U.S. patent application number 12/015465 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for computer case.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Janssen Boas Company, a Corporation of the State of New York. Invention is credited to Noah Janssen.
Application Number | 20080173507 12/015465 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39640173 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080173507 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Janssen; Noah |
July 24, 2008 |
COMPUTER CASE
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for a notebook or laptop or tablet
computer case that can also be used as a ventilated and/or
insulating platform for supporting a computer during use, on either
a lap or desk or table.
Inventors: |
Janssen; Noah; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP, P.C.
P O BOX 458
ALAMEDA
CA
94501
US
|
Assignee: |
The Janssen Boas Company, a
Corporation of the State of New York
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
39640173 |
Appl. No.: |
12/015465 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60885215 |
Jan 16, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
190/102 ;
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 9/00 20130101; A45C
2200/15 20130101; A45C 3/02 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/102 ;
206/320 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/00 20060101
A45C013/00; B65D 85/00 20060101 B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A laptop case comprising: a back panel with a top edge flexibly
connecting to; a top panel with one edge flexibly connected to said
back panel and an edge flexibly connected to a flap panel; a front
panel; a bottom panel connecting said back panel and said front
panel; two collapsible side panels each connecting to an edge of
said front panel, an edge of said back panel and an edge of said
bottom panel; wherein, when said case does not contain a laptop
computer; said front panel and said back panel meet along said top
edge; said front panel and said back panel remain separated by said
bottom edge; said laptop case thereby providing a wedge-shaped
laptop base.
2. The case according to claim 1 further wherein: said top panel
and said flap panel fit over said front panel when said case is
closed.
3. The case according to claim 1 further wherein: said two
collapsible side panels are made of a ventilating material allowing
air flow when said case is closed.
4. (canceled)
5. The case according to claim 1 further wherein: said back panel
includes a heat resistant and/or heat reflective rigid material to
prevent heat from transferring to a surface upon which said panel
is resting, such as a user's lap from heat.
6. The case according to claim 1 further wherein: said front panel
includes a rigid and ventilating material allowing air flow from
underneath a laptop when said laptop is positioned on said front
panel.
7. The case according to claim 1 further wherein: said case is
manufactured with nine edges that are not separable by the
user.
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. A laptop case comprising: a back panel with a top edge flexibly
connecting to; a top panel with one edge flexibly connected to said
back panel and an edge connected to a flap portion; a front panel;
a bottom panel connecting said back panel and said front panel; two
side panels each connecting to an edge of said front panel, an edge
of said back panel and an edge of said bottom panel; wherein, when
said case does not contain a laptop computer said case forms a
rectangular box able to support a laptop computer while in use and
providing a ventilated base; wherein at least two of said panels
include ventilation passages allowing for air flow through said
case.
17. The case of claim 16 further wherein: said ventilation passages
are arranged in a decorative pattern on at least one of said
panels.
18. A laptop case comprising: a back panel with a back-panel top
edge; a front panel with a front-panel top edge; a bottom portion
connecting said back panel and said front panel; wherein, when said
case does not contain a laptop computer; said front panel and said
back panel meet along said top edge; said front panel and said back
panel remain separated by said bottom edge; said laptop case
thereby providing a wedge-shaped laptop base.
19. The case according to claim 18 further comprising: two
collapsible side panels each connecting to an edge of said front
panel, an edge of said back panel and an edge of said bottom
panel.
20. The case according to claim 18 further comprising: two side
portions each connecting to an edge of said back panel.
21. The case according to claim 18 further comprising: a zipping
fastener connecting said top edges and connecting portions of said
two collapsible side panels.
22. The case according to claim 19 further wherein: said two
collapsible side panels are made of a ventilating material allowing
air flow when said case is closed.
23. The case according to claim 18 further wherein: said two
collapsible side panels are made of a ventilating material allowing
air ventilation while preventing dust to enter said case.
24. The case according to claim 18 further wherein: said back panel
includes a heat resistant and/or heat reflective rigid material to
prevent heat from transferring to a surface upon which said panel
is resting, such as a user's lap from heat.
25. The case according to claim 18 further wherein: said front
panel includes a rigid and ventilating material allowing air flow
from underneath a laptop when said laptop is positioned on said
front panel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional patent
application 60/885,215 filed 16 Jan. 2007 and incorporated herein
by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] Pursuant to 37 C.F.R. 1.71(e), Applicants note that a
portion of this disclosure contains material that is subject to and
for which is claimed copyright protection (such as, but not limited
to, drawings and/or design elements). The copyright owner has no
objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent
document or patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and
Trademark Office patent file or records. All other rights are
reserved, and all other reproduction, distribution, creation of
derivative works based on the contents, public display, and public
performance of the application or any part thereof are prohibited
by applicable copyright law.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to cases for holding or
protecting laptop computers and similar devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Since the advent and popularity of the laptop or notebook
computer, there has been a need for ever improved cases or other
carrying or protection mechanism for the physical computer when not
in use.
