U.S. patent application number 10/781306 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for laptop computer case.
Invention is credited to Woo, Stephen.
Application Number | 20040188289 10/781306 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33310681 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040188289 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woo, Stephen |
September 30, 2004 |
Laptop computer case
Abstract
A laptop computer case according to the present disclosure is
adaptable to comfortably cradle an operating laptop computer on the
user's lap without removing the laptop computer from the case. The
case places the operating laptop computer at an ergonomic
inclination suitable for comfortable use by the user while
providing a padded user wrist support while providing
accommodations for laptop computer heat dissipation. It is
emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules
requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader
to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical
disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not
be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the
claims.
Inventors: |
Woo, Stephen; (Torrance,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHAN LAW GROUP LC
1055 W. 7TH ST,
SUITE 1880
LOS ANGELES
CA
90017
US
|
Family ID: |
33310681 |
Appl. No.: |
10/781306 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60458388 |
Mar 31, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 13/20 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A laptop computer case comprising: a tray having a back side, a
bottom and at least one support; a first air space formed between
the laptop computer and the tray by the at least one support
engaging the laptop computer; a lid having a liner pad, a top and a
back side; a spacer; a first hinge attaching the spacer to the back
side of the lid; a second hinge attaching the spacer to the back
side of the tray; and a second air space formed between the lid and
the tray when lid and the spacer are rotated about the first and
second hinges respectively to bring the top of the lid adjacent the
bottom of the tray.
2. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 wherein the at
least one support further comprises: at least one engagement stop,
each of the at least one engagement stops secured to the tray at an
attachment location; and at least one pad each of the at least one
pads secured to the tray at a pad attachment location.
3. The laptop computer case according to claim 2 wherein the
attachment location of the at least one engagement stop may be
adjusted relative to the tray, and the pad attachment location of
the at least one pad may be adjusted relative to the tray.
4. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 wherein the tray
further comprises: a front side hingeably attached to the tray; and
a wrist support secured to the front side, the front side rotating
to expose the wrist pad for use.
5. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 further comprising
at least one door access hingeably attached to the tray.
6. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 further
comprising: at least one privacy screen.
7. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 further
comprising: a carrying strap retractably attached to the case, and
a biasing means to retract the carrying strap within the case.
8. The laptop computer case according to claim 7 wherein the
biasing means further comprises: a pulley attached to the biasing
means, the handle is looped around the pulley and attached to the
case.
9. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 further
comprising: a light removably attached to the case.
10. The laptop computer case according to claim 1 further
comprising: a mouse pad.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/458,388 filed Mar. 31, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of
laptop computer case and more particularly to a laptop computer
case adaptable to comfortably and safely cradle an operating laptop
computer.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Some laptop computer users transport their laptop computer
in a protective case or bag. The computer must be removed from the
protective case or bag when used, leaving the laptop computer
vulnerable to shock or impact damage. The protective cases or bags
are not suitable for effective support of an operating laptop
computer held in the lap of the user.
[0006] Laptop computers may be difficult to use when supported
directly on a lap of a user. A laptop computer user's arms may tend
to tire over prolonged periods of use of a lap held laptop computer
without wrist support. The angle of the user's lap may make the
keyboard of a laptop computer held in the user's lap slope away
from the user requiring the user to adopt an uncomfortable
orientation of their hands in order to access the keyboard. The
bottom surface of the laptop computer may not frictionally engage
the users lap making the laptop computer slide around in the users
lap.
[0007] Many users try to reduce these difficulties by placing a
pillow on their lap and the laptop computer on the pillow. The user
may orientate the pillow to provide wrist support and support the
laptop computer in an ergonomic position. The soft structure of the
pillow will gradually yield precluding effective user wrist support
and support of the laptop computer in an ergonomic position. The
pillow also tends to insulate the laptop computer hampering the
heat dissipation mechanism of the laptop computer which may result
in computer damage.
[0008] What is needed is a laptop computer case that is adaptable
to comfortably cradle an operating laptop computer on the user's
lap without removing the laptop computer from the case. The case
should place the operating laptop computer at an ergonomic
inclination suitable for comfortable use by the user while
providing a padded user wrist support while providing
accommodations for laptop computer heat dissipation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A laptop computer case according to the present disclosure
is adaptable to comfortably cradle an operating laptop computer on
the user's lap without removing the laptop computer from the case.
