U.S. patent application number 10/502100 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for device for holding a laptop computer in a hardside computer or attache case.
Invention is credited to De Vos, Wim, Slimons, Erik, Van Hoye, Willy, Vandevenne, Luc.
Application Number | 20050045505 10/502100 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27663032 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vandevenne, Luc ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Device for holding a laptop computer in a hardside computer or
attache case
Abstract
This laptop computer case takes advantage of the clamshell
opening construction and the relatively stiff, mutually engaging
frames (13) forming the clamshell closure construction. A pair of
gripping elements engages a laptop computer (L) by its major
surfaces. The gripping elements preferably comprise an upper
gripping bar (16) and lower bars (20) or tray support (18). These
elements move towards and away from one another and thus into
engagement with the laptop computer (L) being carried. These
elements are moved and forced to clamp the computer (L) by the
clamshell frames. High friction materials of the gripping elements
engage the upper and lower surface of the laptop computer (L) to
prevent the laptop computer from being dashed against the sides and
top of the case. The gripping force is enhanced by a linkage system
and torsion spring providing a significant mechanical
advantage.
Inventors: |
Vandevenne, Luc;
(Oudenaarde, BE) ; De Vos, Wim; (Oosterzele,
BE) ; Slimons, Erik; (Oudenaarde, BE) ; Van
Hoye, Willy; (Swijnaarde, BE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAMSONITE CORPORATION
11200 EAST 45TH AVENUE
DENVER
CO
80239
US
|
Family ID: |
27663032 |
Appl. No.: |
10/502100 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
January 23, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/02310 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/025 20130101;
A45C 5/00 20130101; G06F 1/1628 20130101; A45C 13/34 20130101; B65D
2585/6837 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45F 2200/0525 20130101;
A45C 5/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 25, 2002 |
US |
60351863 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A case for holding a laptop computer or similar relatively
delicate instrument having opposed outer surfaces which can be
gripped, the case having a main storage compartment defined by at
least some of the sides of the case sized to receive the laptop
computer to be carried, and at least an access opening into the
main storage compartment, the improvement comprising a system for
automatically gripping the opposed main surfaces of the laptop
computer, whereby the laptop computer can be held away from at
least some of the sides of the case to help prevent damage to the
laptop computer should the case fall.
2. A carrying case as set forth in claim 1 wherein the laptop
computer may be passed through the access opening to place the
laptop computer within the main packing compartment, the system for
automatically gripping being mounted within the main packing
compartment to move from a closed position wherein the system
engages the opposed sides of the laptop computer to an open
position when the case access opening is opened.
3. A carrying case as set forth in claim 2 wherein the system for
automatically gripping is configured to move from an open position
to a closed position wherein the system grips the opposite faces of
the laptop computer when the access opening into the main packing
compartment moves from an open position to a closed position.
4. A carrying case as set forth in claim 2 wherein the access
opening is a clamshell-type hinged opening, including a hinge at
and along one side of the opening and a latch for holding the
clamshell opening closed at an opposite side, and wherein the
system for automatically gripping the laptop computer includes
means for mechanically connecting the system with said clamshell
opening.
5. A carrying case as set forth in claim 4 further including a
generally rigid peripheral frame surrounding one of a pair of
opposed open shell constructions.
6. A carrying case as set forth in claim 5 wherein said open shell
construction includes a central panel of a relatively flexible
fabric attached to said frame, the system for automatically
gripping being connected to said frame in a manner such that when
the system grips the laptop computer, pressure is not directly
applied to the relatively flexible fabric, such that the system
transfers the closing force from the clamshell-type opening to the
system for automatically gripping.
7. A carrying case as set forth in claim 1 wherein said system for
automatically gripping includes gripping members, at least one of
said gripping members moving in response to opening and closing the
access opening into the case.
8. A carrying case as set forth in claim 7 wherein the case has an
overall width dimension, at least one of said gripping members is a
bar which extends across the entire width dimension of the carrying
case.
