Hybrid frame sleeve case

Abstract

A hybrid frame sleeve case for a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The portable electronic device may be a laptop computer, a tablet, or another portable electronic device. The case may include flexible panels, such as neoprene or fabric panels, attached to an elastic polymer frame, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The elastic polymer frame extends around a perimeter of the sleeve to provide cushioning or padding for the side edges of the sleeve. A magnetic latch or other latch may be used to secure an opening on one side of the sleeve. The case may optionally include a charging system that allows the portable electronic device to be charged while housed in the case or otherwise positioned to allow charging by the charging system.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A case configured to reversibly receive and secure a portable electronic device, the case comprising:
 a frame structure comprising a frame border having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side,
 wherein the first side is adjacent to the second side and the fourth side and is opposite to the third side, 
 wherein the second side is adjacent to the first side and the third side and is opposite to the fourth side, 
 wherein the second side is longer than the first side, 
 wherein the frame border has an exterior edge and an interior edge, 
 wherein the exterior and interior edges are separated by a frame border width, 
 wherein the frame structure comprises a first material, 
 wherein the interior edge surrounds a perimeter of a compartment sized to contain the portable electronic device therein and contacts sides of the portable electronic device to provide cushion to the portable electronic device when the portable electronic device is contained within the compartment; 
   a first side panel coupled to a first side of the frame border,
 wherein the first side panel has a first exterior surface and a first interior surface and wherein the first side panel comprises a second material that is different from the first material; and 
   a second side panel coupled to a second side of the frame border,
 wherein the second side panel has a second exterior surface and a second interior surface and wherein the second panel comprises the second material, 
   wherein the frame structure comprises a cross section comprising a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction,   wherein the first portion comprises an exterior side and an interior side,   wherein the first portion has a first length from a first end to a second end in the first direction,   wherein the second portion is coupled to the interior side of the first portion at a point between the first and second ends,   wherein the second portion extends in the second direction away from the first portion a second length, and   wherein a latch is used to releasably secure the second side panel to the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the first material is more shock absorbing than the second material. 
     
     
         3 . The case of  claim 2 , wherein the first material comprises a foam ethylene vinyl acetate, and wherein the second material comprises neoprene. 
     
     
         4 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the first side panel is coupled via stitching to the first side of the frame structure. 
     
     
         5 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the second side panel is coupled via stitching to the second side of the frame structure. 
     
     
         6 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein a first spring constant for the first material is greater than a second spring constant for the second material. 
     
     
         7 . The case of  claim 1 , wherein the first material is more rigid than the second material.