FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to carrying cases and, specifically to cushioned computer carrying cases having detachable auxiliary accessories and pouches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cushioned carrying cases for portable computers such as laptop and tablet computers have been developed to provide varying degrees of shock protection for the computer. Such a carrying case is described in my co-pending application Ser. No. 10/879,924, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Cushioned cases can also be designed and configured for the protection of other sensitive electronic, optical or electromechanical devices from the shock of an impact.
Although convenient and lightweight, these carrying cases do not include space for computer peripherals, paper files and the like. As used herein, the term “computer peripherals” includes batteries, voltage converters, disks, additional drives, hand-held calculators, PDAs and computers, mobile phones, audio devices, small printers/scanners, ink cartridges, paper files, printed materials, writing utensils and the like.
The popularity of portable laptop and tablet type computers creates a need for an auxiliary case, accessory pouch, portfolio or file holders or similar containers that can be readily attached to and detached from the exterior of a cushioned computer carrying case. This advantageously makes for a simpler primary carrying case that can adapt to the changing accessory needs of a user.
As used herein, the term “pouch” is intended to include portfolios, folders and similar cases, accessory carrying cases, including padded cases for transporting computer peripherals, cell phone holders, soft and semi-rigid pouches and containers.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in combination, a primary carrying case and at least one auxiliary pouch that can be detachably connected to the case for transport.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a kit that consists of a primary carrying case and the a plurality of auxiliary pouches, where the carrying case is capable of retaining one or more pouches on its exterior surface.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a combination where means are provided to securely retain an attached auxiliary pouch on the carrying case.
Another object of the present invention is to provide the above combination wherein the at least one auxiliary pouch has fasteners that lock and require a manual release.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above objects and other advantages are provided by the present invention which comprises the combination of a primary carrying case and at least one auxiliary pouch that is securely but detachably connected to the case. The auxiliary pouch is detachably connected to an exterior wall of the primary case. The exterior wall of the primary case includes an attachment web having portions that are secured to the exterior wall of the primary case that define passageways between the web and surface of the case for receiving at least one fastener of the auxiliary pouch. The fastener engages the attachment web and passes at least in part through the passageway to removably secure the pouch to the case.
As used herein, the term web includes an elongated or equilateral member in the form of a strip of material, an elongated strap, a panel that is rectilinear or curvilinear and that covers a minor or major portion of the carrying case, or the entire surface of the carrying case to which it is attached. The web is preferably fabricated from a textile, having a high tensile strength and tear resistance, such as a nylon canvas or other material commonly used in manufacturing soft-sided luggage.
The passageways are preferably spaced apart and positioned on one or both of the major exterior walls of the case. Access openings are defined in the edges of the web that are in communication with the passageways. The access openings and passageways receive the fasteners of the pouch and optionally the straps of the case. The number and the alignment of the fasteners on the pouch is correspondingly accommodated by the number and alignment of access openings and/or passageways defined in the web of the carrying case.
The auxiliary pouch is preferably less than or equal to the width the exterior wall of the case to which it is connected and includes one or more fasteners. The fasteners are positionable in access openings and/or passageways of the web and are preferably biased toward the pouch surface. The fasteners can also include a locking mechanism that is manually releasable.
The present invention also broadly comprehends a kit that includes a primary carrying case and at least one auxiliary pouch that is detachably connected to the case. When the kit includes multiple auxiliary pouches, the pouches in the kit can vary in size, and in the alignment and/or spacing of the fasteners. The auxiliary pouches can be attached separately or in groups to the primary case. When the carrying case and auxiliary pouches are sold as a kit, the individual pieces can be color matched, provided with corresponding designs, patterns and other elements to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the pieces when the are combined.
The invention further comprehends a carrying harness comprising a plurality of web elements that form a pocket for receiving the cushioned computer carrying case. The carrying harness is provided with access openings for receiving fasteners as described in the above embodiments. The harness is adapted to receive the carrying case in close-fitting relation and can be provided with adjustable retaining elements for the purpose of accommodating different sized cases. One or more hand or shoulder carrying straps are also attached to the harness. One or more accessory pouches can be sold with the carrying harness as described above.
