U.S. patent application number 13/473293 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-03 for computer tote.
This patent application is currently assigned to FAIRHAVEN GROUP, INC.. Invention is credited to F. Scott Armstrong.
Application Number | 20130001107 13/473293 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47389489 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130001107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong; F. Scott |
January 3, 2013 |
COMPUTER TOTE
Abstract
A computer tote, such as, for example, a portfolio, case or bag,
is provided having a receptacle defining an internal space to
receive a computer device. The receptacle includes opposing sides
connected by a spine. The computer tote further includes a handle
coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle near the
spine. The handle is sized and positioned to overlie a back of a
user's hand when the hand is received between the handle and the
receptacle and fingers of the hand are wrapped around the
spine.
Inventors: |
Armstrong; F. Scott;
(Seattle, WA) |
Assignee: |
FAIRHAVEN GROUP, INC.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
47389489 |
Appl. No.: |
13/473293 |
Filed: |
May 16, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61503944 |
Jul 1, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/216 ;
206/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0525 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45C 2200/15 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/216 ;
206/320 |
International
Class: |
A45C 3/00 20060101
A45C003/00; A45C 9/00 20060101 A45C009/00; B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A computer tote, comprising: a receptacle defining an internal
space to receive a computer device, the receptacle including
opposing sides connected by a spine; and a handle coupled to one of
the opposing sides of the receptacle near the spine, the handle
sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand when the
hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers
of the hand are wrapped around the spine.
2. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is configured to
move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration,
the handle positioned substantially flat against the receptacle
when in the stowed configuration, and a central portion of the
handle positioned offset from the receptacle when in the deployed
configuration.
3. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is configured to
move between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration,
the length of the handle increasing as the handle moves from the
stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
4. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein at least one of opposing
ends of the handle includes an elastic portion to enable the handle
to elongate when moving from the stowed configuration to the
deployed configuration.
5. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein a portion of the externally
visible handle in the deployed configuration is concealed behind a
section of the receptacle when the handle is in the stowed
configuration.
6. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein a centerline defined by an
average width of the handle is offset from the spine by at least
one-half inch and by no more than three inches.
7. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned in
an area defined by a lower one-third of the receptacle.
8. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned in
an area defined by a lower one-quarter of the receptacle.
9. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the handle is positioned
approximately at a center of a length of the receptacle such that
the computer tote is substantially balanced fore and aft when
grasped by the user via the handle and spine.
10. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is a
portfolio configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer between
the opposing sides thereof.
11. The computer tote of claim 10 wherein the portfolio opens in a
book-like manner, and wherein the portfolio includes a panel
elastically coupled to an inner side thereof to receive a portion
of a user's hand when the portfolio is fully opened with the
opposing sides of the receptacle face-to-face.
12. The computer tote of claim 11 wherein the panel includes at
least one stop to selectively position an opposing inner side of
the portfolio in an inclined orientation.
13. The computer tote of claim 1 wherein the receptacle is a case
or bag configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer between
the opposing sides thereof.
14. The computer tote of claim 13 wherein an end of the case or bag
opposite the spine is configured to be selectively opened and
closed.
15. A method of using the computer tote of claim 1, the method
comprising: positioning fingers of a hand between the handle and
the receptacle of the computer tote; moving the fingers around the
spine; and grasping the spine while the hand is positioned between
the handle and the receptacle.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein grasping the spine includes
drawing the receptacle towards a forearm supporting the hand.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein grasping the spine includes
grasping the spine with a majority of the handle overlying a back
of the hand between knuckles at the base of the fingers and a wrist
of the hand.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein positioning fingers of a hand
between the handle and the receptacle of the computer tote and
moving the fingers around the spine includes elongating the
handle.
19. A computer tote, comprising: a receptacle defining an internal
space to receive a computer device, the receptacle including
opposing sides connected by a spine; a closure mechanism to keep
the receptacle closed when in a transport configuration and
enabling access to the internal space to retrieve the computer
device when in a retrieval configuration; and a handle coupled to
one of the opposing sides of the receptacle proximate the spine,
the handle sized and positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand
when the hand is received between the handle and the receptacle and
fingers of the hand are grasped around the spine.
