FOLDABLE PROTECTION ENCLOSURE

Abstract

A foldable protection enclosure with four frame elements, each comprising a resilient frame, covered in a flexible material, and are hinged together to encircle an enclosed space. It offers a higher degree of freedom in its design and shape, than comparable cases. The frame panels, or walls may have significantly different geometric shapes and sizes and they can be partially removably connected with each other. It can be folded and, for further reduction can be twisted, by an axial rotation, in order to be transformed in a fully collapsed state. The protection enclosure is transportable, is partially self erectable and self-supporting. In one embodiment of the invention, as an enclosure designed for portable computers with display (laptops, tablets, pads, etc.) further innovations are disclosed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to foldable, self-supporting, partially self-tensible, portable protection enclosures with four frame elements, each having an integrated built-in elastic frame and covered with a flexible material. The Frame elements are hingedly connected to each other in order to encircle an enclosed space. The protection enclosure can be folded and, for further reduction can be twisted, by an axial rotation, in order to be transformed in a fully collapsed state.

The present invention further relates to enclosures for the protection of portable computers, meant in a wide sense for tablet computer, pads, displays, touch screens and similar electronic devices against environmental influences, like heat, cold, water, rain, snow, dust and for protection against ambient light and against strong incident light associated glare. The protection is also provided, during operation of the portable computer.

BACKGROUND ART

Since many years, collapsible, tent-like, partly self-deployable devices and cases with multiple tensile frame elements in many variations and applications are known. This concept has been applied firstly for camping tents that have three or more identical, hingedly interconnected triangular wall elements, by U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,794 and GB2263920A/US541 1046, while being published almost simultaneously but independently in 1991 and 1992. These constructions are generally conical, are limited to a perfectly symmetrical shape with equal walls. They also have an overall geometric shape and other features, which are not suitable for the protection of an electronic device, especially while it is operated.

Since then, several variations of this design principle for a number of applications, such as tents, dice, etc., become known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,961, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,067, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772, U.S. Pat. No. 588,279, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188, U.S. Pat. No. 7,066,647, U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,632 and others, disclose similarly substantially symmetrically arranged, multi-walled, foldable coverings of this principle. All require, some explicitly, that the individual walls are approximately the same size and shaped, such example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,961 with the explicit requirement of “substantially parallel side edges” or U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,772 where it is required, that “the top fabric having a size that is at least equal to the size of the base”. Another feature, which is implicitly or explicitly required, is, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,188, that the “plurality of side panels is an even number”. The reason for this is the fact that, if the hingedly interconnected adjacent frame members are in an odd number, it is impossible to fold the frame members in a manner of piling them on one each other to form a flat stack.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,537 reveals a similar foldable structure, consisting of an odd number of right-square, equal walls, e.g. of three or five walls, which are connected hingedly with each other, where one of said connections is detachably adapted for an odd number of equal walls. Also some publications shall be mentioned, although their relevance for the present invention is limited, because they do not enclose a closed room, are rather open constructions with various arrangements of flexible walls to the object. Are here still cited to illustrate an overview of the prior art development of devices for flexible, foldable, tensionable walls. These are e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,654, U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,441, DE69800384.5/EP870521, EP0974293, EP1008705, EP0989259 and many others.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,281 discloses a sun protector for persons and already presents a basic shape, that is very close to the following, specially developed for portable computing devices. It provides a basic form with a front opening and a geometry that in a reduced and modified form, could also be suitable for example for notebook computer. But it is also explicitly limited in terms og collapsing issues to “twist-fold panels of sufficiently similar size and shape such that when folded down over one another they can be twisted and folded to transform the sunshade device from the unfolded, fully erected orientation into the folded orientation”.

As to the second technology field of this invention, namely protection for portable computers, Tablet computer, pads etc. to environmental influences, from light and glare, in general, prior art screen glare reducing devices are attachable on the screen. For example U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,253, U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,757, U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,546, U.S. Pat. No. 3,062,917, U.S. Pat. No. 4,314,280, U.S. Pat. No. 4,569,572, U.S. Pat. No. 6,356,439, DE 297 10 815 U1, DE 299 03 985 U1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,758. These devices have the disadvantage of having to be attached and/or mounted with more or less large effort on a monitor. A further disadvantage consists of the fact that the equipment is only protected against sun exposure at the display, for the purpose of a glare reduction. The equipment is not protected against the sun exposure and the associated heat development. Furthermore no protection against further environmental influences is given.