In an alternative form of this embodiment, the carrying harness can be permanently affixed to the carrying case, as by stitching, heat bonding or adhesives.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of a combination including a primary carrying case and at least one detachable auxiliary pouch are described herein with reference to the attached drawings in which like numerals identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a combination of a primary carrying case and an auxiliary pouch prior to attachment in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of another auxiliary pouch for use with the carrying case of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a left side rear perspective view of another auxiliary pouch for use in the invention;
FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partly in cross-section, of a fastener attached to an auxiliary pouch and secured to a case;
FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a carrying case with an attachment web in the form of a panel for securing one or more auxiliary pouches;
FIG. 6 is a left side rear perspective view of another embodiment of an auxiliary pouch provided with a fastener having an alternative orientation;
FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a fastener for use in the invention;
FIG. 7A is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a fastener for use in the invention;
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a fastener for use with the invention;
FIG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the free end of the fastener of FIG. 9 illustrating the means for engagement; and
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a primary carrying case positioned in a carrying harness formed from a plurality of webs in accordance with the present invention and a pouch with two vertically oriented fasteners positioned to be secured to a portion of the carrying harness.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown in combination, a primary carrying case 10 and at least one auxiliary pouch 50. Primary carrying case 10 in this embodiment includes four webs 30 positioned over carrying straps 20. Each length of web 30 has the shape of an elongated strip with edges 31 that define a pair of access openings 33 in communication with a passageway 32 formed between the webs and the surface of case 10. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, webs 30 define two pairs of vertically aligned passageways 32 positioned in fixed spaced relation on the opposing exterior walls of case 10. Carrying straps 20 are positioned by the vertically aligned passageways 32. Primary carrying case 10 is formed with cushioned walls including a first major wall 11, an opposing second major wall 13, two opposing edge walls 15, a bottom wall 17 and a top wall 19. Major walls 11 and 13 have two side edges 14, a bottom edge 16 and a top edge 18.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, case 10 has major walls 11 and 13 preferably have a generally rectangular shape corresponding to the major sides of a laptop or a tablet computer and edge walls 15, bottom wall 17 and top wall 19 define narrower walls corresponding to the narrow edges of the computer. The walls preferably include a decorative or aesthetically pleasing outer layer or cover 12 that is attached to and surrounds the cushioned exterior walls of case 10. Cover 12 can be made from natural and/or synthetic textile materials including cotton, cotton blended with polymer and/or flexible polymeric compositions Carrying case 10 has an interior space that can be accessed and secured by a closure mechanism 25, such as zipper, positioned at least along top 19. The walls are preferably made of a synthetic material that provide a cushioning effect using encapsulated air or other cushioning medium, but it is understood that the cushioned walls can be fabricated of any material or combination of materials that provide a cushioning effect for the contained computer.
With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the case 10 is provided with a plurality of webs 30 each having edges 31 that form a generally rectangular shape, but it is understood that web 30 can have any shape or dimensions including decorative, geometrical or other configurations that function to retain straps 20 and/or auxiliary pouch 50 to case 10.
Carrying straps 20 are retained in position on case 10 by webs 30. Carrying straps 20 can be adjustably dimensioned for hand and shoulder carrying lengths. As illustrated, the clips 22 on the end of a strap from either side of the case are joined to form a shoulder-length carrying strap. Carrying straps 20 can be fabricated from any material having the load bearing and aesthetic properties desired for case 10. The length of straps 20 can be adjusted using connectors 22, buckles or other means known in the art and can be adjustably positioned on any of the exterior walls including major walls 11, 13 and edge walls 15, for example. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a single strap 20 is positioned at either end of the case 10 with a fixed clip 22 secured to the case or adjacent web element 30 to provide a handle length carrying strap (shown in phantom) is attached by clip 22.
As will be described in more detail below, web 30 can be a single strip, a plurality of aligned strips extending across one or more walls, and/or a panel that extends across and covers a major portion of one or more exterior walls. Web 30 can extend from the first major wall 11 across edges 15 or bottom wall 17 to the second major wall 13 in the form of a continuous panel.
Web 30 can be formed of one or more layers of material having appropriate dimensions to receive and retain one or more pouches and can be fabricated from natural and/or synthetic material such as cotton, or a cotton blend with polymer, and/or flexible polymeric composition having the requisite tensile and tear strength to support the one or more pouches and their respective contents. A preferred material is nylon canvas. Web 30 can be secured to the walls or the cover of the case 10 by stitching, heat sealing and bonding, and adhesives. A single layer strip can be looped or layers of a multiple layer panel separated to define one or more passageways 32 below web 30 that extend across portions of case 10.
Referring to FIG. 5, access openings 33 and passageways 32 for receiving straps 20 and/or fasteners 60 are formed by securing adjacent portions of web 30 to the wall of the case. Passageways 32 are preferably in communication with two access openings 35. In one preferred embodiment, web 30 defines a pair of vertically aligned passageways 32 in proximity to edges 31. In another preferred embodiment, passageways 32 are a pair of vertically aligned passageways proximate opposing edge walls 15 of case 10 that extend along and/or across a portion of one or more carrying straps 20. In another preferred embodiment, web 30 defines a plurality of passageways 32.
Each web 30 has one or more passageways 32 in communication with at least one access opening 33 in edge 31. Passageways 32 can have an access opening 33 and a terminal opposing end that is secured by straps 20, web 30 and/or the exterior wall, or define a through passageway 32 to an opposing access opening 33 for a sliding connection with straps 20. Web 30 is preferably connected to cover 12 and/or the walls in proximity to edges 14, between major walls 11, 13 and edge walls 15 of carrying case (See FIG. 1).
