U.S. patent application number 11/693571 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for computer bag and rotating fasteners and other components thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.. Invention is credited to John D. Swansey.
Application Number | 20080237250 11/693571 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39792480 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080237250 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Swansey; John D. |
October 2, 2008 |
COMPUTER BAG AND ROTATING FASTENERS AND OTHER COMPONENTS
THEREOF
Abstract
A bag for holding a laptop or tablet computer, and a strap for
supporting the bag. The support strap is selectively attachable to
the bag, with an attachment mechanism disposed at least at one end
of the support strap and an attachment point disposed on the bag.
The attachment mechanism acts to accommodate the attachment point
in a manner to permit solely relative rotational movement between
the attachment mechanism and the attachment point.
Inventors: |
Swansey; John D.; (Durham,
NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FERENCE & ASSOCIATES LLC
409 BROAD STREET
PITTSBURGH
PA
15143
US
|
Assignee: |
Lenovo (Singapore) Pte.
Ltd.
Singapore
SG
|
Family ID: |
39792480 |
Appl. No.: |
11/693571 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/756 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/30 20130101;
A45C 3/02 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/756 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/10 20060101
B65D025/10 |
Claims
1. A computer bag comprising: a bag for holding a computer; a
support strap selectively attachable to said bag; an attachment
mechanism disposed at least at one end of said support strap; an
attachment point disposed on said bag; said attachment mechanism
acting to accommodate said attachment point in a manner to permit
solely relative rotational movement between said attachment
mechanism and said attachment point.
2. The computer bag according to claim 1, wherein: said bag
comprises four side portions, said four side portions combining to
form a periphery of said bag as defined about two opposing major
surface portions of said bag; said four side portions comprise two
pairs of opposing side portions; said attachment point is disposed
intermediately between two side portions of one of said pairs of
side portions.
3. The computer bag according to claim 2, wherein said attachment
point is disposed about 1/3 of the distance between two side
portions of one of said pairs of side portions.
4. The computer bag according to claim 1, wherein: said attachment
mechanism comprises a first attachment mechanism; said computer bag
further comprises a second attachment mechanism; said first and
second attachment mechanisms being disposed respectively at
corresponding ends of said support strap; said attachment point
comprises a first attachment point; said computer bag further
comprises a second attachment point disposed on said bag; said
first and second attachment mechanisms respectively acting to
accommodate said first and second attachment points in a manner to
respectively permit solely relative rotational movement between
said first and second attachment mechanisms and said first and
second attachment points.
5. The computer bag according to claim 1, wherein: said attachment
mechanism comprises a main body portion and a lid portion, said lid
portion being pivotably mounted with respect to said main body
portion; said main body portion and said lid portion acting to lock
with respect to one another when said lid portion is in a closed
position with respect to said main body portion.
6. The computer bag according to claim 5, wherein said main body
portion comprises an opening for accommodating said attachment
point.
7. The computer bag according to claim 6, wherein said attachment
point comprises a mushroom stud.
8. The computer bag according to claim 7, wherein: said mushroom
stud comprises a head portion and a stem portion; said opening
comprises a keyhole opening, said keyhole opening comprising a
larger portion and a smaller portion; said larger portion of said
keyhole opening acting to accommodate said head portion of said
mushroom stud; said smaller portion of said keyhole opening acting
to accommodate said stem portion of said mushroom stud; said head
portion of said mushroom stud acting to overlap said smaller
portion of said keyhole opening.
9. The computer bag according to claim 8, wherein said lid portion
of said attachment mechanism comprises a recess for accommodating
said head portion of said mushroom stud and a protrusion for
holding said stem portion of said mushroom stud in said smaller
portion of said keyhole opening.
10. The computer bag according to claim 1, wherein said computer
bag is configured for holding a tablet computer.
11. The computer bag according to claim 1, wherein said computer
bag is configured for holding a laptop computer.
12. The computer bag according to claim 1, wherein said support
strap comprises a shoulder support strap.
13. A support strap comprising: a strap comprising two ends; an
attachment mechanism disposed at least at one end of said strap;
said attachment mechanism acting to accommodate a computer bag
attachment point in a manner to permit solely relative rotational
movement between said attachment mechanism and the computer bag
attachment point.
