U.S. patent application number 12/196048 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-25 for bag for a portable computer.
Invention is credited to Han-Ping Wang.
Application Number | 20100044259 12/196048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41695352 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100044259 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wang; Han-Ping |
February 25, 2010 |
BAG FOR A PORTABLE COMPUTER
Abstract
A bag for a portable computer includes: a foldable case body
having opposite first and second wall portions connected integrally
to and movable relative to an intermediate third wall portion; a
connecting unit for interconnecting the first and second wall
portions so as to maintain the case body in a folded state, where
the first and second wall portions face each other such that the
case body is configured with a receiving space for receiving the
portable computer therein; a positioning unit for positioning
respectively a main housing and a display panel of the portable
computer on the first and second wall portions; and a hanging
member disposed fixedly to an outer surface of the second wall
portion so as to define an insertion space therebetween that
permits insertion of a supporting member thereinto via an opening
adjacent to the intermediate third wall portion.
Inventors: |
Wang; Han-Ping; (Pingtung
County, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOLLAND & HART, LLP
P.O BOX 8749
DENVER
CO
80201
US
|
Family ID: |
41695352 |
Appl. No.: |
12/196048 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/320 ;
190/117 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/08 20130101; A45C
13/30 20130101; A45C 11/00 20130101; A45C 2011/003 20130101; A45C
13/02 20130101; A45C 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/320 ;
190/117 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/30 20060101
B65D085/30; A45C 13/26 20060101 A45C013/26 |
Claims
1. A bag for a portable computer, the portable computer including a
main housing, and a display panel connected pivotally to the main
housing, said bag comprising: a foldable case body having a first
wall portion, a second wall portion opposite to said first wall
portion, and an intermediate third wall portion interconnecting
integrally said first and second wall portions so that said first
and second wall portions are movable relative to said intermediate
third wall portion, said case body being operable between an
unfolded state, and a folded state, where said first and second
wall portions face each other such that said first and second wall
portions cooperate with said intermediate third wall portion to
define a receiving space thereamong adapted for receiving the
portable computer therein; a connecting unit operable for
interconnecting said first and second wall portions of said case
body when said case body is in the folded state such that said case
body is maintained in the folded state; a positioning unit adapted
for positioning respectively the main housing and the display panel
of the portable computer on said first and second wall portions of
said case body; and a hanging member disposed fixedly on an outer
surface of said second wall portion of said case body so that said
hanging member cooperates with said second wall portion of said
case body to define an insertion space therebetween, said hanging
member having one end disposed adjacent to said intermediating
third wall portion of said case body and spaced apart from said
outer surface of said second wall portion of said case body such
that said end of said hanging member cooperates with said outer
surface of said second wall portion of said case body to define an
opening therebetween in spatial communication with said insertion
space; wherein said insertion space is adapted to permit insertion
of a supporting member thereinto via said opening such that an
assembly of said bag and the portable computer is supported by the
supporting member.
2. The bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first wall portion
is formed with a heat-dissipating hole unit.
3. The bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting unit
includes a zipper having two zipper halves that are disposed
fixedly and respectively along peripheries of said first and second
wall portions of said case body and that engage detachably each
other.
4. The bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting unit
further includes a plurality of auxiliary fasteners, each having a
first fastener part disposed fixedly on one of said first and
second wall portions of said case body, and a second fastener part
disposed fixedly on the other one of said first and second wall
portions of said case body and engaging detachably each other.
5. The bag as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of said auxiliary
fasteners is a Velcro fastener, said first fastener part of each of
said auxiliary fasteners is a loop fastener part, and said second
fastener of each of said auxiliary fasteners is a hook fastener
part.
6. The bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said intermediate third
wall portion of said case body is formed with an opening for
providing access for a power cord.
7. The bag as claimed in claim 6, wherein said intermediate third
wall portion of said case body has a flap for covering said
opening.
8. The bag as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a carrying
unit that includes two handles disposed fixedly and respectively on
free sides of said first and second wall portions of said case body
so that said handles are aligned with each other when said case
body is in the folded state, each of said handles having a
reinforcing portion embedded in a corresponding one of said first
and second wall portions of said case body.
9. The bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein said reinforcing portion
of each of said handles is in the form of a metal sheet.
10. The bag as claimed in claim 8, wherein said carrying unit
further includes: a ring unit disposed on said case body; and at
least one shoulder strap connected detachably to said ring
unit.
