U.S. patent application number 12/495806 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for portable electronic device carrier.
This patent application is currently assigned to Belkin International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dale Honda, Nathaniel Lau, Erin Napolitano, Barry Sween.
Application Number | 20100006384 12/495806 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41466311 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100006384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Napolitano; Erin ; et
al. |
January 14, 2010 |
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE CARRIER
Abstract
In some embodiments, a portable computing device carrier can
include: (a) a first section, the first section having: (1) a top
portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back
portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the top
portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion,
the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing
device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to
removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device;
and (b) a second section, the second section having: (1) a top
portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first
section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a
front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an
exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more
personal items. The interior side of the first section is removably
attached to the interior side of the second section. Other
embodiments are disclosed in this application.
Inventors: |
Napolitano; Erin; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Sween; Barry; (Santa Monica, CA)
; Honda; Dale; (Torrance, CA) ; Lau;
Nathaniel; (Los Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRYAN CAVE LLP
TWO NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE, SUITE 2200
PHOENIX
AZ
85004
US
|
Assignee: |
Belkin International, Inc.
Compton
CA
|
Family ID: |
41466311 |
Appl. No.: |
12/495806 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61077071 |
Jun 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/107 ;
190/109; 190/116 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 2013/025 20130101;
A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 2200/10 20130101; A45C 7/0095
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/107 ;
190/109; 190/116 |
International
Class: |
A45C 7/00 20060101
A45C007/00; A45C 13/22 20060101 A45C013/22 |
Claims
1. A portable computing device carrier comprising: a first section,
the first section having a top portion, a bottom portion, a front
portion, a back portion, an interior side, and an exterior side,
the top portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back
portion, the interior side, and the exterior side defining a
computing device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier
cavity sized to removably receive and accommodate the portable
computing device; and a second section, the second section having a
top portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first
section to form a carrier top portion, a bottom portion, a front
portion, a back portion, an interior side, and an exterior side,
the second section sized to accommodate one or more personal items;
and wherein the interior side of the first section is removably
attached to the interior side of the second section.
2. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein the
interior side of the first section includes a windowed opening for
viewing the portable computing device.
3. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein: the
exterior side of the first section is removably coupled to the
bottom portion, the front portion and the back portion of the first
section; and the computing device carrier cavity includes a
transparent computing device securing window mechanically coupled
to an interior of the computing device carrier cavity and includes
a slot for receiving the portable computing device.
4. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein the
interior side of the first section is removably attached to the
interior side of the second section using a coupling device
comprises at least one of: a zipper assembly, a hook and loop
fastener assembly, a hole and button assembly, a clasp assembly and
a snap fastener assembly.
5. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, further
comprising a handling device mechanically coupled to the carrier
top portion.
6. The portable computing device carrier of claim 5, wherein the
handling device is coupled to the top portion of the first
section.
7. The portable computing device carrier of claim 5, wherein the
handling device is coupled to the top portion of the second
section.
8. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, further
comprising: a first carry strap connector mechanically coupled to
the front portion of the second section; a second carry strap
connector mechanically coupled to the back portion of the second
section; and a removable carry strap having a first end and a
second end, the first end of the removable carry strap removably
coupled to first carry strap connector and the second end of the
removable carry strap removably coupled to second carry strap
connector.
9. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein: the
mechanical coupling of the top portion of the second section to the
top portion of the first section is a removable coupling; and the
carrier top portion is formed when the top portion of the second
section is removably coupled to the top portion of the first
section.
10. The portable computing device carrier of claim 1, wherein: the
second section further comprises one or more pockets.
11. A portable computing device carrier system configured to hold a
portable computing device, the portable computing device carrier
system comprising: a portable computing device carrier configured
to be placed in an open position and a closed position, the
portable computing device carrier comprising: a first compartment;
a second compartment; and a fastener, wherein: the first
compartment is configured to removably hold the portable computing
device; the first compartment comprises: a first margin; a second
margin; two or more side margins; and a first side having a
transparent window; a second side opposite the first side; a second
compartment comprises: a first margin, a second margin; two or more
side margins; a first side; and a second side opposite the first
side; the first margin of the first compartment is coupled to the
first margin of the second compartment; the fastener is configured
to couple at least a portion of the two or more side margins of the
first compartment to at least a portion of the two or more side
margins of the second compartment to place the portable computing
device carrier in the closed position and conceal the transparent
window; and the portable computing device carrier is configured
such that the transparent window is revealed when the at least the
portion of the two or more side margins of the first compartment is
uncoupled from the at least the portion of the two or more side
margins of the second compartment.
12. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11,
wherein the first margin of the first compartment is releasably
coupled to the first margin of the second compartment.
13. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11,
further comprising a handling device mechanically coupled to the
first margin of the first compartment.
14. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11,
further comprising: a first carry strap connector mechanically
coupled to a first side margin of the two or more side margins of
the second compartment; a second carry strap connector mechanically
coupled to a second side margin of the two or more side margins of
the second compartment; and a removable carry strap having a first
end and a second end, the first end of the removable carry strap
removably coupled to the first carry strap connector and the second
end of the removable carry strap removably coupled to the second
carry strap connector.
15. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11,
wherein the fastener comprises at least one of: a zipper assembly,
a hook and loop fastener assembly, a hole and button assembly, a
clasp assembly, and a snap fastener assembly.
16. The portable computing device carrier system of claim 11,
wherein the second compartment further comprises one or more
pockets.
17. A method providing a portable computing device carrier, the
method comprising: providing a first section comprising: a top
portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an
interior side, and an exterior side, the top portion, the bottom
portion, the front portion, the back portion, the interior side,
and the exterior side defining a computing device carrier cavity,
the computing device carrier cavity sized to removably receive and
accommodate the portable computing device; and providing a second
section comprising: a top portion mechanically coupled to the top
portion of the first section to form a carrier top portion, a
bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an interior side
and an exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one
or more personal items; and removably attaching the interior side
of the first section to the interior side of the second
section.
18. A method of using a portable electronic device carrier system,
the method comprising: providing a portable computing device;
placing the portable computing device in the portable electronic
device carrier system; and before submitting to a security
screening of the portable electronic device carrier system, opening
the portable electronic device carrier system such that the
portable computer device can be security screened without removing
the portable computing device from the portable electronic device
carrier system
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: closing the
portable electronic device carrier system after the security
screening.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein. the security screening
comprises x-raying the portable electronic device carrier system,
and the portable computing device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/077,071 filed on Jun. 30, 2008, the contents of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of laptop
computers, and relates, more particularly, to portable computing
device carriers for transporting a laptop computer more efficiently
through a security checkpoint and methods of using and selling the
same.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND
[0003] In this age of mobile computing, working on personal
computers almost anywhere and at any time has become a part of the
daily lives of many individuals in many various occupations.
Portable laptop computers are so named because they fit easily on
one's lap, and allow a person to easily transport the computer
between various locations.
[0004] To transport laptop computers from place to place, most
people use computer cases (i.e., a portable computing device
carrier). Computer cases provide protection from mechanical shock
due to accidental impacts and also provide some degree of
protection from environmental hazards, such as heat, light, and
dust, for example. To provide adequate protection from this
multitude of hazards, however, most computer cases are large and
bulky, and are not designed for efficient access to the contents of
the computer case.
[0005] Because of security threats at airports and other locations,
frequent travelers must undergo security screenings with
regularity. The security screening process can be lengthy, and
cumbersome, and can be an annoying process that requires the
traveler to separate many of her traveling items into numerous
containers for security checks. Usually, a person is required to
remove her personal effects, electronic devices, laptops from her
bags and place them in separate containers to pass through an x-ray
machine. After the security screening, the person must then repack
her bags before leaving the security area and resume her travel
itinerary.
[0006] Therefore, a need exists in the art to develop a portable
computing device carrier for transporting a laptop computer more
efficiently through a security checkpoint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The invention will be better understood from a reading of
the following detailed description of examples of embodiments,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings
in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front view that illustrates an
exemplary portable electronic device carrier including improved
security scanning characteristics, in accordance with the subject
matter described herein.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view that illustrates an outer exterior of
an exemplary portable electronic device carrier of FIG. 1 including
improved security scanning characteristics, in accordance with the
subject matter described herein.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top-down view that illustrates an exemplary
portable electronic device carrier of FIG. 1 including improved
security scanning characteristics, in accordance with the subject
matter described herein.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates the exemplary
portable electronic device carrier of FIG. 1 in a partially opened
state and in a position of readiness for security inspection.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a three-quarter upper side view of the exterior
portion of the exemplary portable electronic device carrier system
of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter described
herein.