The case places the operating laptop computer at an ergonomic
inclination suitable for comfortable use by the user while
providing a padded user wrist support and one or more computer
accessory access doors while also providing accommodations for
laptop computer heat dissipation.
[0010] The laptop computer case includes a tray having a plurality
of engagement supports and a back edge. The engagement stops are
adjustable relative to the tray to accommodate different computers.
The laptop computer case also includes a lid connected to a hinge
spacer at the back edge by a hinge and the hinge spacer is
connected to the tray at the back edge by another hinge. The lid
further includes a pad to engage the computer when the computer
case is closed to provide shock resistance. When the computer case
of the present disclosure is open as described, the pad insulates a
user lap or other surface from heat generated by an operating
laptop, and the pad also frictionally engages a users lap to
provide a secure cradle for the operating laptop computer.
[0011] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the laptop
computer case may include a retractable carrying strap that serves
as a case carrying handle in the fully retracted position. In
another embodiment of the present disclosure, the laptop computer
case may include an illumination device. In another embodiment of
the present disclosure, the laptop computer case may include a
retractable mouse pad. In still another embodiment of the present
disclosure, the laptop computer case may include retractable
privacy and glare reducing side screens.
[0012] These and other features and advantages of this invention
will become further apparent from the detailed description and
accompanying figures that follow. In the figures and description,
numerals indicate the various features of the invention, like
numerals referring to like features throughout both the drawings
and the description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a laptop computer case in a
closed position according to the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1A in an
open position.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1A in the
open position cradling a laptop computer.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a section cut view of the case of FIG. 1B.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a laptop computer case in
the open position according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of the case of FIG. 1B in a closed
position.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of a laptop computer case in a closed
position according to another embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in a currently preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure, case 10 includes lid 14
attached by hinge 48 to spacer 54 and spacer 54 attached by hinge
46 to tray 12. Hinge 46 may be located on side 24 of tray 12 at any
suitable location. Hinge 48 may be located on side 32 of lid 14 at
any suitable location. Case 10 is in closed position 38 when spacer
54 abuts side 24 of tray 12, and when edge 22B of side 22 of tray
12, abuts edge 30B of side 30 of lid 14. In closed position 38 case
10 can cradle and enclose a laptop computer and provide shock
resistance.
[0021] Case 10 is repositioned from closed position 38 to open
position 116 when lid 14 and spacer 54 are pivoted, relative to
tray 12, about hinges 48 and hinge 46, respectively, until lid 14
is located under tray 12 as shown in FIG. 1B. In open position 116
edge 22T of side 22 of lid 14 abuts edge 30T of side 30 of tray 12.
A user can reposition case 10 from position 38 to position 116
without removing a cradled laptop computer. The user can operate
the laptop computer without removing it from case 10 when case 10
is in position 116.
[0022] In position 116, the connection of tray 12 to lid 14 by
hinges 46 and 48 separated by spacer 54 ergonomically inclines tray
12 at angle 136 relative to top surface 14T of lid 14. When in
position 116, side 30 of tray 12 is at a lower elevation relative
to the user than side 24 thus creating an ergonomic incline. When
tray 12 is at angle 136 relative to lid 14 an operating laptop
computer cradled by case 10 is placed in a comfortable position for
access by a user. Angle 136 may vary with the orientation of lid 14
relative to tray 12. The relative orientation of lid 14 and tray 12
may be controlled by engagement elements located along edges22T and
30T of lid 14 and tray 12reapectively. Angle 136 may also be
changed by changing the location of hinge 46 on side 24, the
location of hinge 48 on to side 32 and/or height 52 of spacer
54.
[0023] Space 94 is formed when case 10 is in position 116. Space 94
provides air access between tray 12 and lid 14. Air access may aid
heat dissipation from space 94. Air access in space 94 changes with
variances in angle 136. Changes in angle 136 directly affect air
access and may increase heat dissipation from between tray 12 and
lid 14.
[0024] Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 engage and support a laptop computer
within case 10. Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 are located between the
legs, feet or support structure of the laptop computer and tray 12
in any suitable location relative to tray 12 and laptop computer.
Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 provide shock absorption, support to the
laptop computer and allow air access in space 82 between tray 12
and laptop computer 118 to aid heat dissipation as shown in FIG. 3.
Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 maybe any suitable shape. Pads 70, 72, 74
and 76 may removably engage tray 12 by any suitable means of
engagement. Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 may be laterally relocated,
relative to tray 12 by means 130 attached at location 130". Means
130 may include adhesive or slotted attachment or hook and loop
attachment or any suitable means of lateral relocation attachment.
