Portable electronic device protector

Abstract

A protector for portable electronic devices is disclosed comprising an embossed, generally X-shaped frame, and including a portfolio-style protective cover having a “kickstand” propping element built into it, the cover also adapted to accommodate the embossed frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protector for generally rectangular electronic devices comprising:
 (a) a four-legged frame;   (b) the four legs of said frame oriented in an X-shaped configuration relative to each other; and   (c) resilient corner-engaging arcuate lugs integral with each of said four legs wherein said frame has embossed thereon a pattern comprising multiples of at least one regular geometric shape.   
     
     
         2 . The protector of  claim 1  wherein said frame is X-shaped with said legs intersecting each other. 
     
     
         3 . The protector of  claim 2  wherein said frame is webbed where said legs intersect with each other. 
     
     
         4 . The protector of  claim 1  wherein said frame is O-shaped with said legs oriented radially outwardly therefrom. 
     
     
         5 . The protector of  claim 4  wherein said O-shaped frame is generally rectangular 
     
     
         6 . The protector of any of  claims 2 - 5  incorporated into a foldable portfolio. 
     
     
         7 . The protector of any of  claims 2 - 5  secured to a resilient backing. 
     
     
         8 . The protector of any of  claims 2 - 5  wherein said regular geometric shape is selected from polygons, triangles, rectangles and circles. 
     
     
         9 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said frame is embossed on its back side. 
     
     
         10 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said frame is embossed on its front side. 
     
     
         11 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said frame is embossed on both sides. 
     
     
         12 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said polygon is a hexagon. 
     
     
         13 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said frame is embossed on its back side. 
     
     
         14 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said frame is embossed on its front side. 
     
     
         15 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said frame is embossed on both sides. 
     
     
         16 . The protector of any of  claims 2 - 5  having one or more access ports in said lugs. 
     
     
         17 . The protector of any of  claims 2 - 5  wherein said frame is made of a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         18 . The protector of  claim 17  wherein said polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     
     
         19 . The protector of any of  claims 2 - 5  secured to a resilient backing. 
     
     
         20 . The protector of  claim 1  incorporated into a foldable portfolio having a top, a bottom spine and a leading edge proximal to said spine, wherein said frame is secured to said bottom and said bottom has a longitudinal hinge at about its midpoint that permits said bottom to be folded back against itself and said leading edge to engage the inside of said top. 
     
     
         21 . The protector of  claim 20  having longitudinal grooves on the inside of said top, said grooves being situated so as to engage said leading edge. 
     
     
         22 . The protector of  claim 21  wherein said longitudinal grooves are in spaced apart discrete sets.