11. The bag as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said ring unit
includes two pairs of anchoring rings, said anchoring rings of each
pair being spaced apart from each other and being disposed
pivotally on said free side of a corresponding one of said first
and second wall portions of said case body; said shoulder strap
includes a strap body, and two quick release connectors disposed
pivotally and respectively on opposite ends of said strap body; and
when said case body is in the folded state, said quick release
connectors of said shoulder strap are connected detachably and
respectively to one of said anchoring rings on said free side of
said first wall portion, and one of said anchoring rings on said
free side of said second wall portion distal from said one of said
anchoring rings on said free side of said first wall portion so
that a user is capable of carrying said bag with said shoulder
strap across the shoulder of the user.
12. The bag as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a cushioning
member connected detachably to said case body and adapted to be
disposed between one of said first and second wall portions of said
case body and the user when the user carries said bag with said
shoulder strap.
13. The bag as claimed in claim 12, wherein: said ring unit further
includes two auxiliary anchoring rings disposed pivotally and
respectively on one of opposite lateral sides of said first wall
portion of said case body and one of opposite lateral sides of said
second wall portion of said case body distal from said one of said
lateral sides of said first wall portion of said case body; and
said cushioning member includes a cushioning body, and two quick
release connectors disposed pivotally and respectively on opposite
ends of said cushioning body and connected detachably and
respectively to said auxiliary anchoring rings.
14. The bag as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said ring unit further
includes two auxiliary anchoring rings disposed pivotally and
respectively on opposite lateral ends of said intermediate third
wall portion of said case body; said carrying unit includes two of
said shoulder straps; and when said case body is in the unfolded
state, said quick release connectors of each of said shoulder
straps are connected detachably and respectively to said auxiliary
anchoring ring on a corresponding one of said lateral ends of said
intermediate third wall portion of said case body and a
corresponding one of said anchoring rings on said free side of said
first wall portion of said case body so that a user is capable of
carrying an assembly of said bag and the portable computer with
said shoulder straps intersecting each other across the shoulder
and back of the user.
15. The bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said positioning unit
includes: two rigid positioning belts disposed fixedly on said
first wall portion of said case body so that two corners of the
main housing of the portable computer are bound respectively by
said rigid positioning belts, thereby positioning the main housing
of the portable computer to said first wall portion of said case
body; and two resilient positioning belts disposed fixedly on said
second wall portion of said case body so that two corners of the
display panel of the portable computer are bound respectively by
said resilient positioning belts, thereby positioning the display
panel to said second wall portion of said case body.
16. The bag as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hanging member is
formed with a zippered pocket.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to a bag, more particularly to a bag
for a portable computer which can be easily used without removing
the portable computer from the bag.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional bag 1 for a portable
computer 100 is shown to include: a first case body 12 for
receiving a main housing 101 of the portable computer 100; a second
case body 11 connected to and movable relative to the first case
body 12 for receiving a display panel 102 of the portable computer
100; a zipper 13 having two zipper halves disposed fixedly and
respectively along peripheries of the first and second case bodies
12, 11, and engaging detachably each other; and four positioning
belts 14, two ones of which are disposed on an inner surface of the
first case body 12 for binding two corners of the main housing 101
of the portable computer 100, and the other ones of which are
disposed on an inner surface of the second case body 11 for binding
two corners of the display panel 102 of the portable computer
100.
[0005] In use, the portable computer 100 can be received in the
conventional bag 1 when in a closed state. As such, the
conventional bag 1 allows a user to carry the portable computer
100. On the other hand, when the conventional bag 1 is in an open
state, the conventional bag 1 allows a user to operate the portable
computer 100 without removing the portable computer 100 from the
conventional bag 1. However, in this case, an assembly of the
conventional bag 1 and the portable computer 100 needs to be placed
on a supporting surface, such as a table or the knees of a user,
thereby resulting in inconvenience during use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a bag for a portable computer that allows a user to carry as well
as operate the portable computer without removing the portable
computer from the bag and that can overcome the aforesaid drawback
of the prior art.
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a bag
for a portable computer. The portable computer includes a main
housing, and a display panel connected pivotally to the main
housing. The bag comprises:
[0008] a foldable case body having a first wall portion, a second
wall portion opposite to the first wall portion, and an
intermediate third wall portion interconnecting integrally the
first and second wall portions so that the first and second wall
portions are movable relative to the intermediate third wall
portion, the case body being operable between an unfolded state,
and a folded state, where the first and second wall portions face
each other such that the first and second wall portions cooperate
with the intermediate third wall portion to define a receiving
space thereamong adapted for receiving the portable computer
therein;
[0009] a connecting unit for interconnecting the first and second
wall portions of the case body when said case body is in the folded
state such that the case body is maintained in the folded
state;
[0010] a positioning unit adapted for positioning respectively the
main housing and the display panel of the portable computer on the
first and second wall portions of the case body; and
[0011] a hanging member disposed fixedly on an outer surface of the
second wall portion of the case body so that the hanging member
cooperates with the second wall portion of the case body to define
an insertion space therebetween, the hanging member having one end
disposed adjacent to the intermediating third wall portion and
spaced apart from the outer surface of the second wall portion such
that the end of the hanging member cooperates with the outer
surface of the second wall portion to define an opening
therebetween in spatial communication with the insertion space.