Lateral relocation of pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 permits pad locations
suitable for cradling various sized laptop computers. Pads 70, 72,
74 and 76 height above tray 12 may be adjusted by spacer 100 to
promote cradling of the laptop computer and to secure the laptop
computer between pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 and lid 14 when case 10 is
in position 38. Spacer 100 may include any suitable means of
changing height of pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 above tray 12 including
but not limited to pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 of varying heights or
extendable pads 70, 72, 74 and 76. Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 may be
fabricated from rubber, plastic or other suitable material.
[0025] Liner pad 50, lining lid 14, provides frictional engagement,
insulation and cushioning. In position 38, liner pad 50 may
frictionally engage laptop computer 118 to secure and cushion the
laptop computer between liner 50 and pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 within
closed case 10. In position 116, liner 50 provides cushioning
between the user and lid 14 and frictionally engages the lap of the
user to increase stability and reduce slippage of case 10. Liner 50
may reduce heat transferred from case 10 to the user while in
position 116 and resting in the lap of the user. Liner 50 may be
fabricated from open cell foam, closed celled foam or any suitable
material. Liner 50 may be attached to lid 14 by any suitable means.
As shown in FIG. 3, liner 50 may extend beyond the envelope of lid
14 to minimize the likelihood of contact between a user lap and lid
14 when case 10 is in open position 116.
[0026] Tray 12 may also include material 80 secured to surface 132.
Material 80 may conduct heat radiated from laptop computer 118. The
heat conducted into material 80 may be dissipated in spaces 94 and
82. Material 80 may be fabricated from any suitable material.
Material 80 may be attached to tray 12 by any suitable means.
[0027] A laptop computer is located in case 10 so that the computer
is secured against lateral movement relative to tray 12 by
engagement stops 40, 41 42 and 44. Engagement stops 40, 41, 42 and
44 may removably and adjustably engage the laptop computer using
engagement elements 40', 41', 42' and 44' respectively. Engagement
elements 40', 41', 42' and 44' engage any suitable engagement
location such as engagement locations 40", 41", 42", and 44"
respectively of tray 12 Engagement elements 40', 41', 42' and 44'
permit lateral relocation, relative to tray 12, of engagement stops
40, 41 42 and 44 respectively. Engagement elements 40', 41', 42'
and 44' may also permit vertical adjustment, relative to tray 12,
of engagement stops 40, 41 42 and 44 respectively. Engagement
elements 40', 41', 42' and 44' may include but are not limited to
adhesive attachment or slotted attachment or hook and loop
attachment or any suitable means lateral relocation attachment.
Case 10 may be adapted to engage laptop computers of various sizes
by lateral relocation of engagement stops 40, 41, 42 and 44.
[0028] Support 56 is formed by side 30 and is attached by hinge 138
or other suitable means to tray 12. Support 56 may provide support
to the wrists of a user operating a cradled laptop computer when
support 56 is opened and case 10 is in position 116. Support 56 may
be fabricated from plastic, titanium, carbon fiber composite or any
suitable material.
[0029] Computer connector access 24' may be provided through side
24. Access 24' may be a rectangular window as shown in FIG. 1B or
it may be a complete removal of a portion of side 24 as shown in
FIG. 4. Access 24' may adopt any suitable shape and may be located
in any appropriate portion of side 24. If access 24' is
incorporated as a window as shown in FIG. 1B, more than one access
24' may be incorporated as necessary. Care must be exercised not to
remove too much of side 24 by providing access 24' that the
structural integrity of case 10 is endangered.
[0030] A computer access door such as door 78 may be attached by
hinge 86 or other suitable means to first side 26 or second side 28
or both first side 26 and second side 28 of tray 12 or other
suitable locations on case 10. Door 78 is located and sized to
allow access to a laptop computer's side mounted accessories,
including but not limited to CD or floppy disk drives, without
removing the laptop computer from case 10. To close door 78, door
78 may be pivoted until door 78 is substantially flush with the
side to which it is attached.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, laptop computer 118 may be cradled
on tray 12 by pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 with first corner 124 and
second corner 126 of laptop computer 118 engaged by engagement
stops 44 and 42, respectively. First rear corner 122 and second
rear corner 122' of laptop computer 118 are engaged by engagement
stops 40 and 41 respectively.
