Separable storage bag for mobile audio-video components

Abstract

The present invention is a storage bag for mobile audio-video components that is separable and detachable. One portion of the bag can store a video screen while the other portion of the bag can store a DVD or videocassette player. The two portions of the bag are separable by a zipper that goes the entire distance around the bag. The two main compartments of the bag contain means to secure the stored items. The separable bag allows for the apparatus to be used while a motor vehicle is in motion. The video screen can be attached to the back of a headrest, or even the center console.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/191,365 filed on Oct. 6, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage bag, more particularly an apparatus that is detachable into at least two separate compartments to store a small video screen and a videocassette player or DVD player in the two distinct compartments for use in an automobile.

2. Description of Prior Art

When traveling long distances in an automobile, the passengers may get tired and bored especially when such passengers are children. In the past, passengers would entertain themselves by playing road games or by conversing with each other. In recent times, certain cars come equipped with small video screens that will lower from the car ceiling, and portable DVD players sold in a bundle with a small video screen have become very popular. These portable DVD players and video screens are either fixed to one another, or, they can be used with a compartmentalized carrier and connected with cables.

One example of such a compartmentalized carrier is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,299 issued to Lee. However, the carrier disclosed in Lee is not separable. Therefore, the entire unit must be placed in an area large enough to fit the carrier containing the video screen and the DVD or videocassette player.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a storage carrier or bag for a small video screen and a DVD or videocassette player with separate and detachable parts for the screen and player, but one which can form a single carrier for transporting and storage of the equipment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a carrier in which the video screen can be attached to various places in a car, such as the back of the headrest or the center console.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to be able to watch a DVD or videocassette while the player is situated in a secure and out of the way location.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is with the above objects in mind that the present invention was developed. The present invention comprises a storage bag similar to a basic brief case or bag that can hold a laptop computer, but smaller. This bag can be carried as a single unit and can then be separated into two separate and distinct portions and used to play movies in a moving vehicle. The two parts of the bag are connected by a zipper that encompasses the entire outside perimeter of the present invention. When separated into the two distinct portions, the compartment securing the video screen can be attached to a headrest or the center console using a series of straps or similar retention device. The compartment securing the videocassette or DVD player can be safely placed on the floor of the vehicle or underneath a seat. Standard wires that would connect any similar electronic equipment connect the video screen and the player are supplied to connect the two portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-identified features, advantages, and objects of the present invention are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appended drawings.

It is noted however, that the appended drawings illustrate only a typical embodiment of this invention and is therefore not to be considered limiting in its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Reference the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the claimed invention in its closed position and also the straps for attaching the portion that secures the video screen;

FIG. 2 shows the claimed invention from the side while closed;

FIG. 3 shows the claimed invention separated into the two distinct compartments;

FIG. 4 shows the claimed invention where the two compartments of the separable bag are partially attached while the bag is open;

FIG. 5 shows the claimed invention in use with the video screen secured to the headrest of a passenger seat in the vehicle and the player resting safely out of the way; and

FIG. 6 shows the claimed invention in use with the video screen secured to the center console of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a storage apparatus that can be separated into two separate and distinct compartments adapted to hold respective portions of an audio/visual system. One compartment is designed to store an object such as a video screen (12) and the other compartment, a DVD or videocassette player (10). The DVD or videocassette player (10) may include a remote control for easier use of the apparatus. This apparatus is especially useful for families taking a family vacation using their automobile as the mode of transportation. Currently, to view movies in the car, a user must either purchase a vehicle specially equipped with a video screen and a playing device or purchase a cumbersome viewing device that is difficult to effectively position in the vehicle.

The present device allows a user to purchase a video screen and player combination without the expense or lack of portability involved with a permanent installation, and without the cumbersomeness of an inseparable video screen/player combination. The storage apparatus is a carrying case similar to a brief case or a laptop case in appearance, but typically much smaller. It can be made from any durable material, but the inventor has found nylon to work well. The carrying case is easily transported when completely attached and closed by use of a handle or strap (6).

The carrying case is divided into at least two distinct portions (14 and 16) that can be either partially or completely separated by an attaching means, such as a zipper (8), but other means may be suitable as well, such as snaps or Velcro®. One portion of the carrying case secures a video screen (16), while the other portion secures a videocassette or DVD player (14). The video screen (12) and the player (10) are electrically connected by standard wiring (18) as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The two components, the video screen (12) and the player (10), can share the same power source, namely the car, by being plugged directly into the cigarette lighter outlet.

FIG. 3 outlines the manner in which the video screen is secured in one compartment and the DVD or videocassette player secured in the other compartment. While the preferred embodiment is for the present invention to be used when the compartment are completely separated, the claimed invention can also be used while partially attached as shown in FIG. 4.

In the preferred embodiment the video screen (12) is secured within its compartment by Velcro®, snaps, ties or any possible means (24) that would safely secure the video screen during use. The video screen is surrounded by holding walls (13) that snuggly encase the video screen. The securing means (24) are then attached as described above to the holding walls to ensure that the video screen is protected and secured within its compartment.

Once the video screen (12) is secured within its compartment, that compartment or portion (16) of the carrying case can be attached to the back of headrest (20) or the center console (22) of the vehicle for use while the vehicle is in motion. The compartment is attached by straps (2 and 3) secured by Velcro®, snaps, ties or other comparable means to the headrest (20) or center console (22). This attaching means (3a and 3b) are interconnecting and are placed horizontally as shown in FIG. 4 around the headrest or center counsel. Another attaching means (2) is then vertically looped through the already placed attaching means (3a and 3b). Both attaching means can be made of identical substances, namely, the Velcro®, snaps, ties or other comparable means.

In the preferred embodiment the DVD or videocassette player (10) is secured within its compartment by Velcro®, snaps, ties or any possible means (11) that would safely secure the player during use. These securing means preferably encompass the entire top, outer portion of the player for optimal protection of the player. When the present invention is in use the front flap (26) of the compartment (14) securing the player (12) can be opened for easy access to the player's controls. This way the DVD or videocassette can be manually played, stopped or otherwise manipulated according to the user's desires.

While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. An apparatus to store and carry mobile audio-video components, comprising:

a first compartment adapted to store a video screen;

a second compartment adapted to store a video player;

wherein the two compartments are connectable to form a single storage unit in a manner that protects the audio-video components; and

wherein the two compartments are distinct and completely separable for operation of the audio-video components.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the video screen is secured into the one compartment using a method selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, ties or zippers.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first compartment further comprises mounting means permitting attachment to a headrest or center console of a vehicle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said mounting means are selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, ties or zippers.

5. A mobile audio-video system comprising:

a storage case having a first and second compartment and connecting means between said first and second compartments;

a video display located within said first compartment;

a video player located within said second compartment;

wherein said storage case is a single unit when said connecting means are closed; and

wherein said first and second compartments can be separated from each other when said connecting means are open.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player is a videocassette player.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player is a DVD player.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player is secured into the second compartment using a method selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, ties or zippers.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the video player and the video screen are connected by wires, and further comprising an opening in one or more of said compartments for the routing of said wires.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising power adapter means for connecting said video player and video screen to a power source.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the power source is an automobile.

12. The system of claim 5, further comprising means on said first compartment for securing said first compartment to a head rest or center console of a vehicle.

13. The system of claim 5, wherein said video player and video screen may be operated with said first and said compartments in a partially connected state, wherein said connecting means are not fully closed and not fully closed.