With continuing reference to FIG. 1 auxiliary pouch 50 is in the form of a portfolio and has four vertically aligned fasteners 60 positioned to pass through the four passageways 32 formed by the four webs 30. Auxiliary pouch 50 has an exterior sidewall 51, a second sidewall 53, two opposing edge walls 55, a bottom wall 57, and a top wall 59. Pouch 50 defines an enclosure having an interior space that can be accessed and secured by a closure member 54, such as a flexible flap or a zipper. The maximum dimensions of pouch 50 preferably do not exceed the dimensions of the exterior wall of case 10 to which pouch 50 is attached for transport. Pouch 50 can include a cover that matches or contrasts with the cover of the carrying case 10.
As will be understood from this description, pouch 50 includes at least one fastener 60 that engages web 30 and retains it in position on case 10 for transport. It is understood that the number of fasteners 60 on pouch 50 corresponds to passageways 32 on case 10. As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, pouch 50 includes two or four spaced-apart fasteners 60 that are received by two or four correspondingly aligned passageways 32 formed between web 30 and the surface of the carrying case Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 there are shown alternative configurations of pouches 50 for use in carrying computer peripherals as defined above. Fasteners 60 are connected to pouches 50 and aligned to be received in passageways 32 of the case of FIG. 1. An elongated, narrow pouch is shown in FIG. 2 and a deeper pouch, such as could be used for a battery and/or charger is illustrated in FIG. 3. The configurations as illustrated are merely intended as representative and special-purpose pouches can be provided as required for use in the combination of the invention for use in the combination of the invention.
As shown, in FIG. 4, web 30 defines a passageway 32 for receiving beam portion 64 of fastener 60. In this embodiment, free end or tip 66 passes through and extends beyond passageway 32. Free end 66 is biased to at least partially extend around edge 31. Beam portion 64 is shaped for ease of entry and removal from passageway 32. Tip 66 is provided with a projecting portion 69 that forms a shoulder to engage edge 31 of web 30.
As shown in FIG. 5, web 30 can also be in the form of a panel having at least two opposing edges 31 that are secured to case 10 and include one or more passageways 32. Web 30 has a reduced profile that generally conforms to the exterior walls and minimizes any interference or engagement with external objects during common use. Web 30 can also be connected to straps 20 and when straps 20 have sufficient width to define passageways 32 with portions of straps 20 and/or the exterior walls of case 10.
With continued reference to FIG. 5, web 30 can include a pair of closely-spaced access openings 35 that are preferably parallel to bottom edge 16 and top edge 18. This arrangement is adapted to receive a pouch such as that illustrated in FIG. 6. Fastener 60 of pouch 50, in this embodiment, is an elongated member extending along one side of pouch 50 in a direction generally parallel to the bottom edge 56 and top edge 58 of pouch 50. Fastener 60 has a projecting free end 66 that extends through a first and a second pair of access openings 35 to secure pouch 50 to case 10 transverse to passageways 32. Alternatively, two single spaced-apart access openings 39 formed in web 30 can receive elongate fastener 60, shown in phantom on FIG. 5.
Similarly, fasteners 60 and passageways 32 and/or access openings 33, 35 and 39 are preferably aligned along lines that are parallel and/or normal to the top and/or side edges of the case to which they are to be attached, but can have any corresponding orientation on pouch 50 and case 10, respectively.
As shown in FIG.1, web elements 30 extend across a portion of the width of one of the exterior walls in a direction that is parallel to the bottom and top edges 16 and 18, respectively. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), web 30 is a single elongated element, each end of which is positioned in proximity to opposing edges 14 of case 10. Web 30 also is provided with at least two aligned and spaced-apart access openings 33 that are in communication with a common passageway 32. Access openings 33 receive one or more fasteners 60 that are aligned in the manner illustrated in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, the fastener 60 is aligned parallel to the top of the pouch. Projecting free end 66 will extend from a first access opening 33 through an aligned second access opening 33 for connection to web 30 to thereby secure pouch 50 to case 10.
Fastener 60 is preferably a biased clip to provide a secure engagement with passageways 32 and can be fabricated from metal, plastic, or composite materials, such as plastic-coated metal. In one preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 7, fastener 60 is an elongated spring clip having a support portion 62 and a beam portion 64. Support portion 62 is connected to pouch 50 and beam portion 64 includes a projecting free end 66. Support portion 62 can be connected internally or externally to the pouch exterior walls by adhesive, rivets, heat bonding, or any other suitable means. In this embodiment, the free end 66 is elevated above the surface of the pouch to facilitate its insertion, while the intermediate portion is curved toward the pouch to retain the fastener to the web.