14. The support strap according to claim 13, wherein: said
attachment mechanism comprises a first attachment mechanism; said
support strap further comprises a second attachment mechanism; said
first and second attachment mechanisms being disposed respectively
at corresponding ends of said strap; said first and second
attachment mechanisms respectively acting to accommodate different
attachment points of a computer bag in a manner to respectively
permit solely relative rotational movement between said first and
second attachment mechanisms and the computer bag attachment
points.
15. The support strap according to claim 13, wherein: said
attachment mechanism comprises a main body portion and a lid
portion, said lid portion being pivotably mounted with respect to
said main body portion; said main body portion and said lid portion
acting to lock with respect to one another when said lid portion is
in a closed position with respect to said main body portion.
16. The support strap according to claim 15, wherein said main body
portion comprises an opening for accommodating a computer bag
attachment point.
17. The support strap according to claim 16, wherein said opening
acts to accommodate a mushroom stud.
18. The support strap according to claim 17, wherein: said opening
comprises a keyhole opening, said keyhole opening comprising a
larger portion and a smaller portion; said larger portion of said
keyhole opening acting to accommodate a head portion of a mushroom
stud; said smaller portion of said keyhole opening acting to
accommodate a stem portion of a mushroom stud, whereby a head
portion of a mushroom stud overlaps said smaller portion of said
keyhole opening.
19. The support strap according to claim 18, wherein said lid
portion of said attachment mechanism comprises a recess for
accommodating a head portion of a mushroom stud and a protrusion
for holding a stem portion of a mushroom stud in said smaller
portion of said keyhole opening.
20. The support strap according to claim 13, wherein said strap
comprises a shoulder strap.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to computer bags or carrying
cases and equipment related thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the age of laptop computers, great needs have long been
confronted in connection with the portability of such computers.
Even though laptops and other small computers have become lighter
and more manageable overall, the arrangements for transporting them
and, especially, carrying them on one's person have not always
proven to be of optimum comfort and utility to a user.
[0003] A common carrying case or bag for a laptop computer is
supported by a shoulder or neck strap that includes D-rings at
either end; these D-rings are typically connected to the case or
bag via a swivel connection or snap connection. However, the full
ensemble can often be awkward and unwieldy and does not usually
permit a user freedom of movement and general maneuverability that
could be of help in situations where the ensemble has to be
frequently removed and remounted, or where there is a desire to
place the computer on a table and work on it without taking it out
of the bag. Indeed, the D-ring fixtures normally ensure that the
computer will not lie flat when the bag is placed on a flat
surface.
[0004] Especially with the advent of smaller "tablet" computers
that permit drawing or writing with a stylus, it has become
important for users to be able to use the computers in a variety of
settings without removing the computer from the bag. This could
mean not only using the computer on a tabletop, but also to use it
on one's own person without so much as removing the shoulder strap
from one's shoulder. Conventional arrangements of cases and straps
simply do not permit such versatile use. For example, conventional
D-ring arrangements require the D-rings to be placed along the top
edge of the case in order for the case to hang properly at the
user's side. However, this places the straps in the way of the
writing hand when the tablet needs to be moved to an operational
mode.
[0005] Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, a need has been
recognized in connection with providing a computer bag or carrier
that affords greater versatility and maneuverability in a simple
and cost-effective manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one
presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, is a
computer bag assembly, and components therefor, wherein attachment
mechanisms at either end of a strap are easily attachable and
removable with respect to a computer bag, preferably in a
one-handed motion. These same attachments preferably can also
rotate freely over 360 degrees in a single plane of rotation more
or less parallel to a major side portion of a computer bag. Other
features relating to at least one embodiment of the present
invention will be more readily apparent from the detailed
discussion herebelow.
[0007] In summary, one aspect of the invention provides a computer
bag comprising: a bag for holding a computer; a support strap
selectively attachable to the bag; an attachment mechanism disposed
at least at one end of the support strap; an attachment point
disposed on the bag; the attachment mechanism acting to accommodate
the attachment point in a manner to permit solely relative
rotational movement between the attachment mechanism and the
attachment point.
[0008] Furthermore, an additional aspect of the invention provides
a support strap comprising: a strap comprising two ends; an
attachment mechanism disposed at least at one end of the strap; the
attachment mechanism acting to accommodate a computer bag
attachment point in a manner to permit solely relative rotational
movement between the attachment mechanism and the computer bag
attachment point.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a conventional
computer bag and strap.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a computer bag, an attachment
mechanism and a strap portion.
