Patent Application
20110174645
The present invention is generally related to the field of portable computers and computer accessories therefore, and more particularly to notebook and tablet computer protection devices.
With the heightened security levels both in the United States and abroad, travelers with notebook/laptop and tablet personal computers, collectively referred to as portable computers, are subject to even more intense screening of their portable computers through security at airports, as well as other transportation terminals. Currently, portable computer owners are required to remove their computer from its carrying case, and the computers are required to be placed separately on a conveyor belt, or, in a tray as it is advanced through the screening process.
With the increased features and miniaturization and portability of portable computers, including tablet style portable computers, user's are increasingly desiring to operate their computers in many environments including on airplanes, coffee shops, in front of the TV, just to name a few. The increased portability of the computers continues to present the need for both safe transporting of the computer, and operation of the computer in various embodiments. Users are often limited on their ability to remove their computers from travel protection cases due to space constraints and available time to operate and access the computers.
There is desired a portable computer accessory suitable to facilitate the combined safe transportation and operability of the portable computer given space/accessibility and time constraints, which protects the computer but also provides the quick accessibility and operability of the portable computer. The accessory should enhance a user's experience and provide enhanced convenience.
These portable 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 portable 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 portable computer accessory suitable to facilitate handling and examination of a computer outside of a computer carrying case, yet which accessory provides physical access and visual inspection of a computer as it is advanced through a security checkpoint. Such a device needs to facilitate easy access to the computer, such as for use or for further inspection when required, yet which securely protects the 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 portable computer protection device comprising a reinforced body member including a receptacle to securely transport and store a portable computer, and also includes an integrated adjustable support member configured to elevate and angle the portable computer in an operable position when the body member is opened.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable support member is configured to angle the portable computer above a bottom member of the protection device when the top member is retracted to open the protection device. The adjustable support member is integrated to the protection device, and may be selectively removed from the protection device and placed on a horizontal support surface and selectively angle the portable computer thereon. The combination protection device and support device provides the user the convenience of accessing and using the portable computer in a variety of settings, including confined settings in an airplane or vehicle without having to remove the portable computer from the protection device. The body member is adapted to conform to the shape of the portable computer, to secure the notebook computer therewithin when stored in a carrying case during travel.
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 portable 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 portable 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
Referring now to
Further shown in
The support member 72 is pivotably coupled to the base member 78 at a forward edge of each member. Base member 78 is selectively securable to the bottom member 62 of protection device 60, such as by a snap fit, or as shown, by a plurality of downwardly extending extensions 84 extending through respective holes in the bottom member 82 and configured to receive fasteners 70, as shown in
The protection device 60 is further seen to include a pair of pivotable laterally extendable trays 88 extendable from opposite sides of the bottom member 62, as shown. Each tray 88 is configured to provide workroom, and has an upper surface 90 configured to provide support for a mouse or other device as desired. Each tray 88 has a distal handle/tab 92 configured to grasp and extend the tray 88 from the stored position in bottom member 62.
In the shown embodiment, the support member 72 is selectively positioned in the receptacle 66. However, the support member could also be integrated to the outside surface of the protection device 60, such as to the lower member 62 or the top member 64 and which configuration is within the scope of the present invention.
Referring to
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-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/082,778 filed Apr. 14, 2008, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/700,316 filed Oct. 31, 2003, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,359,184 B2, 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. This application also claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/276,468 filed Sep. 11, 2009 entitled Expandable Laptop Support.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60422587 | Oct 2002 | US | |
| 61276468 | Sep 2009 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10700316 | Oct 2003 | US |
| Child | 12082778 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12082778 | Apr 2008 | US |
| Child | 12807733 | US |