9. A system as set forth in claim 5, wherein the frame includes a
pair of opposed sides, the system including at least one relatively
rigid bar which extends from one side of said frame to the other
opposite side of said frame, said bar includes a high friction
surface positioned to contact one of said main surfaces of said
laptop computer.
10. A carrying case as set forth in claim 9 wherein said
clamshell-type hinged opening further includes a stay for
controlling the hinging of the frame about said hinge, at least one
of said bars of said system being connected to said stay.
11. A carrying case as set forth in claim 10 further including a
second gripping member mounted opposite said first gripping bar,
said second gripping member being attached to a second open shell
construction of said case.
12. A carrying case as set forth in claim 11 wherein said system
includes means for moving said second member relative to the second
shell construction in response to opening and closing said
clamshell-type hinged opening.
13. A carrying case as set forth in claim 12 wherein said second
shell includes a stay mounted to control the opening of said
clamshell-type opening, said second gripping member being mounted
at least partially to said stay.
14. A carrying case as set forth in claim 10 wherein said gripping
bar is mounted for rotation relative to said case.
15. A carrying case as set forth in claim 14 wherein said means for
mounting said gripping bar includes spring bias means for holding
said gripping member in a first position until a gripping member
engages a surface of the laptop computer, said spring bias member
permitting the gripping member to rotate when the means for
automatically gripping moves from an open position to a closed
position.
16. A carrying case as set forth in claim 10 further including a
shock-absorbing pad positioned between the laptop computer
contained therein and at least one side of the carrying case.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to systems for holding a laptop
computer case or similar relatively delicate instruments in a
carrying case, specifically an attach or computer carrying case.
More particularly, this invention relates to a system that uses the
clamshell type opening system that characterizes virtually all
rigid or hardshell attache cases, and some hybrid type of such
cases as well. Such rigid cases are usually called "hardside" cases
although, as used in this document, hardside also embraces any
cases that have a generally rigid peripheral frame that surrounds a
pair of opposed, open shell constructions in which the user's
laptop computer or the like can be placed for transport. It is
understood that the shells themselves need not be entirely rigid,
but can have textile or leather panels attached to and suspended by
the respective rigid frames. These frames are hinged to one another
along one edge or side of their general rectangular shapes.
[0002] In the past, laptop computers have been held in such cases
by merely placing them within the main packing compartment and
closing the clamshell opening. Also, the laptop computer could fit
into a specially padded compartment provided within the
shell-enclosed space. Sometimes a strap holds or embraces the
computer, thus fixing the computer in position. Foam pads, usually
attached to the frame or the sides of the case, extend around and
engage the edges and sides of the computer. These systems tend to
be bulky, cumbersome, difficult to use to the extent that sometimes
the user either fails to fasten the straps to secure the computer,
or removes the padding, etc. Failure to use these securing systems
could result in damage to the computer if the case containing the
laptop computer suffers some abuse, for example, falling from a
desk or out of the hands of the traveler. The laptop computer can
crash to the side of the case, sometimes breaking the more delicate
components of the computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a
system for a laptop computer carrying case with a clamshell type
hinged opening that automatically grips the laptop computer when
the clamshell opening is closed whereby the laptop computer can be
held away from the sides of the case to help prevent damage should
the case fall.
[0004] It is another object of the invention to provide a gripping
device that moves from a closed position to an open position when
the clamshell opening of the case is opened. In the open position,
a laptop computer suspended therein can be easily withdrawn from
the open clamshell case, but when the clamshell opening is closed,
the gripping device engages the main surfaces of the computer to
help prevent the computer from moving within the computer case when
the computer case is subject to physical forces.
[0005] Details of the invention will become apparent by referring
to the preferred embodiments described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a type of clamshell type
carrying case especially useful in the subject invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the closed case
lying on one shell with the textile panels and latch console
removed to show a laptop computer gripping system.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the closed case standing on its
glides.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3 with the
clamshell frames partially open.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows this embodiment with the clamshell frames
almost shut.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of the system holding a laptop computer.
[0013] FIG. 8 is the cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7, but as
seen from an end of the case.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a close up perspective view of the gripping
mechanism with the gripping bar shown in dashed lines.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism shown in
FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the end cap
and extra lever.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a front view of the end cap.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a rear view thereof.