[0013] FIG. 6 is another three-quarter upper side view of the
exterior portion of the exemplary portable electronic device
carrier system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter
described herein.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a three-quarter upper side view of the inner
exterior portion of the exemplary portable electronic device
carrier system of FIG. 1, in accordance with the subject matter
described herein.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a three-quarter side view of an outer exterior
portion of another exemplary portable electronic device carrier
system, in accordance with the subject matter described herein.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of using a portable electronic device carrier system,
according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of an
activity of performing a security screening of portable electronic
device carrier system, according to an embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method 1100 of providing a portable electronic device carrier
system, according to an embodiment.
[0019] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0020] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0021] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0022] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or
otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically
coupled but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more
mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not be
electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements
may be mechanically coupled, but not be electrically or otherwise
coupled. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or
semi-permanent or only for an instant.
[0023] "Electrical coupling" and the like should be broadly
understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal,
whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or
combinations of electrical signals. "Mechanical coupling" and the
like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling
of all types.
[0024] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the
like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the
coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0025] In one embodiment, a portable computing device carrier can
include: (a) a first section, the first section having: (1) a top
portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back
portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side, the top
portion, the bottom portion, the front portion, the back portion,
the interior side, and the exterior side defining a computing
device carrier cavity, the computing device carrier cavity sized to
removably receive and accommodate the portable computing device;
and (b) a second section, the second section having: (1) a top
portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first
section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a
front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an
exterior side, the second section sized to accommodate one or more
personal items. The interior side of the first section is removably
attached to the interior side of the second section.
[0026] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a three-quarter front
view that illustrates an exemplary portable electronic device
carrier system 100 including improved security scanning
characteristics. Portable electronic device carrier system 100 is
merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented
herein. Portable electronic device carrier system 100 can be
employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically
depicted or described herein.
[0027] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, portable electronic device
carrier system 100 can include: (a) portable electronic device
carrier 110 having carrying handle 111; (b) device carrier pull tab
112; (c) device carrier zipper channel 113; (d) carrying strap 115
including carrying strap pad 118; and (e) carry strap connector
116. In other examples, portable electronic device carrier system
100 does not include carrying strap 115.
[0028] Portable electronic device carrier 110 can additionally
include personal item section 120 and mobile computing device
section 130. Personal item section 120 can include: (a) exterior
pocket 121; (b) exterior pocket pull tab 122 and associated
exterior pocket zipper channel (not shown); (c) personal item
section pull tabs 123 and 124; and (d) personal item section zipper
channel 125. Mobile computing device section 130 can include mobile
computing device section zipper channel 131.
[0029] Portable electronic device carrier system 100 can also
include additional elements as described below in relation to FIGS.
2-7. In FIGS. 2-7, portable electronic device carrier system 100 is
referred to as portable electronic device carrier systems 200, 300,
400, 500, 600, and 700, respectively. Different numbers are used
for the portable electronic device carrier system to indicate that
elements are shown in FIGS. 2-7 that are not shown in FIG. 1.
However, portable electronic device carrier system in FIGS. 1-7 is
the same embodiment of portable electronic device carrier system
100.
[0030] Portable electronic device carrier 110 can also be
considered a device and/or a personal belongings carrier. In some
examples, each of personal item section 120 and mobile computing
device section 130 can have its own top portion, bottom portion,
front portion, back portion, interior and exterior side walls. Each
of the portions or sides can have a margin at an edge of the side
or portion. In the same or different embodiments, personal item
section 120 and mobile computing device section 130 are two
completely separate sections that are mechanically coupled together
at one of the sides and in comes embodiments, the sections are
permanently mechanically coupled together at the side. In the other
embodiments, personal item section 120 and mobile computing device
section 130 share a common top.
[0031] In some examples, portable device carrier 111 can be
approximately 33 centimeters (cm) in height and approximately 40
centimeters in width when in a closed position (i.e., margins of
the personal item section 120 are adjacent to the margins of mobile
computing device section 130). The depth of mobile computing device
section 130 is approximately 5 cm. The depth of personal item
section 120 is approximately 11.5 cm. When portable device carrier
111 is in the open configuration (i.e., only a margin of one of the
sides of the personal item section 120 is adjacent to a margin of
one of the sides of mobile computing device section 130), the
height of portable device carrier 111 is approximately 66 cm.
[0032] In operation, device carrier zipper channel 113 and
associated device carrier pull tab 112 can be configured to
releasably couple the interior side of personal item section 120 to
the interior side of mobile computing device section 130. As
illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, when not releasably coupled to one
another and as described above, personal item section 120 and
mobile computing device section 130 are configured to lay on either
their associated interior/exterior side walls, facilitated due to
the common top portion, thereby permitting a more efficient carrier
for security screening.
