Patent Application
20230101238
The present invention relates generally to the field of shade and protection devices for electronics. More specifically, the present invention relates to a foldable screen shade device for use with laptops, tablets and other portable electronics. The shade device is designed for shielding a computer or tablet screen against excess light and glare. The invention shields the screen from three sides using a hood on the top of the screen and a pair of side panels. The device is a one-piece unit and contacts the back side of the screen. The shade can accommodate laptops and tablets of various sizes, and can be unfolded to secure to the screen. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, portable computing devices and especially laptops, tablets, notebook computers and other portable electronics such as a smart phones, game systems and the like have a display screen for displaying data, images, text, documents, graphics and the like to the user. By their nature, laptops, tablets and notebook computers are intended to be functional when used outdoors. However, it is well-known that under some circumstances ambient sunlight can make display screens on these devices difficult to view, due to the glare caused by the sunlight. These tablet computers are often used in bright environments that make the displays difficult to see. Bright light or sunlight is a challenge to users of tablet and laptop computers, as the screen of the cell phone, portable electronic or tablet computer is usually not bright enough to be seen when the sun is shining brightly.
Usually, people use one or more of their hands to cup around the edges of the display or hold up a paper or magazine to reduce the light and glare of the screen. This is not only ineffective, but is also discomforting and potentially embarrassing for a user. Further, work efficiency is also reduced for the user as the individual cannot use both hands to operate the keyboard or device. Alternatively, users try to increase the brightness of their computer, but this does not always work when working on beaches or in bright sunlight, and it also causes the battery of the computer to rapidly drain.
Shading devices for laptops, other portable electronics and notebook computer screens are usually not readily available, as they are bulky, non-foldable and expensive. Devices which are permanently affixed can unduly add to the size, weight, cost, or complexity of the computing device. People carry them, but rarely use them, as they are generally difficult to install and are ineffective and are often forgotten when the person goes outside, as it is another accessory they have to take.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a computer or portable electronic screen-shielding device that shields the screen from excess light and glare. There is also a long felt need in the art for a screen shade that enables users to clearly view the screen, even in high light situations. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a computer screen-shielding device that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a display screen device that eliminates the need for users to use their hands around the edges of the screen for preventing glare. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a screen shield device that is lightweight, cost-effective and portable. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a tablet computer screen shade device that can be easily mounted and removed from the screen. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a screen shade device that is inexpensive to manufacture, foldable and can cover the screen to protect against excess light and glare with minimal effort.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a foldable shade for a notebook computer screen. The foldable shade features a back portion with a length substantially equal to the screen and width longer than the screen, a hood top pivotally attached to the back portion and having a width less than the back portion, two side panels extending from the longitudinal edges of the hood top. Each side panel has a curved edge and a free edge, and each of the free edges has a tab configured to lock into slots positioned on the back portion for securing the shade around the screen of the electronic device. A pair of elastic straps secure the shade to the bezel of the screen, and an upper strap secures to top bezel portion and a lower strap secures to bottom bezel portion of the screen. When the shade is installed, the side panels extend perpendicularly from the longitudinal edges of the hood top, and the hood top lies horizontally above the screen.
In this manner, the novel foldable screen shade of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a relatively cost-effective, lightweight and effective solution for people to clearly view the screen of their notebook computer or other electronic device in bright or ambient light. The shade device is foldable and can be selectively expanded to shield against bright light, thereby enabling the individual to better see the screen. Further, the shade device can accommodate portable electronic devices, laptops and notebook computers of various sizes, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a foldable shade for notebook computers and other portable electronic screens. The foldable shade is designed for shielding the screen of a laptop, tablet, portable electronic device, or notebook computer from glare and ambient light, and provides protection from the top and sides of the screen. The foldable shade further includes a back portion with a length substantially equal to the screen and width longer or greater than the screen. A hood top is pivotally attached to the back portion and has a width that is shorter than the back portion. Two side panels extend from the longitudinal edges of the hood top, with each side panel having a curved edge and a free edge. The free edge has a tab that is configured to lock into slots or grooves positioned on the back portion for securing the shade around the screen. A pair of elastic straps or other fasteners are provided for securing the shade to the bezel of the screen. The upper strap or fastener secures to the top bezel portion and a lower strap or fastener secures to the bottom bezel portion of the screen. When the shade is installed, the side panels extend perpendicularly from the longitudinal edges of the hood top, and the hood top lies horizontally above the screen.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a pair of relief notches are disposed at the ends of a common edge between the hood top and the back portion for pivotal movement of the hood top relative to the back portion. The common edge can also have a hinge or fold line to facilitate folding of the screen.
In yet another embodiment, the shade device is made from one or more of PVC, cardboard, plastic, paperboard, recycled plastic or other post-consumer waste materials, coated stock to make the screen impervious to rain or moisture, hard paper or combinations thereof. The invention can also be provided with various graphics, text, other indicia and designs so that it can serve as a promotional device or may otherwise be personalized.
In yet another embodiment, the foldable shade device can be folded when not used for providing shade or shielding of the screen, and can be secured using the elastic upper strap and the lower strap or other fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a folding notebook computer shade for shielding a laptop screen or the display of other portable electronic devices from three sides is disclosed. The folding notebook computer shade or hood shields the screen from the top of the screen and sides of the screen to prevent light from impinging onto the screen and obscuring the display. The folding notebook computer hood also includes a back portion and a pair of straps or fasteners that secure the hood or shade to the screen or screen support. A hood top portion lies flat and extends horizontally over the top of the screen and a portion of the keyboard to prevent light from the top of the screen. The shade includes a right-side panel that extends perpendicularly from a first edge of the hood or shade top portion to prevent light from entering from one side of the screen, and a left side panel extending perpendicularly from a second edge of the hood top portion to prevent light from entering from the other side of the screen. The side panels are secured to the back portion through a pair of tabs that are fastened to the slots or grooves positioned on the back portion. Alternatively, the side panels can be held in position by other fasteners.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for shielding or otherwise protecting a notebook computer screen from ambient light and glare is disclosed. The method includes the steps of securing a screen shielding or shading device to the back portion of the screen or support for a screen using a pair of elastic straps or other fasteners, then, positioning a back portion or cover of a shielding or shading device along the back of the screen, such that a pair of slots or grooves positioned on the back portion lie beside or are adjacent to the side edges of the screen, thereafter lifting a top hood portion from a first position where the top hood portion may be secured to the back portion, to a second position vertically above the screen. Then, a user unfolds a pair of side panels which are attached to longitudinal edges of the hood top portion and the side panels are perpendicularly placed to the top hood portion when unfolded. Finally, the side panels are pulled down, such that the top portion becomes horizontally disposed and a tab present on each side panel secures to a slot positioned on the back portion, thereby allowing the side panels to be fixed in position and prevent light from falling onto the screen from the sides of the screen.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a computer screen shielding or shading device that shields or shades the screen from excess light and glare, as well as from moisture or other debris such as leaves or other organic matter falling on the electronic device. There is also a long felt need in the art for a screen or display shade that enables users to clearly view the screen or display. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a computer screen or display for shielding or shading that can be used in both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a display screen hood that eliminates the need for users to use their hands or other impromptu shading devices around the edges of the screen for preventing glare. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a screen shield device that is lightweight, cost-effective and portable. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a tablet computer screen shade that can be easily mounted and removed from the screen or display. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a screen shade that is foldable, highly portable and can cover the screen to protect against excess light and glare with minimal effort.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel method for shielding a notebook computer screen from ambient light and glare. The method includes the steps of securing a screen-shielding device to the back portion of the screen using a pair of elastic straps or other fasteners, then positioning a back portion or cover of a shielding or shading device along the back of the screen such that a pair of slots or grooves positioned on the back portion lies besides or is adjacent to the side edges of the screen. Next, the top hood portion is lifted from a first position where the top hood portion contacts to the back portion to a second position vertically above the screen. Then, a user unfolds a pair of side panels such that the side panels are attached to the longitudinal edges of the hood top portion, and the side panels are perpendicularly placed to the top hood portion when unfolded. Finally, the side panels are pulled down, such that the top portion is disposed horizontally and a tab present on each side panel secures to a slot or grooves positioned on the back portion, thereby allowing the side panels to be secured and preventing light from falling onto the screen from the sides of the screen.
Referring initially to the drawings,
A right-side panel 110 extends outwardly along the right edge 1080 of the shade top 108, and a left side panel 112 extends along the left edge 1082. The top 108 may have an extension flap 109 (see
The hood or shade top 108 and the back portion 102 can be coupled using a hinge or fold line (not shown) that allows pivotal movement of the hood or shade top 108 along the edge 1020. It should be appreciated that the hood or shade top 108 and the side panels 110, 112 form a three-sided barrier around a screen to block substantially all the glare and maintain clear viewing of the screen for a user. The straps or fasteners 104, 106 are used for securing the back portion 102 to the back of the laptop or notebook computer and can secure to the bezel or supporting frame so that view of the screen is not obstructed for user. The top and side panels may have graphics, indica, text or other collateral 123 so that the user can personalize the shade or shield. The graphics 123 can be part of marketing collateral, such that the shade or screen can be given away as part of a promotional offering. In alternative embodiments, the side panels 110 and 112 may also be made from a light-filtering material which will block most of the light reaching the screen or display, but not all of the light, in the event some illumination is needed.
In the preferred embodiment, the width of the back portion 102 is slightly greater than the width of the hood or shade top 108, such that the back portion 102 prevents the light from passing from the sides of the screen, and also the straps 104, 106 can easily hold the hood or shade top 102 with folded side panels in the folded position.
For unfolding the hood device 100 and securing to a screen, the upper strap or fastener 104 is removed by pulling to bring it into position 104. The upper strap or fastener 104 is secured to the top area of the bezel or support frame of a screen or shield as illustrated in
The slots or grooves 120, 128 are positioned on the back portion 102 such that they align with the edges 1080, 1082 of the hood top 108. When the side panels 110, 112 are positioned perpendicularly to the hood top 108, the tabs 118, 126 are secured to the slots or grooves 120, 128 respectively. This allows the side panels 110, 112 to protect the screen on the sides while the hood top 108 protects the glare on the screen from the top. The upper strap 104 also has a band to adjust the hood device 100 to the different notebook or other device sizes. It should be noted that the pair of side panels 110, 112 are symmetrical, and the length of the free edges 116, 124 is substantially similar to the length of the back portion 102 such that the side panels 110, 112 completely cover the screen from both of the sides.
As shown, the upper strap or fastener 104 is secured to the top bezel or frame portion 404 and the lower strap or fastener 106 is secured to the lower bezel or frame portion 406 for securing the shade or shield device 100 to the electronic item. The right-side panel or wing 110 is positioned along the side edge 408 and the tab 118 (shown in
Then, the back portion 102 is pulled down in the direction 502 so that the back portion 102 can contact or be otherwise fastened to the back of the screen or display, and reach position 102a. Thereafter, the hood top 108 is pivotally pulled up in the direction 504 to reach the position 108a. Once the hood top 108 is substantially aligned or coplanar with the back portion 102, then the side panels 110, 112 are opened (pulled apart as shown in the direction 506) to become perpendicular to the hood top 108 as shown in the position 110a, 112a. Thereafter, the side panels 110, 112 are pulled down from the position 110a, 112a, such that the tabs 118, 126 are secured to the slots 120, 128 respectively, to shield the screen or display as shown in
For folding the hood 100, the aforementioned steps are performed in reverse, where the tabs 118, 126 are removed from the slots 120, 128 followed by collapsing the side panels 110, 112 to contact or be secured to the hood top. Then, the hood top 108 and the back portion 102 contact or are secured to each other and the straps 104, 106 secure the hood 100 as shown in
Initially, as shown in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “screen shade device”, “shade device”, “hood device”, “folding notebook computer hood” and “foldable screen shade device” are interchangeable and refer to the foldable screen shade device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the foldable screen shade device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the foldable screen shade device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the foldable screen shade device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the foldable screen shade device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the foldable screen shade device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/247,842, which was filed on Sep. 24, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63247842 | Sep 2021 | US |