20. The computer tote of claim 19 wherein the handle is configured
to move between a stowed configuration and a deployed
configuration, the handle positioned substantially flat against the
receptacle when in the stowed configuration, and a central portion
of the handle positioned offset from the receptacle when in the
deployed configuration.
21. The computer tote of claim 19 wherein the receptacle is a
portfolio configured to receive a tablet computer between the
opposing sides thereof and to open in a book-like manner, and
wherein the portfolio includes a panel elastically coupled to an
inner side thereof to receive a portion of a user's hand when the
portfolio is fully opened with the opposing sides of the receptacle
face-to-face.
22. A method of using a computer tote, the method comprising:
positioning fingers of a hand between a handle and a receptacle of
the computer tote, the receptacle including opposing sides
connected by a spine and defining an internal space to receive a
computer device, the handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of
the receptacle proximate the spine; moving the fingers around the
spine; and grasping the spine while the hand is positioned between
the handle and the receptacle.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein grasping the spine includes
drawing the receptacle towards a forearm supporting the hand.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein grasping the spine includes
grasping the spine with a majority of the handle overlying a back
of the hand between knuckles at the base of the fingers and a wrist
of the hand.
25. The method of claim 22 wherein positioning fingers of the hand
between the handle and the receptacle of the computer tote and
moving the fingers around the spine includes elongating the handle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/503,944,
filed Jul. 1, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present disclosure is related to totes, such as
portfolios, bags and cases, for carrying or accommodating computer
devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] It is common for computer users to carry portable computer
devices, such as laptops and tablet computers, from one location to
another. Often to protect the computer device and facilitate ease
of transport, the computer device (and optionally computer
accessories) are stored or secured in a tote, such as, for example,
a laptop case. A conventional laptop case 10 is shown in FIG. 1.
The case 10 includes a handle 12 located on the topside thereof for
carrying the case in a straight-armed manner by one's side and an
adjustable shoulder strap 14 for alternatively carrying the case
over one's shoulder. Other known totes include backpacks that
feature two parallel shoulder straps for carrying objects on one's
back.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The computer totes and methods of using the same described
herein provide for carrying a computer device in a secure and
convenient manner in a compact form factor. The computer totes are
particularly well suited for conveniently tucking computer devices
against one's forearm during transport.
[0007] According to one embodiment, a computer tote may be
summarized as including: a receptacle defining an internal space to
receive a computer device, the receptacle including opposing sides
connected by a spine; and a handle coupled to one of the opposing
sides of the receptacle near the spine, the handle sized and
positioned to overlie a back of a user's hand when the hand is
received between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the
hand are wrapped around the spine.
[0008] The computer tote may be configured to move between a stowed
configuration and a deployed configuration. The handle may be
positioned substantially flat against the receptacle when in the
stowed configuration and a central portion of the handle may be
positioned offset from the receptacle when in the deployed
configuration. The length of the handle may increase as the handle
moves from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
For instance, at least one of opposing ends of the handle may
include an elastic portion to enable the handle to elongate when
moving from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
A portion of the externally visible handle in the deployed
configuration may be concealed behind a section of the receptacle
when the handle is in the stowed configuration. A centerline
defined by an average width of the handle may be offset from the
spine by at least one-half inch and by no more than three inches.
In other embodiments, the centerline may be offset from the spine
by at least one inch and by no more than two inches. The handle may
be positioned in an area defined by a lower one-third or
one-quarter of the receptacle. The handle may be positioned
approximately at a center of a length of the receptacle such that
the computer tote is substantially balanced fore and aft when
grasped by the user via the handle and spine.
[0009] The receptacle may be a portfolio configured to receive a
tablet or other computer device between opposing sides thereof. The
portfolio may open in a book-like manner and include a panel
elastically coupled to an inner side thereof to receive a portion
of a user's hand when the portfolio is fully opened with opposing
sides thereof face-to-face. The panel may include at least one stop
to selectively position an opposing inner side of the portfolio in
an inclined orientation. The receptacle may be a case or bag
configured to receive a tablet or laptop computer between opposing
sides thereof. An end of the case or bag opposite the spine may be
configured to selectively open and close.
[0010] According to another embodiment, a computer tote may be
summarized as including: a receptacle defining an internal space to
receive a computer device, the receptacle including opposing sides
connected by a spine; a closure mechanism to keep the receptacle
closed when in a transport configuration and enabling access to the
internal space to retrieve the computer device when in a retrieval
configuration; and a handle coupled to one of the opposing sides of
the receptacle proximate the spine, the handle sized and positioned
to overlie a back of a user's hand when the hand is received
between the handle and the receptacle and fingers of the hand are
grasped around the spine.
[0011] According to one embodiment, a method of using a computer
tote may be summarized as including: positioning fingers of a hand
between a handle and a receptacle of the computer tote, the
receptacle including opposing sides connected by a spine and
defining an internal space to receive a computer device, the handle
coupled to one of the opposing sides of the receptacle proximate
the spine; moving the fingers around the spine; and grasping the
spine while the hand is positioned between the handle and the
receptacle. Grasping the spine may include drawing the receptacle
towards a forearm supporting the hand. Grasping the spine may
include grasping the spine with a majority of the handle overlying
a back of the hand between knuckles at the base of the fingers and
a wrist of the hand. Positioning fingers of the hand between the
handle and the receptacle of the computer tote and moving the
fingers around the spine may include elongating the handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional laptop case,
according to the prior art.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a case, according to one
embodiment, shown grasped by a user for transport.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a case, according to another
embodiment, shown grasped by a user for transport.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of a portfolio, according to one
embodiment, shown grasped by a user for transport.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial detail view of the portfolio of FIG.
4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the portfolio of FIG. 4 shown
in an open configuration.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the portfolio of FIG. 4
shown in an inclined viewing configuration.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the portfolio of FIG. 4
shown with opposing sides of the portfolio in a face-to-face
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or
more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and manufacturing techniques associated with computer
totes may not be shown or described in detail to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.
[0021] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as "including, but
not limited to."
[0022] 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. Furthermore, the particular features,
structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments.
[0023] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted
that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including
"and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a tote, according to one embodiment, in the
form of a case 20 for carrying a laptop or other computer device
therein. The case 20 is configured to be carried alongside a user's
forearm 22 as the user grasps the case 20 with one hand 24. More
particularly, the user may wrap his or her fingers 26 around a
spine 30 of the case leaving the thumb 28 behind. A handle 32 is
coupled to a side 33 of the case 20 near the spine 30 for receiving
the user's hand 24 while it grasps the case 20. The handle 32 is
sized and positioned with respect to the spine 30 such that the
handle 32 overlies a back of the user's hand 24 when the hand 24 is
received between the handle 32 and the side 33 of the case 20. In
this position, the user may grasp the spine 30 and flex or rotate
his or her wrist inwardly to tuck the case firmly against the
user's forearm 22. When grasped in this manner, the case 20
provides a particularly stable and convenient way to carry a
computer device received therein.
[0025] The handle 32 may be formed of a length of material which
extends across the entirety of the side 33 of the case 20. Opposing
ends 36 of the material may be integrally connected to the case 20
via stitching 38, adhesive and/or other attachment mechanisms. A
central portion of the handle 32 is configured to move away from
the case 20 to receive the user's hand during use. In this
illustrated embodiment, the length of the handle 32 is fixed and
sized such that an average adult hand may fit snugly between the
handle 32 and the side 33 of the case 20 with the user's thumb 28
straddling the handle 32.
[0026] The case 20 generally defines a receptacle for receiving a
computer device, such as, for example, a laptop or notebook
computer. In order to receive the computer device, the case 20 may
include an opening opposite the spine 30 on a topside 40 of the
case 20. The opening may be closable via a zipper mechanism 42,
hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasp, buckles, magnets or
other fasteners. In other words, a closure mechanism may be
provided to keep the receptacle closed when in a transport
configuration and enable access to the internal space to retrieve
the computer device when in a retrieval configuration. The case 20
may also include a flap or other features to conceal the opening
when transporting or storing the computer device in the case
20.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows a tote, according to another embodiment, in the
form of a case 120 for carrying a laptop or other computer device
therein. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the case
120 is configured to be carried alongside the user's forearm 22 as
the user grasps the case 120 with one hand 24. More particularly,
the user may wrap his or her fingers 26 around a spine 130 of the
case 120 leaving the thumb 28 behind. A handle 132 is coupled to a
side 133 of the case 120 near the spine 130 for receiving the
user's hand 24 while it grasps the case 120. The handle 132 is
sized and positioned with respect to the spine 130 such that the
handle 132 overlies a back of the user's hand 24 when the hand 24
is received between the handle 132 and the side 133 of the case
120. The handle 132 is preferably elongated and extends at least a
width of an average adult's hand.
[0028] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, opposing ends 136
of the handle 132 are positioned within respective openings 138 in
the side 133 of the case 120 and secured to the case 130 in a
manner that is concealed from view. The ends 136 of the handle 132
may be rigidly secured to the case 120 such that the handle 132 has
a fixed length, or alternatively, may be flexibly secured to the
case 120 such that the handle 132 can extend elastically from the
case 120 during use. For example, in some embodiments, the opposing
ends 136 of the handle 132 may be secured to the case 120 with
elastic elements (not shown) such that the handle 132 can extend
away from the case 120 when receiving the user's hand 24 and
retract back toward the case 120 when the hand 24 is withdrawn from
between the handle 132 and the side 133 of the case 120.
[0029] FIGS. 4 through 8 show a tote, according to another
embodiment, in the form of a portfolio 220 for carrying a tablet
computer 270 (FIGS. 6 and 7) or other computer device therein. As
best shown in FIG. 4, the portfolio 220 is configured to be carried
alongside the user's forearm 22 as the user grasps the portfolio
220 with one hand 24. More particularly, the user may wrap his or
her fingers 26 around a spine 230 of the portfolio 220 leaving the
thumb 28 behind. A handle 232 is coupled to a side 233 of the
portfolio 220 near the spine 230 for receiving the user's hand 24
while it grasps the portfolio 220. The handle 232 is sized and
positioned with respect to the spine 230 such that the handle 232
overlies a back of the user's hand 24 when the hand 24 is received
between the handle 232 and the side 233 of the portfolio 220. The
handle 232 is preferably elongated and extends at least a width of
an average adult's hand.
[0030] The handle 230 is coupled to the side 233 of the portfolio
220 near the spine 230. In some embodiments, a centerline 250
defined by an average width 252 of the handle 232 is offset from
the spine 230 by at least one-half inch and by no more than three
inches. In some embodiments, the centerline 250 may be offset from
the spine 230 by at least one inch and by no more than two inches.
In some embodiments, the handle 232 may be positioned entirely
within an area defined by a lower one-third of the side 233 of the
portfolio 220. In other embodiments, the handle 232 may be
positioned entirely within an area defined by a lower one-quarter
of the side 233 of the portfolio 220. In some embodiments, the
handle 232 may be positioned approximately at a center of a length
of the portfolio 220, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, such that
the portfolio 220 is substantially balanced fore and aft when
grasped by the user via the handle 232 and spine 230.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, opposing ends 238 of the handle 232 may
be positioned within respective openings 234 in the side 233 of the
portfolio 220 and secured to the portfolio 220 in a manner that is
concealed from view. In some embodiments, the handle 232 may
include elastic portions 236 secured to the portfolio 220 with
stitching or other fastening mechanisms within an interior region
of the portfolio 220 hidden from view. In this manner, a length 254
of the handle 232 which is visible to the user may elongate as the
user's hand 24 is inserted between the handle 232 and the side of
the portfolio 220 and as his or her fingers 26 are wrapped around
the spine 230.
[0032] The handle 232 may be configured to move between a stowed
configuration in which the handle 232 is positioned substantially
flat against the side 233 of the portfolio 220 and a deployed
configuration in which a central portion of the handle 232 is
positioned offset from a side 233 of the portfolio 220. In some
embodiments, the length 254 of the handle 232 which is visible to
the user may change by one-half inch or more as the handle 232
transitions from the stowed configuration to the deployed
configuration. In some embodiments, a central portion of the handle
232 may be offset from the side 233 of the portfolio 220 by an inch
or more when the handle 232 is in the deployed configuration. In
some embodiments, a majority of the handle 232 may overlie a back
of the hand 24 between knuckles at the base of the fingers 26 and a
wrist of the hand 24 when the handle 232 is in the deployed
configuration. In some embodiments, the handle 232 may be located
entirely within an outer profile of the side 233 of the portfolio
220 irrespective of whether the handle 232 is in the stowed
configuration or the deployed configuration. The handle 232 may be
substantially flat to lie closely against the side 233 of the
portfolio 220 when in the stowed configuration. Alternatively, the
handle 232 may have a generally elliptical or circular
cross-sectional shape. The cross-section of the handle 232 may vary
in size and shape along a length thereof.
[0033] The portfolio 220 defines a receptacle for receiving a
tablet computer 270 (FIGS. 6 and 7) or other computer device. In a
transport configuration, a topside 240 of the portfolio 220 that is
opposite the spine 230 may be held closed with one or more
fastening devices to retain the tablet computer 270 securely
therein. For instance, in one embodiment, elastic bands 242 may be
attached to a back side of the portfolio 220 and selectively
wrapped around corners of the front side 233 of the portfolio 220
to hold the portfolio 220 in a closed configuration. In other
embodiments, the portfolio 220 may include a zipper mechanism, hook
and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, clasps, buckles, magnets or
other fasteners for holding the portfolio 220 closed during
transport.
[0034] The portfolio 220 can open in a book-like manner about the
spine 230 to reveal the tablet computer 270. FIG. 6 shows the
portfolio 220 in an opened, substantially planar configuration in
which opposing inside portions 256, 258 of the portfolio 220 are
positioned side-by-side with topside edges 240a and 240b separated
from each other.
[0035] In some embodiments, an inside portion 256 of the portfolio
220 may include features for supporting the tablet computer 270 in
one or more viewing orientations. For example, an inside portion
256 of the portfolio 220 may include one or more stops 264
positioned to selectively receive and position an opposing inside
portion 258 of the portfolio 220 housing the tablet computer 270 in
an inclined orientation. FIG. 7 illustrates the portfolio 220 with
the tablet computer 270 in an inclined configuration.
[0036] The portfolio 220 can also open until opposing sides of the
portfolio 220 are face-to-face, as shown in FIG. 8. In this
face-to-face configuration, the inside portion 256 becomes a back
of the portfolio 220. The inside portion 256 may include a panel
260 elastically coupled thereto such that the user can selectively
slide his or her fingers 26 between the panel 260 and the remainder
of the portfolio 220 to securely hold the portfolio 220 in a
portrait or landscape viewing orientation. For example, the panel
260 may be coupled to the inside portion by elastic material 262.
Embodiments including such an elastically displaceable panel 260
provide an exceptionally versatile tote for carrying and
accommodating a tablet computer 270.
[0037] Further details of using the totes described herein will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. As can be
appreciated from these figures, each of the totes 20, 120, 220 can
be securely carried by positioning fingers 26 of one's hand 24
between the handle 32, 132, 232 and a receptacle of the computer
tote 20, 120, 220, moving one's fingers 26 around the spine 30,
130, 230 and grasping the spine 30, 130, 230 while the hand 24 is
positioned between the handle 32, 132, 232 and the remainder of the
computer tote 20, 120, 220. In this grasped configuration, the
handle 32, 132, 232 overlies a portion of the back of the hand 24
to assist in keeping the hand 24 secured to the tote 20, 120, 220.
In some embodiments, the handle 32, 132, 232 may provide sufficient
frictional resistance to carry the tote 20, 120, 220 even while
one's fingers are not grasping the spine 30, 130, 230, but are
instead relaxed or extended toward the ground. To further secure
the tote 20, 120, 220, a user may optionally draw the tote towards
his or her forearm by turning his or her wrist slightly inward.
[0038] Although the totes 20, 120, 220 of the illustrated
embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are shown as including only a
single handle on one side thereof, it is appreciated that the
various totes described herein may include a handle on each of
opposing sides of the tote near the spine. In this manner, the
totes 20, 120, 220 can be grasped and carried by either side.
[0039] Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be
combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes
can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed
description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used
should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific
embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but
should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with
the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.
* * * * *