MOBILE RESEARCH LABORATORY

Abstract

A mobile research laboratory case comprising a door, a body, a plurality wheels on the bottom of the body, a collapsible handle coupled to the body; a tablet storage area housed inside the body; wherein the table storage area comprises a plurality of individual compartments; the individual compartments further comprising a USB port and a slot; a locking device, a wireless broadband router and a rechargeable battery, both housed inside the body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/790,835 titled “Mobile Research Laboratory” and filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/790,835 is hereby incorporated by reference. The present disclosure generally relates to a highly mobile, lightweight, and durable mobile research laboratory case. In particular, the invention relates to a mobile research laboratory case that has the ability to transport, charge and provide wireless connectivity for a plurality of tablets or mobile computers.

BACKGROUND

The education industry embraces major innovation in the mobile market. Teachers and administrators are no longer tied to computers in a stationary classroom but rather have access to both laptops and wireless connections that allow them to travel anywhere. As such, they require solutions that are highly mobile, lightweight, and durable.

Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,190,806, 8,125,194 and U.S. Application No. 2011/0309591. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: a lack of high mobility due to weight; the ability to only recharge laptops while plugged into an outlet or a complete lack of charging capabilities; and the lack of ability to act as a wireless hub.

In the classroom space is a precious commodity so utilizing large bulky carts to store and recharge laptops is not ideal. A large metal cart in a classroom creates a burden and distraction for the student and teacher and lacks the space conservation and mobility options of a mobile laboratory solution.

There are many technology companies that require the Internet to run their solutions. Today, the Internet is highly accessible through the expansion of broadband cellular access. Desktop PCs are usually wired, bulky, and do not work for a mobile solution. Tablet or mobile computers are ideal but many devices purchased for a school environment do not come with a wireless broadband plan so they are tethered to the classroom or building where they can access the Internet.

Products are needed that offer great mobility and independent Internet access, which is necessary for today's mobile learning environments; specifically the ability to provide a mobile laboratory solution that allows a teacher to take their class anywhere while also providing power and Internet access.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed towards a mobile research laboratory case that offers great mobility and independent Internet access. This mobile laboratory solution allows a teacher to take his or her class anywhere while also providing power and Internet access. This mobile research laboratory case is lightweight, highly mobile, durable, and provides power and Internet connectivity for a plurality of tablets.

A preferred embodiment of the mobile research laboratory case comprises a door; a body; a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the body; a tablet storage area; a wireless broadband router and a rechargeable battery. The door and body may be connected with or to each other along the sides by one or more hinges. The tablet storage area is housed inside the body. The tablet storage area may further comprise a plurality of individual compartments. The individual compartments may comprise a slot and a USB port.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case comprises a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the door or a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the body. Preferably, the mobile research laboratory case comprises a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the door and body.

In some embodiments, the wireless broadband router is housed inside the body. Preferably, the wireless broadband router is removable and leverages 3G/4G/WIMAX Cellular technology.

In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery is housed inside the body. Preferably the rechargeable battery is removable and provides charge for both the wireless broadband router and tablets. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery provides charge through a USB connection.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case further comprises a collapsible handle coupled to the body. Preferably the collapsible handle has collapsible arms, a handle, and fixed tubes, wherein the collapsible arms are configured to extend into and out of the fixed tubes.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case further comprises a stationary handle coupled to the body.

In one embodiment, the mobile research laboratory case further comprises a locking device to secure the door to the body and/or restrict access to the tablets. Preferably the locking device further comprises a latch mounted on the door and a receiving device mounted on the body. In this embodiment, the mobile research laboratory case includes a locking handle. Preferably, the locking handle is coupled to the door.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case comprises a storage compartment inside the back of the door. In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case comprises a spring-mounted compartment. In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case comprises a power cord. In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case comprises a battery power indicator.

In some embodiments, the size of the mobile research laboratory case is about less than 45 linear inches (or 115 cm) in combined length, width and height. In some embodiments, the weight of the mobile research laboratory case is about less than 50 pounds, preferably about less than 25 pounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings show representations of the mobile research laboratory case in various configurations. These drawings are representative of a preferred embodiment and are not to be understood as a comprehensive selection of available configurations.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile research laboratory case according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a mobile research laboratory case according to the preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the open mobile research laboratory case according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “tablet” refers to a mobile computer. Commercial embodiments of tablets include, but are not limited to, APPLE® IPAD®, GOOGLE® NEXUS® and SAMSUNG® NOTE®.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a mobile research laboratory case 10 for charging and providing Internet connectivity for a plurality of tablets according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1-3, the mobile research laboratory case 10 generally comprises a door 20 and a body 30.

The door 20 and the body 30 are preferably constructed from fabric, plastic, metal, carbon composites or combinations thereof, more preferably carbon composites. Carbon composites include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, and carbon graphite. Carbon composites are preferred because carbon composites are lighter than most metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, magnesium alloy) providing a strength-to weight ratio greater than that of most metals. Carbon composites also exhibit very long life characteristics even in harsh operating environments, making them more durable than fabric or plastic. The use of carbon composites in the mobile research laboratory case 10 allows the case to be lightweight, highly mobile, and durable.

The door 20 and body 30 are connected with each other on either side by one or more hinges 51. In one embodiment, as shown by FIG. 3 the left side of the door 20 is connected to the right side of the body 30. The hinge 51 is preferably a continuous hinge, flush hinge, off-set hinge, or standard luggage hinge, more preferably a continuous hinge. The hinge 51 is preferably constructed from plastic, metal, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, carbon graphite or combinations thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile research laboratory case 10 further comprises a plurality of wheels 23 on the bottom side 22 of the door 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a plurality of wheels 23 on the bottom side 37 of the body 30. The wheels 23 are attached to the bottom side 37 of the body 30 or the bottom side 22 of the door 20 with screws, rivets, wheel axels or combinations thereof. The wheels 23 are preferably castors, spinner wheels, skate wheels, barrel style wheels, ball bearing wheels or combinations thereof. The wheels 23 are preferably constructed from fabric, plastic, metal, carbon composites or combinations thereof, more preferably carbon composites. Carbon composites include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, and carbon graphite. Carbon composites are preferred because carbon composites are lighter than most metals (e.g., steel, aluminum, magnesium alloy) providing a strength-to weight ratio greater than that of most metals. Carbon composites also exhibit very long life characteristics even in harsh operating environments, making them more durable than fabric or plastic. The use of carbon composites in the wheels 23 of the mobile research laboratory case 10 allows the wheels to be lightweight and durable.

In some embodiments, the body 30 of the mobile research laboratory case 10 may comprise a tablet storage area 33. In these embodiments, preferably the tablet storage area 33 is housed inside the body 30. The tablet storage area 33 generally comprises a plurality of individual compartments 35. Each individual compartment 35 generally comprises a slot 36 and USB port 34. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the tablet storage area 33 consists of fifteen individual compartments 35. The slots 36 are preferably sized to house a tablet or mobile computer. The slots 36 are preferably constructed from plastic, metal, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, carbon graphite or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the slots 36 are lined with foam to protect the tablets from environmental conditions, such as dust and precipitation, impact, and/or physical damage to the tablet. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the USB port 34 is positioned to the left of the slot 36, however the USB port 34 may also be located on the right side of, parallel to or perpendicular to the slot 36.

In some embodiments, the body 30 of the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a wireless broadband router 37. In these embodiments, preferably the wireless broadband router 37 is housed inside the body 30. In some embodiments the wireless broadband router 37 is removable. In yet additional embodiments, the wireless broadband router 37 leverages 3G/4G/WIMAX Cellular technology.

In some embodiments, the body 30 of the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a rechargeable battery 31. In these embodiments, preferably the rechargeable battery 31 is housed inside the body 30. In some embodiments the rechargeable battery 31 is removable. In yet another embodiment the rechargeable battery 31 is made from recycled materials. In one embodiment, the rechargeable battery 31 provides charge for the tablet or mobile computer via a USB connection. In yet additional embodiments, the rechargeable battery 31 provides charge for the wireless broadband router 37 and tablet or mobile computer via a USB connection.

In some embodiments, the body 30 of the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a collapsible handle 42 that is coupled to the body 30. The collapsible handle 42 may be coupled to the body 30 with screws, rivets, clamps, stitching, rings, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the collapsible handle 42 is coupled to the back 50 of the body 30. In some embodiments, the collapsible handle 42 has collapsible arms, a handle, and fixed tubes, wherein the collapsible arms configured to extend into and out of the fixed tubes. The body 30 of the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a stationary handle 41 coupled to the body 30, preferably to the topside 40 of the body 30. The stationary handle 41 may be coupled to the body 30 with screws, rivets, clamps, stitching, rings, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case 10 further comprises a locking device to secure the door 20 to the body 30 and/or restrict access to the tablets or mobile computer. Preferably the locking device further comprises a latch 24 mounted on the door 20 and a receiving device mounted on the body 30. Preferably the latch is mounted on the back 27 of the door 20 and the receiving device mounted on the front 70 of the body 30. In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case 10 includes a locking handle 24 preferably coupled to the door 20, more preferably to the side of the door 20. The locking handle allows a user to open the door 20 and body 30 when the latch and receiving device are engaged and close the door 20 and body 30 allowing the latch to be received by the receiving device. The locking handle 25 may be coupled to the door 20 with screws, rivets, clamps, stitching, rings, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a storage compartment 26 inside the back 27 of the door 20. In yet another embodiment, the storage compartment 26 has mesh-netting 28 to hold tablet(s) or accessories. The mesh-netting 28 may be attached to the storage compartment 26 using removable means, including, but not limited to, zippers, clips, hooks or combinations thereof, or non-removable means, including, but not limited glue, stitching, or combinations thereof, means.

In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a power cord 52. In some embodiments, the mobile research laboratory case 10 may further comprise a push-in spring door 56; preferably the power cord 52 is housed inside the push-in spring door 56. In yet another embodiment, the mobile research laboratory case 10 further comprises a battery power indicator 54; preferably the battery power indicator is located on the back end 50 of the body 30.

Some embodiments of the mobile research laboratory case 10 are preferably designed for airline travel, more preferably designed for overhead bin storage. In these embodiments, the size of the mobile research laboratory case 10 is about less than 45 linear inches (or 115 cm) in combined length, width and height. In these embodiments, the weight of the mobile research laboratory case 10 is about less than 50 pounds, more preferably about less than 25 pounds.

For purposes of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the singular forms, “a”, “an” and “the” include reference to the plural and plural forms include reference to the singular forms.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specified embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which was included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in any country before the priority date of each claim of this application.

Claims

1. A mobile research laboratory case comprising:

a door;

a body;

a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the body;

a tablet storage area;

a wireless broadband router;

and a rechargeable battery.

2. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the door and body are connected to or with each other by one or more hinges.

3. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the tablet storage area is housed inside the body.

4. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the tablet storage area comprises a plurality of individual compartments.

5. The tablet housing of claim 4, wherein the individual compartments comprise a slot and a USB port.

6. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the door.

7. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the wireless broadband router is housed inside the body.

8. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the wireless broadband router is removable.

9. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the wireless broadband router leverages 3G/4G/WIMAX cellular technology.

10. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is housed inside the body.

11. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is removable.

12. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery provides charge for both the wireless broadband router and tablet.

13. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a collapsible handle coupled to the body.

14. The collapsible handle of claim 15, wherein the handle has collapsible arms, a handle, and fixed tubes, wherein the collapsible arms are configured to extend into and out of the fixed tubes.

15. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a stationary handle coupled to the body.

16. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a locking device.

17. The locking device of claim 16, further comprising a latch mounted on the door and a receiving device mounted on the body.

18. The locking device of claim 16, further comprising a locking handle that allows for opening and closing of the door and body.

19. The locking handle of claim 18, wherein the handle is coupled to the door.

20. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment inside the door.

21. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a spring-mounted compartment.

22. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a power cord.

23. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, further comprising a battery power indicator.

24. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the size of the mobile research laboratory case is about less than 45 linear inches (or 115 cm) in combined length, width and height.

25. The mobile research laboratory case of claim 1, wherein the weight of the mobile research laboratory case is about less than 50 pounds.

26. A mobile research laboratory case comprising:

a door;

a body, the door and body being connected by one or more hinges;

a plurality of wheels on the bottom of the body;

a collapsible handle coupled to the body;

a tablet storage area housed inside the body, wherein the tablet storage area comprises a plurality of individual compartments, the individual compartments further comprising a USB port and a slot;

a locking device;

a wireless broadband router housed inside the body;

and a rechargeable battery housed inside the body, wherein the rechargeable battery provides charge for both the wireless broadband router and tablet.