STAY-ON DEVICE FOR CARRYING LAPTOP OR NOTEBOOK
A device for carrying any “object” that opens on a hinge, such as a laptop computer, notebook, binder, folder, tablet with attached keyboard. The “object” being carried will hereafter be referred to as “laptop” for summary. The carrying device is secured onto the laptop using sticky pads and has flaps that wrap around the laptop to hold it securely in place. The device has ring loops on one edge that allow a strap to be attached, such that the combined laptop device can be slung over the shoulder or other body part. The device can be adjusted to fit different size laptops by adjusting the amount of overlap between the pieces that make up the device body. Additional features of the device include (an) accessory pocket(s), built-in mouse pad, built-in palm rest, built-in handle, size-adjustable shoulder strap, different closure types where the pieces of the device body meet.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/758,788, entitled “Stay-On Device for Carrying Laptop,” filed Nov. 12, 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSUREThis invention generally relates to a carrier of a laptop, or other hinged object. More particularly, the invention relates to a carrier that stays on the laptop while still allowing the laptop to open.
BACKGROUNDIn many industries and societies, there is a need to use laptops constantly throughout the day for both work and personal use. This means that instead of using a laptop for one long session in a day, a user may be breaking that session up to a multitude of short sessions. As a result, there is need to be able to access laptops quickly and conveniently while on the move—commuting on public transportation, improvised seating while on a corporate or college campus, moving between conference rooms for meetings. Current designs for transporting laptops, such as backpacks, messenger bags, or sleeves require the laptop to be enclosed within. To access the laptop, a user would need to load the laptop into the bag, carry to a new place, unload it to access it. The repetition of this process multiple times in a day is cumbersome and also risks the user losing the bag once it is separated. An example of this would be forgetting it in a conference room at work and returning to the room after it is has been occupied by a different meeting group. Such a multi-step process is not ideal for a laptop user on the go.
It is in this context that embodiments arise.
SUMMARYOne objective of this invention is to provide a carrying case that allows a user to open and close their laptop without removing it from the case. Being a stay-on device, there is no risk of a user losing the separated case, bag, or sleeve. The ability to carry it over the shoulder using the strap frees up hands such that users can use other necessities such as phones, coffee mugs, keys, etc.
Another objective to provide multiple ways of carrying the laptop all while still providing the convenience of being a stay-on device as described above. This provides options to the user such that they can use the over-the-shoulder strap but still have the option to carry their laptop using the briefcase handle, or the portfolio handle.
Another objective is to provide the convenience of the above in conjunction with carrying basic necessities without adding bulk to their laptop. The slim accessory pocket allows for such small items, such as phone, pens, notepad, ID cards, earphones. Since the pocket is an intrinsic part of the carrier body, it also does not separate from the laptop.
In order to act as a carrying device without risk of the laptop slipping out, this invention has secure closures on all 6 sides of the laptop. The carrying case will stay centered onto the laptop using adhesive pads on the top and bottom of the laptop, however the left/right sides will have straps that prevent it from slipping out sideways. There is also a bottom flap that secures it on the front where the laptop normally opens and faces the user. This bottom flap keeps the laptop closed, and the structure is such that the flap comes from the bottom of the laptop, folds over the front, and attaches securely to the top flap. The structure of the carrying device when it is in this closed position is such that it completely wraps around the laptop, preventing the laptop from opening at all.
Carrying the laptop is made possible by several different means. In one embodiment a removable strap is provided, which attaches to the carrier by hooking into the ring loops along one edge of the carrier. This strap length can be adjustable or fixed, so long as it has hooks that attach to the carrier. In another embodiment, built-in short handles are provided that allow the laptop to be carried like a briefcase. These may be non-removable. In another embodiment, a portfolio style carrying band is provided. According to this embodiment, the built-in band sits flat on the top or bottom sides of the laptop and allows a user to slip his or her hand under the band. Additionally, the user can wrap their hand around the bottom edge of the laptop and carry it against the body, according to this embodiment.
In other embodiments, the carrying device may provide for additional features. For example, the carrying device may include an accessories pocket on the top side of the carrier, a flap that folds out to be used as a mousepad, and a comfortable palm rest built into the bottom flap such that when it is open for the laptop to be in use, the exposed side would support a user's palms while the laptop is in use.
Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the disclosure.
