Portable electronic device protector with pop-up support

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 “pop-up” kickstand propping element built into it.

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   
       wherein said protector is incorporated into a foldable portfolio that is provided with a prop for supporting said portfolio in an open position, said prop itself being supportable with a spring-loaded secondary prop. 
     
     
         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  wherein said frame is made of thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         7 . The protector of  claim 6  wherein said polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane. 
     
     
         8 . A protector for an electronic device comprising:
 a. a top;   b. a bottom;   c. a flexible spine joining said top to said bottom;   d. a retainer associated with said top to retain said device to said top;   e. a first prop attached to said top, deployable into an extended position to support at least a portion of said top above a supporting surface;   f. a substantially stiff second prop deployable into an extended position extending between said first prop and said to hold said first prop in said extended position;   g. wherein said top and said first prop are each defined by margins, said top and first prop each having a central area within said margins, a flexible member extending between said central area of said top and said central area of said first prop.   
     
     
         9 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said flexible member prevents deployment of said first prop beyond said extended position. 
     
     
         10 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein deploying said first prop to the extent of said flexible member positions said second prop in said extended position. 
     
     
         11 . The protector of  claim 8  wherein said flexible member is a strap. 
     
     
         12 . The protector of  claim 8  including an elastic member extending between said top and said second prop. 
     
     
         13 . The protector of  claim 12  wherein said elastic member urges said second prop toward said extended position when said first prop is deployed toward said extended position. 
     
     
         14 . The protector of  claim 12  wherein said elastic member urges said second prop toward said flexible member when said second prop is in said extended position. 
     
     
         15 . A foldable protector for an electronic device comprising:
 a. a substantially planar top foldably connected to a bottom;   b. a first prop attached to said to said first prop movable about a hinge from a position substantially co-planar with said top to an extended position out of said plane of said top;   c. a second prop deployable between a first position substantially co-planar with said top to an extended position extending outwardly from said top;   d. said second prop when in said extended position extends between said top and said first prop, holding at least a portion of said first prop away from said top;   e. an elastic member extending between said top and said second prop.   
     
     
         16 . The protector of  claim 15 , wherein said elastic member urges said second prop toward said extended position when said first prop is moved toward said extended position. 
     
     
         17 . The protector of  claim 15  wherein said second prop in said extended position is substantially perpendicular to said plane of said top. 
     
     
         18 . The protector of  claim 15  further including a flexible member extending between said top and said first prop. 
     
     
         19 . The protector of  claim 18  wherein said flexible member limits movement of said first prop away from said plane of said top. 
     
     
         20 . The protector of  claim 18  wherein said elastic member urges said second prop toward said flexible member when said second prop is in said extended position.