[0019] FIG. 14 is another embodiment for adjusting the position of
the gripping bar.
[0020] FIG. 15 shows a pair of fixed bars mounted to the edge of
the base shell molded frame.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a closer view thereof.
[0022] FIG. 17 is close-up view detailing the foam cushion, end cap
and extra arm, and the stay arms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The figures show three variations on the inventive mechanism
of gripping a laptop computer. The first provides a movable tray to
grip and hold the computer beneath a movable gripping bar. The
second embodiment substitutes a fixed, broad gripping bar for the
moving tray to grip one face of the laptop computer. A pair of bars
identical to the movable gripping bar could replace this broad bar.
Unlike the tray of the first embodiment, these bars are fixed to
the sides of the base shell's rigid frame. The third embodiment is
similar, but provides superior gripping over a wide range of laptop
computer case thicknesses.
[0024] All of these gripping systems are preferably installed in
the type of luggage case 1 shown in PCT publication WO 01/28381
assigned to Samsonite Corporation, the assignee of the subject
invention exemplified in FIG. 1. This type of case construction
comprises a pair of injection-molded frames 13, 13 into each of
which a textile panel 3 is integrally molded and autogenously
attached to form two main faces of the case. The resulting case is
remarkably light and the molded frames provide secure clamshell
style access opening when the latches 7 are closed. As can be seen
from the drawings, this case includes a pair of stays 14 for
holding the hinged shells in the open position when desired by
using various spring biased clutch mechanisms. These stays also
include a gravity sensing mechanism of the type shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,714,286 to Yamamoto, also assigned to Samsonite Corporation.
Although this gravity sensing stay mechanism is not central to the
disclosed gripping system, it is desirable to have such a lid stay
arrangement that can position the lid shell in either a fully
opened position or partially opened position. Other conventional
construction details include integrally molded hinge 8, separately
molded console 9 with its carry handle 6, glides 11, interior space
4 into which a computer or other things may be put, and
interengaging lips or edges 5, 5' of the frames.
[0025] At a minimum, these gripping systems require a relatively
stiff frame for applying a leverage force from the case's latch
closure, through the frame and hinge, to the gripping members of
the disclosed gripping system, which in turn grip the main faces of
the computer case. These embodiments each include a bar 16 and a
tray 18 or other bars 20, 20, each of which span the full width of
the case interior from one side of the stiff frame to the other.
This feature transfers the closing force from the clamshell frame
to the gripping members, as will be detailed, and hence to the flat
faces of the laptop computer to be gripped, without applying
pressure directly to the insides of the relatively flexible panels
which form the main outside shell faces. This feature is especially
desirable when the inventive gripping system is installed in the
types of clamshell cases shown in the PCT publication WO01/28381
incorporated herein. But the advantages of the disclosed system can
apply to other clamshell case constructions as well.
[0026] Referring to the first embodiment, the construction includes
a laptop support tray 18 consisting of generally quarter circle
shaped flat plates 19 standing up from and flanking an integrally
formed broad, stiff central plate 21. The laptop computer "L" to be
gripped rests between the quarter circle plates on this central
plate. These quarter circle plates are adjacent the stay mechanisms
just inside the frame sides near the hinge 8. The lower stay arm is
attached to the lower frame by an axle pin 15. This axle pin also
suspends this tray to the side of the case via plates 19 and 19, as
well as forms the axis about which the tray pivots slightly during
opening and closing the clamshell frames. The upper stay arm has a
similar axle pin 15 affixing its end to the upper shell frame. The
enlarged ends of the upper and lower stay arms are hinged to one
another. These enlarged ends contain the gravity sensing latch or a
more conventional spring biased clutch mechanism as noted above.