[0033] Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top
portion of personal item section 120 and the top portion of mobile
computing device section 130 combine to form the top portion of
portable electronic device carrier 110. Personal item section 120
and mobile computing device section 130 or their respective
interior sides, can also be removably coupled to each other along
each section's interior side wall as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7.
In some embodiments, personal item section 120 and mobile computing
device section 130 can be removably coupled to each other via
device carrier zipper channel 113. In other embodiments, the
interior side walls of personal item section 120 and mobile
computing device section 130 or their respective interior sides,
can be mechanically coupled to one another using various other
techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop fasteners
(e.g., Velcro.RTM. fasteners and the like) assembly, snap fastener
assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and the
like.
[0034] Personal item section 120 and mobile computing device
section 130 can be manufactured from any suitable materials, such
as, for example man-made or natural fibers including cotton,
polyester, nylon, leather, and the like. In some embodiments,
materials used to construct personal item section 120 and mobile
computing device section 130 include a layer of padding between one
or more layers of material described above, for example, foam
material such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), neoprene, and the
like. In other embodiments, padding is not used.
[0035] Carrying handle 111 is mechanically coupled to the top
portion of portable electronic device carrier 110. Carrying handle
111 can be permanently, mechanically coupled to the top portion of
portable electronic device carrier 110 using any suitable method,
such as, for example via a fabric loop, stitching, or other
coupling mechanisms. Carrying handle 111 can be located and
configured to allow a user to grasp carrying handle 111 and carry
portable electronic device carrier 110. Carrying handle 111 can be
manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example
metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer,
thermoplastic compound, or rubber, man-made or natural fibers
including cotton, canvas, polyester, nylon, leather, and the
like.
[0036] Carrying strap 115 can be removably coupled to carry strap
connector 116. In some examples, carrying strap 115 can be attached
to personal item section 120 for example via a fabric loop,
stitching, or other coupling mechanisms. In other examples,
carrying strap 115 can be coupled to mobile computing device
section 130.
[0037] Carrying strap 115 can be manufactured from any suitable
material, such as, for example man-made or natural fibers including
stitched fabric or webbing or strips of materials such as leather.
Carrying strap 115 can include carrying strap pad 118 to provide
added comfort for a user. Carrying strap pad 118 can be
manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for example
cotton, foam, rubber, leather, and the like. In various
embodiments, portable electronic device carrier system 100 can
include one or more additional carrying straps (not shown) that are
similarly coupled to personal item section 120. Carry strap
connector 116 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such
as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an
elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
[0038] Device carrier zipper channel 113 includes two strips of
fabric tape. Each strips of fabric tape can include tens or
hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth. One strip of
fabric tape can be coupled to an exterior edge of the interior side
wall of personal item section 120, and the other strip of fabric
tape can be coupled to an exterior edge of the interior side wall
of mobile computing device section 130. The teeth of device carrier
zipper channel 113 can be manufactured from any suitable material,
such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as
an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
[0039] Device carrier pull tab 112 can be a slider and include a
channel (e.g., a Y-shaped channel). Device carrier pull tab 112
meshes together or separates the opposing rows of teeth, depending
on the direction of its movement. Device carrier pull tab 112 in
combination with device carrier zipper channel 113 and the
associated strips of fabric tape allow a user to separate and join
personal item section 120 and mobile computing device section 130
to one another. Device carrier pull tab 112 can be manufactured
from any suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal
alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic
compound and the like.
[0040] Personal item section 120 can be a defined portion of
portable electronic device carrier 110 where a user temporarily
stores personal items. Personal items can include anything that is
not an integral part of her laptop computer, such as, for example
writing utensils, MP3 players and associated accessories, software
(e.g., CDs and DVDs), reading material, food, and the like.
Exterior pocket 121 is an exterior storage area for a user to store
items, such as personal items.
[0041] Exterior pocket pull tab 122 and associated exterior pocket
zipper channel define an access point to exterior pocket 121 and
further allow a user to secure the contents of exterior pocket 121.
In other embodiments, the edges of the flap closing the opening of
exterior pocket 121 are mechanically coupled to one another using
various other techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop
fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM. fasteners and the like) assembly, snap
fastener assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and
the like. In some embodiments, exterior pocket 121 can be
manufactured from any suitable materials, such as, for example
man-made or natural fibers including cotton, polyester, nylon,
leather, and the like.