[0032] Support 56 may include pad 110. Pad 110 provides cushioning
between the user and support 56. Pad 110 may be fabricated from any
suitable material. Support 56 provides wrist support for the user
when pivoted outward from tray 12 about hinge 138 until opened to
position 68. When closed, pad 110 provides cushioning between
laptop computer 118 and support 56. Door 78 can pivot outward from
tray 12 on hinge 86 to position 88 to gain access to laptop
computer 118 side mounted accessories without removing laptop
computer 118 from case 10.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 may be
located in any suitable location relative to tray 12 and laptop
computer 118 to engage support 102. Support 102 may be feet or legs
of laptop computer 118 or other laptop computer 118 support
structure. Pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 may be located under support 102
to promote proper load transfer into laptop computer 118. Improper
load transfer may damage laptop computer 118. Space 82 is formed
when pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 are placed between support 102 and tray
12. Space 82 provides air access between laptop computer 118 and
tray 12 to aid heat dissipation from laptop computer 118. Varying
the size of pads 70, 72, 74 and 76 will vary the amount of air
access in space 82.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 4, in a currently preferred embodiment
of the present disclosure, handle 16 may be retractably attached to
lid 14. Handle 16 may adjust to varying lengths to accommodate a
grip or a shoulder strap. Handle 16 may exit lid 14 through slots
18 and 20. Slots 18 and 20 may be located in any suitable location
in lid 14. Handle 16 may be a fabric strap or a plastic strap or a
combination of beaded steel cable with a padded strap or other
suitable materials or combinations of materials.
[0035] Screens 90 and 96 may provide glare reduction during
operation of laptop computer 118 and a privacy shield to prevent
viewing of laptop computer 118 by those near the user. Screens 90
and 96 may be removably attached to tray 12 so that a user may gain
access to accessories mounted on the sides of laptop 118 by
removing screens 90 and 96 from tray 12. Screens 90 and 96 may be
located in any suitable location. Strap 106 may removably engage
laptop 118 so that when laptop computer 118 is open, strap 106 may
be draped over the open laptop computer 118 to hold up screens 90
and 96. During extension, screens 90 and 96 pivot about line 108
until screens 90 and 96 are extended. Screens 90 and 96 may have a
fan shape or other suitable shape when extended. Screens 90 and 96
may be retracted against tray 12 and fit inside case 10 when in
position 38. Screens 90 and 96 may be opaque. Screens 90 and 96 and
strap 106 may be fabricated from fabric or any suitable
material.
[0036] Light 128 may be attached to screen 90 or screen 96 or
laptop computer 118 or tray 12 or lid 14 or any location suitable
by any suitable means to provide illumination of laptop computer
118. Illumination from light 128 may be provided by incandescent
bulb or bulbs or light emitting diode or diodes or other suitable
illumination source. Illumination power may be provided by a
discrete battery or a connection to the cradled laptop computer
power supply or other suitable power source.
[0037] Pad 64 may be removably attached or hingeably attached or
slideably attached or attached by other suitable means. Pad 64 may
slideably extend or pivot out of slot 104. Slot 104 may be located
on first side 26 or second side 28 or other suitable locations on
tray 12 or lid 14. Pad 64 may be sized to provide support during
operation of a computer mouse. Pad 64 may be fabricated from
plastic, titanium, carbon fiber composite or any suitable
material.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 5, handle 16 may be retractably
attached in any suitable location in lid 14. Handle 16 may be
attached to lid 14 at attachment 114 and spooled around pulley 66.
Biasing means 112 may apply retraction force 98 to pulley 66 which
then transmits this force to handle 16 to promote handle 16
retraction into case 10. Biasing means 112 may be provided by
spring or elastic material or other suitable means. Attach point
114 and pulley 66 may be located in any suitable location in lid
14.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, in another currently preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure, case 10 may include lock 92.
Lock 92 may be attached to case 10 at any suitable location. Handle
16 may include end 58. End 58 may be removable from attach point
114 and withdrawn from lid 14. Handle 16 may be wrapped around
object 134 and removably engaged by lock 92 to lock case 10 to
object 134 when case 10 is in closed position 38. Lock 92 may lock
lid 14 to tray 12.
[0040] Having now described the invention in accordance with the
requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will
understand how to make changes and modifications in the present
invention to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Such
changes and modifications may be made without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following
claims and their legal equivalents.
* * * * *