WO 02/098763 A1, discloses a partially collapsible enclosure. The upper protecting part of this enclosure has a conical form and therefore does not offer sufficient protection from ambient light, and/or further environmental influences. In order to avoid glare by reflected light of the operators arms and clothes towards the display of a notebook, an additional glare guard is proposed, with a plane arranged diagonally between keyboard and display. This glare shield isn't however able to avoid, neither these reflections effectively, nor the glare due to directly breaking in light. Beyond that, this glare guard could be disturbing during the operation of the notebook by impairing the visibility of the keyboard or the display. The objective to give an enclosure for transport as backpack and carry handle works oppositely to the issue of providing enhanced visibility and protecting from weather during operation. A further disadvantage of this enclosure is that it has to be mounted, at least from sheeting, struts, glare guard. In addition it is only partially collapsible. It can only be folded down almost flat but without further reduction of the dimensions of its largest surfaces.

WO 2011066873 A1 and WO2011037556 (A1) reveal in different ways also a combination of bags for the transportation of portable computers and screen/glare protectors. However, also they share the disadvantage, that a combination of targets, is also associated with significant drawbacks in functionality.

Applying the principle of foldable, self-sustaining, tensionable devices with four frame panels, each with an integrated elastic framework, on the protection of portable computers, did significantly improve the functionality. DE 2030687 U/WO2004092021/U.S. 2004/0206645 A1 discloses such a protection device for a portable computer and also forms the starting point of the present invention. However, its geometric shape is not sufficiently focused to an ergonomic arrangement of a notebook computer being in use. The shape is much bigger in size than the protected working device would require, which is perceived as disturbing in use. A further disadvantage is the over-dimensioning of the front opening for operators control. Due to the large opening, the protective effect is only suboptimal, in particular against light, despite the built-in visor. The reason why the disadvantages are probably accepted in this device, is that, similar to all the prior art presented foldable structures, with a plurality of frame members, the folding issues require a symmetrical shape with equally sized and equally shaped frame members. Due to that, a further optimization of the shape of such casings has not yet been realized. Users of such devices require even more properties, such as stability and adjustability of the devices, improved protection against rain, improved ventilation and cable management for portable computers, and other improvements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a foldable protective enclosure, with four hinged frame members, each comprising a resilient frame, covered in a flexible material, and are hinged together to encircle an enclosed space, that offers a higher degree of freedom in its design and shape, than comparable cases.

It is further the object of the present invention to provide a foldable protective enclosure of said art, that is adjustable and can be stabilized in its shape.

Finally it is the object of the present invention to present a foldable protective enclosure of said art, that offers additional, new options for attaching objects, in particular of fastening means such as hook/loop fasteners, straps and the like.

In a foldable protective enclosure of the initially described type, the object is solved in an inventive manner, according to claim 1, so that the frame panels, or walls can have significantly different geometric shapes and sizes and they can be partially removably connected with each other. The object is also solved by claim 9, claim 17 and claim 19. Favourable further embodiments are the subject of the subclaims.

The proposed protection device has several advantages:

An enclosure with walls that can vary in shape and size and is foldable without great efforts and assembly, as the present invention discloses, allows a significantly increased freedom with regard to the targeted adjustment and optimization ability of embodiments for various purposes. In one embodiment of the invention, as an enclosure designed for portable computers with display (laptops, tablets, pads, etc.) the roof wall member of the enclosure may be trapezoidal, with the front side of the top wall, significantly narrower than the parallel rear side. Accordingly, the enclosure may have a narrow upper part of the front opening used to allow the visibility and the ability to control the protected device. The rear wall of the enclosure can have an inclination, modelled similarly to that of a portable computers open display. In this particular application, the advantage of geometrical freedom of the invention is particularly evident: For the first time it makes it possible to design an enclosure for portable computers, which can be significantly smaller and designed specifically filigree. In other words, it follows the shape of the clapped open computer display without wasting space. The impairment of the device by too high volume is significantly reduced, for example, when it has to compete for space on a table against other objects, or when it must fit on a small tripod of a sports photographer, while he uses it in a football stadium.

The protective enclosure has a substantially smaller trapezoidal roof and a narrower opening for viewing and operating the enclosed e.g. portable computer as previously possible. The optimized opening thus additionally reduces the incidence of light and glare. The protection against rain and other environmental influences is improved.

For further refinement, the foldable protective enclosure comprises tension belts, preferably a pair of tension belts which are preferably fixedly connected to the case. They offer several advantages. First, they serve the adjustability of their vertical inclination. This has the advantage that the tensioning straps can compensate any skew, which may often occur in devices of this kind. Another advantage is the ability of stabilizing and consolidating the structure. In addition the unfolded protective device can be reduced in its size by tensioning the straps. For portable computer, it has the advantage to form a smaller front opening for reducing glare.

Also preferred is an embodiment of a foldable enclosure where the peripheral tubes in which the surrounding frames are integrated, take over an additional function: Its usage for attaching items such as hook/loop straps and/or loops. This has heretofore, never been achieved in such constructions in practice. The use of the peripheral frame tube for mounting e.g. hook/loop fasteners has numerous advantages, in particular concerning waterproofness and design. Those items do not need to be attached on the main part of the flexible textile material, namely that part which is tensioned by the frame members. Thus, an impairment of the water resistance by seams on the main surface is avoided.

Such a foldable protection enclosure as presented in this invention offers comprehensive protection against different environmental influences, like light, heat, cold, water, rain, snow, dust and/or wind. This is obtained by the fact that the portable computer can be covered preferably completely and the covering material is preferably water-resistant, waterproof, opaque, reflecting, anti abrasive.

Apart from the protection of the portable computer the enclosure enables also a best possible problem-free operating of the devices. This is achieved by an opening at the front side. The requirements on geometry are contradictory. The opening is, in preferred embodiments as small as possible, to allow as little as possible entry of light, water and dust and just as large as necessary, to allow viewing of the display completely The enclosure is as small as possible, in order not to be disturbing and bulky and to enable easy handling. On the other hand, it is at least as large to enclose a notebook in such a manner, to provide sufficient protection against environmental influences. The invention presents the smallest possible covering with sufficient protection and good operability of the electronic devices contained in it.

Such enclosure for portable computer is protected against the wind. An embodiment of the device is provided with fastening means, preferably buckles or the like, provided in order to be optionally attached by means of a preferably adjustable hook/loop belt or the like, for example, to the table on which it is placed on.

Preferred embodiments of such enclosures for portable computers comprise slots for ventilation and supply of cables and or USB devices on their sidewalls. They are preferably covered by a flap, which can close and open and can be fastened, preferably by means of hook/loop straps. Another innovation that is revealed in this context, is that the slots in a preferred embodiment are die-cut, directly punched out of hook/loop textile. The advantages that result are, that the flap can be variably attached on the sidewall, further, a significant simplification in the production process of the enclosure.

In a preferred embodiment of such a protective enclosure, the front opening can be covered by an adjustable removable cover. This has the advantage that a portable computer or tablet PC can be better protected against the rain. The front cover can make the enclosure practically rainproof. Another advantage is that the front cover allows operating the computer while it is raining.

The protection enclosure is easily collapsible and transportable, is partially independently self erectable and self-supporting. The protection device consists of one piece and requires therefore no assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, and left top perspective view to the left sidewall, the roof and the front opening of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition.

FIG. 2 is a left and top perspective view to the left sidewall and the roof of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition.

FIG. 3 is a rear, top and right perspective view to the rear wall, the roof and the right sidewall of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition.

FIG. 4 is a front, and left top perspective view to the left sidewall, the roof and the front opening of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition with the protected device, in this example a notebook computer.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition to the sidewall and the floor that are connected by means of a zipper.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the foldable protection enclosure in a partly unfolded, open condition to the rear wall and the floor, where the zipper is in a nearly open condition and the sidewall is separated from the floor and the rear wall is nearly divided in to two parts.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the foldable protection enclosure in an fully unfolded, open condition to the rear wall, fully divided in to two parts and the sidewall is separated from the floor, where the zipper is in a completely open condition.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the foldable protection enclosure in nearly folded condition to the divided rear wall.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the foldable protection enclosure in folded condition to the rear.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the foldable protection enclosure in folded condition to the top.

FIG. 11 to 14 show schematically the foldable protection enclosure in phases of the axial rotation process.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view on the left sidewall of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition, with details, like the flap, the vent slots, the tension strap and the hook/loop straps on the peripheral tube.

FIG. 16 is a detail view on the down part of the left sidewall of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition, with details, like the flap, the vent slots, the tension strap, the fastening buckle with a connected hook/loop belt, an external cable and a USB device.

FIG. 17 is a reduced sketch of a perspective top view to the roof of the foldable protection enclosure. In addition, the floor under the roof is visible. The sidewalls and the rear wall are hidden to illustrate the shape of the roof and the floor and their differences.

FIG. 18 is a front, and left top perspective view to the left sidewall, the roof and the front opening of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition, where the front cover has been firmly attached to cover the front opening.

FIG. 19 is a front, and left top perspective view to the left sidewall, the roof and the front opening of a simplified embodiment of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition. It illustrates in particular the geometry and the peripheral tubes of the frame panels and does not show details, such as valves, straps, Velcro fasteners etc.

FIG. 20 is a rear, top and right perspective view to the rear wall, the roof and the right sidewall of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition. It illustrates in particular the geometry and the peripheral tubes of the frame panels and does not show details, such as valves, straps, Velcro fasteners etc.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are rear and top right perspective views to the rear wall and the roof of the foldable protection enclosure in an upright condition. The tension straps are shown in FIG. 21 in a relaxed state, while in FIG. 22, the tension straps are in tension, shortened and reduce thereby the roof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Further advantages and characteristics arise as a result of the following detailed explanation of preferable embodiments of the foldable protection enclosure, based on the attached Figures. Although, most of the disclosed innovations of this invention relate to a foldable protection enclosure in general, and only a part of the innovations are related specifically to enclosures for portable computers, are all the herein shown preferred embodiments, in all figures, enclosures particularly for protection of portable computers. The selection of those embodiments is expressly not in a limiting sense. It is made merely to illustrate general and specific principles of typical and preferred embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 4, 19 and 20 show views according to the proposed foldable protection enclosure (1), in its upright state. Throughout the several views, the frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c and 8d) are shown with their respective surrounding flexible material (2). Each of the frame panels (8) has an integrated, separate, flexible and elastic frame member with closed geometry. Because each frame member is led integrally within a peripheral tube (9a, 9b, 9c und 9d) of flexible material (2), which is connected along the edge of the corresponding frame panel (8), preferably sewn on, the frame members are not visible. They are fully covered by the flexible material of the tubes. Visible are only the peripheral tubes (9), in FIGS. 5 bis 15 and 21/22 seen as dark, wide edges of the frame panels, because for illustration, they have a black color in the sketchy views of this preferred embodiments, on said Figures. Thus, the flexible material differs optically from the flexible material of the main surface of the frame panels. Depending on the perspective, some of the frame panels (8) and the peripheral tubes (9) are visible, and some are not. But, In FIGS. 1 to 4, all are shown at least once.

FIG. 3 shows a fifth additional (to the four frame panels) wall element, the rear wall, that is without a frame member, is not self-supporting and self-tensioned and is formed by flexible material (2) connected along the four preferably backwards oriented edges of the frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d).

The flexible Material (2) can preferably be textile, coated or laminated fabric or foil and at least partly hook/loop fabric. It is preferably water rejecting or waterproof, abrasion resistant, opaque and reflecting. It preferably consists of one single piece. This in a wider sense is also meant, that it can be assembled together from several pieces of material, possibly also different materials, preferably sewn or glued.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, 17, 19 and 20 it can be seen that the frame panels (8) have significantly different geometric shapes and sizes. Devices of this type usually have uniform and equal, firm and hingedly interconnected wall elements. A usually folding method for such devices, transferred to the proposed foldable protection enclosure (1), would be accomplished by folding down for example one of the side frame panels (3) together with frame panel (5) on to the frame member (6). In other words, one preferred way would be the folding of a sidewall together with the roof, down towards the floor by light pressing of the edge between sidewall and roof. Regarding the shown preferred enclosures of FIGS. 1 to 4, 19 und 20, it is obviously recognizable, that the diversity of shape and size of the frame panels and the fifth wall, geometrically do not allow this folding method. The enclosure cannot be folded this way, the firmly connected frame elements with the firmly connected said fifth wall are spatially interfering with each other. Even at smaller differences in the shape and size of the frame panels, than at the presented preferred embodiments, this method is not applicable geometrically.

One of the main innovations of this invention is disclosing a solution that still allows the folding of the protection enclosure under these conditions: In order to enable a folding procedure for enclosures of the presented art, where the frame panels (8) have significantly different geometric shapes and sizes, at least two of the four frame panels (8) comprise means to be hingedly and removably connected to each other. This makes them releasably connected to one another. In addition, the fifth wall element (4) is separable into two parts (4A/4B), preferably from one corner of the said removable connection of the two frame panels (8) to the diagonally opposite corner. Also, the two parts of the divided wall (4A/4B) have means to be removably connected to each other. In FIG. 3 the two parts of the wall element (4a and 4b) can be seen at the diagonal line. The line extends slightly below the geometric diagonals, because a piece of flexible material overlaps the connection to keep the connection rainproof.

FIGS. 5 to 11 illustrate the proposed folding procedure of the foldable protection enclosure (1). The said removable connections of the two frame panels and the two separable parts of the fifth wall are formed preferably by means of a zipper. It is a long zipper, that extends from the opening of the enclosure, along the connection of the two frame panels over to and along the diagonal of the separable fifth wall, to its opposite corner. The end portion of the zipper is visible in FIGS. 1, 4 and 19.

FIG. 5 shows the beginning of the release of two frame members, in the presented embodiment, of the frame panels (8a and 8b). In FIG. 6, the release by the zipper is continued over to the fifth wall element (4) and illustrates its almost fulfilled division of two parts (4A and 4B). In FIG. 7, the enclosure (1) is in an open, unfolded condition, which passes in FIG. 8 over to the phase of folding. In the illustrated proposed foldable enclosure (1), except of the releasable connection between the two frame elements (8a and 8b), all other hinged connections are fixed, preferably sewn. By means of these hinged connections, the entire structure can be folded into a flat pile of frame panels, lying on top of one another. FIG. 9 schematically shows such a folded enclosure configuration. In this folded state, thus are both the connection of the two frame panels (8a and 8b), as of the two portions of the fifth wall (4A/4B) in a dissolved state.

As such a flat folded stack of frame panels, now the enclosure (1) can be further, additionally reduced, to be better transportable. Each frame member has an expanded, stretched configuration, which keeps the flexible material (2), of each respective frame panel (8) under constant, biaxial tension and forms a single loop. By a rotation of the ends of one of its axes in opposite direction, it transforms into three small loops, lying one above each other. With this also called “twisting” principle of axial rotation, the protective enclosure (1) can be reduced from its folded state of the pile of overlaying frame members to a fully collapsed condition. Thus, the pile is decreased substantially, to one-third of its original, untwisted, extended size, to make the enclosure (1) portable. Although the frame panels, caused by their different shape are overlying displaced, this rotation is still possible, such as the schematic FIGS. 10 to 14 illustrate. FIG. 10 shows the folded stack in a top view, which is the viewpoint of the person carrying out the rotation. The extent of the offset stacked frame panels on each other is clearly visible. To help find a proper grip point to twist easy, there are printed sketches of Fingers on the frame panels (8a).

In said fully collapsed condition the protection enclosure (1) is flat and oval, and is under permanent tension, so that it would independently self expand. For this reason it is preferably placed into a flat textile bag or held together by a hook/loop belt. In the preferred example, designed for a conventionally dimensioned portable computer, the length of the axis is around 22 cm and the height of the oval structure, is around 3 cm.

Once the fully collapsed enclosure is no longer held together or is taken out of its textile cover, it expands apart independently and takes back the form of the stacked expanded frame panels. The protection enclosure may then be fixated, in the presented preferred example, by closing the zipper (20) to form the upright end position. The integrated framework provides the necessary tension to keep the unfolded enclosure (1) in the upright position. Thus, it has the important properties to be self-supportive and self-tensioned. Suitable material for the frame members is spring steel with a carbon content. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is made of spring steel and is preferably approx. 1 mm wide and 2.8 mm in cross section.

Foldable protection enclosures (1) particularly for portable computer (10), offer protection against environmental influences. These can be heat, cold, water, rain, snow, dust, ambient light and strong incident light associated glare. The protection is also provided, during operation of the portable computer (10). FIGS. 1 to 4 show the four frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d) defining, a floor (6), a sidewall (3L), a roof (5) and a sidewall (3R), while the said fifth wall is the rear wall (4A/4B). The opening (7) is defined by the front outlines of sidewalls (3) and roof (5) and its main extension plane is preferably at least substantially vertical.

It is recognizable in FIG. 3 that a portable computer (10) is preferably completely covered, It should, in order to sufficiently reduce the ambient light, be preferably so deeply positioned in the protection enclosure (1) that it is covered entirely and in addition, an overhang (overlapping) is formed by the roof (5) and the side panels (3) at the opening (7). The overhang is meant in relation to the front outline of the portable computer (10). Last should be preferably placed completely towards the rear wall (4). In a preferred embodiment, suitably in particular for average sized portable computers (10), the overhang is approx. 10 to 25 cm. This overhang is also necessary for sufficiently protecting from rain and other environmental influences.

The protection enclosure (1) is on the rear wall (4), preferably lower than at the opening (7) as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, since the rear wall (4) is limited only by the height of an upright display. The width of the rear wall (4) is limited only by the width of the portable computer (10), so in preferred embodiments it is enough to be just slightly wider than the computer. In particular in the shown preferred embodiment, for average sized portable computers (10), it is approx. 40 cm. The rear wall (4) in the exemplary embodiment it is preferably about 26 cm.

The invention enables a the roof (5), that is preferably shaped in trapezoidal form and its side associated to the rear wall (4), is about 20% to 40% longer than its opposite, parallel side, above the front opening, preferably 35% longer, as preferred examples in FIGS. 1 to 4, 19 and 20 and in particular 17 show. The shape of the side walls (3) are such, that the angle defined by the back edge along the rear wall (4) and the down edge along the floor (6), is bigger than 90 degrees, preferably 100 to 125 degrees. This also results in a considerably longer roof (5), compared to the floor (6). This difference in the shapes and sizes is specially illustrated in FIG. 17, which is a proposed protection enclosure (1), reduced without side and rear walls, shown from above. FIG. 2 also shows, that the level of the roof preferably inclines towards the rear wall and the roof (5) forms the highest point of the enclosure at the top of the opening (7).

In FIGS. 15/16 one can see, that the side walls may have horizontally disposed slots (13) for venting and passage of cables and/or USB devices (21) and/or similar devices. The shown preferred embodiment comprises a number of five slots. They can preferably extend along the edge of the bottom (6). In the illustrated preferred example, they are placed in a distance of only 0.5 cm to the edge of the peripheral tube (9), and thus, are located, approximately at the same level to fans and various connections of modern portable computer.

FIGS. 15/16 show further, a flap above the slots in an open position. The slots (13) are covered by means of a hingedly, above the slots (13) connected flap (12), for protection against mainly rain. The flap (12) has preferably hook/loop fasteners (15) so that it can removable and adjustable be attached. In FIGS. 1 to 4, a sidewall is recognizable with a flap (12) in closed position. In this state, it offers a rainproof cover of the slots (13) and lets no ambient light enter the slots. Another benefit is that cable and USB sticks can protrude laterally without the rain protection being impaired. The rain flows over the flap and stays out of the enclosure. For that, the flap (12) must be wide enough, preferably overlaying the peripheral frame, as seen in FIGS. 1-4.

The slots (13) shown in FIGS. 15/16 are of hook/loop fabric and are die-cut, and this hook/loop fabric portion (17) together with the slots (13), forms a part of the flexible material (2) of the side wall (3). This punched out textile material portion including the slots (13), forms a part of the flexible material defining the sidewall (3). The entire textile area around the slots (13) is out of hook/loop textile (17) and one can stick the flap (12) on it, on any configuration preferred. Thus, the flap (12) can be variably attached on the sidewall (3) and can be fixated at different heights and in such a way that a portion of the slots (3) e.g. remains open while the rest is closed. The person operating, varies the opening as required, leaving for example, the back part of the slots (13), where often the fans of the laptops are positioned slightly open for ventilation and close at the same time the front of the flap (12). Another advantage is given for the production process of the enclosure. Die cutting the slots (13) out of hook/loop material, which then defines a portion of the flexible material (17) of the sidewall (3), is a significant simplification for production.

The flap (12) is just one example for features of the foldable protection enclosure (1), in particular for protection of personal computers (10), with the aim to make it rainproof. Further up coverings of zippers have been mentioned and in general, the entire design of preferred embodiments is based on the fact, that the enclosure (1) can be substantially totally rain proof. Another example is the next innovation of this invention, shown in FIG. 18: The opening (7) can preferably be covered by a removable front cover (19). The complete front part of the cover is transparent and/or elastic foil, preferably PVC. The front cover (19) comprises means of removable fastening, preferably hook-loop straps (15). In FIG. 18 they are not visible, because they are located on the inner side of the cover (19). Their counterparts for the connection to the cover (19), the hook and loop fasteners (15), attached to the peripheral tube (9), are shown on FIGS. 1 to 4 and 15. More counterparts of Velcro fasteners (15) for the cover (19) are visible on the flap (12) in FIG. 1 to 4. The front cover (19) allows operating the computer (10) also while it is raining. This is enabled, in that the operator has the ability of guiding is hands under the front cover (19). For that of course the hook/loop connection to the floor must be unfasten.

The placing of e.g. hook and loop fasteners on the peripheral tubes (9) is another innovation of this invention. The peripheral tube (9) can be used preferably also for the fixedly mounting of objects (15), preferably of hook/loop fasteners (15) and/or strap loops (16) and/or tension belts (14) and/or similar. Those objects are attached preferably by means of a seam on the peripheral tube (9). For example at a preferred enclosure (1), as presented in FIG. 15, a tension strap (14) is fixed, preferably at the lower end of the peripheral tube (9b). This innovation offers an additional option for the attachment of objects, in addition to the main surfaces of enclosure (1) and in result, it does not affect the waterproofness of those surfaces by any seams. A further advantage lies in the effect on appearance. By shifting such fastening means of the main surface towards the tubes at the edge, the design can change significantly and offers larger freedom to design.

For the purpose of stabilization, adjustability of vertical inclinations and the ability to further reduce its size, in particular the size of the front opening (7), the foldable protection enclosure (1) can have in preferred embodiments at least a pair of tension belts (14), preferably firmly connected to the enclosure (1) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and 15. Every pair of the tension belts (14) in a preferred embodiment, is connected by both of its first ends, on two opposite edges, or the vicinity of the edges, of a frame panel (8) and they each extend over the opposite edge for each adjacent frame panel (8). Their second ends are connected to the opposite edges of the same frame panels (8) or close to the edges. The ability to reduce the front part of the enclosure (1), and in particular the front opening, illustrate FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 shows a protective enclosure (1) in which the pair of tension belts (14), is in a loosen state, and the roof has its full extent. In FIG. 22, the tension belts (14) are tightened and it can be seen easily, that the scope of the entire front area is considerably smaller. In particular, in an embodiment of an enclosure for portable computer, there is the advantage that the tension straps will help to form a narrower front opening in order to counter light and associated glare more effectively.

FIG. 16 also shows attachment means (11) such as strap loops and/or buckles or similar, for securing the enclosure (1). It is a schematic view of the attachment by means of a hook/loop belt (18) attached on a buckle (11), in order to fixate the enclosure (1) on e.g. a table leg. In addition to can of course also used similar means.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are embodiments of the foldable protection enclosure (1) which do not have additional elements such as flaps, slots, straps, Velcro and belt loops, in order to better illustrate the geometrical shape, the frame elements (8) and the peripheral tubes (9).

Claims

1. Foldable protection enclosure (1), self-supporting and partially self tensible, comprising four frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d);

each of the frame panels (8) comprising an integrated, separate, flexible and elastic frame member with closed geometry and each of the frame panels (8) covered by a flexible material (2) and holding the flexible material (2) or keeping it under tension to form a panel;

said four frame panels (8) hingedly connected in a raw with each other, along two of their at least approximately parallel and/or opposite positioned edges, to form an enclosed interior space, in a non-folded, fully expanded state;

the enclosure comprising at least one fifth additional (to the four frame panels) wall element, that is not comprising a frame member and is formed by flexible material (2) connected along the four preferably backwards oriented edges of said frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d) and closing one of the two open sides of the said enclosed interior space;

the enclosure having at least one unfolded, fully expanded condition and a folded condition, when the four frame elements are folded along their hinged connections to each other, and lie one above the other to form a pile,

wherein preferably at least two of the four frame panels (8) have a significantly different geometrical form and size;

at least two of the four frame panels (8) comprise means to removably and hingedly be coupled to each other,

wherein said fifth wall element (4) can be separated into two parts (4A/4B), preferably from one corner of the said removable connection of the two frame panels (8) to the diagonally opposite corner, and the two parts of the divided wall (4A/4B) comprise means to be removably connected to each other,

wherein, the enclosure can only be in its folded orientation, under the condition, that both connections, the connection of the two said frame panels (8) as well as of the two wall element parts (4A/4B), must be in a loose, not connected configuration.

2. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure can only be in its unfolded, fully expanded orientation, under the condition, that both connections, the connection of the two said frame panels (8) as well as of the two wall element parts (4A/4B), must be in a closed, connected configuration.

3. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to claim 1 or 2, wherein not more than three of the four said frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d) are connected preferably firmly and hinged in a row, preferably by a seam and/or comparable means.

4. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the said removable connections are formed preferably by means of a zipper and/or of hook-loop straps and/or comparable means.

5. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein each frame member is led integrally within a peripheral tube (9a, 9b, 9c und 9d) of flexible material (2), which is connected along the edge of corresponding frame panel (8), preferably sewn on.

6. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein each frame member as an expanded, stretched configuration and keeps said flexible material (2) of said respective frame panel (8) under constant, biaxial tension and forms a single loop; wherein each frame member has a fully collapsed configuration, achieved by rotation of the ends of one of its axes in opposite direction and forms three small loops lying one above each other, wherein the enclosure (1) in said folded condition of said pile of overlying four frame panels (8) has an expanded, stretched configuration and a fully, collapsed configuration, by said method of axial rotation, that reduces the size in approximately one third of the extended configuration and so enhances the portability of the enclosure.

7. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the flexible Material (2) can preferably be textile and/or coated and/or laminated fabric and/or foil and/or hook/loop fabric.

8. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the flexible Material (2) is preferably water rejecting and/or waterproof and/or abrasion resistant and/or opaque and/or reflecting.

9. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, for protection of portable computer (10), meant in a wide sense for tablet computer, pads, displays, touch screens and similar electronic devices against enviromnental influences, like heat, cold, water, rain, snow, dust and for protection against ambient light and against strong incident light associated glare, while at same time operation of said portable computer (10), meant in a wide sense for tablet computer, pads, displays, touch screens and similar electronic devices is made possible; the frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d) defining, a floor (6), a sidewall (3L), a roof (5) and a sidewall (3R), the said fifth wall is the rear wall (4A/4B); the foldable protection enclosure (1) formed to cover said portable computer (10) preferably entirely and comprising a front opening (7) for operation or view of said portable computer (10), wherein the roof (5) is preferably shaped in trapezoidal form and its side associated to the rear wall (4), is about 20% to 40% longer than its opposite, parallel side above the front opening, preferably 35% longer.

10. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the shape of the side walls (3) are such, that the angle defined by the back edge along the rear wall (4) and the down edge along the floor (6), is bigger than 90 degrees, preferably 100 to 125 degrees.

11. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the front opening (7) is covered by a removable front cover (19) of flexible material (2); wherein the flexible material (2) is preferably, at least partially transparent and/or elastic foil, preferably PVC; wherein said front cover (19) comprises means of removable fastening, preferably hook-loop straps.

12. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the side walls comprise horizontally disposed slots (13) for venting and passage of cables and/or USB devices (21) and/or similar devices, preferably along the edge of the bottom (6), preferably at a distance of 0 cm to 2 cm from the edge.

13. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the slots (13) are of hook/loop fabric and are die-cut, wherein this hook/loop fabric portion (17) formed with said slots (13), forms a part of the flexible material (2) of the side wall (3).

14. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein the slots (13) are covered by means of an hingedly, above the slots (13) connected flap (12), for protection against ambient influences; wherein the flap (12) comprises means of a removable and adjustable attachment, preferably hook/loop fasteners (15) to the removable and adjustable attachment on said hook/loop fabric portion (17) of the enclosure (1).

15. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein it comprises features to build it rainproof, in particular said front cover (19), said flaps (12) as well as further used coverings of removable and adjustable attachments and connections at the enclosure (1).

16. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein it comprises fastening devices (11), in particular strap loops, and/or buckles or similar devices, for detachable fastening of the enclosure (1), preferably by means of removable and adjustable attachment, preferably hook/loop fastener belts and/or similar devices.

17. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, comprising four frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d):

each of the frame panels (8) comprising an integrated, separate, flexible and elastic frame member with closed geometry and each of the frame panels (8) covered by a flexible material (2) and holding the flexible material (2) or keeping it under tension to form a panel;

said four frame panels (8) hingedly connected in a raw with each other, along two of their at least approximately parallel and/or opposite positioned edges, to form an enclosed interior space, in a non-folded, fully expanded state;

the enclosure comprising at least one fifth additional (to the four frame panels) wall element, that is not comprising a frame member and is formed by flexible material (2) connected along the four preferably backwards oriented edges of said frame panels (8a, 8b, 8c und 8d) and closing one of the two open sides of the said enclosed interior space;

the enclosure having at least one unfolded, fully expanded condition and a folded condition, when the four frame elements are folded along their hinged connections to each other, and lie one above the other to form a pile, wherein

the enclosure (1), for the purpose of stabilization and/or adjustability of its vertical inclination and/or the ability to further reduce its size, in particular preferably the size of the front opening (7), comprises at least a pair of tension belts (14); wherein the tension belts are preferably firmly connected to the enclosure (1).

18. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to claim 17, wherein every pair of the tension belts (14) is connected at both of its first ends, at two opposite edges, or the vicinity of the edges, of a frame panel (8) and they each extend over the opposite edge for each adjacent frame panel (8) and with their second ends are connected to the edge to the opposite edges of the same frame panels (8) or close to the edges.

19. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, comprising at least two frame panels (8), each of the frame panels (8) comprising an integrated, separate, flexible and elastic frame member with closed geometry and each of the frame panels (8) covered by a flexible material (2) and holding the flexible material (2) or keeping it under tension to form a panel; and each frame member is led integrally within a peripheral tube (9) of flexible material (2), which is connected along the edge of corresponding frame panel (8), preferably sewn on, wherein the peripheral tube (9) is used for fixedly mounting of objects (15), preferably of hook/loop fasteners (15) and/or strap loops (16) and/or tension belts (14) and/or similar.

20. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to claim 19, wherein said objects are attached preferably by means of a seam on the peripheral tube (9).

21. Foldable protection enclosure (1), according to one of the previous claims, wherein said flexible material (2) consists of one single piece.