Convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs

Abstract

A laptop pc bag provides not only a standard laptop carrying case for carrying and protecting a laptop PC but also a desk. The height of the bag can be adjusted by extending the legs as far as desired, from approximately six inches to thirty-six inches, thereby providing the right height of the desk for the user. This allows users of all ages and sizes to take advantage of bag in its desk format, regardless of where they are. The legs ultimately provide the user more freedom with their laptop PC and will allow the user to perform the tasks at hand in an easier and more comfortable manner than previously possible. A considerably more versatile laptop bag is provided, one that can be transformed from a normal standard laptop carrying case into a portable workstation, for today's more versatile user and workplace.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/470,369, filed May 14, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/505,225, filed on Sep. 23, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to bags and stands for notebook personal computers (also known as, PC's or laptops).

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Notebook PC's have changed how business is conducted by providing the ability to access your computer on your lap: hence the name laptop. However, as the notebook computer evolved and uses and needs therefore grew, the notebook computer became a more important part of everyday life. Unfortunately, most people are still using laptop computers on their laps, which is not a very comfortable way to work.

[0006] Business travelers need a desk at which they can work when out of the office. However, any portable desk must comply with airport security guidelines. In particular, parts of any portable desk should not be able to be disassembled into any potential weapon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices of this general type and that provides a carrying case that can convert to a desk-like workstation wherever the user takes their laptop.

[0008] With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a convertible laptop pc bag & workstation, including a standard laptop pc bag, and three adjustable legs. The invention enables the bag to transform into a desk.

[0009] The invention, an improved laptop carrying case, has the ability to turn into a desk regardless of where the user is. The legs are lightweight, yet very strong, and fit neatly in the bottom of the laptop bag when not being used. Once the legs have been extended, one has a desk to work on rather than your lap: thus, a more ergonomic comfortable working position. In addition, since there is no direct contact between the laptop and one's legs, the bag can virtually eliminate the chances of leg burns, which can occur from the extraordinary heat laptops can reach, as high as 140° F. Finally, since the laptop computer is in the confines of the bag, the computer is protected at all times, rather than being completely exposed, possible leading to the computer being more easily dropped or broken.

[0010] More importantly, according to an Intel article published in March of 2002, “92% of all corporate travelers use a laptop pc while on the road.” Additionally, and even more recently and compelling, for the first time ever, in quarter two of 2003, laptop computer sales outpaced desktop computer sales, proving the growing trend of laptop popularity. Therefore, this invention is one that will likely be in great demand.

[0011] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the adjustable legs will provide an improved laptop carrying case. A more comfortable working environment for the user while using their laptop will serve multiple uses and overall will provide a more user-friendly, enhanced laptop bag. Further, this enhanced laptop carrying case will remain economically comparable to the existing standard laptop bag on the market. The actual bag will be a standard laptop bag, similar to one found in a computer store or one that comes with the computer. A preferred size is approximately fifteen by seventeen by eight inches. However, the bag will be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate various size laptop computers and other versions such as, but not limited to, a briefcase version made of leather, aluminum, or plastic, a portable DVD Player bag/stand version for viewing, a wheeling version more appropriate for airline travel, a hair and make-up case and stand, a disc jockey/music carrying case and stand, etc. All the previously mentioned embodiments can be made of various materials.

[0012] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the bag can be made in various sizes, various colors, various materials, and various formats and purposes, for example a portable DVD viewing bag/stand made of leather. The DVD version would be considerably smaller bag than the average laptop PC bag.

[0013] Above are listed various formats for the bag, such as the briefcase version, and the DVD player versions, as well as different possible materials and sizes for the bag and legs. However, the favored format or best mode is the standard black nylon bag, with the lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum legs, with rubber stoppers at the ends to provide a stable non-skid base.

[0014] In accordance with a further object of the invention, a single leg can be attached to the center of the bottom of the bag. A tripod at the bottom of the leg stabilizes the workstation.

[0015] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provided a second embodiment of an improved laptop carrying case that has the ability to turn into a desk regardless of where the user is. The legs are lightweight, yet very strong, and fit neatly in the laptop bag when not being used. The four legs individually screw into the four designated sockets on the bottom portion of the bag. Once installed the user has a desk on which to work, rather than their lap.

