PORTABLE COMPUTER COVER CASE HAVING ACCESSORY COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

A cover for a laptop computer being unique in that a user will not have to remove the laptop from a computer bag is disclosed. The cover provides similar protection than that of a computer bag; however users will likely prefer the convenience the cover provides in transporting a laptop and further transitioning between a deployed position and a carrying position. Multiple embodiments provide options for easily storing items such as a mouse, power cord, memory stick, documents or notebook, pens, highlighters, and business cards. Further multiple embodiments optionally provide a handle, a shoulder strap, or both. The cover is also applicable to a tablet computer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices for protecting, covering and carrying portable electronic devices. More particularly, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention pertains to a covering case for a portable/laptop computer with accessory pockets and other important features.

2. Description of the Art

Recently, as more electronic devices have become more prevalent, so have accessories to accompany them. When personal computers were first introduced in the 1970s, the idea of portable personal computers soon followed. Around the 1980's, the first flip form or clamshell designs were embodied in a portable personal computer, also called a laptop or a notebook.

The portable aspects of such computers further brought forth carrying cases for the computers to assist ease of transport and provide protection. Additionally, the carrying cases provide pockets for computer accessory equipment such as power cords, USB cables, mice, media storage devices, etc.

More recently, laptop carrying cases have emerged that provide an advantage of being able to use the computer without having to remove it from the case. One such example has been proposed by Pichahchi. U.S. Pat. No. 2007/0019734. entitled “Protective Case for Portable Computer.” While some users may find Pichahchi's design suitable for their needs, the present invention provides advantages and features not currently available in the art. As an example, airport security would still require a user to remove the laptop from Pichahchi's design, since it is a full enclosure. Conversely, a solution provided by the present invention would not be required to be separated and disassembled from the laptop during airport security screening. Other attributes and advantages are also provided as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention, in a first aspect, is directed to a cover for a portable computer, the portable computer having a clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the cover comprising: a rectangular shape having four corners, the four corners each including a retaining strap, the retaining straps removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor half, wherein the keyboard half remains untouched by the cover.

The cover for a portable computer is further characterized as having a main compartment comprising: a front side, two lateral sides, a closure flap, and a plurality of sub-compartments within the compartment. Additionally in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of sub-compartments includes a cylindrical loop to secure a pen or a pencil, and various additional sub-compartments. Also, the two lateral sides are made from elastic material as to provide a measure of forgiveness for oversized items. Alternatively the lateral sides may be pleated in nature.

Further to the invention in the first aspect, a handle strap is provided, wherein the handle strap comprises a single loop forming a race track shape, the race track shape additionally has first and second ends, further wherein, in a carrying position, the first and second ends mate together for further mating to a user's hand. Also, a special pocket is provided, the pocket being inverted with respect to a top of the cover. The pocket is for securing excess handle strap when the handle is not in the carrying position, but rather in an operating position. Other enclosures or restraints could also be provided for this purpose.

In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a cover for a portable computer, the portable computer having a clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the cover comprising: a first cover portion removably secured to the monitor half; and a second cover portion pivotally attached to the first cover portion, wherein the first cover portion comprises two lateral sides, the two lateral sides each comprising front and rear edges, the front and rear edges comprising a first and a second zipper tracks respectively, further wherein the second cover portion has a third zipper track, and further wherein the third zipper track is able to be secured to either the first or the second zipper track.

In this aspect, the invention is further characterized in that the first cover portion has four corners each having a transparent and elastic retaining strap, the retaining straps being removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor half. Further, the invention is characterized in that first and second loops are coupled to the first cover portion. Additionally, first and second D-rings are coupled to first and second loops, respectively; and a shoulder strap having first and second ends is coupled to first and second D-rings respectively. Further, a shoulder pad is also slidingly connected to the shoulder strap. It is further envisioned that the computer cover could be of a patterned material such as a flower pattern, for example.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a cover for a tablet computer such as an iPad, the tablet computer including a monitor portion, the cover comprising a first cover portion removably secured to the monitor portion, the first cover portion including an outwardly facing side, the outwardly facing side comprising a first upwardly facing pocket at a mid-portion thereof.

The invention in this aspect is further characterized in that the outwardly facing side further comprises a second upwardly facing pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket; a rectangular transparent insert for receiving a business card, the rectangular transparent insert opposite the second upwardly facing pocket with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket; and a third upwardly facing pocket opposite the second upwardly facing pocket with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket, the third upwardly facing pocket secured by a zipper.

The invention in this aspect is additionally characterized wherein the cover comprises an upper edge, the upper edge forming a pocket opening along the entire upper edge, the pocket opening suitable for receiving documents. Also, a handle strap according to the invention has first and second ends. Further, a downwardly facing pocket is coupled to the outwardly facing side of the cover and is used for securing the handle strap second end.

The present invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a carrying case of the present invention shown not coupled to a personal computer;

FIG. 1B illustrates the invention embodiment of FIG. 1A in a carrying position;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a carrying case of FIG. 1A shown coupled to a laptop computer;

FIG. 1D is rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second preferred computer cover of the present invention shown not coupled to a personal computer;

FIG. 2B is a perspective illustration of the invention embodiment of FIG. 1A in a carrying position;

FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate how the invention is applicable to a tablet computer;

FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F are perspective illustrations showing how invention accessory areas are compartmentalized;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are front and rear perspective views of an invention embodiment having accessory pockets arranged and an alternative fashion;

FIG. 3C illustrates the invention embodiment of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B in a carrying position;

FIG. 3D is a bottom plan view of the invention illustrating optional extra retaining straps;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of yet another invention embodiment having accessory pockets arranged and an alternative fashion;

FIG. 4B illustrates the invention embodiment of FIG. 4A in a carrying position;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B illustrate still more variations according to the invention;

FIG. 5C is an underneath perspective view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating yet still more invention variations;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates a flower pattern embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B are front views illustrating further still alternatives according to the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating still more variations according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With regard to FIG. 1A through FIG. 1E, a first preferred embodiment 100 is illustrated in various views. The cover 100 is designed for a portable computer such as a laptop having a clam shell design including a monitor half 991 and a keyboard half 992. However, the invention 200 (FIG. 2A) could also be configured to a tablet computer, such as an iPad, as described further herein. Initially, the cover comprises a first cover portion 110 removably secured to the monitor half 991. The first cover portion 110 has a rectangular shape to complement a shape of the monitor 991 wherein four retaining straps are secured to respective four corners of the monitor half 991.

This particular embodiment 100 optionally includes a second cover portion 160 pivotally attached to the first cover portion 110 about an edge thereof. Further, the edge may comprise hinges that connect partially along the edge so that a power cord or other wired device could extend out adjacent to the edges. The second cover portion 160 may optionally lie underneath the keyboard 992 or pivot around to be juxtaposed to the first cover portion 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1E. The first cover portion 110 further has two lateral sides 112, 113, each having front 165, 166 and rear 163, 164 edges. The front and rear edges further comprise first 165, 166 and a second 163, 164 zipper tracks respectively. A third zipper track 161, 162 is provided to the second cover portion 160. As shown, the third zipper track 161, 162 is reversible so that it can either be secured to the second zipper track 163, 164, or to first zipper track 165, 166. When the third 161, 162 and second 163, 164 zipper tracks are secured to one another, the cover 100 is in the carrying position for transporting the laptop 991, 992. When the third 161, 162 and first 165, 166 zipper tracks are secured to one another, the cover 100 is in the operating position for using the laptop 991, 992. As stated, the second cover portion 160 could lie underneath laptop keyboard 992 in the operating position, as preferred by a user to improve appearance and how the laptop 922 can sit on a horizontal surface.

In the preferred embodiment 100, retaining straps 131, 132, 133, 134 are angled about four corners of the monitor half 991. Also, retaining straps 131, 132, 133, 134 comprise transparent elastic material as to not obstruct viewing of a laptop monitor 991. Additionally, first 157 and second 158 loops are provided to an upper area of the first cover portion 110. The loops 157, 158 in turn are coupled to first 151, 152 and second D-rings for attachment to a shoulder strap 150. A shoulder pad 153 is provided for comfort and is slidingly connected to the shoulder strap 150.

With regard to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B an additional embodiment 200 of the present invention is illustrated. It 200 is very similar to the FIG. 1A et seq. embodiment 100, however it does not include optional features; but however, it 200 retains most of the original functionality. More particularly, the second cover portion 160 has been omitted and therefore zippers 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166 are likewise not required. It should be noted that cover portion 210 is provided to the monitor 991; however, cover 210 does not touch the keyboard half. Rather, handle strap 240 is provided to wrap around keyboard half 992. Also as illustrated in FIG. 3D, handle strap 240, 340 is a singular piece of material 240, 340 having a racetrack shape. The race track shape 240, 340 has first and second ends 241, 242. When the invention 100, 200 is in the carrying position (FIG. 1A), first 241 and second 242 ends mate together for further mating to a users hand. Additionally, VELCRO closure handle 243 wraps around first 241 and second 242 ends of the racetrack 240 to assist the carrying position.

Similar to the first 100 preferred embodiment, the invention 200 herein (FIG. 2A through FIG. 2F) is directed to a cover 210 having a front 211 and a back 215, the back 215 supported by a plastic sheet liner. Retaining straps 231, 232, 233, 234, are provided to secure to a monitor 991 and are affixed to the back 215 at four corners. Lateral sides 212, 213 are comprised of elastic material so that slightly oversized items may be accommodated. Cover 210 has a main inner compartment secured by a closure flap 214. Additionally, first and second loops are provided to an upper area of the cover portion 210. The loops in turn are coupled to first 251 and second 252 D-rings for attachment to a shoulder strap 250. A shoulder pad 253 is provided for comfort and is slidingly connected to the shoulder strap 250.

FIG. 2C and FIG. 2D illustrate that handle strap 240 and shoulder strap 250 are optional. FIG. 2E and FIG. 2F illustrate compartments 220, 221, 222, 223, 224 of the cover 210 for storage of typical work/school items such as mouse, power cord, USB cord, memory stick, handheld media player, etc. More specifically, the cover 210 comprises a main compartment comprising: a front side 211, two lateral sides 212, 213, a closure flap 214, and a plurality of sub-compartments 221, 222, 223, 224 within the compartment. Further, one of the plurality of sub-compartments 223 includes a cylindrical loop 226 to secure a pen or a pencil. And one of the plurality of sub-compartments 223 (for example) includes an additional sub-compartment 224, the additional sub-compartment including an opening 224 secured by a zipper 225. Main compartment 227 additionally comprises a pocket opening 227 along an entire length thereof, the pocket opening 227 suitable for receiving documents, 8½″×11″ for example.

With regard to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D, another embodiment 300 of the present invention is illustrated in various views. Herein 300, the first cover portion 310 includes an outwardly facing side 311, the outwardly facing side 311 has a first upwardly facing pocket 321 at a mid-portion thereof. Also, the outwardly facing side 311 further comprises a second 322 upwardly facing pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket 321. Also, a rectangular transparent insert 324 is provided for receiving a business card. The rectangular transparent insert 324 is located opposite the second upwardly facing pocket 322 with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket 321.

Also, a third upwardly facing pocket 323 is provided opposite the second upwardly facing pocket 322 with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket 321. Additionally, the third upwardly facing pocket 323 is secured by a zipper 325.

Also with regard to FIG. 3A through FIG. 3D, the cover 300/cover portion 310 comprises an upper edge, the upper edge forming a pocket opening 320 along the entire upper edge, the pocket opening 320 suitable for receiving documents. 8½″×11″ for example. In a preferred embodiment 300, extra retaining straps 333b, 334b may be provided to supplement straps 331, 332, 333, 334 according to FIG. 3D. Extra retraining straps 333b, 334b are juxtaposed to upper retaining straps 333a and 334a as shown.

Turning now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an additional computer cover embodiment is provided 400. As in other similar embodiments, the cover portion 410 is secured to monitor half 991 and there is no cover per se to the keyboard half 992. Herein 400, the first cover portion 410 includes an outwardly facing side 411, the outwardly facing side 411 has a first upwardly facing pocket 421 at a left side of the cover portion 410. A right side of the outwardly facing side 411 comprises a second upwardly facing pocket 422 secured by a zipper. A rectangular transparent insert 424 is located on top of the second upwardly facing pocket 422.

An additional preferred embodiment 500 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 5A through 5C. Snaps 545, 546, 547 are provided to handle strap 540 so that ends 541, 542 can mate together. A VELCRO closure 570, or more specifically a cylindrical material 570 that opens and closes along a longitudinal edge of the cylinder 570 is provided to retain excess straps 540 when in the operating position as preferred by the user.

An additional preferred embodiment 600 of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. Here 600, excess strap 640 can be taken up by a downwardly facing pocket 671 coupled to the outwardly facing side 611, the downwardly facing pocket 671 for securing the handle strap 640 second end 641. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrate a cover 700 comprising a hibiscus flower pattern.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an additional embodiment of the present invention. Initially, the first cover portion 810 includes an outwardly facing side 811, the outwardly facing side 811 has a first upwardly facing pocket 821 at a mid-portion thereof. Also, the outwardly facing side 811 further comprises a second 822 upwardly facing pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket 821. Cylindrical pen pockets 826 are provided on top of the second upwardly facing pocket 822. Also, a third upwardly facing pocket 823 is provided opposite the second upwardly facing pocket 822 with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket 821. Additionally, the third upwardly facing pocket 823 is secured by a zipper 825. Optionally, with regard to FIG. 8B, a mesh pocket 827 is provided on top of the third upwardly facing pocket 826. Also, a downwardly facing pocket 871 is provided to secure excess strap 840 when in the operating position. In other words, the pocket 871 is inverted with respect to a top of the cover portion 810.

FIG. 9 illustrates an additional alternative 900 having lateral sides 912 that are pleated. It should further be appreciated that certain invention embodiments 100, 200, 900, herein could be comprised of rigid material therefore resembling an attaché case.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed above even when not initially claimed in such combinations.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

While the particular Portable Computer Cover Case Having Accessory Compartments as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims (to be added upon conversion).

Claims

1. A cover for a portable computer, the portable computer having a clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the cover comprising:

a rectangular shape having four corners, the four corners each including a retaining strap, the retaining straps removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor half, wherein the keyboard half remains untouched by the cover.

2. The cover for a portable computer of claim 1, the cover comprising a main compartment, the main compartment comprising:

a front side;

two lateral sides;

a closure flap; and

a plurality of sub-compartments within the main compartment.

3. The cover for a portable computer of claim 2, wherein one of the plurality of sub-compartments includes a cylindrical loop to secure a pen or a pencil, and wherein one of the plurality of sub-compartments includes an additional sub-compartment, the additional sub-compartment including an opening secured by a zipper.

4. The cover for a portable computer of claim 2, the two lateral sides each comprising elastic material.

5. The cover for a portable computer of claim 1, further comprising a handle strap, wherein the handle strap comprises a single loop forming a race track shape, the race track shape having first and second ends, further wherein, in a carrying position, the first and second ends mate together for further mating to a users hand.

6. The cover for a portable computer of claim 5 further comprising a pocket, the pocket being inverted with respect to a top of the cover, the pocket for securing excess handle strap when the handle is not in the carrying position, but rather in an operating position.

7. A cover for a portable computer, the portable computer having a clam shell design including a monitor half and a keyboard half, the cover comprising:

a first cover portion removably secured to the monitor half, and

a second cover portion pivotally attached to the first cover portion, wherein the first cover portion comprises two lateral sides, the two lateral sides each comprising front and rear edges, the front and rear edges comprising a first and a second zipper tracks respectively, further wherein the second cover portion has a third zipper track, and further wherein the third zipper track is able to be secured to either the first or the second zipper track.

8. The cover for a portable computer of claim 7, the first cover portion having four corners, the four corners each including a transparent retaining strap, the retaining straps removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor half.

9. The cover for a portable computer of claim 8, wherein the retaining straps further comprises elastic material.

10. The cover for a portable computer of claim 7 further comprising:

first and second loops coupled to the first cover portion;

first and second D-rings coupled to first and second loops respectively;

a shoulder strap having first and second ends coupled to first and second D-rings respectively; and

a shoulder pad slidingly connected to the shoulder strap.

11. The cover for a portable computer of claim 7 further comprising a patterned material, the patterned material further comprising a flower pattern.

12. A cover for a tablet computer, the tablet computer having a clam shell design including a monitor portion, the cover comprising a first cover portion removably secured to the monitor portion, the first cover portion including an outwardly facing side, the outwardly facing side comprising a first upwardly facing pocket at a mid-portion thereof.

13. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12, the outwardly facing side further comprising:

a second upwardly facing pocket adjacent to the first upwardly facing pocket;

a rectangular transparent insert for receiving a business card, the rectangular transparent insert opposite the second upwardly facing pocket with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket; and

a third upwardly facing pocket opposite the second upwardly facing pocket with respect to the first upwardly facing pocket, the third upwardly facing pocket secured by a zipper.

14. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12, wherein the cover comprises an upper edge, the upper edge forming a pocket opening along the entire upper edge, the pocket opening suitable for receiving documents.

15. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12 further comprising:

a handle strap having first and second ends; and

a downwardly facing pocket coupled to the outwardly facing side, the downwardly facing pocket for securing the handle strap second end.

16. The cover for a tablet computer of claim 12, the first cover portion further comprising a rectangular shape having four corners, the four corners each including a retaining strap, the retaining straps removably secured to respective four corners of the monitor portion.