These mechanisms hold the frames, and thus the upper and lower
shells, open for convenient access to the interior of the case, and
in particular permit easy access to the laptop computer. An extra
lever arm 17 shares this lid shell mounted axle pin. One end of
this lever arm supports an end of the gripping bar. The other end
of the lever arm connects the upper corner of the quarter circle
plate at a rivet 12 adjacent to the upper stay axle pin. The
gripping bar extends to a substantially identical construction at
the stay mounted on the other side of the case. This gripping bar
consists of a rigid extrusion with a very high friction material
along at least the side intended to grip the laptop computer. The
gripping bar has a constant oval cross sectional shape with the
narrow end 22 of the oval shape pointing towards and adjacent to
the hinge line of the case (see FIG. 17 for example). This gripping
bar could be spring biased as will be detailed so that this narrow
end tends to squeeze down on the laptop computer harder than the
front edge.
[0027] In operation, the laptop computer rests on the tray and is
thus mostly contained in the base shell of the computer case. The
lid shell starts in the open position, either partially or fully
(i.e. substantially at right angle to the base shell) with the
stays in the open position. The stay arms thus have raised the bar
and tilted the tray, holding the front edge of the laptop computer
slightly raised from base shell wall (see FIG. 5). In this position
the user has easy access to the laptop computer, whether the case
is lying flat on a desk with the clamshell opening in the fully
open position or whether the case is being held vertically with the
gravity sensing stay holding the lip shell at an acute angle to the
base shell as in FIG. 6. In any event, when the lid shell is moved
to the closed position, the tray pivots counter clockwise (as
viewed in FIG. 2). This places the laptop computer relatively flat
within the interior space 4 of the base shell. Simultaneously the
extra lever arm 17 moves the gripping bar 16 down so that its
narrow edge 22 engages against the upper surface of the laptop
computer. Depending on how thick the laptop computer is, this tail
end will be forced to move further counter clockwise in response to
the thickness of the computer. It should be understood, of course,
that the upper surface of the tray is also a high friction material
so that it too grips the laptop computer when the gripping bar
pushes down on the computer as the lid closes. Once the lid is
fully closed, the latches 7 (FIG. 1) hold closed and thus the lid
is held closed against the upward force of the bar against the
laptop computer.
[0028] This system is very effective for gripping the laptop
computer and preventing it from crashing around inside the case.
The case includes a conventional cushioning pad 23 fixed to the
case along the inside of the hinge between the computer and the
hinged sides of the frames keeps the laptop computer isolated from
the bottom of the case (see FIGS. 15, 16, and 17). Thus, the
computer's movement is resisted in all other directions by the firm
gripping between the computer and the upper gripping bar and the
high friction material on the upper surface of the tray. Note that
if the computer case falls on its upper side (the side opposite the
hinge), the gripping bar cams even more firmly against the laptop
computer. It is well known that the frictional force between the
contacting surfaces of objects is directly proportional to the
force perpendicular to the contacting surfaces. Thus the tendency
of the gripping bar to rotate to tighten its grip on the laptop
face occurs just when the computer needs to be more firmly gripped,
such as when the case falls on its upper edge. Also, this elongated
cam shaped bar provides an eccentric movement so that it can hold a
range of laptop computer thickness, particularly between 2.5 cm and
5 cm thick laptop computer. Again this is accomplished merely by
the elongated trailing edge 22 of the bar rotating towards or away
from the computer as a function of the computer's thickness
dimension.
[0029] The second embodiment is mechanically similar to the first
but, for several reasons has been found to be superior. Here, the
tray is replaced by one or more fixed friction bars 20 similar to
the eccentric gripping bar (FIGS. 15, 16, and 17). These extend
across the bottom shell of the case where screws fasten these bars
to the frame structure via the molded end caps 24 shown. Since this
bottom support does not move, there is no need to attach these bars
to the lower stay armaxle pin 15, nor to a lever arm 17 operated by
the upper stay as in the first embodiment.