[0012] The insertion space is adapted to permit insertion of a
supporting member thereinto via the opening such that an assembly
of the bag and the portable computer is supported by the supporting
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent in the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings,
of which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional bag for
a portable computer when in an unfolded state;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the first preferred
embodiment of a bag for a portable computer according to the
present invention when a case body is in a fully unfolded
state;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first preferred
embodiment when the case body is in a semi-unfolded state;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an assembly of the
first preferred embodiment and a portable computer;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the first preferred
embodiment when the case body is in a folded state;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the assembly of
the first preferred embodiment and the portable computer supported
by a steering wheel of an automobile;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustrating how the
assembly of the first preferred embodiment and the portable
computer is supported by the steering wheel;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the second preferred
embodiment of a bag for a portable computer when in a state of use
according to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view showing the second preferred
embodiment when in another state of use; and
[0023] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary schematic view illustrating two
shoulder straps of the second preferred embodiment when in another
state of use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Before the present invention is described in greater detail,
it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same
reference numerals throughout the disclosure.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the first preferred embodiment of
a bag 2 for a portable computer 7 according to the present
invention is shown to include a foldable case body 3, a connecting
unit 4, a positioning unit 5, a carrying unit 6, and a hanging
member 8. The portable computer 7 includes a main housing 71, and a
display panel 72 connected pivotally to the main housing 71 (see
FIG. 4).
[0026] The case body 3 has a rectangular first wall portion 31, a
rectangular second wall portion 32 opposite to the first wall
portion 31 and having the same size as that of the first wall
portion 31, and a rectangular intermediate third wall portion 33
interconnecting integrally the first and second wall portions 31,
32 so that the first and second wall portions 31, 32 are movable
relative to the intermediate third wall portion 33. The case body 3
is operable between an unfolded state (see FIG. 4), and a folded
state, where the first and second wall portions 31, 32 face each
other such that the first and second wall portions 31, 32 cooperate
with the intermediate third wall portion 33 to define a receiving
space 30 thereamong, as shown in FIG. 5. The receiving space 30 is
adapted for receiving the portable computer 7. The first wall
portion 31 is formed with a heat-dissipating hole unit, which has a
single through hole 311 in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2. A
net structure 34 is attached to an inner surface 314 of the first
wall portion 31 for covering the through hole 311. The intermediate
third wall portion 33 is formed with an opening 331 for providing
access for a power cord (not shown), and has a flap 332 for
covering the opening 331, as shown in FIG. 3.
[0027] The connecting unit 4 interconnects the first and second
wall portions 31, 32 of the case body 3 when the case body 3 is in
the folded state such that the case body 3 is maintained in the
folded state. In this embodiment, the connecting unit 4 includes a
zipper 41 and two auxiliary fasteners 42. The zipper 41 has two
zipper halves 411 that are disposed fixedly and respectively along
peripheries of the first and second wall portions 31, 32 of the
case body 3, as best shown in FIG. 2, and that engage detachably
each other. Each auxiliary fastener 42 has a first fastener part
421 disposed fixedly on an outer surface of the first wall portion
31 of the case body 3, and a second fastener part 422 disposed
fixedly on an outer surface 320 of the second wall portion 32 of
the case body 3 and engaging detachably each other. Each auxiliary
fastener 42 is a Velcro fastener, wherein the first and second
fastener parts 421, 422 are a loop fastener part and a hook
fastener part, respectively. In other embodiments, for each
auxiliary fastener 42, the first fastener part 421 can be one of
female and male fasteners, and the second fastener part 422 can be
the other one of the female and male fasteners.
[0028] The positioning unit 5 is adapted for positioning
respectively the main housing 71 and the display panel 72 of the
portable computer 7 on the first and second wall portions 31, 32 of
the case body 3. In this embodiment, the positioning unit 5
includes two rigid positioning belts 51 and two resilient
positioning belts 52. The rigid positioning belts 51 are disposed
fixedly on the inner surface 314 of the first wall portion 31 of
the case body 3 (see FIG. 2) so that two corners of the main
housing 71 of the portable computer 7 are bound respectively by the
rigid positioning belts 51, thereby positioning the main housing 71
of the portable computer 7 to the first wall portion 31 of the case
body 3 (see FIG. 4). The resilient positioning belts 52 are
disposed fixedly on an inner surface 324 of the second wall portion
32 of the case body 3 (see FIG. 2) so that two corners of the
display panel 72 of the portable computer 7 are bound respectively
by the resilient positioning belts 52, thereby positioning the
display panel 72 to the second wall portion 32 of the case body 3
(see FIG. 4).
[0029] In this embodiment, the carrying unit 6 includes two handles
61 disposed fixedly and respectively on free sides 312, 322 of the
first and second wall portions 31, 32 of the case body 3 so that
the handles 61 are aligned with each other when the case body 3 is
in the folded state, as shown in FIG. 5. Each handle 61 has a
reinforcing portion 611, which is in the form of a metal sheet,
embedded in a corresponding one of the first and second wall
portions 31, 32 of the case body 3 (see FIG. 2).
[0030] Referring further to FIGS. 6 and 7, the hanging member 8 is
disposed fixedly on the outer surface 320 of the second wall
portion 32 of the case body 3 so that the hanging member 8
cooperates with the second wall portion 32 of the case body 3 to
define an insertion space 80 therebetween (see FIG. 3). The hanging
member 8 has one end 82 disposed adjacent to the intermediate third
wall portion 33 of the case body 3 and spaced apart from the outer
surface 320 of the second wall portion 32 of the case body 3 such
that the end 82 of the hanging member 8 cooperates with the outer
surface 320 of the second wall portion 32 of the case body 3 to
define an opening 83 therebetween in spatial communication with the
insertion space 80, as shown in FIG. 3. The insertion space 80 is
adapted to permit insertion of a supporting member, such as a
steering wheel 9 of an automobile, thereinto via the opening 83, as
shown in FIG. 7, such that an assembly of the bag 2 and the
portable computer 7 is supported by the steering wheel 9, as shown
in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the hanging member 8 is formed with
a zippered pocket 81 (see FIG. 3).
[0031] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the second preferred embodiment of
a bag 2' for a portable computer 7 according to this invention,
which is a modification of the first preferred embodiment. In this
embodiment, the carrying unit 6' further includes a ring unit
disposed on the case body 3, and two shoulder straps 64 connected
detachably to the ring unit.
[0032] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the ring unit
includes two pairs of anchoring rings 62, two first auxiliary
anchoring rings 63, and two second auxiliary anchoring rings 66.
The anchoring rings 62 of each pair are spaced apart from each
other and are disposed pivotally on the free side 312, 322 of a
corresponding one of the first and second wall portions 31, 32 of
the case body 3. The first auxiliary anchoring rings 63 are
disposed pivotally and respectively on one of opposite lateral
sides 313 of the first wall portion 31 of the case body 3 and one
of opposite lateral sides 323 of the second wall portion 32 of the
case body 3 distal from said one of the lateral sides 313 of the
first wall portion 31 of the case body 3. The second auxiliary
anchoring rings 66 are disposed pivotally and respectively on
opposite lateral ends of the intermediate third wall portion 33 of
the case body 3.
[0033] Each shoulder strap 64 includes a strap body 641, and two
quick release connectors 642 disposed pivotally and respectively on
opposite ends 640 of the strap body 641.
[0034] In use, when the case body 3 is in the folded state, the
quick release connectors 642 of one of the shoulder straps 64 are
connected detachably and respectively to one of the anchoring rings
62 on the free side 312 of the first wall portion 31 of the case
body 3, and one of the anchoring rings 62 on the free side 322 of
the second wall portion 32 of the case body 3 distal from said one
of the anchoring ring 62 on the free side 312 of the first wall
portion 31 of the case body 3, as shown in FIG. 8, so that a user
(not shown) is capable of carrying the bag 2' with said one of the
shoulder straps 64 across the shoulder of the user.
[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the bag 2' further includes
a cushioning member 65 connected detachably to the case body 3 and
disposed between one of the first and second wall portions 31, 32
of the case body 3 and the user when the user carries the bag 2'
with said one of the shoulder straps 64. In this embodiment, the
cushioning member 65 includes a cushioning body 651, and two quick
release connectors 652 disposed pivotally and respectively on
opposite ends of the cushioning body 651 and connected detachably
and respectively to the first auxiliary anchoring rings 63. On the
other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the case body 3 is in the
unfolded state, the quick release connectors 642 of each of
shoulder straps 64 are connected detachably and respectively to the
second auxiliary anchoring ring 66 on a corresponding lateral end
of the intermediate third wall portion 33 of the case body 3 and a
corresponding one of the anchoring rings 62 on the free side 312 of
the first wall portion 31 of the case body 3 so that a user is
capable of carrying an assembly of the bag 2' and the portable
computer 7 with the shoulder straps 64 intersecting each other
across the shoulder and back of the user (see FIG. 10). Therefore,
the bag 2' allows the user to carry as well as operate the portable
computer 7.
[0036] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what are considered the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *