CONVERTIBLE BAG FOR HANDS-FREE USE OF TABLET COMPUTERS

Abstract

The convertible bag for hands-free use of tablet computers may be worn as a regular cross-body or a shoulder bag, and as a backpack. By using magnets on the back of the bag and tablet casing, the bag may be converted into a mobile platform for using a tablet computer while standing up or sitting without the need to hold the tablet with one or both hands. Both hands are free to operate the tablet. In the hands-free mode the bag may be used, for example, when commuting by public transportation or for operation by students, medical personal, warehouse workers, journalists, etc. The bag may be worn comfortably when walking, running, riding a bicycle or a motorcycle when configured as a backpack or a “chest-pack.”

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to carriers for tablet computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention of the tablet computer (the terms “tablet computer,” and “tablet” are used interchangeably in this document) has allowed users to input data into the PC through the display screen without need of a mouse or keyboard. When operating the tablet without a desk users are required to use their hands to hold the tablet while simultaneously interacting with it. This creates an inconvenient user experience and increases the chance of damage to the tablet in the event of a fall.

Solutions for hands-free tablet use have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,777 to Myles, U.S. Pat. No. 2007/0051766 to Spencer, and U.S. Pat. No. 2010/0006614 to McLean, provide hands-free support for tablet and notebook computers while standing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,777 to Myles is a design for laptop and tablet computers that utilizes one strap to allow users to carry the bag and set up the bag in hands-free platform mode. There is a touch sensitive screen on the front to allow for interaction with a tablet computer, and a protective jacket that secures the tablet in place. The Myles design does not focus on tablet computers, does not achieve hands-free functionality by using magnets to attach the tablet to the back side of the bag, and does not allow the user to carry the bag as a backpack.

U.S. Pat. No. 2007/0051766 to Spencer provides a hands-free platform for tablet and notebook computers by utilizing two attachment points located midway on the sidewall of the carrying case. The design utilizes a stability strap which extends between the two attachment points. This product does not utilize four attachment points on the four corners of the case to achieve multiple carrying positions and is designed as a robust carrier for protecting and supporting tablets and notebook PCs.

U.S. Pat. No. 2010/0006614 to McLean provides a hands-free support solution for laptops, tablets PCs, and ultra mobile PCs by utilizing four attachment points; two attachment points are located on the top two corners, and two more attachment points are located close to the midway point on the sidewall of the carrying case. The design provides improved protection, increased utility, and thermal management. The design is relatively complex with two straps, multiple components, and designed as a universal carrier to hold tablets and laptop computers. The design does not provide an easy to use hands-free platform solution streamlined for tablet use.

The aforementioned products are not streamlined for lightweight, easy to use, tablet carrying needs, but instead provide a robust carrier designs for laptop and tablet computers. None of the aforementioned designs utilize a tablet shell and magnets to hold the tablet in place while in hands-free platform mode.

Advantages

Thus, the advantages of the design herein are:

lightweight design streamlined for tablet use;

form-factor and storage options of a general use vertical messenger bag;

multiple carrying configurations include regular cross-body, on the shoulder, or on the back as a backpack, or the “chest-pack”;

by using a simple one strap design the bag is easily convertible into a hands-free platform;

transition between carrying mode, and hands-free platform mode is quick and easy, taking seconds to perform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The product provides a streamlined, lightweight, easy-to-use solution for carrying a tablet, using a tablet while standing or sitting without the need to hold the tablet with one or both hands, and as a general use bag with room for accessories.

The convertible bag has attachment points at all four corners for use with a quickly adjustable strap. The strap can be attached in multiple configurations to allow the case to be carried on the shoulder, on the back as a backpack, or across the chest. The case provides hands-free access to the tablet by utilizing magnets on a tablet shell that couple with magnets on the back of the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the bag with the flap closed.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the bag.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the bag with the flap opened.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the adjustable strap with the sliding buckle that can be used in multiple configurations.

FIG. 5 is one embodiment of the convertible bag in over the shoulder configuration.

FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the convertible bag with the adjustable strap attached in the diagonal configuration and worn across the back as a backpack.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective of one embodiment of the convertible bag with the adjustable strap attached in the diagonal configuration, and the case setup in hands-free platform mode buttressed by the body.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective of one embodiment of the convertible bag with the adjustable strap attached in the diagonal configuration, and the case setup in hands-free platform mode buttressed by the body.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Convertible bag

11 Quick release snap hooks

12 Attachment point one

13 Attachment point two

14 Attachment point three

15 Attachment point four

16 Adjustable strap

17 Magnets on the back of the tablet shell

18 Four magnets on the back wall of the bag

19 Pocket on the back of the bag

20 Front flap

21 Tablet shell

22 Pocket openings with zipper closures

23 Tablet Pocket

24 Storage compartment for accessories

25 Sliding cam buckle

26 Back wall of the bag

27 Front wall of the bag

28 Two side walls of the bag

29 Bottom wall of the bag

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms. The embodiments herein are preferred embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure is an example of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the convertible bag 10 includes a back wall 26, front wall 27, two side walls 28, a bottom wall 29, and a flap 20. The front wall 27, two sides 28, bottom wall 29, and the flap 20 are composed of flexible material such as leather or fabric. The back wall 26 is composed of a rigid material covered with leather, or fabric, and has a pocket 19 for documents, magazines, etc. There are magnets 18 embedded into the back wall 26. The front wall 27 of the bag has two pocket openings with zipper closures 22 with access to individual pockets for storage of items. The flap 20 folds over the bag to keep it closed. There are four attachment points (12, 13, 14, 15) located at each corner of the bag for use with the adjustable strap 16.

Referring to FIG. 2, a protective snap-on tablet shell 21 is utilized to hold the tablet on the back wall 26 by means of coupling magnets 17 which connect with the magnets 18 embedded in the back wall 26 of the bag. The magnetic force is sufficient to hold the tablet in place and to prevent it from falling. As a result, the user has easy access to the tablet display for data entry or viewing without the need to use either hand to support the tablet.

FIG. 3 shows the bag opened with the flap 20 placed under the back of the bag 26. The inside of the bag is lined with soft material that does not scratch the tablet. There is a designated pocket 23 that keeps the tablet in place, and room for accessories 24.

Referring to FIG. 4, the length of the strap 16 is quickly adjustable by use of a sliding cam buckle 25. To adjust the length, the user opens the cam buckle 25, and slides the cam buckle 25 along the strap. There are two quick release snap hooks 11 that attach to two of the four attachment points 12, 13, 14, or 15, to allow the user multiple carrying positions, and a hands-free platform mode.

By attaching the snap hooks 11 to attachment points 12 and 13, the bag can be carried in over the shoulder and down the side of the body, or over the shoulder and across the body (shown in FIG. 5).

When the strap 16 is attached in the diagonal configuration to attachment points 12 and 14, or 13 and 15, the case can be carried across the back as a backpack (shown in FIG. 6), or across the chest.

The case is easily convertible from backpack carrying mode into hands-free platform mode by loosening the cam buckle 25, lengthening the strap 16, positioning the bag perpendicular to the front portion of the user's body, and resting the bag against the body (shown in FIGS. 7-8). The case is balanced as a result of the diagonal strap configuration and the buttressing effect of the user's body.

The tablet shell 21 holding the tablet computer attaches to the back wall 26 of the case by use of the aforementioned magnets.

The flap 20 has embedded magnets that couple with magnets embedded in the front wall 27 to keep the flap closed (not shown on pictures). Conventional buckles, snaps or VELCRO® fasteners may be used.

It is noted that any connection configuration that can provide the desired carrying position and/or hands-free mode may be used. The examples mentioned are only examples, and should not be seen as a limitation of the invention.

Claims

1. A lightweight convertible bag streamlined for tablet use comprising at least:

1. a case structure in the form of a rectangular box;

2. magnets located on the back side of the case structure;

3. a tablet shell casing that holds a tablet computer and can be attached to the case structure via coupling magnets;

4. a quickly adjustable strap comprising of; i. either nylon or polyester webbing material, ii. the strap having two ends with two snap hooks on each end of the strap for quick attachment and detachment from the case structure, iii. an adjustable cam buckle to quickly alter the length of the strap,

5. four attachment points at each corner of the case structure.

2. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the case structure can be carried as a backpack;

1. the adjustable strap is attached to the attachment points of the case structure in a diagonal configuration and tightened until secure.

3. The convertible bag of claim 1 wherein the case structure can be positioned in front of the user's body as a hands-free platform:

1. the adjustable strap is attached to the case structure in a diagonal configuration;

2. the case structure is positioned in front of the user, perpendicular to the user's torso, with the back of the case structure facing the user.

3. the case structure maintains a position perpendicular to the user because of the diagonal attachment point configuration of the strap, and the buttressing effect of the user's body against the case structure;

4. the tablet shell with a tablet inserted into the shell is attached to the back of the case structure via the coupling magnets located on the case structure and the tablet shell.