[0005] Examples of prior art cases and stands are shown in U.S.
Patents and patent applications listed below. This listing shall
not be taken to construe that a search has been performed or that
these examples are particularly relevant to the present invention:
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,036,642, 6,496,360, 6,349,825, 6,305,652,
6,305,652, 6,269,948, 6,181,554, 5,639,004, 5,607,054, 5,552,960,
5,445,266, D510,348, 2006237615, 2004240164, 2004188289.
[0006] Despite the large number of competing laptop case designs
available, there remains a sustained interest in laptop computer
cases that provide novel combinations of functionality and pleasing
designs.
SUMMARY
[0007] The invention involves a computer case that can serve as a
base. In one embodiment, the case naturally or selectively conforms
to a wedge-shape when a computer is not inside. In specific
embodiments, the invention does this using a simple design by
constructing the case so that two edges of the opening can fold
easily together when a computer is not present in the case. In an
alternative embodiment, a case according to specific embodiments of
the invention may either naturally or selectively maintain a box
conformation, providing a raised ventilated base for the computer.
In various embodiments, the present invention can be broadly
understood as a notebook or laptop or tablet computer case that can
also be used as a ventilated and/or insulating platform for
supporting a computer during use, on either a lap or desk or
table.
[0008] In either configuration, the case is designed not only for
holding the computer, but also to serve as an insulating base that
is suitable for use either on a desk, table, or similar surface or
on the user's lap. In further embodiments, the case optionally
contains a specific heat reflective or shielding material to
prevent heat from the computer from transferring to a user's lap or
to a desk or table.
[0009] Because of the unique design of the wedge shaped embodiment
of invention, a computer case can be constructed that has a slim
appearance and that easily conforms to a ventilated base of the
desired configuration.
[0010] Thus, the invention in various embodiments provides a new
and improved computer case and methods for the use and construction
thereof that has simplicity in construction and assembly and that
is simple to use in multiple modes.
Other Features & Benefits
[0011] The invention and various specific aspects and embodiments
will be better understood with reference to the following drawings
and detailed descriptions. In some of the drawings and detailed
descriptions below, the present invention is described in terms of
the important independent embodiments of specific computer cases of
specific design and construction, in some cases including specific
materials. This should not be taken to limit the invention, which,
using the teachings provided herein, can encompass a variety of
different materials of construction and a variety of different
design elements. It is therefore intended that the invention not be
limited except as provided in the attached claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A illustrates a computer case according to specific
embodiments of the invention in a closed rectangular box
configuration, optionally enclosing a notebook or laptop
computer.
[0013] FIG. 1B illustrates a computer case according to specific
embodiments of the invention in a closed wedge configuration.
[0014] FIG. 1C illustrates a computer case according to specific
embodiments of the invention in a closed wedge configuration with a
notebook or laptop computer positioned on the closed case and using
the closed case as a ventilated base.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a computer notebook case according to
specific embodiments of the invention in a closed wedge
configuration being used as a ventilated base.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a front elevation view of a computer case in a
wedge shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a side plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 3C is a front plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 3D is a bottom plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a laptop case according
to specific embodiments of the invention showing an example of case
construction according to specific embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 5A illustrates an alternative notebook computer case
according to specific embodiments of the invention with a
non-collapsible closed configuration with a decorative ventilation
pore arrangement.
[0022] FIG. 5B and C illustrate a case similar to that of FIG. 5A
but with an alternative ventilation pore arrangement and showing
the case with a flap in an open and closed position.
[0023] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a computer case in a
wedge shaped configuration having a zipper fastening according to
specific embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 6B is a side plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 6C is a front plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 6D is a top plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a side plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention illustrating positioning of a computer on the base.
[0028] FIG. 8A and B are views of a computer case showing optional
ventilating construction according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative computer holder and base
according to specific embodiments of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0030] The present invention can be broadly understood as a
notebook or laptop or tablet computer case that can also be used as
a ventilated and/or insulating platform for supporting a computer
during use, on either a lap or desk or table. A number of different
configurations are possible according to various embodiments of the
invention. The figures included herewith each exemplify various
embodiments of the invention, but dimensions shown or implied in
the figures are examples only and cases of a wide range of sizes
can be constructed according to specific embodiments of the present
invention. While the invention will be better understood by
reference to the figures and the figures each may illustrate novel
features and/or novel combinations of specific embodiments, many
variations of case design according to specific embodiments of the
invention will be understood to practitioners in the art having the
benefits of the teachings provided herein.
[0031] FIG. 1A-C illustrate an example computer case according to
specific embodiments of the invention showing the case in a closed
rectangular box configuration (FIG. 1A), optionally enclosing a
notebook or laptop computer and in a closed wedge configuration
(FIG. 1B). In FIG. 1C, a computer is shown positioned on the wedge
configuration, which, according to this embodiment, provides
ventilation and a tilt angle to the computer keyboard. Note that
while the FIG. 1C illustrates a computer with the keyboard tilted
downward towards the user, if desired the user can reverse
direction of the computer, allowing providing the notebook keyboard
with a tilt down and away from the user, as is sometimes desired
for ergonomic reasons.
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a computer notebook case according to
specific embodiments of the invention in a closed wedge
configuration being used as a ventilated base. In this
illustration, the case is shown being used as a laptop base, which
provides some flexibility in positioning the computer for the user
and also shields the user's lap from heat that can be generated
especially by higher-performance laptop computer systems.
[0033] FIG. 3A-D provide various views illustrating one design of a
computer case in a wedge shaped configuration according to specific
embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that some
design details, such as the edge stitching shown, are optional
details and will not be present in all embodiments.
[0034] In this embodiment, the basic design can be understood as
involving a set of mostly rigid panels each joined along opposite
edges including a front panel with a bottom edge flexibly
connecting to a bottom panel with its opposite edge flexibly
connecting to a back panel with its opposite edge flexibly
connecting to a top panel with its opposite edge flexibly connected
to a flap panel. These panels are joined together to form an open
box by two collapsible side panels each connecting to an edge of
the front panel, an edge of the back panel and an edge of the
bottom panel. The construction allows the case to be easily closed
to form a protective rectangular box for holding a computer. The
construction also allows the case to be easily closed to form a
wedge-shaped laptop base as illustrated in the figures.
Example Construction
[0035] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a laptop case according
to specific embodiments of the invention showing an example of case
construction according to specific embodiments. In this example, a
rigid, heat resistant plastic insert is sewn or otherwise attached
inside of the back panel to protect the users lap from heat. The
flexible lid/flap is flexible material that can fold over and act
as a closure when either the case has a laptop inside or it is
empty. In specific examples, a breathable, perforated material
cover is used for the case. A rigid, plastic insert with holes can
be attached inside of the top cover to allow air to circulate
through it while adding some rigidity to the structure and
breathable, perforated material sides allow air circulation.
[0036] According to various embodiments, a case according to the
invention can be constructed from any suitable material or
combinations of materials. In one embodiment, the case is
constructed out or one or more plastic or polymer materials with
the properties as described herein. Other materials, including
natural and synthetic fabric, metals, polycarbonate materials,
ceramics, wood or wood derived materials, paper, etc., can all be
used in various embodiments as will be understood in the art.
Non-Collapsible Box Design
[0037] FIG. 5A-C illustrate alternative notebook computer cases
according to specific embodiments of the invention with a
non-collapsible configuration and a decorative ventilation pore
arrangement. It will be understood from the teachings herein that
this design embodiment provides the advantages of a sleeve type
computer case that can function as a ventilated base but without
the option of having an alternative wedge shaped configuration.
Flap-Less Design
[0038] FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a computer case in a
wedge shaped configuration having a zipper fastening according to
specific embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment, the
design is simplified and includes a fastener (e.g., a zipper) that
allows opening of the case at least enough to insert or remove a
laptop computer. An important element of this design is that when a
computer is not in the case, the case closes at the top edge and
while remaining substantially rigid at the bottom edge, thereby
allowing the case to also act as a stable base for the laptop.
[0039] In particular embodiments, the top surface of the case
optionally includes elements that assist in ventilation for a
laptop computer. For example, the illustrated bars can represent
ventilating slots for providing airflow underneath the laptop into
the case when closed. Alternatively, the illustrated bars can
represent raised portions or ridges that elevate the laptop
slightly from the base, thereby providing greater air
circulation.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a side plane view of a computer case in a wedge
shaped configuration according to specific embodiments of the
invention illustrating positioning of a computer on the base. In
this illustration, the side panels are shown as a flexible
ventilated material. This illustrates that the zipper enclosure is
optional.
[0041] FIG. 8A and B are views of a computer case showing optional
ventilating construction according to specific embodiments of the
invention.
[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative computer holder and base
according to specific embodiments of the invention.
Conclusion
[0043] The invention in its various embodiments provides a sleeve
type computer case (which may be referred to as the Aerocase.TM.
computer case) that can be used as a case to (1) protect a laptop
or notebook or tablet computer from bumps and scratches; and as a
base to (2) protect a computer processor from over heating by
encouraging proper air circulation on the underside of the
computer; (3) protect a user's lap from radiant heat that can cause
discomfort; (4) present the computer at a desired ergonomic angle
when used on the lap and/or on a table or desk or other
surface.
[0044] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described
herein are for illustrative purposes and that various modifications
or changes in light thereof will be suggested by the teachings
herein to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within
the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the
claims.
[0045] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited
herein or filed with this application, including any references
filed as part of an Information Disclosure Statement, are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
* * * * *