U.S. patent application number 12/137690 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for electronic device carrying sleeve.
Invention is credited to Bryan Lee Hynecek, David Law, Randy Chihyeuan Lu, Ryan Mongan, Bruce Dicksen Owyoung, Jarrel Weis, Dan Xiong.
Application Number | 20090194445 12/137690 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930618 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090194445 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mongan; Ryan ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
ELECTRONIC DEVICE CARRYING SLEEVE
Abstract
An inflatable carrying case for sensitive electronic device and
other delicate devices are described herewith. The inflatable
carrying case is made by stitching an outer sleeve to an inner
sleeve with a layer of open cell foam glued in between. Two rigid
top and bottom surfaces or plates (as 2 examples) are attached to
the outer sleeve. An inflating mechanism comprising of an air valve
assembly is positioned where the latch hooks over it to secure the
carrying case. The inflating mechanism is used to inflate the
carrying case and thus increase fortification against movement,
sudden jolts and direct impact to the enclosed sensitive electronic
device. The inflating mechanism is easily accessible and simply
operated. Detachable pockets to carry accessories and shoulder
strap are included in this invention. Many embodiments, examples,
and variations are given.
Inventors: |
Mongan; Ryan; (Sammamish,
WA) ; Owyoung; Bruce Dicksen; (San Francisco, CA)
; Weis; Jarrel; (San Francisco, CA) ; Law;
David; (Seattle, WA) ; Xiong; Dan; (Redwood
City, CA) ; Hynecek; Bryan Lee; (Redwood City,
CA) ; Lu; Randy Chihyeuan; (Fremont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAXVALUEIP CONSULTING
11204 ALBERMYRTLE ROAD
POTOMAC
MD
20854
US
|
Family ID: |
40930618 |
Appl. No.: |
12/137690 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61063326 |
Feb 1, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1613 20130101;
G06F 2200/1633 20130101; A45C 13/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An article of manufacture for purpose of carrying or protecting
an electronic device, said article comprising of: an inflatable
foldable cover that forms a pocket or sleeve for said electronic
device; an adjustment mechanism to inflate said inflatable foldable
cover for fortification; wherein said adjustment mechanism is
accessed and operated by a user; and wherein said adjustment
mechanism has a self-inflating mechanism using open cell foam to
draw in air, when a valve is open.
2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein an inner sleeve
of said article is made of one or more of the following materials:
Corduroy, Suede, leather, nylon, Neoprene, and cotton.
3. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein an outer sleeve
of said article is made of one or more of the following materials:
Leather, Bresent micro-fiber, Plastic, Patterned cotton and
suede.
4. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface
and a top surface of said article are made of one or more of the
following materials: Wood, Metal, Carbon fiber, Armor Rubber,
Corduroy, Suede, leather, nylon, Neoprene, and cotton.
5. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said article is
waterproof.
6. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein an open cell foam
resides between a top plate, a bottom plate, a inner sleeve, and a
outer sleeve of said article.
7. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said adjustment
mechanism is operated by pressing a button or turning a valve.
8. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein said adjustment
mechanism comprises a release valve for deflation, wherein said
deflation is accomplished by rotation of said valve.
9. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a folding sleeve
cover of said article comprises pockets and lids for articles for
powering said electronic device.
10. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein said pockets and
lids are secured by one or more of the following materials or
mechanisms: Velcro, Zipper, or Ziplock.
11. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a folding sleeve
cover of said article comprises latches for a shoulder strap.
12. The article of manufacture of claim 11, wherein said shoulder
strap is made of a synthetic material.
13. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein an inner sleeve
of said article comprises of different colors.
14. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein an outer sleeve
of said article comprises of different colors.
15. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a top surface
and a bottom surface of said article comprise of different
colors.
16. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a folding sleeve
cover of said article is secured by a latch hook.
17. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a folding sleeve
cover of said article is secured by a latch hook over a release
valve.
18. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein a folding sleeve
cover of said article comprises a spine, connected to a top surface
and a bottom plate of said article.
