U.S. patent application number 10/708070 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for separable storage bag for mobile audio-video components.
This patent application is currently assigned to Orient Power Mobile Electronics, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ng, Wai Lam.
Application Number | 20050072699 10/708070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46301838 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050072699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ng, Wai Lam |
April 7, 2005 |
Separable storage bag for mobile audio-video components
Abstract
The present invention is a storage bag for mobile audio-video
components that is separable and detachable. One portion of the bag
can store a video screen while the other portion of the bag can
store a DVD or videocassette player. The two portions of the bag
are separable by a zipper that goes the entire distance around the
bag. The two main compartments of the bag contain means to secure
the stored items. The separable bag allows for the apparatus to be
used while a motor vehicle is in motion. The video screen can be
attached to the back of a headrest, or even the center console.
Inventors: |
Ng, Wai Lam; (Hung Hom,
CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLUMENFELD, KAPLAN & SANDWEISS, P.C.
168 NORTH MERAMEC
4TH FLOOR
CLAYTON
MO
63105-3763
US
|
Assignee: |
Orient Power Mobile Electronics,
Ltd.
Hung Hom
CN
|
Family ID: |
46301838 |
Appl. No.: |
10/708070 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10708070 |
Feb 6, 2004 |
|
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29191365 |
Oct 6, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/0235 20130101;
G06F 1/1628 20130101; B60R 2011/0075 20130101; A45C 11/38 20130101;
A45C 7/0086 20130101; B60R 2011/0077 20130101; B60R 11/0264
20130101; B60R 2011/0059 20130101; A45C 2011/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to store and carry mobile audio-video components,
comprising: a first compartment adapted to store a video screen; a
second compartment adapted to store a video player; wherein the two
compartments are connectable to form a single storage unit in a
manner that protects the audio-video components; and wherein the
two compartments are distinct and completely separable for
operation of the audio-video components.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the video screen is secured
into the one compartment using a method selected from the group
consisting of Velcro.RTM., snaps, ties or zippers.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first compartment further
comprises mounting means permitting attachment to a headrest or
center console of a vehicle.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said mounting means are
selected from the group consisting of Velcro.RTM., snaps, ties or
zippers.
5. A mobile audio-video system comprising: a storage case having a
first and second compartment and connecting means between said
first and second compartments; a video display located within said
first compartment; a video player located within said second
compartment; wherein said storage case is a single unit when said
connecting means are closed; and wherein said first and second
compartments can be separated from each other when said connecting
means are open.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player is a
videocassette player.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player is a DVD
player.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player is secured into
the second compartment using a method selected from the group
consisting of Velcro.RTM., snaps, ties or zippers.
9. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player and the video
screen are connected by wires, and further comprising an opening in
one or more of said compartments for the routing of said wires.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising power adapter means
for connecting said video player and video screen to a power
source.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the power source is an
automobile.
12. The system of claim 5, further comprising means on said first
compartment for securing said first compartment to a head rest or
center console of a vehicle.
13. The system of claim 5, wherein said video player and video
screen may be operated with said first and said compartments in a
partially connected state, wherein said connecting means are not
fully closed and not fully closed.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 29/191,365 filed on Oct. 6, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a storage bag, more
particularly an apparatus that is detachable into at least two
separate compartments to store a small video screen and a
videocassette player or DVD player in the two distinct compartments
for use in an automobile.
[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0005] When traveling long distances in an automobile, the
passengers may get tired and bored especially when such passengers
are children. In the past, passengers would entertain themselves by
playing road games or by conversing with each other. In recent
times, certain cars come equipped with small video screens that
will lower from the car ceiling, and portable DVD players sold in a
bundle with a small video screen have become very popular. These
portable DVD players and video screens are either fixed to one
another, or, they can be used with a compartmentalized carrier and
connected with cables.
[0006] One example of such a compartmentalized carrier is disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,299 issued to Lee. However, the carrier
disclosed in Lee is not separable. Therefore, the entire unit must
be placed in an area large enough to fit the carrier containing the
video screen and the DVD or videocassette player.
[0007] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a
storage carrier or bag for a small video screen and a DVD or
videocassette player with separate and detachable parts for the
screen and player, but one which can form a single carrier for
transporting and storage of the equipment.
[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a carrier in which the video screen can be attached to various
places in a car, such as the back of the headrest or the center
console.
[0009] It is yet a further object of the present invention to be
able to watch a DVD or videocassette while the player is situated
in a secure and out of the way location.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] It is with the above objects in mind that the present
invention was developed. The present invention comprises a storage
bag similar to a basic brief case or bag that can hold a laptop
computer, but smaller. This bag can be carried as a single unit and
can then be separated into two separate and distinct portions and
used to play movies in a moving vehicle. The two parts of the bag
are connected by a zipper that encompasses the entire outside
perimeter of the present invention. When separated into the two
distinct portions, the compartment securing the video screen can be
attached to a headrest or the center console using a series of
straps or similar retention device. The compartment securing the
videocassette or DVD player can be safely placed on the floor of
the vehicle or underneath a seat. Standard wires that would connect
any similar electronic equipment connect the video screen and the
player are supplied to connect the two portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] So that the manner in which the above-identified features,
advantages, and objects of the present invention are attained and
can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the
invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the
embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended
drawings.
[0012] It is noted however, that the appended drawings illustrate
only a typical embodiment of this invention and is therefore not to
be considered limiting in its scope, for the invention may admit to
other equally effective embodiments. Reference the appended
drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows the claimed invention in its closed position
and also the straps for attaching the portion that secures the
video screen;
[0014] FIG. 2 shows the claimed invention from the side while
closed;
[0015] FIG. 3 shows the claimed invention separated into the two
distinct compartments;
[0016] FIG. 4 shows the claimed invention where the two
compartments of the separable bag are partially attached while the
bag is open;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the claimed invention in use with the video
screen secured to the headrest of a passenger seat in the vehicle
and the player resting safely out of the way; and
[0018] FIG. 6 shows the claimed invention in use with the video
screen secured to the center console of a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention is a storage apparatus that can be
separated into two separate and distinct compartments adapted to
hold respective portions of an audio/visual system. One compartment
is designed to store an object such as a video screen (12) and the
other compartment, a DVD or videocassette player (10). The DVD or
videocassette player (10) may include a remote control for easier
use of the apparatus. This apparatus is especially useful for
families taking a family vacation using their automobile as the
mode of transportation. Currently, to view movies in the car, a
user must either purchase a vehicle specially equipped with a video
screen and a playing device or purchase a cumbersome viewing device
that is difficult to effectively position in the vehicle.
[0020] The present device allows a user to purchase a video screen
and player combination without the expense or lack of portability
involved with a permanent installation, and without the
cumbersomeness of an inseparable video screen/player combination.
The storage apparatus is a carrying case similar to a brief case or
a laptop case in appearance, but typically much smaller. It can be
made from any durable material, but the inventor has found nylon to
work well. The carrying case is easily transported when completely
attached and closed by use of a handle or strap (6).
[0021] The carrying case is divided into at least two distinct
portions (14 and 16) that can be either partially or completely
separated by an attaching means, such as a zipper (8), but other
means may be suitable as well, such as snaps or Velcro.RTM.. One
portion of the carrying case secures a video screen (16), while the
other portion secures a videocassette or DVD player (14). The video
screen (12) and the player (10) are electrically connected by
standard wiring (18) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The two components,
the video screen (12) and the player (10), can share the same power
source, namely the car, by being plugged directly into the
cigarette lighter outlet.
[0022] FIG. 3 outlines the manner in which the video screen is
secured in one compartment and the DVD or videocassette player
secured in the other compartment. While the preferred embodiment is
for the present invention to be used when the compartment are
completely separated, the claimed invention can also be used while
partially attached as shown in FIG. 4.
[0023] In the preferred embodiment the video screen (12) is secured
within its compartment by Velcro.RTM., snaps, ties or any possible
means (24) that would safely secure the video screen during use.
The video screen is surrounded by holding walls (13) that snuggly
encase the video screen. The securing means (24) are then attached
as described above to the holding walls to ensure that the video
screen is protected and secured within its compartment.
[0024] Once the video screen (12) is secured within its
compartment, that compartment or portion (16) of the carrying case
can be attached to the back of headrest (20) or the center console
(22) of the vehicle for use while the vehicle is in motion. The
compartment is attached by straps (2 and 3) secured by Velcro.RTM.,
snaps, ties or other comparable means to the headrest (20) or
center console (22). This attaching means (3a and 3b) are
interconnecting and are placed horizontally as shown in FIG. 4
around the headrest or center counsel. Another attaching means (2)
is then vertically looped through the already placed attaching
means (3a and 3b). Both attaching means can be made of identical
substances, namely, the Velcro.RTM., snaps, ties or other
comparable means.
[0025] In the preferred embodiment the DVD or videocassette player
(10) is secured within its compartment by Velcro.RTM., snaps, ties
or any possible means (11) that would safely secure the player
during use. These securing means preferably encompass the entire
top, outer portion of the player for optimal protection of the
player. When the present invention is in use the front flap (26) of
the compartment (14) securing the player (12) can be opened for
easy access to the player's controls. This way the DVD or
videocassette can be manually played, stopped or otherwise
manipulated according to the user's desires.
[0026] While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments
of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the
invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which
follow.
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