Patent Grant
7983027
The present invention is generally related to the field of notebook computers and computer accessories therefore, and more particularly to notebook computer protection devices.
With the heightened security levels both in the United States and abroad, travelers with notebook computers are subject to even more intense screening of their notebooks through security at airports, as well as other transportation terminals. Currently, notebook computer owners are required to remove their notebook computer from its carrying case, and the notebook computers are required to be placed separately on a conveyor belt, or, in a tray as it is advanced through the screening process.
These notebook computers, while be designed to be rugged and portable, are subject to intense handling and jostling during the examination and x-ray process. Moreover, the ultimate drop off of the notebook computer down the stainless steel ramp at end of examination leads to damage and scratches of an expensive piece of equipment.
There is desired a notebook computer accessory suitable to facilitate handling and examination of a notebook computer outside of a notebook carrying case, yet which accessory provides physical access and visual inspection of a notebook computer as it is advanced through a security checkpoint. Such a device needs to facilitate easy access to the notebook computer, such as for use or for further inspection when required, yet which securely protects the notebook computer when subject to an examination process, and may even which may be suitable for carrying in a normal computer bag.
The present invention achieves technical advantages as a notebook computer protection device formed of a semi-rigid body member having a sleeve adapted to both receive and secure the notebook computer therewithin. The body member also has at least one opening permitting access to a lateral portion of the received notebook while secured therein, including physical access and visual access thereto.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reinforced body has a plurality of openings permitting access to a plurality of lateral portions of the notebook computer while secured therewithin. The body member is generally shaped like a “X”, having a plurality of extensions defining the openings there between. The body member further includes a port adapted to receive the notebook computer into the sleeve, and also to permit the retrieval therefrom when required. The body member further comprises a retractable handle disposed across the port. The handle is adapted to permit manipulation of the body member when the notebook computer is received therewithin. Preferably, this handle is pivotably retractable and is bowed outwardly therefrom to provide accessibility.
The body member may further include a security device adapted to provide an alert when a notebook computer is removed from the body member. Preferably, the body member is comprised of a translucent material permitting a visual inspection of substantially all of the notebook computer when received therewithin. Preferably, the body member comprises a resilient member disposed within the sleeve adapted to securely cushion the notebook computer at its corners when received therewithin.
The notebook computer protection device, in combination with the notebook computer, provides a notebook computer owner a solution which permits security checkpoints to quickly and conveniently inspect the notebook computer as needed, yet which also protects the notebook computer during this process. This body member is adapted to secure the notebook computer therewithin, when stored in a carrying case if desired.
Referring now to
The opposing extensions 20 are also seen to be narrowed proximate their distal ends 22. Securely coupled to and between the opposing distal ends 22 of each extension 20 are seen to be an integral resilient receptacles 24 adapted to securely receive and grip the respective corner of the notebook computer 12, as shown. These receptacles 24 are preferably comprised of an elastomeric material, but also could be formed of, or have received therewithin, a resilient material such as a foam-like material.
Disposed across one opening of body member 12 is seen to be a pivotable retractable handle 30 which bows outwardly, and has a midsection gripping surface 32. Handle 30 is adapted to pivot about a pivot pin 34 extending vertically between the two respective opposing extensions 22, as shown. At the other end of handle 30 is a locking mechanism 34 adapted to selectively and securely lock the handle 30 in a closed position to the proximate extensions 22, as shown. Device 10 further may include a security device, such as a security alarm, responsive to the removal of the notebook computer from device 10. One configuration of the security device 40 may include a proximity sensor that may be armed/disarmed by an IR programming device, by the entering of a passcode, or other suitable activation device as desired.
Referring now to
As shown in
Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.
This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/700,316 filed Oct. 31, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,184 entitled Notebook Computer Protection Device which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/422,587 entitled “The Guardian” filed Oct. 31, 2002, the teachings of which are included herein by reference
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10700316 | Oct 2003 | US |
| Child | 12082778 | US |