As shown in FIG. 7a, beam 64 is moveable between a first closed position securely connecting beam 64 to support portion 62 and a second open position for insertion into the access openings in web 30. Preferably, tip 66 includes a leading edge 68 with a generally rounded and/or tapered shape for ease of entry into web 30.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, fastener 60 is a clip including support portion 62 and beam portion 64. Support portion 62 is attached to cover 52 or one of the exterior walls of pouch 50. Tip 66 of beam 64 is biased to a first or closed position with a retainer 63 of support portion 62.
In this embodiment, fastener 60 includes a positive locking device 68 on the free end or tip 66 of beam portion 64 that engages a corresponding mating element formed on the support portion 62. Fastener 60 in this embodiment is preferably biased toward the surface of the adjacent pouch.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8A, the positive locking mechanism requires a manual depression and lateral displacement of the tip to disengage fastener 60 before removing the pouch. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when support 62 is positioned inside of pouch 50, the exterior wall of pouch 50 can include an opening 55 in which a part of support portion 62 can extend through for engaging or coming into close proximity with end portion 66.
Fasteners 60 can include any form of attachment or locking mechanism such as a latch, a clip, a snap, hook-and-loop fasteners or a D-ring for securing pouch 50 to case 10. The locking mechanism can be provided by the bias of beam 64 against web 30, trailing edge 69 engaging web 30, retainer 63 as described in FIG. 4 or a positive locking mechanism.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a further embodiment of the invention constructed as a carrying harness 70 includes a plurality of web elements 72, 74 and 76 joined to contain the primary carrying case 10. Pouch 50 in the form of a zippered portfolio is removably attachable to web panel 72 by sliding the two elongated fasteners 60 having projecting free ends 66 into passageways adjacent carrying straps 20 to thereby engage web 30. Free end 66 passes at least partially through access openings 33, 35, 37, 39 and passageway 32 for attachment to web 30 (See FIG. 5). Pouch 50 is removed from case 10 by sliding, disengaging from edge 31 or support portion 62, or manually releasing the locking mechanism of fastener 60.
The carrying harness as illustrated in FIG. 9 can be sewn together from individual web elements, or die-cut from a single piece of fabric. Carrying straps 20 can be sewn to the web panels 72, or be moveable in passageways. Web member 74 and 76 can be made adjustable to accommodate varying sizes of computer carrying cases 10 by means of hook-and-loop fasteners or snaps.
In a further alternative embodiment, the carrying harness 70 of FIG. 9 is permanently affixed to the carry case 10, as by sewing, heat bonding and/or adhesives.
Access openings formed in the surfaces of web 72, 74 and 76 are of a size and alignment, e.g., vertical and/or horizontal, to accommodate the corresponding fasteners 60 affixed to pouches 50. For example, a small pouch 50A is shown in FIG. 9 that can be used to carry a cell phone or PDA. A single, vertically aligned fastener 60 can be clipped over horizontal web member 74, or placed in an access opening 37 on web panel 72 for convenient access during transport.
The larger portfolio pouch 50 as shown in FIG. 9 is provided with fasteners 60 the free ends of which are fitted with snaps that can be engaged after attachment to the web panel 72.
The combination of the invention can be sold in kit form that includes several auxiliary pouches 50 of varying sizes that are selected so that one or more pouches 50 can be attached to case 10 at the same time. For example, the case 10 of FIG. 1 defining four passageways 32 in four webs 30 can receive one or two pouches 50 of the types illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Similarly, the two parallel horizontal passageways 32 positioned on major walls 11 and 13 in FIG. 5 can accommodate at least one of the pouches 50 shown in FIG. 6. The combination of access openings 35 and 39 in web 30 of FIG. 5 can be provided for any case 10, so that multiple fasteners 60 having varying orientations, can be used to attach one or more pouches 50 to web 30.
With further reference to the embodiment of FIG. 9, it is to be understood that a fastener free end 66 can be passed into and extend through pairs of access openings 33, 35, 37 and/or 39 while in communication with the passageway formed between the case and the web panel 72.
It will also be understood that the carrying harness 70 will securely retain any attached pouches 50, even after the carrycase 10 is removed.
Fastener 60 can be a single fastener, but fasteners 60 are preferably mounted in pairs and positioned in parallel to extend at least partially through parallel passageways 32 for secure attachment and support of heavier computer peripherals, such as batteries and larger pouches, such as portfolios during transport on case 10. Fasteners 60 can have angular orientations that are suitable for the size of a particular pouch 50 and case 10. Pouch 50 can also be attached to case 10 in more than one directional orientation, e.g., both horizontally and vertically.
Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those specific embodiments, and that various other changes, and modifications may be affected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit from the disclosure. All such changes and modifications are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.
Patent Application
20060180624
