U.S. patent application number 10/846612 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for convertible laptop pc bag to workstation with legs.
Invention is credited to Levy, Michael S..
Application Number | 20040226791 10/846612 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33425222 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040226791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Levy, Michael S. |
November 18, 2004 |
Convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs
Abstract
A laptop pc bag provides not only a standard laptop carrying
case for carrying and protecting a laptop PC but also a desk. The
height of the bag can be adjusted by extending the legs as far as
desired, from approximately six inches to thirty-six inches,
thereby providing the right height of the desk for the user. This
allows users of all ages and sizes to take advantage of bag in its
desk format, regardless of where they are. The legs ultimately
provide the user more freedom with their laptop PC and will allow
the user to perform the tasks at hand in an easier and more
comfortable manner than previously possible. A considerably more
versatile laptop bag is provided, one that can be transformed from
a normal standard laptop carrying case into a portable workstation,
for today's more versatile user and workplace.
Inventors: |
Levy, Michael S.; (Aventura,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LERNER AND GREENBERG, PA
P O BOX 2480
HOLLYWOOD
FL
33022-2480
US
|
Family ID: |
33425222 |
Appl. No.: |
10/846612 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60470369 |
May 14, 2003 |
|
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60505225 |
Sep 23, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/11 ;
190/12A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/02 20130101; A45C
2013/025 20130101; A45C 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/011 ;
190/012.00A |
International
Class: |
A47B 003/10; A45F
003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A convertible bag for storing and supporting a notebook
computer, comprising: a bag for holding the notebook computer; and
a leg connected to said bag, said leg being retractable into said
bag and being deployable to support said bag and the notebook
computer resting on said bag.
2. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said bag has:
a laptop compartment for holding the laptop computer; and a leg
compartment storing said leg when said leg is retracted.
3. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said laptop
compartment is above said leg compartment when said leg is
deployed.
4. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is
telescoping.
5. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising two
further legs to stabilize the bag without further support.
6. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising
three further legs, each of said legs being connected to a
respective corner of said bag.
7. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising a
hinge interconnecting said leg to said bag, said leg pivoting on
said hinge between deployed and retracted positions.
8. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said bag has a
socket formed therein and said leg inserts into said socket when
said leg is deployed.
9. The convertible bag according to claim 8, wherein said leg has a
screw and said screw connects to said socket.
10. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is
permanently connected to said bag.
11. The convertible bag according to claim 4, wherein said
telescoping leg has a minimum height and maximum height, said
minimum height being approximately ten inches, and said maximum
height being at least thirty inches.
12. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising a
rubber stopper connected to a bottom of said leg.
13. The convertible bag according to claim 5, wherein: said bag is
rectangular and has two opposing pairs of sides; a first of said
legs is connected along a first side of one of said two opposing
pairs of sides; and a second and a third of said legs are connected
along a second side of said one of said two opposing pairs of
sides.
14. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said bag is
made from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon,
leather, and plastic.
15. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising
cushioning for protecting the laptop computer in said bag.
16. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is
made from aluminum.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/470,369, filed May 14, 2003, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/505,225, filed on Sep. 23, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to bags and stands for notebook
personal computers (also known as, PC's or laptops).
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Notebook PC's have changed how business is conducted by
providing the ability to access your computer on your lap: hence
the name laptop. However, as the notebook computer evolved and uses
and needs therefore grew, the notebook computer became a more
important part of everyday life. Unfortunately, most people are
still using laptop computers on their laps, which is not a very
comfortable way to work.
[0006] Business travelers need a desk at which they can work when
out of the office. However, any portable desk must comply with
airport security guidelines. In particular, parts of any portable
desk should not be able to be disassembled into any potential
weapon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a
convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs that overcomes
the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known
devices of this general type and that provides a carrying case that
can convert to a desk-like workstation wherever the user takes
their laptop.
[0008] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is
provided, in accordance with the invention, a convertible laptop pc
bag & workstation, including a standard laptop pc bag, and
three adjustable legs. The invention enables the bag to transform
into a desk.
[0009] The invention, an improved laptop carrying case, has the
ability to turn into a desk regardless of where the user is. The
legs are lightweight, yet very strong, and fit neatly in the bottom
of the laptop bag when not being used. Once the legs have been
extended, one has a desk to work on rather than your lap: thus, a
more ergonomic comfortable working position. In addition, since
there is no direct contact between the laptop and one's legs, the
bag can virtually eliminate the chances of leg burns, which can
occur from the extraordinary heat laptops can reach, as high as
140.degree. F. Finally, since the laptop computer is in the
confines of the bag, the computer is protected at all times, rather
than being completely exposed, possible leading to the computer
being more easily dropped or broken.
[0010] More importantly, according to an Intel article published in
March of 2002, "92% of all corporate travelers use a laptop pc
while on the road." Additionally, and even more recently and
compelling, for the first time ever, in quarter two of 2003, laptop
computer sales outpaced desktop computer sales, proving the growing
trend of laptop popularity. Therefore, this invention is one that
will likely be in great demand.
[0011] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the
adjustable legs will provide an improved laptop carrying case. A
more comfortable working environment for the user while using their
laptop will serve multiple uses and overall will provide a more
user-friendly, enhanced laptop bag. Further, this enhanced laptop
carrying case will remain economically comparable to the existing
standard laptop bag on the market. The actual bag will be a
standard laptop bag, similar to one found in a computer store or
one that comes with the computer. A preferred size is approximately
fifteen by seventeen by eight inches. However, the bag will be
manufactured in different sizes to accommodate various size laptop
computers and other versions such as, but not limited to, a
briefcase version made of leather, aluminum, or plastic, a portable
DVD Player bag/stand version for viewing, a wheeling version more
appropriate for airline travel, a hair and make-up case and stand,
a disc jockey/music carrying case and stand, etc. All the
previously mentioned embodiments can be made of various
materials.
[0012] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the
bag can be made in various sizes, various colors, various
materials, and various formats and purposes, for example a portable
DVD viewing bag/stand made of leather. The DVD version would be
considerably smaller bag than the average laptop PC bag.
[0013] Above are listed various formats for the bag, such as the
briefcase version, and the DVD player versions, as well as
different possible materials and sizes for the bag and legs.
However, the favored format or best mode is the standard black
nylon bag, with the lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum
legs, with rubber stoppers at the ends to provide a stable non-skid
base.
[0014] In accordance with a further object of the invention, a
single leg can be attached to the center of the bottom of the bag.
A tripod at the bottom of the leg stabilizes the workstation.
[0015] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also
provided a second embodiment of an improved laptop carrying case
that has the ability to turn into a desk regardless of where the
user is. The legs are lightweight, yet very strong, and fit neatly
in the laptop bag when not being used. The four legs individually
screw into the four designated sockets on the bottom portion of the
bag. Once installed the user has a desk on which to work, rather
than their lap.
[0016] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the
invention are set forth in the appended claims.
[0017] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in a convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with
legs, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the
details shown since various modifications and structural changes
may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the
invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the
claims.
[0018] The construction and method of operation of the invention,
however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof,
will be best understood from the following description of specific
embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front perspective of a bag
according to a first embodiment of the invention in a closed
position;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first
embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment
in an opened position;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial front side view of a leg of the first
embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the first
embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a front side view of the leg first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment
with the legs deployed;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic bottom side view of a second
embodiment of the bag according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 9 is front perspective view of the second embodiment in
an opened position;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment
in the opened position and with the legs deployed;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a front side view of an unextended leg of the
second embodiment; and
[0030] FIG. 12 is a front side view of an extended leg of the
second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and
first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a bottom side
of bag 14 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention. The top part of bag 14 has handle 8 made of strong
plastic and may be covered in the same material as bag 14. Bag 14
has two compartments, the top being computer storage compartment
18, and the bottom being leg storage compartment 16. Unzipping
their appropriate zippers (zipper for computer storage compartment
10 and zipper for leg storage compartment 12) opens the respective
compartment.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of bag 14 in a closed state.
Zipper for computer compartment 10 is in the top left corner of bag
14 when closed; when unzipped, computer storage compartment 18 is
exposed, and the user is able to begin their task. Zipper for leg
compartment 12 is in the bottom left corner of bag 14 when closed
as well, and when unzipped legs 20 are exposed.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the leg
storage compartment 16, the bottom part of bag 14. The user pulls
each leg 20 out and down individually from leg storage compartment
16. At which point, each leg 20 swivels from a horizontal position
to a vertical position. The back two legs 20 are connected to the
corners of bag 14 by hinge 32 that is bolted into the two back
corners of leg storage compartment 16. The front leg 20 is in the
center of the front part of leg storage compartment 16, and is also
attached by hinge 32, which is bolted in as well. It is hinge 32
that enables the leg to swivel and move from a horizontal packed
bag position to a vertical desk position, enabling the conversion
from bag to desk.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of leg 20 with rubber stopper
22 at the bottom of leg 20 and quick-release lock 38. This is leg
20 in its shortest form, before it is extended out, to a possible
maximum of six times its shortest form. Leg 20 will measure
approximately six inches, when not extended, and can extend out as
far as approximately thirty-six inches. Legs 20 in the most favored
form will be made of lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized
aluminum and will have rubber stoppers 22 at the ends to provide a
stable non-skid base. Legs 20 may also be made in materials such
as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and plastic.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of bag 14 and computer storage
compartment 18 in an open state. The inside of flap from computer
compartment 30 has pockets for files 34 to hold files, papers
folders, etc., and a pocket for disks 36 to hold standard computer
accessories, such as computer disks, compact discs, DVD's, pens,
etc. FIG. 5 shows bag 14 separated into two separate compartments:
one compartment housing the computer equipment, computer storage
compartment 18, which will be padded with shock absorbing EVA foam
for the laptop's protection and accommodating various size laptops,
and the leg storage compartment 16 housing the legs. Legs 20 are
exposed by unzipping flap from leg compartment 24. Legs 20 are in a
desk position and are at their shortest form, providing elevation
from the ground, ones lap, or surface that one is working on.
Additional compartments, which may or may not be added, may include
small pockets for extra cords, computer accessories or personal
items.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of leg 20 once it has been
extended out to its greatest length, preferably, thirty-six inches.
The adjusted height is determined by placing the spring-loaded
button 26 into respective holes on legs 28. This feature will be
similar to an aluminum adjustable walking cane.
[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of bag 14 in its final form as
a desk. Legs 20 are at their longest length, completing the
transformation from bag to desk. Legs 20 are fully extended, and
spring-loaded buttons 26 are locked into the respective holes on
legs 28. Flap 24 hangs down in the back so legs 20 can be exposed
and extended out.
[0038] In operation, one uses bag 14 in a normal manner, for
carrying and protecting. Once the user has reached the destination
where he or she plans to use the laptop, bag 14 turns from a
carrying case into a desk/workstation. One can adjust the height of
the workstation appropriately for the user's most comfortable
ergonomic working position.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows the bottom side of bag 14. It is in this part
of bag 14 where the user will find leg storage compartment 16,
which is where legs 20 are housed when not being used. The user
will carry bag 14 while it is in its bag format, by carrying it by
handle 8.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows bag 14 in a closed state, lying on its bottom
side, showing the top side of bag 14. The user will open and expose
computer storage compartment 18 by unzipping flap for computer
compartment 30 by using zipper 10.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows the inside of leg storage compartment 16. Legs
20 are housed in this section of bag 14. There are two legs in the
back corners, and one leg in the center of the front of leg storage
compartment 16. The user will swivel each leg 20 individually down
towards the ground into a vertical positioning, turning the bag
into a desk. However, at this point in FIG. 3, legs 20 are still in
a packed position.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows leg 20 in its smallest form, as it will be when
stored in leg storage compartment 16 and before being extended. The
user will swivel each leg 20 individually, and move legs 20 from a
horizontal position to a vertical position, enabling the base of
the desk to be made. Also shown is quick-release lock 38, which the
user must twist to loosen the grasp of the other pieces of the
telescoping legs, enabling leg 20 to extend, then one can tighten
leg 20 once it is in an extended locked position. Rubber stopper 22
when in operation will provide a stable non-skid base.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of bag 14 and computer
storage compartment 18 in an open state, with legs 20 at the
shortest possible length. The user would be using the bag 14 in its
desk format, however this would likely be used while the user is
sitting on the floor, and they simply need their laptop to be
elevated. The user of course has many options as to the exact
height they wish to work on, by simply extending legs 20.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows leg 20 in its fully extended form. The user can
extend leg 20 to the appropriate length by first twisting the
quick-release locks 38, which allows each leg 20 section to
telescope down to the floor, once the appropriate height is
reached. The user simply places the spring-loaded button 26 into
the appropriate hole on leg 28, and this can be done any where
along each section of leg 20, maximizing the number of different
heights the desk can be set at, just like an adjustable aluminum
walking cane. The user has the option to sit in a chair and extend
leg 20 to fit the user's height or the chair's height, or the user
could sit on the floor, grass, sand, or virtually any surface, and
just have the legs extended out slightly to provide elevation and a
more comfortable ergonomic working position, instead of being
hunched over. Typically, a table surface is about thirty inches
high. A minimum length of the legs is a size that can fit within
the smallest dimension (length or width) of the bag; this is
usually about ten inches.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows bag 14 in its desk format. Legs 20 have been
fully extended and locked into place. The user can adjust the
height of legs 20, to match their appropriate height, or the
appropriate height for the seat they are using, by simply
telescoping out leg 20. To assure the appropriate height and a
stable workstation to work on, the user will use quick-release
locks 38 and spring-loaded buttons 26, locking the legs 20 into a
locked stable position.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a bottom side view showing the bottom side of bag
114 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the
invention. The top part of bag 114 has handle 108 made of strong
plastic and may be covered in the same material as bag 114. On the
bottom of bag 114, are four designated areas 110, encasing four
sockets 112, where legs 120 will screw and lock in. The four
designated areas 110 where legs 120 screw in, will be made of the
same material as legs 120, the most favored format being
lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of bag 114 in an open state.
Leg storage compartment 130 has flap 118 made of nylon secured by
steel zipper 116. Once flap 118 is unzipped using zipper 116, four
legs 120 are revealed and visible. Hook and loop fastener straps
132, such as those sold under the trade name VELCRO.RTM., secure
legs 120 in leg storage compartment 130. Flap 118 has pockets on
the front side when zipped and closed, to hold standard computer
accessories, such as disks, DVD's, compact disks, pens, etc. Flap
118 separates bag 114 into two separate compartments: one
compartment housing the computer equipment (hereinafter the "main
compartment"), which will be padded with shock absorbing EVA foam
for the laptop's protection, and one compartment housing the legs
(hereinafter the "leg storage compartment"). Additional
compartments, which may or may not be added, may include small
pockets for extra cords or personal items.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag 114 when it is
opened and legs 120 have been fully extended and attached,
completing the transformation from bag to desk. In leg storage
compartment 130 when zippered closed, the user will have two
pockets, one pocket for files 134 and one pocket for disks 136,
other cords, cables, and peripherals can be stored in these pockets
as well. Legs 120 are fully extended out and buttons 126 are in the
appropriate holes 128.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a leg 120, a rubber stopper
122 at the bottom of leg 120, and a screw 124 at the top of leg
120. This is leg 120 in its shortest form, before it is extended to
a possible maximum of three times its shortest form. Preferably,
leg 120 will measure approximately ten inches, when not extended,
and can extend out as far as approximately thirty inches. Legs 120
in the most favored form will be made of lightweight, heavy-duty
black anodized aluminum and will have rubber stoppers 122 at the
ends to provide a stable non-skid base. Legs 120 may also be made
in materials such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and
plastics.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of leg 120 once it has been
extended out to its greatest length, thirty inches. The adjusted
height is determined by the location of button 126 in appropriate
hole 128. This feature of leg 120 will be similar to an adjustable
metal walking cane.
[0051] In operation, one uses the second embodiment of the bag 114
in a normal manner, for carrying and protecting. Once the user has
reached the destination where he or she plans to use the laptop,
bag 114 turns from a carrying case into a desk/workstation. One can
adjust the height of the workstation appropriately for the user's
most comfortable ergonomic working position.
[0052] FIG. 8 shows the bottom side of bag 114. It is in this part
of bag 114 where the user will find four designated areas 110 and
four designated sockets 112, which is where legs 120 screw and lock
in. The user will carry bag 114 while it is in its bag format, by
carrying it by handle 108.
[0053] FIG. 9 shows bag 114 in an open state. The user will expose
legs 120 by unzipping flap 118 with zipper 116. Legs 120 will be
removed from the leg storage compartment 130 by opening the hook
and loop fastener straps 132, which will free legs 120 so they can
be installed into the four designated areas 110.
[0054] FIG. 10 shows bag 114 in its desk format. Legs 120 have been
fully extended and installed. The user can adjust the height of
legs 120, to match their appropriate height, or the appropriate
height for the seat they are using, by simply telescoping out leg
120. To assure the appropriate height and a stable workstation to
work on, the user will lock in button 126 into appropriate hole 128
that suits the user.
[0055] FIG. 11 shows leg 120 in its smallest form, as it will be
when stored in bag 114 and before being extended. The user will
take leg 120 and screw it into bag 114 using screw 124, which is
part of and at the top of leg 120. Also shown is rubber stopper
122, which is where the leg is extended from and when in operation
will provide a stable non-skid base.
[0056] FIG. 12 shows leg 120 in its fully extended form. The user
can extend leg 120 to the appropriate length by pulling out from
rubber stopper 122 and locking in button 126 into the appropriate
hole 128. The user will also have the option to sit in a chair and
extend leg 120 to fit their height or their chair's height. Or, the
user could sit on the floor, grass, or sand and just have the legs
extended slightly to just provide a more comfortable ergonomic
working position, instead of being hunched over. This is all
accomplished while still protecting your computer.
* * * * *