Tablet and notebook pc carrier

Abstract

The invention provides a carrier for hands-free support of tablet and notebook computers to allow use of the device while standing upright. The carriers are convertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying case configuration. The carrier features include a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion and sidewalls extending away from the outer portion such that the platform and the sidewalls together define an open-top receptacle adapted to receive a portable computer or other display device. The receptacle has at least two opposing portions for attaching or otherwise securing strap fixtures for connecting opposing ends of a user strap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/513,677, filed Oct. 24, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a carrier for portable computing devices, and in particular to carriers for tablet personal computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Advances in electronic technology have led to the combination of displays and tactile user input in a single device. This technology has been further combined with the notebook computer concept to create what are popularly called tablet computers (or tablet PCs). Tablet computers are equipped with a display capable of receiving user input through a stylus or direct touch. An exemplary tablet PC is commercially available from Acer America under the designation “TravelMate.”

As compared to conventional notebook computers, tablet PCs appear to offer enhanced portability because only one hand is required for data input. Via the input stylus, users can input data with one hand while supporting the tablet computer with the other hand. However, tablet PCs are too heavy to be comfortably supported in one hand for extended periods.

True in-use portability is likewise an issue with notebook computers. Notebook computers continue to receive phenomenal commercial success. Notebook computers offer portability with little compromise in functionality as compared to office-bound desktop or tower computer systems. Notebook computers are not fully portable, however, in that they are either awkward or otherwise impossible to use while one is standing. Even the lighter available notebook PCs are too heavy for any user to hold in one hand for useful periods. Moreover, efficient keyboard entry and other cursor control (e.g., touchpad) require the use of both hands.

Devices for hands-free support of laptop computers have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,114 to Bourque is directed to an apparatus for supporting a laptop computer while standing. The apparatus includes a platform and a pair of supporting members each connected to a strap. U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,127 to Maddali et al. is directed to a laptop computer support having a planar support base with shoulder straps attached to a leading edge of the support base and back straps attached to a trailing edge of the support base.

Such prior designs have, thus far, not been commercially successful. Neither prior support design is simple for the user to swap on and off and neither design offers adequate peripheral protection to the computer device.

What is needed is a robust carrier design suitable for protecting and supporting both tablet and notebook PCs while the user is standing. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a carrier that is readily convertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying-case (or briefcase) configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Carriers of the present invention provide hands-free support of tablet and notebook PCs to allow use of the device while standing upright. Notably, the carrier system of the present invention is convertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying case configuration.

Carriers according to the present invention comprise a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion and sidewalls extending away from the outer portion. The platform and the sidewalls together define an open-top receptacle adapted to receive a tablet computer. The receptacle has at least two opposing portions for attaching or otherwise securing fixtures for connecting opposing ends of a user strap.

The sidewalls are preferably an elastomeric fabric adapted to overlap the peripheral portion of the top, displaying surface of the tablet PC or keyboard surface of a notebook PC. Although the orientation of the sidewalls may vary when the carrier is loaded with a computer, the sidewalls preferably slope inwardly towards the inner portion of the platform when the carrier is not loaded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier according to the present invention loaded with a tablet PC and in the uncovered configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer user equipped with a carrier according to the present invention and showing the carrier in an in-use configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carrier in the carrying-case configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a carrier in the in-use position with the stability strap deployed.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a carrier in the carrying-case configuration with the user strap connected at the secondary fixture.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carrier according to the present invention which is in use and loaded with a notebook PC while the stability strap is deployed.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a carrier according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the sidewalls are a perforated mesh material.

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic view of a carrier according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which gaps are present in the sidewalls.

FIG. 9 is a carrier according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the receptacle includes clamps for securing a display device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device clamp shown in the open position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device clamp shown in the clamped position.

FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic view of a platform subassembly having spring-biased clamps.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a carrier with an optional feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible to embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described here in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a carrier 10 according to the present invention is shown with an electronic display device in the form of tablet-style personal computer 12. Tablet PC 12 has a display screen-stylus input combination 14. Carrier 10 includes a platform 16, sidewalls 18 and a cover 20. Platform 16 has an inner portion 22 and an outer, peripheral portion 24. Sidewalls 18 extend from outer portion 24 and terminate in a distal end (or lip) 26. Sidewalls 18 and platform 16 together form an open-top receptacle 28 adapted to receive a display device such as tablet PC 12.

Platform 16 is planar, substantially rectangular and preferably constructed by enclosing a rigid or semi-rigid insert with a durable nylon fabric 30 having a canvas texture (e.g., “Cordura” type fabric from DuPont). Leather and simulated leather is also contemplated for platform 16 and other parts of carrier 10. Fabric layer 30 is preferably secured with stitching 32. A layer of foam or other padding (not separately shown) is optionally positioned between the insert and the fabric layer 30 on one or both of the top, receptacle side 34 and the bottom, outer side 36 to provide impact resistance. Outer portion 24 of platform 16 terminates in an edge 38.

Sidewalls 18 are constructed to extend from outer portion 24 and slope or bend towards inner portion 22 when carrier 10 is not loaded with a display device 12. When loaded with a computer or other display device, the orientation of sidewalls 18 may vary according to the relative size of the device. It is preferred that the size of carrier 10 and display device 12 be coordinated such that distal ends 26 of sidewalls 18 overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface 14 of display device 12. Whether carrier 10 is empty or loaded with a display device, sidewalls 18 present a concave cross section towards inner portion 22.

Sidewalls 18 preferably comprise an elastomeric material in fabric-like form to allow the sidewalls to form snuggly around display device 12. Sidewalls 18 also preferably comprise a compressible material to absorb impacts and protect display device 12. An especially preferred fabric is a 2.5 mil nit-over-polychloroprene foam material commercially available from Glomex, Inc. (Ontario, Calif.). Materials comprising polychloroprene (Neoprene—DuPont Dow Elastomers) are elastomeric and compressible.

Sidewalls 18 are secured to platform 16 with stitching 32. A seam binding 40 overlays edge 38 of platform 14 to prevent fraying of either the sidewalls 18 or platform covering fabric 30.

To address special air flow or cooling requirements for display devices, sidewalls 18 may be constructed of a perforated or mesh material 41 or have perforated portions as shown in FIG. 7.

Returning to FIGS. 1-5, sidewalls 18 substantially frame (or circumscribe) inner portion 22 of platform 16. Although this full-framing construction is preferred to completely secure display device 12 within carrier 10, alternate embodiments are contemplated in which gaps are present in the sidewalls. For example, sidewalls may be present about each corner 42, 44, 46 and 48, but not fully circumscribe platform 16 as shown in simplified schematic FIG. 8 (note sidewall gaps 50).

Returning again to FIGS. 1-5, sidewalls 18 provide a plurality of opposing sides to receptacle 28, for example, opposing sides 52A and 52B, and opposing sides 54A and 54B. In this regard, the term “opposing sides” also includes opposing corners such as corners 42 and 48 and comers 44 and 46. Receptacle 28 includes strap connection fixtures 56A and 56B on opposing sides 52A and 52B, respectively. Strap connection fixtures 56A and 56B include D-rings 58A and 58B secured to sidewall I 8 with fabric loops 60A and 60B, respectively.

As noted, sidewalls 18 define four comers 42, 44, 46 and 48. Carrier 10 includes at least one, but preferably two or more corner straps 62 and 64. Corner straps 62 and 64, which may also be labeled diagonal straps, are preferably elastic strips stitched to adjacent sides of sidewall 18 and platform 16. Corner straps 62 and 64 further secure display devices to carrier 10. Although straps traversing more than two corners are contemplated, two corner straps (62 and 64) aligned on longer side 54B is preferred to accommodate notebook PCs.

