U.S. patent application number 13/171225 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-29 for carrying cases having adjustable compartments for use with portable electronic devices and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to TARGUS GROUP INTERNATIONAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Margaret Rose Thomas.
Application Number | 20110315589 13/171225 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45351518 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110315589 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; Margaret Rose |
December 29, 2011 |
CARRYING CASES HAVING ADJUSTABLE COMPARTMENTS FOR USE WITH PORTABLE
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
According to various embodiments, a carrying case may be
configured with an internal compartment adapted to receive a laptop
computer, netbook, tablet computer, touch screen, multimedia
projector, mobile telephone, and/or other portable electronic
device. The dimensions of a compartment may be adapted for a
specific device by moving adjustable cushions from a side spacing
orientation to a base spacing orientation. According to one
embodiment, a compartment may include adjustable cushions
configured to be placed within the compartment in a side spacing
orientation or outside the compartment in an external orientation.
Additionally, a carrying case may include an instruction icon
illustrating methods for using adjustable cushions within a
compartment.
Inventors: |
Thomas; Margaret Rose; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Assignee: |
TARGUS GROUP INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
Anaheim
CA
|
Family ID: |
45351518 |
Appl. No.: |
13/171225 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61359672 |
Jun 29, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1628 20130101;
A45C 3/02 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101;
A45C 2011/003 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/521 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/02 20060101
B65D081/02 |
Claims
1. A carrying case for a portable electronic device comprising: an
internal compartment comprising: a front panel; a rear panel
opposing and spaced apart from the front panel; a first sidewall
and a second sidewall opposing one another and joined to the front
and rear panels along corresponding side edges of the front and
rear panels; a base panel joined to each of the front panel, rear
panel, first sidewall, and second sidewall along a base edge of
each of the front panel, rear panel, first sidewall, and second
sidewall; and a first adjustable cushion attached to the
compartment at a first attachment region; a second adjustable
cushion attached to the compartment at a second attachment region;
and wherein the first and second adjustable cushions are configured
to move between a first orientation and a second orientation; and
wherein in the first orientation, the first adjustable cushion
extends substantially parallel to an interior surface of the first
sidewall and the second adjustable cushion extends substantially
parallel to an interior surface of the second sidewall.
2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first and second
adjustable cushions comprise substantially compliant structures
configured to absorb energy from impact so as to protect a portable
electronic device.
3. The carrying case of claim 2, wherein the substantially
compliant structures comprise a polymeric foam material.
4. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein, the first adjustable
cushion comprises a first connector and the compartment comprises a
second connector configured to cooperate with the first connector
to selectively retain the first cushion in the first orientation;
and wherein the second adjustable cushion comprises a third
connector and the compartment comprises a fourth connector
configured to cooperate with the third connector to selectively
retain the second adjustable cushion in the first orientation.
5. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first and second
adjustable cushions are configured to pivot about the first and
second attachment regions, respectively.
6. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first attachment
region is adjacent the location the first sidewall panel is joined
to the base panel; the second attachment region is adjacent the
location the second sidewall panel is joined to the base panel; and
wherein in the second orientation, the first and second adjustable
cushions are adjacent to an interior surface of the base panel and
extend substantially parallel thereto.
7. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the first attachment
region is located at an end of the first sidewall opposite the base
panel; the second attachment region is located at an end of the
second sidewall opposite the base panel; and wherein in the second
orientation, at least a portion of the first adjustable cushion and
a portion of the second adjustable cushion are exterior to the
compartment.
8. The carrying case of claim 1, further comprising an instruction
icon including representative illustrations of at least three
permutations of the first adjustable cushion and the second
adjustable cushion in the first and second orientations.
9. A carrying case for a portable electronic device comprising: an
internal compartment comprising: a front panel; a rear panel
opposing and spaced apart from the front panel; a first sidewall
and a second sidewall opposing one another and joined to the front
and rear panels along corresponding side edges of the front and
rear panels; a base panel joined to each of the front panel, rear
panel, first sidewall, and second sidewall along a base edge of
each of the front panel, rear panel, first sidewall, and second
sidewall; and a first adjustable cushion configured to move between
a first orientation and a second orientation and attached to the
compartment at a first attachment region; a second adjustable
cushion configured to move between a first orientation and a second
orientation and attached to the compartment at a second attachment
region; and wherein the first adjustable cushion includes an
extension and a notch located on an end opposite the first
attachment region and the second adjustable cushion includes a
corresponding extension and a notch located on an end opposite the
second attachment region; and wherein the extension of each of the
first and second adjustable cushions is aligned with the notch of
the other adjustable cushion, such that in the second orientation
the first and second cushions are positioned adjacent to an
interior surface of the base panel and extend substantially
parallel thereto.
10. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein in the first orientation,
the first adjustable cushion extends substantially parallel to an
interior surface of the first sidewall and the second adjustable
cushion extends substantially parallel to an interior surface of
the second sidewall.
11. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein the first and second
adjustable cushions comprise substantially compliant structures
configured to absorb energy from impact so as to protect a portable
electronic device.
12. The carrying case of claim 11, wherein the substantially
compliant structures comprise a polymeric foam material.
13. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein, the first adjustable
cushion comprises a first connector and the compartment comprises a
second connector configured to cooperate with the first connector
to selectively retain the first cushion in the first orientation;
and wherein the second adjustable cushion comprises a third
connector and the compartment comprises a fourth connector
configured to cooperate with the third connector to selectively
retain the second adjustable cushion in the first orientation.
14. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein the first and second
adjustable cushions are configured to pivot about the first and
second attachment regions, respectively.
15. The carrying case of claim 9, further comprising an instruction
icon including representative illustrations of at least three
permutations of the first adjustable cushion and the second
adjustable cushion in the first and second orientations.
16. A carrying case for a portable electronic device comprising: an
internal compartment comprising: a front panel; a rear panel
opposing and spaced apart from the front panel; a first sidewall
and a second sidewall opposing one another and joined to the front
and rear panels along corresponding side edges of the front and
rear panels; a base panel joined to each of the front panel, rear
panel, first sidewall, and second sidewall along a base edge of
each of the front panel, rear panel, first sidewall, and second
sidewall; and an adjustable cushion comprising: a base portion
configured to extend substantially parallel to the base panel; a
first side portion configured to move between a first orientation
and second orientation, wherein in the first orientation the first
side portion extends substantially parallel to an interior surface
of the first sidewall; and a second side portion configured to move
between a first orientation and second orientation, wherein in the
first orientation the second side portion extends substantially
parallel to an interior surface of the second sidewall.
17. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein the first side portion
and the second side portion are attached to the base portion.
18. The carrying case of claim 17, wherein the first side portion
and the second side portion are attached to the base portion via
living hinges.
19. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein the first side portion,
the second side portion, and the base portion are formed from a
unitary piece of material.
20. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein the adjustable cushion
comprises a substantially compliant structure configured to absorb
energy from impact so as to protect a portable electronic
device.
21. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein the substantially
compliant structure comprises a polymeric foam material.
22. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein, the first side portion
comprises a first connector and the compartment comprises a second
connector configured to cooperate with the first connector to
selectively retain the first side portion in the first orientation;
and wherein the second side portion comprises a third connector and
the compartment comprises a fourth connector configured to
cooperate with the third connector to selectively retain the second
side portion in the first orientation.
23. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein in the second
orientation, the first side portion and the second side portion are
adjacent to an interior surface of the base portion and extend
substantially parallel thereto.
24. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein in the second
orientation, one of the first side portion and the second side
portion overlap the other of the first side portion and the second
side portion.
25. The carrying case of claim 16, further comprising an
instruction icon including representative illustrations of at least
three permutations of the first side portion and the second side
portion in the first and second orientations.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/359,672
filed Jun. 29, 2010, titled "Carrying Cases Having Adjustable
Compartments For Use With Portable Computers And Related Methods,"
which application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to cases for
portable electronic devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the
disclosure are described, including various embodiments of the
disclosure with reference to the figures, in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a
carrying case including a compartment configured to receive a
portable electronic device.
[0005] FIG. 2A illustrates a cutaway view of a compartment formed
in a carrying case including adjustable cushions positioned in a
side spacing orientation.
[0006] FIG. 2B illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
carrying case including adjustable cushions transitioning away from
a side spacing orientation.
[0007] FIG. 2C illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
carrying case including adjustable cushions positioned in a base
spacing orientation.
[0008] FIG. 3A illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
compartment including two adjustable notched cushions positioned in
a side spacing orientation.
[0009] FIG. 3B illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
compartment including adjustable notched cushions transitioning
away from a side spacing orientation.
[0010] FIG. 3C illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
compartment including adjustable notched cushions positioned in a
base spacing orientation.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrying
case including a compartment configured to receive a portable
electronic device.
[0012] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a compartment including
adjustable cushions in a side spacing orientation.
[0013] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a compartment including
adjustable overlapping cushions in a base spacing orientation.
[0014] FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case
including a compartment configured to receive a portable electronic
device in a closed configuration.
[0015] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case
including a compartment configured to receive a portable electronic
device in an open configuration.
[0016] FIG. 7A illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
compartment including adjustable cushions in a side spacing
orientation.
[0017] FIG. 7B illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a
compartment including adjustable cushions in an external
orientation.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment
of a carrying case including an instruction icon.
[0019] FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged view of the instruction icon
in FIG. 15A.
[0020] In the following description, numerous specific details are
provided for a thorough understanding of the various embodiments
disclosed herein. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be
practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with
other methods, components, materials, etc. In addition, in some
cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be
shown or described in detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of
the disclosure. Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or
more alternative embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of and
methods for using carrying cases configured with adjustable
compartments for securing any of a variety of portable electronic
devices. A carrying case may be configured with an internal
compartment adapted to receive a laptop computer, netbook, tablet
computer, touch screens, multimedia projectors, mobile telephones,
and/or other portable electronic devices.
[0022] Portable electronic devices are available in a variety of
sizes. For example, the diagonal measurements of many laptop
computers ranges from about thirteen inches to about seventeen
inches. Of course, laptop computers and other portable electronic
devices are also available in larger or smaller sizes. Accordingly,
it may be desirable for a compartment of a carrying case for
portable electronic devices to be adjustable so as to securely
accommodate various models, sizes, and/or types of portable
electronic devices within a given size range. For example, a carry
case may be configured to specifically accommodate laptop computers
with diagonal screen measurement ranging from about fifteen inches
to about 17 inches.
[0023] According to various embodiments, the cavity or compartment
of a carrying case may be an integral component of the carrying
case. According to alternative embodiments, the compartment may be
removable and/or detachable from other portions of the carrying
case. Additionally, a carrying case may be interchangeably paired
with multiple sizes and/or shapes of compartments. Accordingly, a
single carrying case may be adapted to accommodate portable
electronic devices of varying size ranges by inserting or attaching
an appropriate compartment.
[0024] According to various embodiments, a carrying case may
include one or more straps or handles. Additionally, a carrying
case may include one or more wheels and/or telescoping handles to
facilitate the transportation of a portable electronic device.
According to various embodiments, a carrying case may include a
closure mechanism for selectively opening and closing a compartment
configured to receive a portable electronic device. For example, a
carrying case may include one or more flaps, buttons, zippers,
latches, snaps, and/or locks allowing a user to selectively insert
and remove a portable electronic device from a compartment.
[0025] According to various embodiments, a compartment within a
carrying case may be configured to accommodate portable electronic
devices of varying sizes through the use of one or more cushions,
pads, or strips. The dimensions of a compartment may be adjusted
through the use of cushions configured to pivot from a side spacing
orientation to a base spacing orientation. The adjustable cushions
may be positioned in a side spacing orientation in order to reduce
the internal width of the compartment, or pivoted into a base
spacing orientation to expand the internal width and/or reduce the
internal height of the compartment. According to various
embodiments, the adjustable cushions may be permanently secured at
a pivot point, detachably secured at a pivot point, or unsecured at
the pivot point.
[0026] According to one embodiment, a compartment of a carrying
case may be defined by a front panel, a rear panel, a left sidewall
panel, a right sidewall panel, a base panel, and an upper panel.
According to various embodiments, the upper panel, and/or
potentially a portion of one or more other panels, may include a
closure mechanism for selectively opening the compartment. In a
side spacing orientation, a left adjustable cushion may extend
along the left sidewall panel and a right adjustable cushion may
extend along the right sidewall panel. Transitioning the adjustable
cushions from a side spacing orientation to a base spacing
orientation may entail pivoting the adjustable cushions until they
extend along the base panel of the compartment. According to
various embodiments, the combined length of the left and right
cushions may be equal to or less than the length of the base panel.
Alternatively, the left and right cushions may overlap one another
in a base spacing orientation.
[0027] According to one embodiment, a compartment may include
adjustable cushions that can be placed within the compartment in a
side spacing orientation or outside the compartment in an external
orientation. Additionally, a carrying case and/or compartment may
include an instruction icon illustrating methods for using
adjustable cushions within a compartment. For example, an
instruction icon may include graphical depictions of various
possible orientations for left and right adjustable cushions within
a compartment. According to one specific example, an instruction
icon may depict several possible orientations for adjustable
cushions in order for a compartment to accommodate a fifteen-inch
laptop, a sixteen-inch laptop, or a seventeen-inch laptop.
[0028] Throughout the disclosure, numerous examples are provided
with reference to laptop computers; however, the various
embodiments of carrying cases described herein may be used for or
adapted for carrying any of a wide variety of portable electronic
devices and/or other sensitive or delicate equipment. For clarity,
the illustrated embodiments show only a single compartment
configured to receive a portable electronic device. However,
according to various embodiments, a carrying case may include
multiple compartments, each configured to receive a portable
electronic device. Additionally, a carrying case may include any
number of additional pockets, compartments, zippers, mesh areas,
elastics, rings, hooks, latches, and/or similar items configured to
accommodate additional items, such as keys, pens, paper, folders,
power cords, batteries, mobile phones, clothing, and/or the
like.
[0029] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the
phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to
the same embodiment. In particular, an "embodiment" may be a
system, an article of manufacture (such as a computer-readable
storage medium), a method, and/or a product of a process.
[0030] Throughout this specification the term "joined" may be used
to describe two or more components that are attached to one
another, or the term may be used to describe two portions of an
integral component. Accordingly, the term "joined" may be used to
describe two panels manufactured as disparate components that are
sewn, glued, fused, or otherwise attached to one another;
additionally, the term "joined" may be used to describe two panels
that are manufactured as a single integral component and are
separate only for ease of description. For example, a compartment
may be formed wherein the bottom panel, the front panel, and the
rear panel are manufactured as a single integral component.
However, throughout the description and claims, such a compartment
may be described as comprising a base panel joined to opposing
front and rear panels along their respective base edges.
[0031] In some cases, well-known features, structures or operations
are not shown or described in detail. Furthermore, the described
features, structures, or operations may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. It will also be readily
understood that the components of the embodiments as generally
described and illustrated in the figures herein could be arranged
and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.
[0032] The embodiments of the disclosure are best understood by
reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the
components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and
illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed
in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following
detailed description of the embodiments of the systems and methods
of the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible
embodiments of the disclosure. In other instances, well-known
structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in
detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure. In addition,
the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executed in any
specific order, or even sequentially, nor need the steps be
executed only once, unless specifically stated.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case 100
including an adjustable compartment configured to receive a
portable electronic device. Carrying case 100 may be of any
suitable variety, such as a shoulder bag, backpack, briefcase, or
the like. In the illustrated embodiment, carrying case 100 is of a
shoulder bag variety and includes a shoulder strap 105. According
to various embodiments, one or more additional or alternative
handles or straps may be employed in conjunction with carrying case
100.
[0034] Carrying case 100 may be adapted to accommodate a laptop
computer, a netbook, tablet computer, a touch screen, a multimedia
projector, a mobile telephone, and/or other portable electronic
device. According to various embodiments, an internal compartment
may be defined by a front panel 122, a rear panel 124, a left
sidewall panel 126, a right sidewall panel (not visible in FIG. 1),
a base panel 130, and an upper panel 132. As illustrated, upper
panel 132 may include a closure mechanism such as zipper 134 and/or
flap 107. Throughout the description front panel 122, rear panel
124, left sidewall panel 126, right sidewall panel (not visible),
base panel 130, and upper panel 132 are discussed a separate
components forming a compartment; however, according to various
embodiments, two or more panels may actually be portions of an
integral component.
[0035] According to various embodiments and as illustrated, an
internal compartment may define a substantially right
parallelepiped shape. However, according to various embodiments,
the exact shape and/or dimensions of an internal compartment may be
adapted to accommodate any of a wide variety of portable electronic
devices. For example, the internal compartment may include a
protrusion or intrusion to accommodate a corresponding feature on a
portable electronic device.
[0036] According to various embodiments, upper panel 132 may be a
separate panel or may be integrally formed as a part of the
sidewall panels and/or front and rear panels. Upper panel 132 may
include one or more closure mechanisms for selectively opening the
internal compartment, such as zipper 134, a flap 107, a latch 106,
a button, a zipper, a snap, and/or a lock. Additionally, carrying
case 100 may include any number of additional pockets,
compartments, zippers, mesh areas, elastics, rings, hooks, latches,
wheels, straps, handles and/or other features.
[0037] FIG. 2A illustrates a cutaway view of a compartment 200
formed in a carrying case including adjustable cushions 242 and 244
positioned in a side spacing orientation. As illustrated, a left
adjustable cushion 242 and a right adjustable cushion 244 may be
positioned within compartment 200 defined by base panel 230, left
sidewall panel 226, right sidewall panel 228, rear panel 224, upper
panel 232, and a front panel (not shown in FIG. 2).
[0038] According to various embodiments, compartment 200 may be
configured with an appropriate dimension and size to accommodate
any of a wide variety of portable electronic devices. For example,
compartment 200 may be adapted to accommodate a laptop 210 (or
other portable electronic device) having a width W. According to
various embodiments, left adjustable cushion 242 and right
adjustable cushion 244 may be used to adjust the interior
dimensions of compartment 200. In particular, adjustable cushions
242 and 244 may be oriented in a variety of permutations in order
to accommodate portable electronic devices of varying widths W
and/or heights.
[0039] According to various embodiments, adjustable cushions 242
and 244 may comprise a compliant structure configured to absorb
energy from an impact so as to protect a portable electronic device
stored within compartment 200. Additionally, adjustable cushions
242 and 244 may be formed of a resilient material in order to
return to their original shape after being compressed. According to
various embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may comprise
any suitable compliant and/or resilient structure, such as, for
example, a polymeric foam material.
[0040] According to some embodiments, compartment 200 may include
one or more additional compliant and/or resilient structures
adapted to reduce the internal dimensions of compartment 200 and/or
protect a secured portable electronic device by absorbing energy
during an impact.
[0041] Adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be configured to
transition from a side spacing orientation to a base spacing
orientation. In a side spacing orientation, the left 242 and right
244 adjustable cushions may extend substantially parallel to the
interior surfaces of the left 226 and right 228 sidewall panels,
respectively. According to various embodiments, adjustable cushions
242 and 244 may be configured to extend along only a portion of
sidewall panels 226 and 228. For instance, an edge of each
adjustable cushion 242 and 244 may terminate at or near the
endpoints of zipper 234.
[0042] FIG. 2B illustrates a cutaway view of compartment 200 with
adjustable cushions 242 and 244 transitioning from a side spacing
orientation (see FIG. 2A) to a base spacing orientation (see FIG.
2C). According to various embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and
244 may be fixedly attached to an internal wall of compartment 200
at an attachment region 243 and 245, respectively. Adjustable
cushions 242 and 244 may be configured to pivot about attachment
regions 243 and 245 from the side spacing orientation (FIG. 2A) to
the base spacing orientation (FIG. 2C). According to alternative
embodiments, an adjustable cushion may be selectively detachable,
permanently attached, and/or integral with sidewall panel 226 and
228 and/or base panel 230.
[0043] Additionally, each adjustable cushion 242 and 244 may
include a connector 246 configured to function in cooperation with
a connector 248 on each of the left 226 and right 228 sidewall
panels. For example, connector 246 locate on adjustable cushion 244
may cooperate with connector 248 on a right sidewall panel 228 in
order to selectively retain adjustable cushion 244 in the side
spacing orientation. Any suitable connection system may be used,
such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), snaps,
magnets, etc. In certain embodiments, each adjustable cushion 242
and 244 may include a tab 250 that can be readily gripped by a user
when disengaging connectors 246 and 248 from each other.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2C, when adjustable cushions 242 and 244
are in the base spacing orientation, they may be positioned
adjacent and parallel to an interior surface of base panel 230.
According to various embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244
do not overlap one another or contact one another when in the base
spacing orientation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment
each adjustable cushion 242 and 244 defines a length slightly less
than one half the width defined by base panel 230.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable cushions 242 and
244 are fixedly attached to compartment 200 at a left attachment
region 243 and at a right attachment region 245, respectively.
Moreover in the illustrated embodiment, each attachment region 243
and 245 is at an intersection of base panel 230 and the left 226
and right 228 sidewall panels, respectively. Any suitable mechanism
may be employed to fixedly secure adjustable cushions 242 and 244
to compartment 200. For example, in various embodiments, adjustable
cushions 242 and 244 may be stitched to compartment 200.
[0046] Compartment 200 may be configured for use with a portable
computer 210 having any width W. Compartment 200 may be prepared to
receive portable computer 210 by placing both adjustable cushions
242 and 244 in the side spacing orientation, as shown in FIG. 2A
Compartment 200 may be prepared to receive a wider portable
computer by placing both adjustable cushions 242 and 244 in a base
spacing orientation, as shown in FIG. 2C. Compartment 200 may also
be prepared to receive a portable computer of an intermediate width
by placing one of adjustable cushions 242 and 244 in the side
spacing orientation and the other of adjustable cushions 242 and
244 in the base spacing orientation.
[0047] Adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be dimensioned in any
suitable manner to provide a relatively close fit or, in some
instances, a snug fit along the side edges of portable computers
having different sizes. In some embodiments, each adjustable
cushion 242 and 244 is substantially the same size and shape. For
example, in some embodiments, each adjustable cushion 242 and 244
defines the same thickness such that adjustable cushions 242 and
244 cooperate to define a substantially planar surface on which a
base edge of portable computer 210 can rest when adjustable
cushions 242 and 244 are in the base spacing orientation.
[0048] In certain embodiments, one or more of the front panel (122
in FIG. 1), rear panel 224, left sidewall panel 226, right sidewall
panel 228, base panel 230, and upper panel 232 may be structurally
reinforced (e.g., stiff) so as to maintain the shape and
configuration of compartment 200 independent of the orientation of
adjustable cushions 242 and 244. Alternatively, compartment 200 may
be configured to be collapsible when adjustable cushions 242 and
244 are in one or both of the side spacing position and the base
spacing position.
[0049] According to various alternative embodiments, adjustable
cushions 242 and 244 may contact each other when in the base
spacing orientation. Additionally, one of adjustable cushions 242
and 244 may overlap the other when in the base spacing orientation.
In some embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be
removable from compartment 200. In some embodiments, a set of
connectors 246 may be provided on opposite sides of adjustable
cushions 242 and 244, and base panel 230 may include a
corresponding set of connectors, such that adjustable cushions 242
and 244 may be selectively secured in the base spacing orientation.
In other or further embodiments, connectors 248 may be omitted from
sidewall panels 226 and 228, and corresponding connectors 246 may
likewise be omitted from cushions 242 and 244. In other or further
embodiments, compartment 200 may include only a single adjustable
cushion 242 or 244.
[0050] FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate alternative embodiments of a
compartment 300 of a carrying case. Many features of the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C are similar or identical to
those illustrated and described in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2C.
Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of similar or identical
features of FIGS. 2A-2C apply equally to the features of
compartment 300. Any suitable combination of the features and
variations described with respect to compartment 200 may be
applicable to and employed with compartment 300, and vice versa.
This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments
depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter.
[0051] According to the illustrated embodiment, compartment 300 may
be defined by a base panel 330, a left sidewall panel 326, a right
sidewall panel 328, a rear panel 324, and a front panel (not shown
in FIG. 3). Compartment 300 may include a left adjustable cushion
342 configured with an extension 361 and a notch 365 and a right
adjustable cushion 344 configured with an extension 362 and a notch
364. According to various embodiments, extension 361 of left
adjustable cushion 342 corresponds to notch 364 of right adjustable
cushion 344. Likewise, extension 362 of right adjustable cushion
344 corresponds to notch 365 of left adjustable cushion 342.
[0052] According to various embodiments, connectors 346 may be
located on the extension portions 361 and 362 of left 342 and right
344 adjustable cushions. As illustrated in the cut-away view
provided in FIG. 3A, connectors 346 may be configured to cooperate
in conjunction with connectors 348 (see FIG. 3B) located on
internal sidewall panels 326 and 328 in order to selectively secure
left 342 and right 344 adjustable cushions to sidewall panels 326
and 328 in the side spacing orientation. According to various
embodiments, extensions 361 and 362 may be sufficiently short that
they do not come into contact with upper panel 332 and/or zipper
334.
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, adjustable cushions 342 and 344
may be fixedly attached to an internal wall of compartment 300 at
attachment regions 343 and 345, respectively. Accordingly,
adjustable cushions 342 and 344 may pivotally transition from a
side spacing orientation (see FIG. 3A) to a base spacing
orientation (see FIG. 3C). According to alternative embodiments,
adjustable cushion 342 and 344 may be selectively detachable,
permanently attached, and/or integral with sidewall panel 326 and
328 and/or base panel 330. In some embodiments, adjustable cushions
342 and 344 may include tabs 350 extending from extensions 361 and
362 of adjustable cushions 342 and 344, respectively. Tabs 350 may
assist a user in transitioning adjustable cushions 342 and 344 from
the base spacing orientation to the side spacing orientation, and
vice versa.
[0054] As illustrated in FIG. 3B and 3C, when adjustable cushions
342 and 344 are transitioning to the base spacing orientation,
extension 361 may be received within notch 364 and extension 362
may be received within notch 365. According to one embodiment,
adjustable cushions 342 and 344 may contact each other so as to
define a solid (e.g., continuous) base cushion that covers or
substantially covers base panel 330.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case 400
resembling that of a brief case. According to various embodiments,
carrying case 400 may include a handle 407 and/or a shoulder strap
405. Carrying case 400 may include any number of additional
pockets, compartments, zippers, mesh areas, elastics, rings, hooks,
latches, and/or similar items configured to accommodate additional
items such as keys, pens, paper, folders, power cords, batteries,
mobile phones, clothing, and/or the like. Additionally, carrying
case 400 may include a compartment including adjustable cushions,
similar to those described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3C and/or
FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0056] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a compartment
500 in which a left adjustable cushion 542, a right adjustable
cushion 544, and a base cushion 571 are formed from a unitary piece
of material 570. Unitary piece of material 570 may comprise a
single piece of polymeric foam or multiple sections of polymeric
foam joined together.
[0057] In some embodiments, base cushion 571 may be connected to
left 542 and right 544 adjustable cushions by living hinges 572. As
illustrated in FIG. 5B, when adjustable cushions 542 and 544 are in
the base spacing orientation, right adjustable cushion 544 may be
configured to overlap left adjustable cushion 542. Alternatively,
left adjustable cushion 542 may be configured to overlap right
adjustable cushion 544. According to one embodiment, adjustable
cushions 542 and 544 may be shorter so that they do not overlap one
another in the base spacing orientation. Additionally, adjustable
cushions 542 and 544 may be configured to fold inward at a fold
point between living hinges 572 and tabs 550. According to such an
embodiment, adjustable cushions 542 and 544 may be configured to
fold and thereby not contact one another when in the base spacing
orientation.
[0058] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a carrying case
600 resembling a backpack including an outer cover 680. According
to various embodiments, carrying case 600 may include a compartment
620 configured to receive a portable electronic device, such as a
laptop or a tablet device. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, outer cover
680, sidewall panels 634, and a top panel 624 may define a
compartment 620. According to some embodiments, internal panels
independent from outer cover 680 may define compartment 620.
Additionally, carrying case 600 may include a zipper 632 or other
closure mechanism allowing a laptop or other portable electronic
device to be selectively received and removed.
[0059] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a compartment 700 configured to
receive a portable electronic device. According to various
embodiments, compartment 700 may be configured for use in a
backpack style carrying case, such as the exemplary backpack
illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. According to some embodiments, one
or more of a front panel 722, a rear panel 724, a left sidewall
panel 726, a right sidewall panel 728, a base panel 730, and an
upper panel (not shown) that define compartment 700 may be integral
with an outer cover of a carrying case. However, in the illustrated
embodiment, at least the left sidewall panel 726 and the right
sidewall panel 728 are separate from an outer cover of a carrying
case, such that additional external compartments 782 and 784 (FIG.
7B) are provided between sidewall panels 726 and 728 and an outer
cover.
[0060] Compartment 700 may include a left adjustable cushion 742
and a right adjustable cushion 744 attached to compartment 700 at
connection regions 743 and 745, respectively. Connection regions
743 and 745 may be positioned at the upper ends of the left
sidewall panel 726 and right sidewall panel 728, respectively. Each
connection region 743 and 745 may include stitching 790 by which
adjustable cushions 742 and 744 are fixedly attached to sidewall
panels 726 and 728, respectively.
[0061] Adjustable cushions 742 and 744 may be pivoted or rotated
about connection regions 743 and 745 between a side spacing
orientation (FIG. 7A) and an external orientation (FIG. 7B). Tabs
750 may assist a user in transitioning adjustable cushions 742 and
744 from the base spacing orientation to the side spacing
orientation, and vice versa.
[0062] When in the external orientation, adjustable cushions 742
and 744 may be inserted into external compartments 782 and 784,
respectively. Alternatively, in an embodiment not including
external compartments 782 and 784, adjustable cushions 742 and 744
may extend parallel and adjacent to exterior sidewall panels 726
and 728, respectively. According to various embodiments, adjustable
cushions 742 and 744 may include multiple connectors 746, so as to
be selectively or temporarily fixed in each of the side spacing and
external orientations. Sidewall panels 726 and 728 may include one
or more appropriately positioned corresponding connectors (not
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) to interact with connectors 746.
[0063] FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a
portion of a carrying case 800 including an instruction icon 810 on
or near a compartment 820. According to various embodiments, an
icon 810 may be included in any of the carrying cases and/or
compartments previously described in conjunction with FIGS.
1-7B.
[0064] According to one embodiment, instruction icon 810 may be
included within a compartment 820 of carrying case 800, and may be
hidden from view when compartment 820 is closed. Compartment 820
may be closed using zipper 860 or through the use of one or more
alternative closure mechanisms.
[0065] Instruction icon 810 may depict compartment 820 in various
operational configurations. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, instruction icon 810 depicts three different
operational configurations. FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged view of
instruction icon 810. As illustrated, each configuration depiction
may include a compartment representation 830, representation of
possible positioning of one or more adjustable cushions 842 and
844, and a size indicator 850.
[0066] For example, in the left configuration depiction, a left
adjustable cushion representation 842 and a right adjustable
cushion representation 844 are shown. In the center configuration
depiction, only a left adjustable cushion representation 842 is
shown. In the right configuration depiction, no adjustable cushion
representations are shown. According to one embodiment, the
presence of an adjustable cushion representation in a configuration
depiction may indicate that an adjustable cushion can be placed in
the side spacing orientation in order to achieve the depicted
configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, size indicators 550
include the numerals 15, 16, and 17, which signify that the
depicted configurations may be used with laptop computers having
diagonal measurements of about 15 inches, about 16 inches, and
about 17 inches, respectively.
[0067] According to various alternative embodiments, size
indicators 550 may be modified to suit the type of carrying case
utilized. For example, size indicators 550 may be configured to
indicate possible configurations for compartments configured to
receive laptops having any range of dimensions, netbooks of varying
sizes, tablet computers, touch screen devices, portable music
players, cellular phones, calculators, peripheral devices, and/or
other portable electronic devices. Accordingly, size indicators may
include numerical indications (e.g., inches or millimeters),
graphical indications (e.g., illustrations of various devices), or
a combination thereof. For example, an icon may include an
illustration of a generic or brand-specific laptop computer,
cellular phone, tablet device, and/or other portable electronic
device.
[0068] The above description provides numerous specific details for
a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein.
However, those of skill in the art will recognize that one or more
of the specific details may be omitted, modified, and/or replaced
by a similar process, system, or component. In many instances the
order of steps and/or actions of the methods of use described
herein may be interchanged with one another.
* * * * *