[0030] Each end of the upper gripping bar 16 is supported by the
upper stay axle pin, preferably by a second lever arm 26 that
rotates and translates the gripping bar as the stays move in
response to opening and closing the case. The gripping bar consists
of a hollow extrusion with web reinforcements to give it structural
strength (see FIGS. 7 and 8). End caps 28 insert into and around
the end portions of the eccentric gripping bar. The end caps are
injection molded to form a cavity that intimately engages these
ribs and the outer oval contour of the gripping bar. Alternately
these end caps could be molded to fit within hollow ends of the
gripping rods. In some situations, this internal cap construction
may be desired to assure a uniform gripping surface across the
entire width dimension of the case interior. These end caps include
a torsion spring 30, one end of which is embedded in the cap that
in turn firmly grips the bar. The other end of the spring protrudes
into a split axle 32 which protrudes into the eccentric arm 16.
This torsion spring is preloaded to provide a clockwise axial
rotation force (as seen in FIG. 7) to the gripping bar. This tends
to force the narrow, protruding edge 22 of the gripping bar down on
the laptop computer to be gripped. Second lever arm 26 includes two
keyhole shaped holes or mounting slots 27 that are sized to receive
the protruding end 33 of the split axle. When in its uppermost
position (that is the position furthest away from the bottom
shell), the gripping bar is properly positioned to engage a 3.5 to
4.5 cm thick laptop computer. Optionally or alternatively, the
split axle can be pre-mounted in the alternative keyhole or
mounting slot 27. In this mounting, the bar is closer to the base
shell of the case, and is optimally located to grip a computer that
is only about 2.5 cm thick. This versatility is relatively
important since laptop computers tend to become thinner and
thinner. Thus, the owner of this laptop gripping system can bring
the case into a dealer for this upgrading so that it can operate
with a thinner, presumably more up-to-date, laptop computer.
[0031] While a single, wide supporting bar 25 is shown in some of
the figures, it should be understood that one could substitute the
two bars 20 that are substantially identical to the lever mounted
gripping bar. This would save molding costs and simplify stocking
parts. As stated above, these lower bars are merely fixed to the
frame at their ends, but could be attached to permit axial rotation
to the lower frame to enhance their ability to accommodate a range
of computer thicknesses as well as provide superior dynamic
gripping when the case falls on its top edge. The wide bar 25 can
be made stiffer and more robust, which could be advantageous in
certain applications.
[0032] In the last embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the extra arms have
been replaced with a connector 34 with a range of several cavities
36 for receiving the gripping bar ends. As stated above, the extra
bar of the earlier embodiment could move the gripping bar in a
large arc to accommodate laptop computers with a relatively large
range of thicknesses. Here, the user need only choose the correct
cavity 36 in the socket connector for the particular thickness of
the laptop computer to be gripped. This mechanism simplifies the
apparatus by eliminating the need for the eccentric arm of the
first embodiment. The socket connection is affixed directly to the
upper stay arm.
[0033] Clearly this invention encompasses various combinations of
features shown individually in the three illustrative embodiments
detailed above. For example, the adjustable socket shown in the
third embodiment could be used with the movable tray taught by the
first embodiment. Also, while the lower support bars in the second
embodiment were fixed to the sides of the lower shell frame, they
could also benefit from the spring biasing end caps 28 shown in
FIGS. 10 through 13. Also, the spring biased gripping bar of the
second embodiment could be mounted directly to the upper stay arm,
thus eliminating the eccentric arms.
[0034] This scope of this invention should be assessed only with
reference to our claims. There are many variations to our preferred
embodiments that are made obvious by this disclosure. For example,
this invention has been illustrated by a particular type of luggage
case construction with molded structural frame members that pivot
to open and close using a conventional mechanical hinge along one
edge. A hinge made of textile or polymer to form a "living hinge"
would work almost as well. Also, one or both shells could be made
using more conventional softside construction techniques so long as
relatively rigid, mutually hinged and latched frame sides are
available to mount and operate the type of clamping apparatus
disclosed. Also, while the extra bars in the second and third
embodiments are separately formed and mounted to the upper stay
arm, the upper arms could be molded to integrally form these arms
and their mounting slots for the gripping arm end caps. Also while
the gripping bars are shown having a constant cross-sectional half
circle shape, other cross sectional shapes will work that can be
eccentrically mounted to provide the desired incremental or camming
grip.
* * * * *