Carriers according to the present invention have at least one pair of opposing portions and each opposing portion has at least one fixture. For example, carrier 10 has fixture 56A on side 52A and fixture 56B on opposing side 52B. As described further below, at least one pair of connection fixtures are distributed on opposing portions to provide stability when the carrier is suspended by a strap 66 on a user's shoulder or neck (as best shown in FIG. 2). Strap 66 includes opposing ends 68A and 68B. Each end 68A and 68B of user strap 66 has a respective swivel hook 70A and 70B for engaging D-rings 58A and 58B, respectively.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a stability strap 72 connected between user strap 66 and receptacle 28. More specifically, stability strap 72 extends between connections near each opposing end 68A and 68B of user strap 66 through loops 74 and 76 stitched to sidewall 18. As used herein, the term stability strap is a reference to a mechanical link, line, string, rope, cable or the like that is connected between the main user strap 66 and a point on receptacle 28 such as loop 74. Stability strap 72 is removably connected to user strap 66 with snap couplings 78. Stability strap 72 is deployed when carrier 10 is used to support a notebook style computer 80 as shown in FIG. 6. When opened, the weight of notebook PCs is unevenly distributed towards the back, screen side 82. The stability strap link counteracts this extra force towards the back 54A of carrier 10.

Carrier 10 has a cover 20 hinged to receptacle 28 and movable between a carrying-case position (FIGS. 3 and 5) and an in-use, open-receptacle position (FIGS. 1 and 4). Cover 20 includes a main panel 84, a distal flap 88 and a hinge 90. Cover 20 is constructed of the same material as platform 16. Main panel 84 and flap 88 each include a rigid or semi-rigid insert wrapped in fabric. Top side 92 of main panel 84 preferably includes padding between the fabric layer and the insert. Stitching 32 is used to attach hinge portion 90 to platform 16, and to attach both hinge 90 and flap 88 to panel 84.

Cover 20 is removably secured into the carrying-case position (FIGS. 3 and 5) and the open position (FIGS. 1 and 4) using complementary releasably engageable fasteners 94 and 96. These fasteners are commercially available from Velcro Industries B.V. (Manchester, N.H.) and other resellers under the trade designation “VELCRO.” These couplings include one area having a plurality of fibers in a miniloop configuration (i.e., pile) and one area having a plurality of relatively stiffer fibers in a minihook configuration, also referred to herein as a multiminihook pad. The minihook area may also be labeled a burr.

Underside 36 of platform 16 has an elongate pile area 94 and flap 88 has a complementary elongate hook area 96. In the carrying-case position (FIGS. 3 and 5), cover 20 extends over receptacle 28 and flap 88 wraps over side 54B to mate areas 94 and 96. In the in use-position (FIGS. 1 and 4), cover 20 and flap 88 are folded back to allow the same coupling areas 94 and 96.

As shown in FIG. 1, carrier 10 may include a centrally positioned tie down strap 98 for further securing display device 12 within receptacle 28. Tie down 98 is movable from a position overlaying receptacle 28 (FIG. 1) to a retracted position in overlaying cover 20. When overlaying cover 20, tie down 98 serves as additional security holding cover 20 in the folded back position. Tie down 98 has Velcro minihook material 100 on each side which mates with pile material 102 on receptacle 28 (FIG. 1) when deployed or pile material 104 on cover 20 (FIG. 4) when retracted.

Strap fixtures 56A and 56B are each preferably positioned towards a central portion of opposing sides 52A and 52B to enhance stability when display device 12 is in use and carrier 10 is worn by a user (as shown in FIG. 2). Although this central positioning serves to enhance stability in the in-use position, it potentially creates instability when carrier 10 is in the carrying case position. To prevent carrier 10 from wobbling or flipping when suspended from strap 66 in the carrying-case position, the present invention provides secondary strap fixtures 104 on each side 52A and 52B. Secondary strap fixtures 104 (preferably snap protrusions) removably receive couplings (preferably snap caps) 106 on each end 68A and 68B of strap 66. As illustrated, stability strap 72 and secondary fixtures 104 share the same couplings 106 on each end 68A, 68B of strap 66. When interconnected, these secondary couplings improve stability of carrier 10 when in the carrying-case (or briefcase) configuration.

Another key feature of the present invention is the stylus tether 108. Conventional tablet PCs provide for a stylus 110 writing input on the display screen (e.g., screen 14). Tether 108 includes a line portion 112 (secured to receptacle 28) and an elastic band 114 attached to the line for gripping the stylus 110. Tether 108 prevents misplacement of the stylus.

Shown in FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention. Carrier 210 includes clamps 213 for further securing the display device such as tablet PC 12. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a preferred clamping mechanism. Although such a latching clamp mechanism is preferred, more simple spring-biased clamps 319 are also contemplated as shown in FIG. 12.

Described in more general terms and returning to FIGS. 1-6, the invention describes one or more novel means by which a tablet computer 12 can be safely and snuggly held in a briefcase 10, with the screen 14 exposed so that the computer 12 can be used in tablet mode (FIG. 2), without falling out of the case 10, no matter how the case is carried, within normal carrying conditions (i.e., no purposeful violent jerking with the sole purpose of attempting to dislodge the tablet 12 from the case 10).

Described is a close fitting computer case 10 wherein the broad surface 84 (typically about 8.5″ by 11″) that covers the surface of the screen 14, when the computer is in tablet mode, can be folded back around the back and under to rest against the other broad (8.5″ by 11″) surface 16, thus being held in place there by snaps or Velcro or some other means so that the tablet computer is now exposed for use (see FIG. 2).

The broad surfaces 16, 92 are made of canvas or a synthetic or cotton or viable material, with particle board or heavy duty plastic plate inserts, to provide protection against penetrating blows. The broad surfaces 16, 92 and particle/hard board plastic are slightly larger than the actual computer tablet 12 to absorb the shock of a minor drop.

The gusset 18, or material that covers the narrow width of the tablet computer 12, approximately one to two inches wide, is preferentially a strong expandable material like wide elastic band or neoprene. This gusset 18 is sewn on to the base or back broad surface 16 of the computer case 10 in such a way as to provide the tightest fit possible around the width of the computer, so that the computer 12 has to be forced into position, inside the gusset 18 and case. The gusset 18 itself is tight enough to hold the computer 12 very firmly, and the gusset 18 is at least a quarter of an inch wider than the width of the tablet computer 12 so that the elastic type material hugging the computer's width would extend over its edge and slightly onto the broad surface wherein the computer screen 14 is positioned (see FIG. 1). This elastic gusset 18 fits very snugly and provides significant security against the computer 12 falling out of the case 10, but it is still useful to add elements 62, 64 that will ensure that the tablet computer 12 does not fall out.

The elastic type gusset 18 as well as these additional elements represent unique and innovative features of the invention.

There are several different mechanisms identified herein by which the tablet computer 18 can be held inside the case 10, alone or in combination with each other. Conventional tablet computers 12 have a margin around the tablet screen 14 that is approximately ½ inch wide. Therefore any element 26 that extends over the edge of the computer 12 onto the broad surface 14 is preferably limited to approximately ¼ inch on any side. Each tablet computer has a different design which may place operational buttons or indicators at strategic locations on this ½ inch margin. Therefore, it is preferred that any extra element that is employed to assist in securing the tablet computer in place take these computer buttons or indicators into account and be positioned so as to avoid encumbering or blocking these computer features. Several additional elements are considered singularly or in combination.

Strips of elastic 62, 64 are sewn diagonally into the gusset 18 at and across two or more corners 42, 44 to hold the computer 12 in position and not let the computer slip out of the gusset 18 (See FIG. 1).

A two or three sided yoke can be sewn into the top edge of the gusset so that substantially the entire periphery of the computer screen is covered by a thin yoke, thereby holding the computer in position inside the gusset and case. Velcro can be positioned on the inside of three or four sides of the gusset and/or on the inside of the broad surface upon which the computer tablet is positioned. Complementary Velcro strips can be provided to the user when the user purchases the case so that the user can apply those strips to the width or underside of the computer. Thus, when the user pushes the computer into position it will be held firmly by the very tight gusset and the Velcro strips.

There are small binder clasps 213, substantially similar to notebook binders, that, when fixed firmly to the particle board in the lower broad panel 18 (8.5″×11″), will allow the owner to lock the computer 12 into place when the computer 12 is positioned inside the neoprene/elastic gusset 18. The compression lever 221 is then pushed and locked firmly into position to apply pressure to the computer to hold it in place. Like a notebook binder, the small lever 221 is pushed to release the binding clasp 213, and free the tablet computer 12 to be removed from the case 10 (see FIGS. 9-11).

Spring metal clamps 319, coated with rubber or another substance to soften the contact with the surface of the computer, can be riveted to the base/back broad surface (or platform) 316 (8.5″×11″) with 5 to 10 pounds of force on the spring coil, inside the neoprene gusset 18. Therefore the owner would place the computer 12 in position inside the neoprene cuff/gusset 18 and under the flexible spring clamp arms 323 such that the computer 12 would be held by both the neoprene 18 and the spring clamps 319 (FIGS. 12).

Each of these mechanisms can have positive influences and when used separately or in combination, the result is a novel means by which a tablet computer owner is now able to use the computer while in the computer case, standing, sitting, or walking.

Referring now to FIG. 13, carrier 10 optionally but preferably includes a system for retaining or otherwise storing user strap 66 when carrier 10 is in the carrying case configuration but the user strap 66 is not in use. Accordingly, carrier 10 may include retaining straps 118 for retaining user strap 66 (or other straps) onto carrier 10.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A carrier suitable for supporting a tablet computer, the carrier comprising:

a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion; and

sidewalls extending from the outer portion;

the platform and the sidewalls together defining an open-top receptacle adapted to receive the tablet computer, the receptacle having at least two opposing portions.

2. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls slope towards the inner portion.

3. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are configured to overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface of the tablet computer.

4. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls have a substantially concave cross-section facing the inner portion.

5. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame the inner portion.

6. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise an elastomeric material.

7. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a polychloroprene material.

8. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a compressible material.

9. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a perforated material.

10. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls include perforated portions.

11. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls define at least one corner and the carrier further comprises a corner strap for securing the tablet computer.

12. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are attached to the platform by stitching.

13. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a strap fixture on each opposed side of the receptacle.

14. The carrier according to claim 13 further comprising a user strap removably attached to the strap fixture.

15. The carrier according to claim 14 further comprising a stability strap connected between the user strap and the receptacle whereby the platform is stabilized in a horizontal orientation with respect to an upright user.

16. The carrier according to claim 13 further comprising secondary strap fixture on each opposed side of the receptacle.

17. The carrier according to claim 13 wherein the strap fixture is a D-ring attached to the sidewalls.

18. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a cover hingeably attached to the receptacle.

19. The carrier according to claim 18 wherein the cover is stitched to the platform.

20. The carrier according to claim 18 wherein the cover is movable from a closed-case position in which the open-top receptacle is covered to an in-use position in which the open-top receptacle is accessible.

21. The carrier according to claim 20 wherein the cover is secured in the in-use position with a minihook-and-pile system.

22. The carrier according to claim 18 wherein the cover includes a distal flap having a fastener.

23. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a vent.

24. The carrier according to claim 23 wherein the vent is an opening defined in the platform or in the sidewalls.

25. The carrier according to claim 24 wherein the vent is a perforated portion of the platform.

26. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the platform is substantially rectangular.

27. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising a stylus tether attached to the receptacle.

28. A carrier suitable for supporting a portable display device, the carrier comprising:

a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion; and

sidewalls extending from the outer portion;

the platform and the sidewalls together defining an open-top receptacle adapted to receive the display device, the receptacle having at least two opposing sides,

the sidewalls are stretchable to overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface of the display device.

29. The carrier according to claim 28 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame the inner portion.

30. The carrier according to claim 28 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame the platform.