The disclosure may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
The present invention relates to a carrying device for a notebook or laptop computer which makes it easy and convenient to transport or carry without the need for a case or larger bag. The details of certain embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the following description and
This invention provides convenience in its usage because, while it is secured to the laptop computer, it does not prevent the lid of the laptop computer from being opened and used normally. The carrying device is comprised of three main components, an elongated strip 1 side strips 2 and a handle member 3. The elongated strip 1 is shown to wrap or encircle the laptop computer so that it can be carried. In the present embodiment, the elongated strip 1 is a single layer, non-woven textile, and rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the elongated strip 1 may be of different material, such as woven or knitted textiles, leather, or plastic, for example, have a different shape, and be constructed of multiple layers of differing materials. The surface of the preselected material may be soft to the touch, so as to not mar the surface of the laptop, and be suitable as a comfortable palm rest for the user when they are using the computer. In another embodiment, the preselected materials of the elongated strip 1 may have intrinsic water repellent properties. Disposed and attached along the length of the elongated strip 1 are permeable sections 6 which allow for dissipation from heat that is generated and given off by the laptop computer. The permeable sections 6 can be of any permeable, breathable textile, such as mesh or netting. One end of the elongated strip 1 is secured to a second end of the elongated strip 1 by means of hook and loop attachments, button snaps, magnets, buckles, or hooks. In the present embodiment, the first and second ends are secured by a buckle 23.
As illustrated in
In a working environment such as an office, many laptop users will temporarily operate their laptops while walking or standing. In these circumstances, the user holds the laptop in the palm of one of their hands while the other hand operates the keyboard and mouse trackpad. In alternate embodiments, the handle member 3 can be fabricated as part of the present invention to serve as an adjustable bracing member that offers support to the users hand when holding the laptop as previously described. Referring to
Side strips 2 are shown to be secured to the elongated strip. Each of side strips 2 has two ends. One end is free and the other is secured to the elongated strip 1 as shown in
When installing or wrapping the carrying device around the laptop computer, it is noted that the center of the device along the latitudinal axis, of the elongated strip 1 also be aligned with the center of the laptop along the latitudinal axis. The alignment configuration will ensure that both free ends of the side strips 2 protrude equally from underneath the laptop and have sufficient length to fully wrap around the laptop and secure themselves to the elongated strip 1. Adhesive strips 4 can be used to prevent the elongated strip from misaligning in reference to the laptop. As shown in
A pocket member 8 that can hold various objects is shown to be on the exterior facing side 7 of the elongated strip 1. For example, the pocket member is envisioned to be capable of holding writing instruments, a mobile phone, wallet, keys, or notepad. The pocket member 8 has an opening 9 which can be closed and secured by means of hook and loop attachments, magnets, Velcro, or zipper. By securing the opening, the preselected items inside are prevented from falling out. The material and construction of the pocket member 8 can be the same as the elongated strip 1 or may be of differing materials and construction for aesthetic purposes.
In further embodiments, additional features of the carrying device allow it to accommodate several different laptop computer sizes. For example, the length of the elongated strip 1 will be able to be appropriately adjusted to account for different dimensions of laptop computers produced by different manufacturers. As shown in
In
In a similar manner to the elongated strip 1 the side strips 2 also have the ability to be adjusted. A secured means of attachment, such as hook and loop attachments, button snaps, or magnets, are shown along the horizontal axis of the interior facing side 5 of the elongated strip 1 in
As mentioned before, the carrying device provides a handle member 3 according to one embodiment. In another embodiment shown in
When the first and second ends of the carrying strap 19 are attached to corresponding first and second loops 21 the user is able to carry their laptop computer over the shoulder. In another embodiment shown in
It is within the scope of the invention that this carrying device for a notebook or laptop computer can be provided in a variety of colors, styles, materials, and designs, to achieve different aesthetics. It is also apparent that the carrying strap 19 may be offered in varying preselected lengths, such that the user may attach one to be used as a hand strap or another as a shoulder strap, depending on their preferred need. As noted before, this invention may carry preselected objects such as books, or binders; however, the prime intent is a means for carrying a laptop computer. The carrying device is easy and convenient to use because while it is attached to the laptop at all times, it is still thin enough to fit into a bigger bag for additional protection. The carrying device allows the user to quickly go from carrying their laptop to setting it on a working surface, and start using their laptop. When finished, the user folds down their laptop screen, and fastens the ends of the elongated strip 1 and the side strips 2 and they are ready to go. This functionality is especially convenient when quick access is needed during situations which are transient in nature, such as attending back to back meetings in an office, or traversing to different classrooms in a school environment.
Although a preferred and alternate embodiments have been described and disclosed, it is understood that other adaptations or modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system for holding a computing device, the system comprising:
- a rectangular base configured to be attached to a bottom side of the computing device;
- a first and second flap attached to a first side and second side of the rectangular base, respectively, the first side opposes the second side;
- a first section attached to a third side of the rectangular base configured to be adjacent to a back side of the computing device;
- a second section attached to the first section configured to be adjacent to a top side of the computing device;
- wherein when the computing device is in a closed state and the first and second flaps attach to the second section.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 13, 2019
Publication Date: May 14, 2020
Inventors: Derek Rungsea (Redwood City, CA), Van Tran (Redwood City, CA)
Application Number: 16/683,202