[0011] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a mushroom stud which mates
with an attachment mechanism.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an attachment mechanism.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a computer bag, but of the opposite
side shown in FIG. 2.
[0014] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an elevational view of an attachment
mechanism in closed and open positions, respectively.
[0015] FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up views of a main body and lid
portion, respectively, of an attachment mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] For a better understanding of the present invention,
together with other and further features and advantages thereof,
reference is made to the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the scope of the
invention will be pointed out in the appended claims.
[0017] It will be readily understood that the components of the
present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the
Figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the embodiments of the apparatus, system, and method
of the present invention, as represented in FIGS. 1-7, is not
intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is
merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.
[0018] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" (or the like) means that a particular feature,
structure, or characteristic described in connection with the
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or
"in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification
are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0019] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific
details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will
recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one
or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures,
materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to
avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
[0020] The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are
designated by like numerals or other labels throughout. The
following description is intended only by way of example, and
simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices,
systems, and processes that are consistent with the invention as
claimed herein.
[0021] Some terms are used herein that will be noted by those of
ordinary skill in the art as being readily interchangeable. For
instance, an arrangement for holding or carrying a computer may be
referred to herein, inter alia, as a "computer bag", "computer
case", "computer carrying case", or "computer carrier". Another
alternative term would be "operational sleeve".
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a conventional
computer bag 102 and strap 104. As mentioned previously, a strap
104 is often attached to a bag 102 by way of awkward D-ring snap
attachments that make the ensemble often uncomfortable to a user
and difficult to maneuver.
[0023] On the other hand, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, a computer bag 206
made of soft or malleable material (e.g., nylon or canvas) may
include thereon a pair of studs 208 for receiving an attachment
mechanism 210 that itself is disposed at one or another free end of
a strap 212. As known, strap 212 may have an adjustment eye 212a
for selectively lengthening or shortening the effective length of
strap 212.
[0024] A handstrap 220, preferably padded, is included on the bag
206. This handstrap 220 may preferably be located about 1/3 along
the minor linear dimension of bag 206 as shown in FIG. 2 and
preferably includes cooperating portions 220a and 220b, positioned
atop and below one another, respectively, that may interface via
essentially any suitable connection, e.g., a Velcro connection.
There will preferably be sufficient clearance under lower portion
220b (i.e., in a relative direction going into the drawing) so that
a user can slip part or all of his hand under or around the entire
handstrap 220 so as to be able to maneuver the entire bag 206.
Suitable stitching 222 will preferably functionally isolate the
handstrap 220 from any material that supports studs 208 (which
material could be an extension of the handstrap 220 itself as shown
or could be part of the main body of bag 206).
[0025] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a field 218 of material of higher coefficient of
friction, such as rubber, may be provided in order to provide a
resting surface for a user's fingers. Such material may preferably,
but not necessarily, be disposed in a parallel ridged pattern as
shown in FIG. 2. In this manner, a user may maneuver the bag 206
(conceivably with a laptop or tablet computer inside) in a
"baseball glove" fashion whereby the user's palm is face-down
against the outer surface of bag 206, the back of the hand arches
against the underside of handstrap 220, and the fingertips rest on
field 218 and can even slightly grip field 218 for added
maneuverability.
[0026] As shown, bag 206 may further include a hinged or bending
region 213 that will act to hold front and back portions of bag 206
together while other parts of front and back portions of bag 206
can be pulled apart from one another, presumably after bag 206 is
unzipped or otherwise opened.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows an elevational view of a mushroom stud 208,
with a base portion 208b disposed towards bag 206 and a mushroom
portion 208a extending away therefrom. As discussed in more detail
below, the mushroom portion 208a may preferably cooperate with an
attachment mechanism 210 to ensure a secure rotational fit of
attachment mechanism 210 with respect to mushroom stud 208.
Attachment mechanism 210, for its part, is shown in isolation in
FIG. 4. Preferably, a main body portion 210a hingedly supports a
lid portion 210c which is pivotable away from and towards the main
body portion 210a (see FIGS. 6A and 6B). A bar portion 210b
facilitates the mounting of a strap.