19. The article of manufacture of claim 18, wherein said spine is
flexible.
20. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein an outer sleeve
of said article is stitched to an inner sleeve of said article.
Description
RELATED INVENTION/APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention is related to (and based on) a
provisional application filed on Feb. 1, 2008 (priority date),
application No. U.S. 61/063,326, with similar title, same
assignee/owner, and common inventors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to carrying cases
that protect sensitive electronic items/devices during storage,
handling and transport. More particularly, the present invention
relates to an inflatable carrying case for extra fortification and
improved weight reduction, and allows the user to choose when and
where they have maximum or minimum protection, for the level of
protection.
[0003] Carrying cases are used for carrying various items such as
luggage, electronic equipment of all types, sports equipment and
all sorts of delicate and breakable items. In today's world,
personal electronic devices have rapidly become necessities in
people's lives. These items are reduced in size and weight (i.e.,
laptop computers, iPods, cameras, etc) so that, they are
conveniently carried and employed wherever the user chooses. The
reduction in size of these electronic devices leaves little to no
room inside for any shock absorbing protective layers to protect
the vulnerable and delicate parts of these sensitive electronic
devices. Almost all commonly used carrying cases have padded
interior to prevent items held within from shifting and breaking.
Many carrying cases have rigid frames to inhibit the effects of
direct impact and provide structural support in order to reduce the
risk that, item will be crushed or otherwise broken. (The prior art
are also relatively heavy.)
[0004] Carrying cases may include soft and/or rigid inserts. These
inserts inhibit movement of items within the carrying case. Rigid
inserts are designed to provide rigidity to the carrying case and
to restrict movement of the item in the carrying case. Rigid
inserts do not always prevent the item from moving within the
carrying case and do not protect the item from vibrations. Soft
inserts are typically made of foam, cloth and plastic. Soft inserts
cushion enclosed items against impact and inhibit them, to a
degree, from moving while being enclosed. Soft inserts may not
provide structural rigidity to a carrying case; cases with soft
inserts can often crush and often permit enclosed items to move
relative to the carrying case.
[0005] What is desired is a carrying case which protects item by
restricting movement of the item and resisting against direct
impact, sudden jolts and movement and vibrations of different
durations. Carrying cases are optimally lightweight, durable and
easily stored. In general, for maximum protection, a thickness of
cushioning material is required, by allowing the user to inflate or
deflate a bladder the protectiveness of the case can be changed to
suit the situation, and also the bulk of the case can be changed to
suit the situation. That is, if the sleeve is being placed into an
additional travel bag which has independent padding, the inflatable
case can be deflated to better fit into the other bag, then when
removed from the case inflated to provide ongoing protection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore, an objective of the present invention to
provide an inflatable carrying case for sensitive electronic
device. It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a carrying case, for sensitive electronic device, that protects
enclosed items by increased fortification through an inflating
mechanism and restricting movement of items within the carrying
case.
[0007] In accordance with the above objectives and those that will
be mentioned below, a carrying case for holding sensitive
electronic device comprises of a folding sleeve cover, an inner
sleeve, a bottom plate, a top plate, an inflating mechanism and a
flexible spine to accommodate the inflation and deflation
configurations of the carrying case. Alternatively, we can have
bottom surface or cover and top surface or cover, as in a sleeve or
pocket. The outer and inner sleeves are stitched together
enveloping a layer of open cell foam between them. The top and
bottom plates are positioned onto the outer sleeve to provide
structural rigidity. An easily accessible and operable adjustment
mechanism comprised of an aluminum air valve assembly inflates the
folding cover and thus, the sensitive electronic device is
protected against impact, vibration and any sudden jolt and
movement that can otherwise damage the device while in the carrying
case. The adjustment mechanism is located on the top surface where
it can readily be accessed and operated.
[0008] An important advantage of the present invention is the ease
by which the adjustment mechanism operates. Inflation of the
carrying case occurs by simply pressing a button. When deflation of
the carrying case is desired, the adjustment mechanism for
deflation is operated by rotation of the valve.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, pockets
of different size to enclose accessories (e.g., powering articles)
for the electronic device in the carrying case are attached to the
outer sleeve and/or the shoulder strap using Velcro, zipper, Ziploc
or clasping mechanisms. The plurality of removable and
interchangeable pockets and containers provides a higher degree of
versatility for enclosing a sensitive electronic device and
corresponding accessories.
[0010] Another advantage of the present invention is illustrated by
placement of the air valve where the outer sleeve of the carrying
case includes a locking mechanism. The outer sleeve of the carrying
case is secured utilizing a latch/lock mechanism. The latch is
placed over the air valve and secured in place using magnet and
hook.
[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is the increased
fortification of the enclosed sensitive items without noticeable
increase in weight of the carrying case. The preferred embodiment
of the present invention includes a shoulder strap that is
connected to the outer sleeve of the carrying case, as an
option.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Note that these embodiments and examples are for
clarification and description of some of the examples of the
invention, but they are not limiting the scope of the invention
(and its variations) by any means:
[0013] FIG. 1: is the schematic diagram of the back view of the
carrying case. The top surface (130) and the bottom surface (150)
are connected to the flexible spine. As shown in this illustration,
the inflating mechanism (110) and the latch (120) are located on
the top plate/surface (as two examples) of the case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Referring now specifically to the figures, in which
identical or similar parts are designated by throughout, preferred
embodiments of the present invention is herewith described in
detail. The following descriptions include various aspects and
advantages of the present invention. As mentioned, the drawings are
for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the
invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention.
[0015] It teaches a carrying case in a closed situation, as well as
open situation, for an electronic device of different size and
shape (e.g., laptop computers, iPods, etc). In the preferred
embodiment, an outer sleeve is stitched to an inner sleeve with a
layer of open cell foam in between the sleeves. A top plate and a
bottom plate or surface is attached to the outer sleeve of the
present invention. The exterior of the carrying case or the outer
sleeve is made of different fabric and different material with
different colors to accommodate and appeal to different designs and
tastes. The inside of the carrying case as shown in this figure
includes foam padding that can be molded to surround the enclosed
sensitive electronic device and keep it from moving while in the
carrying case. In another preferred embodiment, we have just the
open cell foam with an airtight material around it, and a
valve.
[0016] The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes
an inflating mechanism, to provide further fortification to the
sensitive electronic device enclosed within. To secure the carrying
case a latch is used that is attached to a silicone strap.
[0017] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two adjacent
sides of an outer sleeve are stitched to the corresponding adjacent
sides of an inner sleeve. It teaches the material options that can
be used for the outer sleeve. As shown, a variety of fabric and
materials is used to create a functional as well as an
aesthetically pleasing appearance. Types of materials used for the
outer sleeve include but are not limited to: leather, Bresent
micro-fiber, plastic, patterned cotton and suede, nylon, and
neoprene.
[0018] It teaches material options that can be used for inner
sleeve. A variety of more delicate textile and fabric including
corduroy, suede, fluffy and patterned material is used. The
material for the inner sleeve may be different in color or texture
from the outer sleeve material.
[0019] It teaches the structure method of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention is as follows: a layer of open cell foam
is glued to the inner and outer sleeves' material. Next step
consists of folding it with the inner sleeve facing out and
stitching the two adjacent sides together. Once the two adjacent
sides are sewn together, the assembly will be reversed so that, the
stitched seams are hidden inside and the outer sleeve is facing
out. The zipper could be sewn at this stage. Then the top plate and
the bottom plate are glued onto the outer sleeve.
[0020] It teaches the preferred embodiment of the present invention
in both open and closed configurations with schematics illustrating
the inflating mechanism. In this embodiment, the carrying case has
a leather exterior and a printed fabric is used for the inner
sleeve. The adjustment mechanism that provides inflating capability
to the carrying case is placed on a canvas insert and is comprised
of an air valve, of any metal or other materials, that is
positioned and connected to a steel plate. The air valve assembly
is situated where the latch that closes the carrying case is
attached. The latch hooks over the air valve assembly and has an
opening that can easily accommodate the air valve assembly.
[0021] The advantage of the present invention is herewith further
described; once the sensitive electronic device is placed inside
the carrying case and the case is closed, increased fortification
for the device is provided through activating an inflating
mechanism. The button located in the top portion of the air valve
assembly is pressed down and air is pumped in the carrying case
hence inflating it. The inflation of the case provides increased
fortification to the enclosed item against sudden jolts and
movements, vibrations of short and/or long durations, and any
direct impact. An important advantage of the present invention is
the accessibility of the inflating mechanism and the simplicity by
which the apparatus is operated. It teaches, once the deflating of
the carrying case is desired, the air valve is easily accessed, the
air valve is rotated as shown and air is released from the carrying
case. As mentioned, the advantage of the present invention is
illustrated by how easily and simply deflation of the carrying case
is achieved.
[0022] The preferred embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated in the schematic of the bottom view of the carrying
case incorporates a flexible spine in the body of the carrying
case. FIG. 1 illustrates the flexible spine (140) is connected to
the top plate (130) as well as to the bottom plate (150). The spine
is flexible in order to accommodate the inflation of the case as
well as deflation of the case. More specifically, once the air is
out of the case and collapsing of the case occurs, the flexibility
of the spine will allow for the complete collapsing to take place.
In this configuration the top plate (130) is constructed so that
both the inflating mechanism (110) and the latch (120) for the
carrying case are accommodated.
[0023] The preferred embodiment of the present invention
incorporates two plates, a top plate and a bottom plate, into the
structure of the inflatable carrying case. This can be done with
two opposing surfaces, as well. It teaches these plates are glued
onto the outer sleeve and connected to one another via a flexible
spine as described in previous paragraphs. These plates establish
rigidity of the form for the inflatable carrying case and provide
protection to the enclosed sensitive electronic device. It teaches
the material options for the top and bottom plates. As shown a
variety of rigid material including: printed PC, wood, metal,
carbon fiber and armor rubber are used for the fabrication of these
plates. The top plate has apertures and openings to accommodate the
inflating mechanism as well as the latch attachment of the carrying
case.
[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, external pockets
and attachments are added to the carrying case. The external
pockets are used to enclose various accessories necessary for the
proper operations of the enclosed sensitive electronic device such
as; power brick, batteries, chords, etc. These pockets are secured
to the exterior of the carrying case utilizing Velcro, zipper or
clasps. These pockets are fabricated from the same or matching
material used for the sleeve. The external pockets have lids that
are secured using Velcro, zipper or Ziploc mechanisms.
[0025] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a
shoulder strap. In this embodiment there are grommets located in
the upper corners of the carrying case. The shoulder strap is
passed through the grommets and thus allows for the easier carrying
of the case. In this embodiment, the external pocket for the
accessories is clipped to the shoulder strap.
[0026] The outer sleeve cover is secured by a latch hook. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the latch hooks over the air
valve assembly. There is a perforation in the latch with a ring to
accommodate the air valve assembly. A magnet strip is attached
under the ring of the perforation. Once the latch is hooked over
the valve the magnet strip touches the steel ring plate on which
the air valve rests as shown. This secures the latch in place and
closes the outer sleeve.
[0027] It teaches another embodiment of the present invention. It
teaches the carrying case is shown in a closed and inflated
configuration. The inflating mechanism is positioned in the upper
right corner of the case with the lid closed. As illustrated, the
carrying case is closed and inflated. It teaches the complete
assembly of the case including the outer sleeve, liner, inflating
mechanism and the eyelets of the exterior layer of the case. It
teaches the outside surface is sewn, folded over and sewn to the
inner liner. It teaches how the liner is sewn to the outside
surface around each eyelet. In this embodiment, the outer skin of
the carrying case is sewn to the liner along the opening.
[0028] It teaches the aforementioned embodiment in a deflated
configuration. It is also illustrated in this schematic that by
pressing the top of the inflating mechanism, the air flow is
encouraged inside the carrying case to inflate the case by pumping
air inside.
[0029] The advantages of the present invention is further
illustrated by using air as means to increase protection of the
sensitive electronic device that need to be transported or stored
in. Air provides protection against direct impacts or sudden
movements and jolts. When other protective soft and or rigid layers
do not protect against vibrations that could be detrimental to the
sensitive electronic device, air acts as a barrier between
sensitive electronic device and vibrations of varying durations and
amplitudes.
[0030] Another important advantage of using air to provide
increased fortification is the weight consideration of the present
invention. Using air to protect the enclosed item has little effect
on the weight of the carrying case.
[0031] The individual bubbles or compartments can be filled up (or
emptied out/evicted) with air, liquid, fluid, gas, mixture, water,
sand, gel, foam, small spheres, packing material, or shock
absorbent material, individually or collectively, at the same time
or different times, manually or automatically, from one or more
devices or openings.
[0032] It teaches a combination of foam and fabric, folded in half,
e.g. over the edge, with inserted valve, or folded fabric over the
foam, with glued edges, or glue and stitch on the exterior. It
shows flexibility, various components, versatility, and how the
components are put together. The glue can be replaced with string,
clip, chain, staple, or any attachment device and mechanism.
[0033] It teaches a bag with a handle, with one or more air-intake
and release valves, at various locations, for self-inflating laptop
bag. The basic technology to inflate can be any version in the
market, or any other, such as those for picnic accessories or
Thermarest. The light foam can be indented or grooved for more
flexibility (for bending or shaping it differently, permanently or
temporarily), still with good protection. The bag can have hook,
latch, band, chain, or other attachment or connecting devices. The
valve or opening can be hidden in different parts of the bag or
briefcase. The foam can include bubbles, as well. The bubbles can
be interleaved with the foam. The bubbles can be permanent or
filled up temporarily. It can have few big bubbles or many small
bubbles. It can have relative vacuum in between, or high pressure
gas, liquid, or fluid, with inert gasses, or insulation material,
for electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, heat, cold, or shock. It
can have a layer or multiple layers. It can have solar panel or
backup battery, on the side or within. It can have antenna attached
or detachable, permanently or temporarily. It can have RFID, GPS,
for tracking, or biometrics, for security and authentication, to
use or open the content.
[0034] It teaches how to deflate, using the valve (and rolling up
the bag). It can have a spring-action or string, to pull to
roll-up, or flatten, using user's hand or a cylindrical
roller/ball.
[0035] It teaches how to inflate computer bag, with reversed
bladder, self-sealing valve (requires higher pressure inside). One
can insert the tube to deflate. (The bladder material or insert
which seals with internal pressure, or Ball Bladder.) It can be
stored very easily. It can have a clip or different valves/nozzles,
or safety/pressure-release valves, as extra features.
[0036] It teaches an inflatable case, with pump in handle, or at
other locations. (The bubble-wrap bag, with industrial non-popping
bubbles, for protection.) The bubbles can be transparent,
translucent, visible, covered, painted, clear, uncovered, or
invisible. They can be used as decorations, as well, with various
designs/colors/logos on it.
[0037] It teaches a top-padded shell, laptop computer, or any other
device, protected in between, and bottom-padded shell, with snap or
hook that attaches shell to the computer, with rigid shell that
snaps onto the computer (e.g. polycarbonate), along with adhesive
connection, foam with interstitial air that acts as a cushion, and
flexible fabric or elastomer that acts as an air barrier. The case
stays attached to the computer, when in use, or can be separated,
as the user wishes. This structure is very compact and practical
(also, elegant).
[0038] It should be further apparent to those skilled in the art
that various changes in form can be made to the above described
invention. It is intended that such changes be included within the
spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto. For example, the
inflatable carrying case can have sections of various shapes and
applications/contents.
* * * * *