[0042] Personal item section zipper channel 125 and personal item
section pull tabs 123 and 124 define an entry point into a cavity
(see FIG. 5 and description below) of personal item section 120
that is sized to receive user personal items as described above. In
other embodiments, the edges of the two sides defining the opening
of the cavity are mechanically coupled to one another using various
other techniques, such as, for example fabric hook-and-loop
fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM. fasteners and the like) assembly, snap
fastener assembly, button fastener assembly, clasp assembly, and
the like. Personal item section zipper channel 125 and personal
item section pull tabs 123 and 124 can be manufactured from any
suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various
plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the
like.
[0043] Mobile computing device section 130 can be a defined portion
of portable electronic device carrier 110 where a user temporarily
stores her mobile computing device. Mobile computing device section
zipper channel 131 and associated pull tabs (illustrated in FIG. 2
and described below) define an entry point into a cavity of mobile
computing device section 130. The cavity can be sized to receive an
appropriately sized mobile computing device. Mobile computing
device section zipper channel 131 can be manufactured from any
suitable materials such as, for example metal, metal alloy, various
plastics such as an elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the
like.
[0044] In operation, portable electronic device carrier 110 is
configured such that the mobile computing device is separated from
the rest of the user's belongings to allow for a more efficient
screening by security personal. Using this configuration, the
mobile computing device will likely not have to be removed from
portable electronic device carrier 110 during security screening.
Additionally, portable electronic device carrier 110 is configured
such that a user can hand carry portable electronic device carrier
110 or carry portable electronic device carrier 110 using the
shoulder strap whether or not the interior wall of personal item
section 120 is mechanically coupled to the interior wall of mobile
computing device section 130. This configuration allows a user to
retrieve her portable electronic device carrier 110 from a security
checkpoint and resume her travel itinerary in a more efficient
manner.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a side view that illustrates outer exterior of an
exemplary portable electronic device carrier system 200 including
improved security scanning characteristics. FIG. 2 illustrates an
example of portable electronic device carrier system 200 containing
a laptop 210. Laptop 201 is an example of a portable computing
device. Examples of portable computing device include a laptop
computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, and the
like.
[0046] Turing to FIG. 2, portable electronic device carrier system
200 can include portable electronic device carrier 110 of FIG. 1 as
well as mobile computing device section pull tabs 222 and 233.
Mobile computing device section pull tabs 232 and 233 can be
manufactured from any suitable materials such as, for example
metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an elastomer,
thermoplastic compound and the like.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mobile computing device section
zipper channel 131 and mobile computing device section pull tabs
232 and 233 define an entry point into a cavity (see FIG. 6 and
description below) of mobile computing device section 130. The
cavity is sized to receive an appropriately sized portable
computing device, for example laptop 201. In other embodiments, the
edges of the two sides defining the opening of the cavity defined
within mobile computing device section 130 are mechanically coupled
to one another using various other techniques, such as, for example
fabric hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM. fasteners and the
like) assembly, snap fastener assembly, button fastener assembly,
clasp assembly, and the like.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a top-down view that illustrates an exemplary
portable electronic device carrier system 300 including improved
security scanning characteristics. In the example shown in FIG. 3,
portable electronic device carrier system 300 is holding laptop
201.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 3, portable electronic device carrier system
300 can include portable electronic device carrier 110 of FIG. 1 as
well as carry strap connector 317. Carry strap connector 317 can be
attached to personal item section 120 for example via a fabric
loop, stitching, or other coupling mechanisms. Carry strap
connector 317 can be manufactured from any suitable materials such
as, for example metal, metal alloy, various plastics such as an
elastomer, thermoplastic compound and the like.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates portable electronic
device carrier 400 in a partially opened state and in a position of
readiness for security inspection. Turning to FIG. 4, a partial gap
at the base of personal item section 120 and mobile computing
device section 130 is due to device carrier zipper channel 113 not
being secured. When device carrier zipper channel 113 is not
secured, each section's interior side wall is accessible. The
interior side wall associated with mobile computing device section
130 is mobile device section interior side wall 435.
[0051] In some embodiments, interior side wall 435 is manufactured
from a clear material that allows a security official to view the
contents within mobile computing device section 130 of portable
electronic device carrier 110. In such embodiments, interior side
wall 435 can be manufactured from any suitable material allowing
viewing of the contents of mobile computing device section 130,
such as, for example thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plastic, a
sufficiently perforated material such as an elastic mesh or screen,
and the like. In other embodiments and described in FIG. 8 below,
interior side wall 435 is manufactured from the same materials as
mobile computing device section 130 as described above.
