U.S. patent application number 11/030413 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for carrying bag with computer-holding insert.
Invention is credited to David J. Gullen, Melinda L. Gullen.
Application Number | 20060144663 11/030413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36639088 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060144663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gullen; Melinda L. ; et
al. |
July 6, 2006 |
Carrying bag with computer-holding insert
Abstract
A carrying bag includes an insert configured to carry electronic
devices such as laptop computers with other articles. The insert
includes a pair of separator panels joined at a base. The base is
designed to fit against the bottom of a pouch of the carrying bag.
One or more tabs extend from the base to hold the separator panels
in place and provide a carrying space between the panels and the
pouch. A lifting strap may be provided in the insert to assist with
removal of items from its interior.
Inventors: |
Gullen; Melinda L.; (Malibu,
CA) ; Gullen; David J.; (Malibu, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KATTEN MUCHIN ROSENMAN LLP
525 WEST MONROE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60661-3693
US
|
Family ID: |
36639088 |
Appl. No.: |
11/030413 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/110 ;
206/576 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/02 20130101;
A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/110 ;
206/576 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20060101
A45C003/00; B65D 71/00 20060101 B65D071/00; B65D 69/00 20060101
B65D069/00 |
Claims
1. A carrying bag, comprising: a pouch having a closed bottom and
open top; an insert disposed in the pouch and attached to the
bottom of the pouch, the insert comprising: a pair of spaced-apart
panels having major surfaces substantially parallel to each other
so as to define an interior volume for holding a rectangular
prism-shaped object; a base joined to the pair of spaced-apart
panels adjacent to lower edges of each member of the pair, the base
having a first tab substantially perpendicular to the major
surfaces of the panels, the first tab extending outward from the
pair of panels; and at least one connector attached to the pair of
panels a distance away from the base, configured to retain the pair
of panels in substantially parallel relation.
2. The carrying bag of claim 1, further comprising a lifting strap
disposed across a bottom end of the pair of panels inward of the
base, the lifting strap comprising a pull tab disposed near an
upper end of the pair of panels.
3. The carrying bag of claim 2, wherein the pull tab is configured
to act as a closure for the pair of panels, and comprises a
fastener disposed for removable attachment to a member of the pair
of panels.
4. The carrying bag of claim 2, wherein the pull tab is threaded
through a slot from an interior of the pair of panels to an
exterior of the pair of panels.
5. The carrying bag of claim 1, wherein sides of the pair of
spaced-apart panels are substantially open to an interior of the
pouch.
6. The carrying bag of claim 1, wherein the first tab extends along
substantially an entire length of the base.
7. An insert for a carrying bag, the insert comprising: a pair of
spaced-apart panels having major surfaces substantially parallel to
each other so as to define an interior volume for holding a
rectangular prism-shaped object; a base joined to the pair of
spaced-apart panels adjacent to lower edges of each member of the
pair, the base having a first tab substantially perpendicular to
the major surfaces of the panels, the first tab extending outward
from the pair of panels; and at least one connector attached to the
pair of panels a distance away from the base, configured to retain
the pair of panels in substantially parallel relation.
8. The insert of claim 7, further comprising a lifting strap
disposed across a bottom end of the pair of panels inward of the
base, the lifting strap comprising a pull tab disposed near an
upper end of the pair of panels.
9. The insert of claim 8, wherein the pull tab is configured to act
as a closure for the pair of panels, and comprises a fastener
disposed for removable attachment to a member of the pair of
panels.
10. The insert of claim 8, wherein the pull tab is threaded through
a slot from an interior of the pair of panels to an exterior of the
pair of panels.
11. The insert of claim 8, wherein the lifting strap and the pull
tab comprise a material selected from fabric or leather.
12. The insert of claim 7, wherein sides of the pair of
spaced-apart panels are substantially open.
13. The insert of claim 7, further comprising a closure adjacent an
upper end of the pair of panels, the closure comprising a flap
attached to a first member of the pair of panels and a fastener
disposed for removable attachment to a second member of the pair of
panels 1.