[0028] FIG. 5 a plan view of computer bag 206, but of the opposite
side shown in FIG. 2. An opening 214 is preferably provided to
permit writing or typing access to the computer within bag 206; it
could be an uncovered opening or could contain e.g., plastic
sheeting. If the latter, it could still be, e.g., written upon by a
stylus in order to permit writing access to the computer even while
the computer is still inside the bag 206. A stylus holder 216 can
be provided as shown.
[0029] FIGS. 6A and 6B show an elevational view of attachment
mechanism 210 in closed and open positions, respectively, while
FIGS. 7A and 7B are close-up views of components of attachment
mechanism 210. FIG. 7A, for its part, shows main body portion 210a
in greater detail. A flat portion 223 preferably has disposed
therewithin a keyhole opening 224. Thus, a larger portion 224a of
opening 224 is preferably configured to initially accommodate
mushroom stud 208 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) whereby, upon a subsequent
displacement of attachment mechanism 210, a smaller portion 224b of
opening 224 will surround the narrow stem portion of the mushroom
stud 208 while the wider head of mushroom stud 208 covers and
overlaps this smaller portion 224b.
[0030] On the other hand, lid portion 210c preferably includes a
recess 230 sufficiently wide to capture the wider head of mushroom
stud 208. A protruding portion 232 also preferably extends away
from lid portion 210c (i.e., in a direction towards the viewer of
the drawing). Thus, assuming the narrow stem of the mushroom stud
is contained within the smaller portion 224b of keyhole opening
224a (FIG. 7A), lid portion 210c can then be locked in place to
permit solely rotational movement attachment mechanism 210 with
respect to the mushroom stud 208. Particularly, when lid portion
210c is then closed on main body portion 210a as in FIG. 6A, recess
230 will surround and entrain the mushroom stud head on the one
hand, while protruding portion 232 will prevent further
translational movement of the entire attachment mechanism 210 with
respect to the mushroom stud on the other. Accordingly, a full 360
degree range of rotational movement of the attachment mechanism 210
and mushroom stud 208 with respect to one another is afforded. To
further ensure a locking fit between lid portion 210c and main body
portion 210c, protrusions 228 on lid portion 210c (FIG. 7B) may
preferably cooperate with corresponding holes 226 on main body
portion 210a (FIG. 7A) in a form-locking or interference fit.
[0031] The unique arrangement just described not only provides an
easily removable swivel fastener that can selectively be opened
with one hand, the resistance to any motion other than rotation
ensures that the attachment mechanism 210 can be mounted at an
intermediate portion of computer bag 206 (here, at about 1/3 the
way along the minor linear dimension of bag 206 as shown in FIG. 2)
yet while resisting a tendency of the bag 206 to "capsize" due to
gravity. In other words, if the computer bag is held more or less
horizontally against the user's body while still supported via
strap 212 about the user's shoulder or neck, the swivel connections
just described permit strap 212 to be moved off to the side of the
bag 206, thus supporting the computer without obstructing the
writing hand of the user. It has been found that the location of
mushroom studs 208 1/3 along the shorter linear dimension as just
described readily prevents inadvertent tipping or capsizing of the
computer when the computer is held generally horizontally with
respect to the user's body, assuming that the computer screen is
"right side up" with respect to the orientation of the computer bag
206 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.
[0032] Preferably, the attachment mechanisms 210 and mushroom studs
208 are so dimensioned as to result in an overall flat profile when
the attachment mechanisms are mounted on the studs 208. More
particularly, the aggregate thickness of the attachment mechanisms
210 and mushroom studs 208 will preferably be no greater than that
of handstrap 220. In this manner, when the bag 206 with computer is
placed on a table or other flat surface (with the handstrap 220
facing towards the flat surface), the attachment mechanisms 210
will not protrude in a manner as to cause the computer to be
inordinately sloped or tilted with respect to the flat surface. By
way of sample dimensions (solely illustrative and in no way
restrictive, the total (combined) thickness of handstrap 220 could
be about 12 mm while the total height or thickness of the
completely attached attachment mechanisms 210 could be about 11
mm.
[0033] If not otherwise stated herein, it is to be assumed that all
patents, patent applications, patent publications and other
publications (including web-based publications) mentioned and cited
herein are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein as if set
forth in their entirety herein.
[0034] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention
have been described herein with reference to the accompanying
drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and
modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *