U.S. patent application number 12/840528 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for portable computer cover case having accessory compartments.
Invention is credited to MITCH MITCHELL STERN, RAN ZIV.
Application Number | 20120018266 12/840528 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45492669 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120018266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZIV; RAN ; et al. |
January 26, 2012 |
PORTABLE COMPUTER COVER CASE HAVING ACCESSORY COMPARTMENTS
Abstract
A cover for a laptop computer being unique in that a user will
not have to remove the laptop from a computer bag is disclosed. The
cover provides similar protection than that of a computer bag;
however users will likely prefer the convenience the cover provides
in transporting a laptop and further transitioning between a
deployed position and a carrying position. Multiple embodiments
provide options for easily storing items such as a mouse, power
cord, memory stick, documents or notebook, pens, highlighters, and
business cards. Further multiple embodiments optionally provide a
handle, a shoulder strap, or both. The cover is also applicable to
a tablet computer.
Inventors: |
ZIV; RAN; (DEL MAR, CA)
; STERN; MITCH MITCHELL; (SAN DIEGO, CA) |
Family ID: |
45492669 |
Appl. No.: |
12/840528 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
190/109 ;
190/115; 224/264 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0525 20130101;
A45C 13/02 20130101; A45C 2013/025 20130101; A45F 3/02 20130101;
A45C 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
190/109 ;
190/115; 224/264 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/02 20060101
A45C003/02; A45F 3/12 20060101 A45F003/12; A45C 13/30 20060101
A45C013/30 |
Claims
1. A cover for a portable computer, the portable computer having a
clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the
cover comprising: a rectangular shape having four corners, the four
corners each including a retaining strap, the retaining straps
removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor half,
wherein the keyboard half remains untouched by the cover.
2. The cover for a portable computer of claim 1, the cover
comprising a main compartment, the main compartment comprising: a
front side; two lateral sides; a closure flap; and a plurality of
sub-compartments within the main compartment.
3. The cover for a portable computer of claim 2, wherein one of the
plurality of sub-compartments includes a cylindrical loop to secure
a pen or a pencil, and wherein one of the plurality of
sub-compartments includes an additional sub-compartment, the
additional sub-compartment including an opening secured by a
zipper.
4. The cover for a portable computer of claim 2, the two lateral
sides each comprising elastic material.
5. The cover for a portable computer of claim 1, further comprising
a handle strap, wherein the handle strap comprises a single loop
forming a race track shape, the race track shape having first and
second ends, further wherein, in a carrying position, the first and
second ends mate together for further mating to a users hand.
6. The cover for a portable computer of claim 5 further comprising
a pocket, the pocket being inverted with respect to a top of the
cover, the pocket for securing excess handle strap when the handle
is not in the carrying position, but rather in an operating
position.
7. A cover for a portable computer, the portable computer having a
clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the
cover comprising: a first cover portion removably secured to the
monitor half, and a second cover portion pivotally attached to the
first cover portion, wherein the first cover portion comprises two
lateral sides, the two lateral sides each comprising front and rear
edges, the front and rear edges comprising a first and a second
zipper tracks respectively, further wherein the second cover
portion has a third zipper track, and further wherein the third
zipper track is able to be secured to either the first or the
second zipper track.
8. The cover for a portable computer of claim 7, the first cover
portion having four corners, the four corners each including a
transparent retaining strap, the retaining straps removably secured
to respective four corners of the monitor half.
9. The cover for a portable computer of claim 8, wherein the
retaining straps further comprises elastic material.
10. The cover for a portable computer of claim 7 further
comprising: first and second loops coupled to the first cover
portion; first and second D-rings coupled to first and second loops
respectively; a shoulder strap having first and second ends coupled
to first and second D-rings respectively; and a shoulder pad
slidingly connected to the shoulder strap.
11. The cover for a portable computer of claim 7 further comprising
a patterned material, the patterned material further comprising a
flower pattern.
12. A cover for a tablet computer, the tablet computer having a
clam shell design including a monitor portion, the cover comprising
a first cover portion removably secured to the monitor portion, the
first cover portion including an outwardly facing side, the
outwardly facing side comprising a first upwardly facing pocket at
a mid-portion thereof.
13. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12, the outwardly
facing side further comprising: a second upwardly facing pocket
adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket; a rectangular
transparent insert for receiving a business card, the rectangular
transparent insert opposite the second upwardly facing pocket with
respect to the first upwardly facing pocket; and a third upwardly
facing pocket opposite the second upwardly facing pocket with
respect to the first upwardly facing pocket, the third upwardly
facing pocket secured by a zipper.
14. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12, wherein the cover
comprises an upper edge, the upper edge forming a pocket opening
along the entire upper edge, the pocket opening suitable for
receiving documents.
15. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12 further comprising:
a handle strap having first and second ends; and a downwardly
facing pocket coupled to the outwardly facing side, the downwardly
facing pocket for securing the handle strap second end.
16. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12, the first cover
portion further comprising a rectangular shape having four corners,
the four corners each including a retaining strap, the retaining
straps removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor
portion.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for
protecting, covering and carrying portable electronic devices. More
particularly, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention
pertains to a covering case for a portable/laptop computer with
accessory pockets and other important features.
[0003] 2. Description of the Art
[0004] Recently, as more electronic devices have become more
prevalent, so have accessories to accompany them. When personal
computers were first introduced in the 1970s, the idea of portable
personal computers soon followed. Around the 1980's, the first flip
form or clamshell designs were embodied in a portable personal
computer, also called a laptop or a notebook.
[0005] The portable aspects of such computers further brought forth
carrying cases for the computers to assist ease of transport and
provide protection. Additionally, the carrying cases provide
pockets for computer accessory equipment such as power cords, USB
cables, mice, media storage devices, etc.
[0006] More recently, laptop carrying cases have emerged that
provide an advantage of being able to use the computer without
having to remove it from the case. One such example has been
proposed by Pichahchi. U.S. Pat. No. 2007/0019734. entitled
"Protective Case for Portable Computer." While some users may find
Pichahchi's design suitable for their needs, the present invention
provides advantages and features not currently available in the
art. As an example, airport security would still require a user to
remove the laptop from Pichahchi's design, since it is a full
enclosure. Conversely, a solution provided by the present invention
would not be required to be separated and disassembled from the
laptop during airport security screening. Other attributes and
advantages are also provided as described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates
the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art.
More particularly, the present invention, in a first aspect, is
directed to a cover for a portable computer, the portable computer
having a clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard
half, the cover comprising: a rectangular shape having four
corners, the four corners each including a retaining strap, the
retaining straps removably secured to respective four corners of
the monitor half, wherein the keyboard half remains untouched by
the cover.
[0008] The cover for a portable computer is further characterized
as having a main compartment comprising: a front side, two lateral
sides, a closure flap, and a plurality of sub-compartments within
the compartment. Additionally in a preferred embodiment, the
plurality of sub-compartments includes a cylindrical loop to secure
a pen or a pencil, and various additional sub-compartments. Also,
the two lateral sides are made from elastic material as to provide
a measure of forgiveness for oversized items. Alternatively the
lateral sides may be pleated in nature.
[0009] Further to the invention in the first aspect, a handle strap
is provided, wherein the handle strap comprises a single loop
forming a race track shape, the race track shape additionally has
first and second ends, further wherein, in a carrying position, the
first and second ends mate together for further mating to a user's
hand. Also, a special pocket is provided, the pocket being inverted
with respect to a top of the cover. The pocket is for securing
excess handle strap when the handle is not in the carrying
position, but rather in an operating position. Other enclosures or
restraints could also be provided for this purpose.
[0010] In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a cover for
a portable computer, the portable computer having a clam shell
design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the cover
comprising: a first cover portion removably secured to the monitor
half; and a second cover portion pivotally attached to the first
cover portion, wherein the first cover portion comprises two
lateral sides, the two lateral sides each comprising front and rear
edges, the front and rear edges comprising a first and a second
zipper tracks respectively, further wherein the second cover
portion has a third zipper track, and further wherein the third
zipper track is able to be secured to either the first or the
second zipper track.
[0011] In this aspect, the invention is further characterized in
that the first cover portion has four corners each having a
transparent and elastic retaining strap, the retaining straps being
removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor half.
Further, the invention is characterized in that first and second
loops are coupled to the first cover portion. Additionally, first
and second D-rings are coupled to first and second loops,
respectively; and a shoulder strap having first and second ends is
coupled to first and second D-rings respectively. Further, a
shoulder pad is also slidingly connected to the shoulder strap. It
is further envisioned that the computer cover could be of a
patterned material such as a flower pattern, for example.
[0012] In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a cover
for a tablet computer such as an iPad, the tablet computer
including a monitor portion, the cover comprising a first cover
portion removably secured to the monitor portion, the first cover
portion including an outwardly facing side, the outwardly facing
side comprising a first upwardly facing pocket at a mid-portion
thereof.
[0013] The invention in this aspect is further characterized in
that the outwardly facing side further comprises a second upwardly
facing pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket; a
rectangular transparent insert for receiving a business card, the
rectangular transparent insert opposite the second upwardly facing
pocket with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket; and a
third upwardly facing pocket opposite the second upwardly facing
pocket with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket, the third
upwardly facing pocket secured by a zipper.
[0014] The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized
wherein the cover comprises an upper edge, the upper edge forming a
pocket opening along the entire upper edge, the pocket opening
suitable for receiving documents. Also, a handle strap according to
the invention has first and second ends. Further, a downwardly
facing pocket is coupled to the outwardly facing side of the cover
and is used for securing the handle strap second end.
[0015] The present invention can be better visualized by turning
now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced
by like numerals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a carrying case of the
present invention shown not coupled to a personal computer;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates the invention embodiment of FIG. 1A in a
carrying position;
[0019] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a carrying case of FIG. 1A
shown coupled to a laptop computer;
[0020] FIG. 1D is rear perspective view thereof;
[0021] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second preferred computer
cover of the present invention shown not coupled to a personal
computer;
[0022] FIG. 2B is a perspective illustration of the invention
embodiment of FIG. 1A in a carrying position;
[0023] FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate how the invention is
applicable to a tablet computer;
[0024] FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F are perspective illustrations showing
how invention accessory areas are compartmentalized;
[0025] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are front and rear perspective views of
an invention embodiment having accessory pockets arranged and an
alternative fashion;
[0026] FIG. 3C illustrates the invention embodiment of FIG. 3A and
FIG. 3B in a carrying position;
[0027] FIG. 3D is a bottom plan view of the invention illustrating
optional extra retaining straps;
[0028] FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of yet another invention
embodiment having accessory pockets arranged and an alternative
fashion;
[0029] FIG. 4B illustrates the invention embodiment of FIG. 4A in a
carrying position;
[0030] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate still more variations
according to the invention;
[0031] FIG. 5C is an underneath perspective view thereof;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating yet still more invention
variations;
[0033] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates a flower pattern embodiment of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are front views illustrating further
still alternatives according to the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating still more
variations according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] With regard to FIG. 1A through FIG. 1E, a first preferred
embodiment 100 is illustrated in various views. The cover 100 is
designed for a portable computer such as a laptop having a clam
shell design including a monitor half 991 and a keyboard half 992.
However, the invention 200 (FIG. 2A) could also be configured to a
tablet computer, such as an iPad, as described further herein.
Initially, the cover comprises a first cover portion 110 removably
secured to the monitor half 991. The first cover portion 110 has a
rectangular shape to complement a shape of the monitor 991 wherein
four retaining straps are secured to respective four corners of the
monitor half 991.
[0037] This particular embodiment 100 optionally includes a second
cover portion 160 pivotally attached to the first cover portion 110
about an edge thereof. Further, the edge may comprise hinges that
connect partially along the edge so that a power cord or other
wired device could extend out adjacent to the edges. The second
cover portion 160 may optionally lie underneath the keyboard 992 or
pivot around to be juxtaposed to the first cover portion 110, as
illustrated in FIG. 1E. The first cover portion 110 further has two
lateral sides 112, 113, each having front 165, 166 and rear 163,
164 edges. The front and rear edges further comprise first 165, 166
and a second 163, 164 zipper tracks respectively. A third zipper
track 161, 162 is provided to the second cover portion 160. As
shown, the third zipper track 161, 162 is reversible so that it can
either be secured to the second zipper track 163, 164, or to first
zipper track 165, 166. When the third 161, 162 and second 163, 164
zipper tracks are secured to one another, the cover 100 is in the
carrying position for transporting the laptop 991, 992. When the
third 161, 162 and first 165, 166 zipper tracks are secured to one
another, the cover 100 is in the operating position for using the
laptop 991, 992. As stated, the second cover portion 160 could lie
underneath laptop keyboard 992 in the operating position, as
preferred by a user to improve appearance and how the laptop 922
can sit on a horizontal surface.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment 100, retaining straps 131, 132,
133, 134 are angled about four corners of the monitor half 991.
Also, retaining straps 131, 132, 133, 134 comprise transparent
elastic material as to not obstruct viewing of a laptop monitor
991. Additionally, first 157 and second 158 loops are provided to
an upper area of the first cover portion 110. The loops 157, 158 in
turn are coupled to first 151, 152 and second D-rings for
attachment to a shoulder strap 150. A shoulder pad 153 is provided
for comfort and is slidingly connected to the shoulder strap
150.
[0039] With regard to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B an additional embodiment
200 of the present invention is illustrated. It 200 is very similar
to the FIG. 1A et seq. embodiment 100, however it does not include
optional features; but however, it 200 retains most of the original
functionality. More particularly, the second cover portion 160 has
been omitted and therefore zippers 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 are
likewise not required. It should be noted that cover portion 210 is
provided to the monitor 991; however, cover 210 does not touch the
keyboard half. Rather, handle strap 240 is provided to wrap around
keyboard half 992. Also as illustrated in FIG. 3D, handle strap
240, 340 is a singular piece of material 240, 340 having a
racetrack shape. The race track shape 240, 340 has first and second
ends 241, 242. When the invention 100, 200 is in the carrying
position (FIG. 1A), first 241 and second 242 ends mate together for
further mating to a users hand. Additionally, VELCRO closure handle
243 wraps around first 241 and second 242 ends of the racetrack 240
to assist the carrying position.
[0040] Similar to the first 100 preferred embodiment, the invention
200 herein (FIG. 2A through FIG. 2F) is directed to a cover 210
having a front 211 and a back 215, the back 215 supported by a
plastic sheet liner. Retaining straps 231, 232, 233, 234, are
provided to secure to a monitor 991 and are affixed to the back 215
at four corners. Lateral sides 212, 213 are comprised of elastic
material so that slightly oversized items may be accommodated.
Cover 210 has a main inner compartment secured by a closure flap
214. Additionally, first and second loops are provided to an upper
area of the cover portion 210. The loops in turn are coupled to
first 251 and second 252 D-rings for attachment to a shoulder strap
250. A shoulder pad 253 is provided for comfort and is slidingly
connected to the shoulder strap 250.
[0041] FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate that handle strap 240 and
shoulder strap 250 are optional. FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F illustrate
compartments 220, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the cover 210 for storage
of typical work/school items such as mouse, power cord, USB cord,
memory stick, handheld media player, etc. More specifically, the
cover 210 comprises a main compartment comprising: a front side
211, two lateral sides 212, 213, a closure flap 214, and a
plurality of sub-compartments 221, 222, 223, 224 within the
compartment. Further, one of the plurality of sub-compartments 223
includes a cylindrical loop 226 to secure a pen or a pencil. And
one of the plurality of sub-compartments 223 (for example) includes
an additional sub-compartment 224, the additional sub-compartment
including an opening 224 secured by a zipper 225. Main compartment
227 additionally comprises a pocket opening 227 along an entire
length thereof, the pocket opening 227 suitable for receiving
documents, 81/2''.times.11'' for example.
[0042] With regard to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D, another embodiment
300 of the present invention is illustrated in various views.
Herein 300, the first cover portion 310 includes an outwardly
facing side 311, the outwardly facing side 311 has a first upwardly
facing pocket 321 at a mid-portion thereof. Also, the outwardly
facing side 311 further comprises a second 322 upwardly facing
pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket 321. Also, a
rectangular transparent insert 324 is provided for receiving a
business card. The rectangular transparent insert 324 is located
opposite the second upwardly facing pocket 322 with respect to the
first upwardly facing pocket 321.
[0043] Also, a third upwardly facing pocket 323 is provided
opposite the second upwardly facing pocket 322 with respect to the
first upwardly facing pocket 321. Additionally, the third upwardly
facing pocket 323 is secured by a zipper 325.
[0044] Also with regard to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D, the cover
300/cover portion 310 comprises an upper edge, the upper edge
forming a pocket opening 320 along the entire upper edge, the
pocket opening 320 suitable for receiving documents.
81/2''.times.11'' for example. In a preferred embodiment 300, extra
retaining straps 333b, 334b may be provided to supplement straps
331, 332, 333, 334 according to FIG. 3D. Extra retraining straps
333b, 334b are juxtaposed to upper retaining straps 333a and 334a
as shown.
[0045] Turning now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an additional computer
cover embodiment is provided 400. As in other similar embodiments,
the cover portion 410 is secured to monitor half 991 and there is
no cover per se to the keyboard half 992. Herein 400, the first
cover portion 410 includes an outwardly facing side 411, the
outwardly facing side 411 has a first upwardly facing pocket 421 at
a left side of the cover portion 410. A right side of the outwardly
facing side 411 comprises a second upwardly facing pocket 422
secured by a zipper. A rectangular transparent insert 424 is
located on top of the second upwardly facing pocket 422.
[0046] An additional preferred embodiment 500 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 5A through 5C. Snaps 545, 546, 547
are provided to handle strap 540 so that ends 541, 542 can mate
together. A VELCRO closure 570, or more specifically a cylindrical
material 570 that opens and closes along a longitudinal edge of the
cylinder 570 is provided to retain excess straps 540 when in the
operating position as preferred by the user.
[0047] An additional preferred embodiment 600 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. Here 600, excess strap 640 can
be taken up by a downwardly facing pocket 671 coupled to the
outwardly facing side 611, the downwardly facing pocket 671 for
securing the handle strap 640 second end 641. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B
illustrate a cover 700 comprising a hibiscus flower pattern.
[0048] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an additional embodiment of the
present invention. Initially, the first cover portion 810 includes
an outwardly facing side 811, the outwardly facing side 811 has a
first upwardly facing pocket 821 at a mid-portion thereof. Also,
the outwardly facing side 811 further comprises a second 822
upwardly facing pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket
821. Cylindrical pen pockets 826 are provided on top of the second
upwardly facing pocket 822. Also, a third upwardly facing pocket
823 is provided opposite the second upwardly facing pocket 822 with
respect to the first upwardly facing pocket 821. Additionally, the
third upwardly facing pocket 823 is secured by a zipper 825.
Optionally, with regard to FIG. 8B, a mesh pocket 827 is provided
on top of the third upwardly facing pocket 826. Also, a downwardly
facing pocket 871 is provided to secure excess strap 840 when in
the operating position. In other words, the pocket 871 is inverted
with respect to a top of the cover portion 810.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates an additional alternative 900 having
lateral sides 912 that are pleated. It should further be
appreciated that certain invention embodiments 100, 200, 900,
herein could be comprised of rigid material therefore resembling an
attache case.
[0050] Many alterations and modifications may be made by those
having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that
the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the
purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the
invention as defined by the following claims. For example,
notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth
below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood
that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or
different elements, which are disclosed above even when not
initially claimed in such combinations.
[0051] Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as
viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or
later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently
within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions
now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are
defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.
[0052] While the particular Portable Computer Cover Case Having
Accessory Compartments as herein shown and disclosed in detail is
fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages
herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely
illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of
construction or design herein shown other than as described in the
appended claims (to be added upon conversion).
* * * * *