14. The insert of claim 7, further comprising a fastener attached
to the base, configured for attachment to an interior bottom of a
carrying bag.
15. The insert of claim 14, wherein the fastener comprises a
hook-and-loop material affixed to a bottom of the base.
16. The insert of claim 7, further comprising a second tab
extending outward from the pair of panels in a direction opposite
to the first tab.
17. The insert of claim 7, wherein the first tab extends away from
the pair of panels for a distance of at least an inch.
18. The insert of claim 17, further comprising a second tab
extending outward from the pair of panels for at least an inch in a
direction opposite to the first tab.
19. The insert of claim 7, wherein the first tab extends along
substantially an entire length of the base.
20. The insert of claim 19, further comprising a second tab
extending outward from the pair of panels in a direction opposite
to the first tab and extending along substantially an entire length
of the base.
21. The insert of claim 7, wherein the pair of panels and the base
comprise a material selected from leather, fabric-reinforced paper,
heavy fabric, or plastic.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to carrying bags and
components for holding portable computers, such as laptop
computers.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Various carrying bags and cases are known in the art for
carrying laptop computers and similar electronic equipment. Such
bags are frequently fashioned out of a durable but flexible fabric,
and include multiple compartments, at least one of which is
designed to securely hold a laptop computer. Although such bags are
useful indeed for carrying computers, they are often constructed in
a fairly uniform utilitarian manner, and are less aesthetically
pleasing or fashionable than many general-purpose carrying bags. In
addition, the plurality of pockets and compartments in such bags
are useful, but often increase the cost, weight, and bulk of the
bag.
[0005] General-purpose carrying bags, on the other hand, are
usually available in a wide variety of styles and fashions to suit
different consumer tastes, but are seldom designed for carrying
electronic equipment such as laptop computers. For example, women's
handbags and purses, men's handbags, and unisex handbags may be
provided in a variety of styles and fashions. Such bags are often
provided with a single large compartment large enough for a laptop
computer. Placing the computer in the large compartment with
smaller articles that the bag is also needed to hold may cause
damage to both the smaller articles and the computer. In addition,
it may be difficult to fully insert the computer into the carrying
bag because of the presence of other items in the bottom of the
bag.
[0006] It is desirable, therefore, to provide the consumer the
greater selection and fashion afforded by general-purpose carrying
bags, without sacrificing key functional aspects of more
utilitarian computer cases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention overcomes limitations of conventional
carrying cases for computers or similar electronic devices and of
general-purpose carrying bags, while retaining the advantages of
both.
[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a
computer-carrying insert is provided for a general purpose carrying
bag, such as a woman's handbag or other style of handbag. The
insert may be attached in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion to
the carrying bag, or may be designed to be readily removable from
the carrying bag. The insert comprises two spaced-apart separator
panels and a base along lower edges of both panels. The separator
panels may be designed slightly larger than the largest area of the
computer or other device they are intended to hold. They may be
spaced a uniform distance apart so as to accommodate the maximum
thickness of the laptop computer or other device. Side ends of the
insert may be left generally open, or covered with a fabric
material. Its top end should be left open, or provided with a
removable closure, for insertion and removal of the computer. The
separator panels and base may be comprised of a durable semi-rigid
material, such as fabric-reinforced card stock, plastic, or leather
materials.
[0009] Optionally, the insert may be provided with a lifting strap
connected to a pull tab for lifting the computer out of the insert.
The pull tab may be located near the top side of the insert, and
may also be configured to act as a closure for the insert. Pulling
on the tab places tension on the lifting strap, lifting the
computer up from the bottom of the insert.
[0010] The insert base may be configured to fit against the bottom
panel of an accompanying general-purpose carrying bag. For example,
the base may be generally rectangular in shape, with rounded or
beveled corners, and not wider than the bottom of the carrying bag.
Optionally, the base may be stitched or adhered to the bottom of a
carrying bag. In the alternative, the insert may be provided with a
hook-and-loop or other fastener for removable attachment to the
bottom of a carrying bag. The base may be made wider than the
insert, thereby providing spaces between each separator panel and
an adjacent wall of the carrying bag, for carrying smaller
articles. The base may also provide stability for the bag, so that
it may be placed upright on a flat surface without tipping
over.
[0011] A more complete understanding of the computer-holding insert
for a carrying bag will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as
well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof,
by a consideration of the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets
of drawings which will first be described briefly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing bottom and left sides
of an exemplary computer-holding insert according to the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing top and right sides of
the insert shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing bottom and left sides
of a second exemplary computer-holding insert according to the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing top and right sides of
the insert shown in FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary insert
in a carrying bag, with a computer fully inserted and a pull tab in
a retracted position.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the insert of FIG.
5, with the pull tab extended, lifting the computer partially out
of the carrying bag and insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] The present invention provides an insert for a
general-purpose carrying bag, wherein the insert is adapted for
holding an electronic device such as a computer, that overcomes the
limitations of the prior art. In the detailed description that
follows, like element numerals have been used to indicate like
elements in one or more of the figures.
[0019] FIGS. 1 and 2 show opposite perspective views of a first
exemplary embodiment for an insert 100 according to the invention.
Insert 100 comprises a pair 102 of spaced-apart panels 104, 106
having major surfaces 108, 110 substantially parallel to each other
so as to define an interior volume 112 for holding a rectangular
prism-shaped object, for example, a laptop computer. Insert 100
further comprises a base 114 joined to the pair of spaced-apart
panels adjacent to lower edges 116,118 of each panel.
[0020] Base 114 is provided with at least one tab 120 substantially
perpendicular to panel 104, extending outward from the pair 102 of
panels as shown. A second tab 122 may be provided on a side of the
pair 102 of panels opposite to tab 120, also substantially
perpendicular to, and extending outward from, the pair of panels.
Tabs 120 and 122 may be formed integrally with base 114, or may
comprise separate pieces of material (not shown) attached to the
base or near the base. Tabs 120 and 122 serve to stabilize insert
100 inside a central compartment of a general-purpose carrying bag.
Base 114 may also serve to stabilize the bottom of a carrying bag,
so that it may be placed upright on a flat surface without tipping
over.
[0021] Accordingly, tabs 120,122 may be constructed of a semi-rigid
material that is stiff enough to hold its shape and support the
insert 100 away from the sidewalls of the carrying bag, without
being too stiff or too hard so as to be uncomfortable to carry or
unduly heavy. Base 114 and panels 104, 106 may be comprised of
similar materials. Suitable materials may include, for example,
fabric-reinforced paper or cardboard, plastic, leather, heavy
fabric, metal, and various laminates or other combinations of the
foregoing materials, as known in the art for use with carrying bags
and articles of luggage. Each tab 120, 122 preferably extends
outward of the panel pair 102 a distance of between about 0.25 and
3 inches, depending on the size of carrying bag the insert is
designed for.
[0022] Base 114 may be attached to an interior bottom of a carrying
bag, such as by stitching or using an adhesive. In the alternative,
a lower surface 124 of the base 114 or tabs 120, 122, or a portion
of the lower surface, may comprise a suitable detachable fastener.
or fabric for attaching or improving adhesion between the base 114
and an adjoining bottom panel of a carry bag. For example, a
suitable detachable fastener may include hook fabric or loop fabric
of a hook-and-loop fastener system, one or more snaps, clips, or
hooks, or a tacky coated fabric.
[0023] Panels 104, 106 may be attached together a distance away
from base 114, so as to maintain the panels in substantially
parallel relation. In the illustrated embodiment 100, connecting
bands 126, 128 are attached to both panels 104, 106 at opposite
sides of the panel pair 102. Bands 126, 128 may be fastened to
panels 104, 106 using any suitable method, for example, by
stitching, rivets, or adhesive. In the alternative, a removable
fastening system, such as a clasp, snap, or hook-and-loop fabric
may be used.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the sides of the panel pair
102 are left open between bands 126, 128 and base 114.
Advantageously, leaving the sides open permits the interior volume
112 to be readily cleared of debris or small articles prior to
insertion of a larger object such as a laptop computer. In the
alternative, but less preferably, the sides of the pair 102 may be
closed using a side panel of fabric or other suitable material.
[0025] Insert 100 may further be provided with a lifting strap 130,
an upper portion 132 of which may also function as a closure for
the upper end of the panel pair 102. As such, the upper portion 132
may be provided with a suitable fastener for use in closing the
interior volume of the insert. In the illustrated embodiment, a
piece of loop fabric 134 is attached to the upper portion 132, for
removable attachment to a corresponding piece of hook fabric 136
attached adjacent to an upper edge of panel 106. Other suitable
fasteners, for example, hooks, clasps, snaps, or buttons may also
be used instead of hook-and-loop fabrics 134, 136. Operation of the
upper portion 132 as a closure should be apparent from inspection
of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0026] The lifting strap 130 may also perform the function of
lifting a relatively heavy object, such as a laptop computer, out
of the interior volume 112. To this end, the upper portion 132 may
be threaded from the interior volume 112 to the exterior of the
panel pair 102 through a guide slot 140, so as to function as a
pull tab for a lower portion of the lifting strap. Although not
visible in FIGS. 1 and 2, because it is obscured by panels 104,
106, the lower portion of the lifting strap may be wider than the
end portion 132 so as to better lift an object contained in the
interior volume of the insert. In general, strap 130 may be
constructed of material similar to panels 104, 106, but preferably
thinner and more flexible to facilitate pulling through slot 140
and flexure in the interior volume around an object to be lifted.
For example, leather, fabric, plastics, and laminates or composites
thereof may be suitable. Further details of the lifting strap are
described below in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of an insert 200.
Insert 200 may be constructed essentially similar to insert 100,
except for having a different orientation of the panel pair 202.
Many laptop computers comprise rectangular prism-shaped objects,
having two long edges and two short edges. Insert 200 is configured
to hold a rectangular prism-shaped object of the same size as
insert 100, except insert 200 is designed to accommodate long edges
of a rectangular prism parallel with the base and top edges of the
insert. In comparison, insert 100 is designed to hold the same
object with the short edges parallel to the base 114 and upper end.
Either insert 100 or insert 200 may be used to carry the same
object, depending on the desired style of carrying bag. It should
further be apparent that inserts similar to inserts 100 or 200 may
be provided in different sizes, to hold smaller or larger
objects.
[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross sectional views of an exemplary
insert 300 similar to inserts 100 and 200, inside of a compartment
350 of an exemplary carrying bag 352. Bag 352 may comprise
additional components and details (not shown) as known in the art.
Insert 300 may be inserted in compartment 350, with the base
disposed and attached against a bottom side of the compartment.
Tabs 320, 322 extend away from the side panels of insert 300, to
stabilize the insert in a central portion of the compartment and
thereby divide the compartment into two spaces 356, 358 on opposite
sides of insert 300. A rectangular prism-shaped object 354,
representing a laptop computer, is inserted into an interior volume
of insert 100.
[0029] Insert 300 comprises a lifting strap 330 having an upper
portion 332 and a lower portion 338. The upper portion 332 is
threaded through a guide slot 340 in a first side panel of insert
300, and the lower portion is attached to the opposite side panel
about one-fifth to one-quarter of the panel length away from the
base. FIG. 5 shows the object 354 fully inserted into insert 300,
pushing the lower portion 338 of the lifting strap to base 314.
From this position, pulling on the upper portion 332 will partially
lift object 354 out of insert 300, as shown in FIG. 6. This may
enable easier removal of the object 354 from the insert, while
lessening any tendency to remove the insert itself from the
compartment. Optionally, the entire insert 300 may also be removed
from the compartment 350, such as when it is desired to use the
carrying bad for some other purpose.
[0030] Having thus described a preferred embodiment of the computer
holding insert for a carrying bag, it should be apparent to those
skilled in the art that certain advantages of the within system
have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various
modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may
be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For
example, an insert using hook-and-loop fasteners has been
illustrated, but it should be apparent that the inventive concepts
described above would be equally applicable to inserts with other
types of fasteners,. including snaps, clips, or buttons. The
invention is further defined by the following claims.
* * * * *