[0052] FIG. 5 is a three-quarter upper side view of the exterior
portion of portable electronic device carrier system 500. As shown
in FIG. 5, personal item section 120 of portable electronic device
carrier system 500 is opened for security screening. FIG. 5 can be
considered an example of portable electronic device carrier system
500 with the interior side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In
some examples, portable electronic device carrier system 500 can be
placed in an x-ray machine, as part of the security screening
process, in the configuration shown in FIG. 5 without emptying the
contents of portable electronic device carrier system 500.
[0053] Personal item section 120 can include a personal item cavity
526. Personal item cavity 526 can be defined by interior wall 527
of personal item section exterior's side wall. In some embodiments,
interior wall 527 includes pockets for storing various user items
and personal item cavity 526 defines and area for a user to store
additional personal items.
[0054] FIG. 6 is a three-quarter upper side view of the exterior
portion of portable electronic device carrier system 600. As shown
in FIG. 6, mobile computing device section 130 of portable
electronic device carrier system 600 is opened for security
screening. FIG. 6 can be considered an example of portable
electronic device carrier system 600 with the interior side wall
portion lying on a flat surface. In some examples, portable
electronic device carrier system 600 can be placed in an x-ray
machine, as part of the security screening process, in the
configuration shown in FIG. 6 without emptying the contents of
portable electronic device carrier system 600.
[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 6, mobile computing device section
130 can include mobile computing device cavity 636. Mobile
computing device cavity 636 can be defined by interior wall 634 of
mobile computing device section exterior's side wall. In some
embodiments, laptop 201 is stored within mobile computing device
cavity 636.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a three-quarter upper side view of the inner
exterior portion of portable electronic device carrier system 700.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example of portable electronic device carrier
system 700 inverted for visual inspection of mobile computing
device section 130 during the screen process. FIG. 7 can be
considered an example of portable electronic device carrier system
700 with the exterior side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In
some examples, portable electronic device carrier system 700 can be
placed in an x-ray machine, as part of the security screening
process, in the configuration shown in FIG. 7, without emptying the
contents of portable electronic device carrier system 700.
[0057] In some examples, when interior side wall 435 is
manufactured from a clear material, interior side wall 435 may
allow a security official to view the contents within mobile
computing device section 130 of portable electronic device carrier
110 without having to remove the contents. Accordingly, portable
electronic device carrier system 700 help decrease the time and
hassle of the security screening process. Also in some examples,
interior side wall 728 defines the interior boundary of personal
item cavity 526 of personal item section 120.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a three-quarter side view of the outer exterior
portion of portable electronic device carrier system 800, which is
a different embodiment. Portable electronic device carrier system
800 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. Portable electronic device carrier system 800 can
be employed in many different embodiments or examples not
specifically depicted or described herein.
[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates portable electronic device carrier system
800 in a opened position with mobile computing device section 130
also in an open position. FIG. 8 can be considered an example of
portable electronic device carrier system 800 with the interior
side wall portion lying on a flat surface. In some examples,
portable electronic device carrier system 800 can be placed in an
x-ray machine, as part of the security screening process, in the
configuration shown in FIG. 8, without emptying the contents of
portable electronic device carrier system 700.
[0060] In FIG. 8, interior wall 834, interior side wall 835, mobile
computing device cavity 836, mobile device securing window 837, and
mobile device access slot 838 are visible. Mobile computing device
cavity 836 is defined by interior wall 834 associated with the
exterior side wall and interior side wall 835 of mobile computing
device section 130. Mobile device access slot 838 is configured to
allow a mobile device access to mobile computing device cavity 836.
In some examples, laptop 201 (FIG. 2) can be placed in mobile
device cavity 826 by sliding laptop 201 through mobile device
access slot 838.
[0061] Mobile device securing window 837 is located within mobile
computing device cavity 836 and is mechanically couple to interior
side wall 835 of mobile computing device section 130. In some
examples, mobile device securing window 837 is coupled to interior
side wall 835 using any commercially feasible methodology, such as,
for example chemical adhesive, sonic welding and the like. In other
embodiments, mobile device securing window 837 is mechanically
coupled to other portions defining mobile computing device cavity
836.
[0062] In some embodiments, mobile device securing window 837 is
manufactured from a clear material that allows a security official
to view the contents within mobile computing device section 130 of
portable electronic device carrier 110. In such embodiments, mobile
device securing window 837 can be manufactured from any suitable
material allowing viewing of the contents of mobile computing
device section 130, such as, for example thermoplastic polyurethane
(TPU) plastic, a sufficiently perforated material such as an
elastic mesh or screen, and the like. In these embodiments, the
mobile device section's interior wall (not shown in FIG. 8) an be a
clear material (as used for wall 435 in FIG. 4) or can be made from
an opaque material.
[0063] In some examples, to store a mobile computer device (e.g.
laptop 201) in portable electronic device carrier system 800, the
user unfastens a portion of interior wall 834 from mobile computing
device section 130 and wraps the unfastened portion of interior
wall 834 over personal item section 120. The user then slides a
mobile computer device (e.g. laptop 201) under mobile device
securing window 837 and into mobile computing device cavity 836 via
mobile device access slot 838 and refastens interior wall 834 in
the closed position.
[0064] When the user arrives at a security checkpoint, the user
just unfastens a portion of interior wall 834 from mobile computing
device section 130 and wraps the unfastened portion of interior
wall 834 over personal item section 120 and enters the security
checkpoint. With this configuration, the security personnel can see
what is in mobile computing device section 130 without having to
remove the contents. After the security check of mobile computing
device section 130, the user can wrap the unfastened portion of
interior wall 834 back over mobile computing device section 130 to
close mobile computing device section 130. If the security
personnel want to view the contents of personal item section 120
(FIGS. 1 and 5), the user can open personal item cavity 526 (FIG.
5) using personal item section zipper channel 125 (FIG. 1).
[0065] Upon completion of the security check, the user can grasp
portable electronic device carrier 810 by carrying handle 111 and
vacate the security checkpoint in an efficient manner. This
configuration allows a user to travel efficiently through a
security checkpoint because the user does not have to unpack the
contents of portable electronic device carrier system 800.
[0066] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method 900 of using a portable electronic device carrier system,
according to an embodiment. Method 900 and portable electronic
device carrier system 100 and 800 (FIGS. 1 and 8) are merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 900 and portable electronic device carrier system 100 and
800 (FIGS. 1 and 8) can be employed in many different embodiments
or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
[0067] Method 900 of FIG. 9 includes an activity 950 of providing a
portable electronic device carrier system. As an example, the
portable electronic device carrier system can be similar or
identical to portable electronic device carrier system 100 or 800
of FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively. In some examples, portable
electronic device carrier system can include a mobile computing
device section and a personal item section. In some examples, the
mobile computing device section and the personal item section can
be similar or identical to mobile computing device section 130 and
personal item section 120 of FIG. 1.
[0068] Method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 951 of
providing a portable computing device. As an example, the mobile
computer device can be similar or identical to laptop 201 of FIG.
2.
[0069] Next, method 900 in FIG. 9 includes an activity 952 of
placing the portable computing device in the portable electronic
device carrier system. As an example, the portable computing device
can be placed inside the portable electronic device carrier system
in a manner similar or identical to the placement of laptop 201 in
portable electronic device carrier systems as shown in FIGS. 2-8.
In various examples, the mobile computer device can be placed
inside of mobile computing device section of the portable
electronic device carrier system (e.g., mobile computing device
section 130 of FIG. 1).
[0070] Method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 953 of
providing one or more personal items. Personal items can include
anything that is not an integral part of the portable computing
device, such as, for example writing utensils, MP3 players and
associated accessories, software (e.g., CDs and DVDs), reading
material, food, and the like.
[0071] Next, method 900 in FIG. 9 includes an activity 954 of
placing the one or more personal items in the portable electronic
device carrier system. As an example, the personal items can be
placed inside of a personal items section of the portable
electronic device carrier system (e.g., personal item section 120
of FIG. 1).
[0072] In other examples, method 900 does not include activities
951 and/or 952. In the same or different embodiment, method 900
does not include activities 953 and/or 954.
[0073] Method 900 of FIG. 900 can include an activity 955 of
performing a security screening of portable electronic device
carrier system. FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment
of activity 955.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 10, the first procedure in activity 955 is
a procedure 1060 of opening the portable electronic device carrier
system. In some embodiments, portable electronic device carrier
system can be opened by unzipping the portable electronic device
carrier system. For examples, device carrier pull tab 112 (FIG. 1)
can be used to unzip the device carrier zipper channel and separate
personal item section 120 (FIG. 1) from mobile computing device
section 130 (FIG. 1). FIGS. 4-8 show examples of portable
electronic device carrier system 200 after separating personal item
section 120 from mobile computing device section 130.