[0016] Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0017] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a convertible laptop PC bag to workstation with legs, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0018] The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic front perspective of a bag according to a first embodiment of the invention in a closed position;

[0020] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment in an opened position;

[0022] FIG. 4 is a partial front side view of a leg of the first embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 6 is a front side view of the leg first embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the first embodiment with the legs deployed;

[0026] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic bottom side view of a second embodiment of the bag according to the invention;

[0027] FIG. 9 is front perspective view of the second embodiment in an opened position;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the second embodiment in the opened position and with the legs deployed;

[0029] FIG. 11 is a front side view of an unextended leg of the second embodiment; and

[0030] FIG. 12 is a front side view of an extended leg of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a bottom side of bag 14 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The top part of bag 14 has handle 8 made of strong plastic and may be covered in the same material as bag 14. Bag 14 has two compartments, the top being computer storage compartment 18, and the bottom being leg storage compartment 16. Unzipping their appropriate zippers (zipper for computer storage compartment 10 and zipper for leg storage compartment 12) opens the respective compartment.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of bag 14 in a closed state. Zipper for computer compartment 10 is in the top left corner of bag 14 when closed; when unzipped, computer storage compartment 18 is exposed, and the user is able to begin their task. Zipper for leg compartment 12 is in the bottom left corner of bag 14 when closed as well, and when unzipped legs 20 are exposed.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inside of the leg storage compartment 16, the bottom part of bag 14. The user pulls each leg 20 out and down individually from leg storage compartment 16. At which point, each leg 20 swivels from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The back two legs 20 are connected to the corners of bag 14 by hinge 32 that is bolted into the two back corners of leg storage compartment 16. The front leg 20 is in the center of the front part of leg storage compartment 16, and is also attached by hinge 32, which is bolted in as well. It is hinge 32 that enables the leg to swivel and move from a horizontal packed bag position to a vertical desk position, enabling the conversion from bag to desk.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of leg 20 with rubber stopper 22 at the bottom of leg 20 and quick-release lock 38. This is leg 20 in its shortest form, before it is extended out, to a possible maximum of six times its shortest form. Leg 20 will measure approximately six inches, when not extended, and can extend out as far as approximately thirty-six inches. Legs 20 in the most favored form will be made of lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum and will have rubber stoppers 22 at the ends to provide a stable non-skid base. Legs 20 may also be made in materials such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and plastic.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of bag 14 and computer storage compartment 18 in an open state. The inside of flap from computer compartment 30 has pockets for files 34 to hold files, papers folders, etc., and a pocket for disks 36 to hold standard computer accessories, such as computer disks, compact discs, DVD's, pens, etc. FIG. 5 shows bag 14 separated into two separate compartments: one compartment housing the computer equipment, computer storage compartment 18, which will be padded with shock absorbing EVA foam for the laptop's protection and accommodating various size laptops, and the leg storage compartment 16 housing the legs. Legs 20 are exposed by unzipping flap from leg compartment 24. Legs 20 are in a desk position and are at their shortest form, providing elevation from the ground, ones lap, or surface that one is working on. Additional compartments, which may or may not be added, may include small pockets for extra cords, computer accessories or personal items.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of leg 20 once it has been extended out to its greatest length, preferably, thirty-six inches. The adjusted height is determined by placing the spring-loaded button 26 into respective holes on legs 28. This feature will be similar to an aluminum adjustable walking cane.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of bag 14 in its final form as a desk. Legs 20 are at their longest length, completing the transformation from bag to desk. Legs 20 are fully extended, and spring-loaded buttons 26 are locked into the respective holes on legs 28. Flap 24 hangs down in the back so legs 20 can be exposed and extended out.

[0038] In operation, one uses bag 14 in a normal manner, for carrying and protecting. Once the user has reached the destination where he or she plans to use the laptop, bag 14 turns from a carrying case into a desk/workstation. One can adjust the height of the workstation appropriately for the user's most comfortable ergonomic working position.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows the bottom side of bag 14. It is in this part of bag 14 where the user will find leg storage compartment 16, which is where legs 20 are housed when not being used. The user will carry bag 14 while it is in its bag format, by carrying it by handle 8.

[0040] FIG. 2 shows bag 14 in a closed state, lying on its bottom side, showing the top side of bag 14. The user will open and expose computer storage compartment 18 by unzipping flap for computer compartment 30 by using zipper 10.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows the inside of leg storage compartment 16. Legs 20 are housed in this section of bag 14. There are two legs in the back corners, and one leg in the center of the front of leg storage compartment 16. The user will swivel each leg 20 individually down towards the ground into a vertical positioning, turning the bag into a desk. However, at this point in FIG. 3, legs 20 are still in a packed position.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows leg 20 in its smallest form, as it will be when stored in leg storage compartment 16 and before being extended. The user will swivel each leg 20 individually, and move legs 20 from a horizontal position to a vertical position, enabling the base of the desk to be made. Also shown is quick-release lock 38, which the user must twist to loosen the grasp of the other pieces of the telescoping legs, enabling leg 20 to extend, then one can tighten leg 20 once it is in an extended locked position. Rubber stopper 22 when in operation will provide a stable non-skid base.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of bag 14 and computer storage compartment 18 in an open state, with legs 20 at the shortest possible length. The user would be using the bag 14 in its desk format, however this would likely be used while the user is sitting on the floor, and they simply need their laptop to be elevated. The user of course has many options as to the exact height they wish to work on, by simply extending legs 20.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows leg 20 in its fully extended form. The user can extend leg 20 to the appropriate length by first twisting the quick-release locks 38, which allows each leg 20 section to telescope down to the floor, once the appropriate height is reached. The user simply places the spring-loaded button 26 into the appropriate hole on leg 28, and this can be done any where along each section of leg 20, maximizing the number of different heights the desk can be set at, just like an adjustable aluminum walking cane. The user has the option to sit in a chair and extend leg 20 to fit the user's height or the chair's height, or the user could sit on the floor, grass, sand, or virtually any surface, and just have the legs extended out slightly to provide elevation and a more comfortable ergonomic working position, instead of being hunched over. Typically, a table surface is about thirty inches high. A minimum length of the legs is a size that can fit within the smallest dimension (length or width) of the bag; this is usually about ten inches.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows bag 14 in its desk format. Legs 20 have been fully extended and locked into place. The user can adjust the height of legs 20, to match their appropriate height, or the appropriate height for the seat they are using, by simply telescoping out leg 20. To assure the appropriate height and a stable workstation to work on, the user will use quick-release locks 38 and spring-loaded buttons 26, locking the legs 20 into a locked stable position.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a bottom side view showing the bottom side of bag 114 constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The top part of bag 114 has handle 108 made of strong plastic and may be covered in the same material as bag 114. On the bottom of bag 114, are four designated areas 110, encasing four sockets 112, where legs 120 will screw and lock in. The four designated areas 110 where legs 120 screw in, will be made of the same material as legs 120, the most favored format being lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of bag 114 in an open state. Leg storage compartment 130 has flap 118 made of nylon secured by steel zipper 116. Once flap 118 is unzipped using zipper 116, four legs 120 are revealed and visible. Hook and loop fastener straps 132, such as those sold under the trade name VELCRO®, secure legs 120 in leg storage compartment 130. Flap 118 has pockets on the front side when zipped and closed, to hold standard computer accessories, such as disks, DVD's, compact disks, pens, etc. Flap 118 separates bag 114 into two separate compartments: one compartment housing the computer equipment (hereinafter the “main compartment”), which will be padded with shock absorbing EVA foam for the laptop's protection, and one compartment housing the legs (hereinafter the “leg storage compartment”). Additional compartments, which may or may not be added, may include small pockets for extra cords or personal items.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag 114 when it is opened and legs 120 have been fully extended and attached, completing the transformation from bag to desk. In leg storage compartment 130 when zippered closed, the user will have two pockets, one pocket for files 134 and one pocket for disks 136, other cords, cables, and peripherals can be stored in these pockets as well. Legs 120 are fully extended out and buttons 126 are in the appropriate holes 128.

[0049] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a leg 120, a rubber stopper 122 at the bottom of leg 120, and a screw 124 at the top of leg 120. This is leg 120 in its shortest form, before it is extended to a possible maximum of three times its shortest form. Preferably, leg 120 will measure approximately ten inches, when not extended, and can extend out as far as approximately thirty inches. Legs 120 in the most favored form will be made of lightweight, heavy-duty black anodized aluminum and will have rubber stoppers 122 at the ends to provide a stable non-skid base. Legs 120 may also be made in materials such as, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, and plastics.

[0050] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of leg 120 once it has been extended out to its greatest length, thirty inches. The adjusted height is determined by the location of button 126 in appropriate hole 128. This feature of leg 120 will be similar to an adjustable metal walking cane.

[0051] In operation, one uses the second embodiment of the bag 114 in a normal manner, for carrying and protecting. Once the user has reached the destination where he or she plans to use the laptop, bag 114 turns from a carrying case into a desk/workstation. One can adjust the height of the workstation appropriately for the user's most comfortable ergonomic working position.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows the bottom side of bag 114. It is in this part of bag 114 where the user will find four designated areas 110 and four designated sockets 112, which is where legs 120 screw and lock in. The user will carry bag 114 while it is in its bag format, by carrying it by handle 108.

[0053] FIG. 9 shows bag 114 in an open state. The user will expose legs 120 by unzipping flap 118 with zipper 116. Legs 120 will be removed from the leg storage compartment 130 by opening the hook and loop fastener straps 132, which will free legs 120 so they can be installed into the four designated areas 110.

[0054] FIG. 10 shows bag 114 in its desk format. Legs 120 have been fully extended and installed. The user can adjust the height of legs 120, to match their appropriate height, or the appropriate height for the seat they are using, by simply telescoping out leg 120. To assure the appropriate height and a stable workstation to work on, the user will lock in button 126 into appropriate hole 128 that suits the user.

[0055] FIG. 11 shows leg 120 in its smallest form, as it will be when stored in bag 114 and before being extended. The user will take leg 120 and screw it into bag 114 using screw 124, which is part of and at the top of leg 120. Also shown is rubber stopper 122, which is where the leg is extended from and when in operation will provide a stable non-skid base.

[0056] FIG. 12 shows leg 120 in its fully extended form. The user can extend leg 120 to the appropriate length by pulling out from rubber stopper 122 and locking in button 126 into the appropriate hole 128. The user will also have the option to sit in a chair and extend leg 120 to fit their height or their chair's height. Or, the user could sit on the floor, grass, or sand and just have the legs extended slightly to just provide a more comfortable ergonomic working position, instead of being hunched over. This is all accomplished while still protecting your computer.

Claims

1. A convertible bag for storing and supporting a notebook computer, comprising:

a bag for holding the notebook computer; and

a leg connected to said bag, said leg being retractable into said bag and being deployable to support said bag and the notebook computer resting on said bag.

2. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said bag has:

a laptop compartment for holding the laptop computer; and

a leg compartment storing said leg when said leg is retracted.

3. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said laptop compartment is above said leg compartment when said leg is deployed.

4. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is telescoping.

5. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising two further legs to stabilize the bag without further support.

6. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising three further legs, each of said legs being connected to a respective corner of said bag.

7. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge interconnecting said leg to said bag, said leg pivoting on said hinge between deployed and retracted positions.

8. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said bag has a socket formed therein and said leg inserts into said socket when said leg is deployed.

9. The convertible bag according to claim 8, wherein said leg has a screw and said screw connects to said socket.

10. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is permanently connected to said bag.

11. The convertible bag according to claim 4, wherein said telescoping leg has a minimum height and maximum height, said minimum height being approximately ten inches, and said maximum height being at least thirty inches.

12. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising a rubber stopper connected to a bottom of said leg.

13. The convertible bag according to claim 5, wherein:

said bag is rectangular and has two opposing pairs of sides;

a first of said legs is connected along a first side of one of said two opposing pairs of sides; and

a second and a third of said legs are connected along a second side of said one of said two opposing pairs of sides.

14. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said bag is made from a material selected from the group consisting of nylon, leather, and plastic.

15. The convertible bag according to claim 1, further comprising cushioning for protecting the laptop computer in said bag.

16. The convertible bag according to claim 1, wherein said leg is made from aluminum.