprint. 
     
     
         12 . The exterior cover of  claim 10 , wherein the modification is a repositioning of the footprint. 
     
     
         13 . The exterior cover of  claim 10 , wherein the exterior cover is comprised of at least one of plastic, rubber, metal, a polycarbonate material, and a para-aramid material. 
     
     
         14 . The exterior cover of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 an aperture sized and positioned to align with a feature of the hinged computing device and thereby enable access to the feature.   
     
     
         15 . The exterior cover of  claim 10 , wherein the attachment mechanism is at least one of a plurality of tabs, an adhesive, an overhang, a clip, and a strap. 
     
     
         16 . The exterior cover of  claim 10 , wherein the fitted cavity is shaped to accept insertion of only a portion of the base.