[0075] Next, activity 955 in FIG. 10 includes a procedure 1061 of
security screening the mobile computing device section and any
items in the mobile computing device section. In some examples, one
or more of walls of the computer device section are transparent,
and the security personnel can see what is in mobile computing
device section 130 without having to remove the contents.
[0076] In other examples, the user unfastens a portion of interior
wall 834 (FIG. 8) from mobile computing device section 130 (FIG. 8)
and bends or wraps the unfastened portion of interior wall 834
(FIG. 8) over personal item section 120 (FIG. 8). With this
configuration, the security personnel can again see what is in
mobile computing device section 130 without having to remove the
contents. After the security check of mobile computing device
section 130, the user can bend or wrap the fastened portion of
interior wall 834 back over mobile computing device section 130 to
close mobile computing device section 130.
[0077] Activity 955 continues with a procedure 1062 of security
screening the personal item section and any items in the personal
item section. As an example, the user can open personal item cavity
526 (FIG. 5) using personal item section zipper channel 125 (FIG.
1). With this configuration, the security personnel can see what is
in personal item section 120 without having to remove the contents.
After the security check of personal item section 120, the user can
bend or wrap closed personal item section 120 using personal item
section zipper channel 125 (FIG. 1).
[0078] In the same of different embodiment, after opening portable
electronic device carrier system in procedure 1061, portable
electronic device carrier system can be placed in an x-ray machine
and the contents examined with the x-ray machine. In these
embodiments, the portable electronic device carrier system allows
for a security screen to occur without have to remove the contents
of the portable electronic device carrier system from the portable
electronic device carrier system.
[0079] In some examples, x-raying the contents of portable
electronic device carrier system can be performed instead of or in
addition to procedures 1061 and 1062. In various embodiments, the
x-raying can be the security screening of the mobile computing
device section, the personal item section, and the contents of both
sections.
[0080] Activity 955 continues with a procedure 1063 of closing
portable electronic device carrier system. As an example, a user
can pick-up portable electronic device carrier system by grasping
by carrying handle 111, and portable electronic device carrier
system self-closes. In some examples, the user can also zip mobile
computing device section 130 to personal item section 120 for extra
security, but the zipping together these sections is not necessary.
After procedure 1063, activity 955 and method 900 are complete.
[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method 1100 of providing a portable electronic device carrier
system, according to an embodiment. Method 1100 is merely exemplary
and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1100
can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not
specifically depicted or described herein. As an example, the
portable electronic device carrier system can be similar or
identical to portable electronic device carrier system 100 or 800
of FIGS. 1 and 8, respectively.
[0082] Method 1100 of FIG. 11 includes an activity 1150 of
providing a first section. The first section can have: (1) a top
portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a front portion; (4) a back
portion; (5) an interior side; and (6) an exterior side. The top
portion, a bottom portion, a front portion, a back portion, an
interior side, and an exterior side define a computing device
carrier cavity. In some examples, the computing device carrier
cavity is sized to removably receive and accommodate a portable
computing device. As an example, the first section can be similar
or identical to mobile computing device section 130 of FIG. 1.
[0083] Method 1100 of FIG. 11 continues with an activity 1151 of
providing a second section. The second section can have: (1) a top
portion mechanically coupled to the top portion of the first
section to form a carrier top portion; (2) a bottom portion; (3) a
front portion; (4) a back portion; (5) an interior side and (6) an
exterior side. The second section sized to accommodate personal
items. As an example, the second section can be similar or
identical to personal item section 120 of FIG. 1.
[0084] Method 900 in FIG. 9 continues with an activity 1152 of
attaching the interior side of the first section to the interior
side of the second section. In some examples, the interior side of
the first section is removably attached to the interior side of the
second section. In some examples, the first section attached to the
second side can be similar or identical to the mobile computing
device section 130 attached to personal items section 120 as
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0085] Although aspects of the subject matter described herein have
been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made without departing from the scope of the subject matter
described herein. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is
intended to be illustrative of the scope of the subject matter
described herein and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended
that the scope of the subject matter described herein shall be
limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. To one
of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that the
devices and method discussed herein may be implemented in a variety
of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of
these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete
description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed
description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose
at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative
embodiments.
[0086] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the subject matter described herein and claimed in that
particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed
elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally,
benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been
described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits,
advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that
may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become
more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical,
required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the
claims.
[0087] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *