Abstract:
An inventive flexible shield and carrying case for laptop computers and other delicate devices are described herein. The flexible shield is preferably made of polyethylene that increases in width from the front of the case to the zipper, and from the back of the case to the zipper. The flexible shield dissipates the force of a blow to the outside of the case and away from the computer. A method is also included for recharging the computer without opening the case, including the steps of providing an adapter, an adapter cord, an adapter port, and a cord retractor, pulling the cord through the adapter port, plugging the cord into a power source, recharging the associated equipment, unplugging the cord from the power source, and retracting the cord.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field of the Invention 
     This invention is directed to electronic device carriers, specifically to improve weight reduction and shielding while maximizing the volume inside of the case and the case&#39;s functionality by providing cases with and without built in adapters. 
     II. Description of the Related Art 
     “Laptop” and “notebook” computers, that is, personal computers so reduced in size and weight as to be conveniently carried and employed while traveling, have enjoyed widespread acceptance of late. Unfortunately, it is difficult to make notebook computers compact while at the same time making them rugged enough to withstand being dropped or otherwise subjected to shock. The small size of today&#39;s laptop computers leaves little or no room inside for shock absorbing materials to protect the vulnerable parts of the computer, such as the LCD screen, the bard drive, the plastic outer case, and the various connectors. 
     The effect of being dropped or hit is measured in G&#39;s, which represents an acceleration of 32 feet/sec 2 . Each computer manufacturer&#39;s design is different, so there is no universally safe level of shock for laptop computers and circuits. However, the manufacturers of hard drives typically specify that their drives can withstand shocks in the range of 75-to-200 G. The manufacturers of LCD screens, on the other hand, guarantee their screens to withstand shocks of only about 50 G&#39;s, a level which can be reached by dropping a laptop computer from a height of only six inches. Most manufacturers of carrying cases for notebook computers incorporate into their cases foam padding ranging in thickness from about one-half to about three inches. Foam padding will protect the computer until completely compressed, which is typically half of the thickness of the foam pad. Tests have shown that carrying cases having only two inches of foam padding need only receive a shock that is the equivalent to an eight inch fall to exceed the 50 G threshold for LCD screens. A carrying case offering superior protection against shocks is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,119 which is marketed by PORT Computer Cases of South Norwalk, Conn., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,754 invented by Dale Hollingsworth use a suspension system to provide the laptop cases in which the empty space below the suspension sling, to the bottom of the case, provides twice as much protection as a equivalent amount of foam rubber padding in a fall. Most laptop users are aware that if they drop their laptop computer while holding it in a standing or seated position they may cause detriment to their computer. There are several problems that are readily apparent in the laptop case industry. 1- Most laptop users are more concerned with the bumps, jostling and shocks that their laptop computers routinely receive while walking through a busy area such as an airport terminal. 2- Current laptop cases that provide adequate protection are filled with padding, which obviously restricts the volume inside of the case. 3- Most importantly, many laptop users frequently complain about the weight of their cases, especially when peripherals such as CD&#39;s, a power supply and a mouse is also carried in the case. Fabric cases are available, however they offer very limited protection and many are not very resistant to liquid penetration. 
     One laptop case developed in approximately 1997, in Japan, which was not patented, was developed by Lines Ltd., of Tokyo. This case used polyurethane foam sandwiched between outside and inside fabrics. This sandwich was then heated and cold molded to form a lightweight encasement that has superior shock resistance. This case&#39;s inside lining was sewn such that the case would only open approximately 35-to-40°, thus when picked up the case would not spill its contents. This however presents an obvious problem to U.S. laptop users who frequently open and use their laptops without removing them from the case. 
     The present invention contemplates a new and improved carrying case, which is simple in design, effective in use, and overcomes the foregoing difficulties and others while providing better and more advantageous overall results. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, a new and improved carrying case is provided, which includes a first side, the first side having a front and a back, a second side, the second side having a front and a back, the first and second sides connected by a hinge, two handles, a strap for securing the associated equipment, a zipper for selectively securing the case, a flexible shield, the flexible shield comprising a polyethylene layer and a fastening layer, the flexible shield increasing in width from the front of the first side to the zipper, the flexible shield increasing in width from the front of the second side to the zipper, an adapter, an adapter cord, and a cord retractor. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flexible shield includes a elastically deformable material, the material increasing in width from the associated front of the associated first side to the associated back of the associated first side, the material increasing in width from the associated front of the associated second side to the associated back of the associated second side, wherein the elastically deformable material is a polymer, preferably polyethylene, and the flexible shield is a shell lining the associated carrying case. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the case includes a first side, the first side having a front and a back, a second side, the second side having a front and a back, attaching means for attaching the first side and the second side, a flexible shield, the flexible shield comprising a elastically deformable layer, a fastening layer, the flexible shield increasing in width from the front of the first side to the attaching means, the shield increasing in width from the front of the second side to the attaching means, the case being capable of being opened at least 90°, preferably to substantially 180°, a strap for securing the associated equipment, and protective pads fastened to the fastening layer. 
     In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention the case includes a first side, the first side having a front and a back, a second side, the second side having a front and a back, the first and second sides being connected together, an adapter, an adapter cord, a cord retractor, a side wall, and an adapter port, the adapter port located in the side wall, the adapter port allowing the adapter cord to pass through the carrying case without opening the case. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for protecting electronic and other delicate equipment includes the steps of providing a carrying case, the carrying case having first and second sides, the sides each having a front and a back, lining the carrying case with a flexible shield, the shield increasing in width from the front of the first side to the back of the first side, the shield increasing in width from the front of the second side to the back of the second side, and providing a strap for securing the associated equipment. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for recharging electronic equipment without removing the equipment from an associated carrying case includes the steps of providing an adapter, an adapter cord, an adapter port, and a cord retractor, pulling the cord through the adapter port, plugging the cord into a power source, recharging the associated equipment, unplugging the cord from the power source, and retracting the cord. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flexible shield includes the elastically deformable material decreasing in density from the associated front of the associated first side to the associated back of the associated first side, and the material decreasing in density from the associated front of the associated second side to the associated back of the associated second side. 
     Accordingly, several advantages of the present invention are as follows: 
     Providing a laptop case that contains its own built in adapter so that the computer batteries may be recharged without opening the carrier case; 
     Providing a laptop case that is extremely light in weight; 
     Providing a laptop case that uses polyethylene to improve computer shielding and decrease weight; 
     Providing a case that is much easier to manufacture and simple to use; 
     Providing a case that has a safety cord that when hooked with the case zipper completely open, will not spill its contents if picked up by the handle; 
     Providing a case that uses an encasement shell that will provide shielding and cushioning so that wasting valuable volume will not be necessary; 
     Providing a case that can be opened 180 degrees to allow access to the computer without removing it from the case; and, 
     Providing an encasement structure that changes densities to enhance the dissipation of force and is easily manufactured. 
     Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed specification. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts. A preferred embodiment of these parts will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible shield, before molding, showing the cover material, polyethylene center and Velcro® inside lining; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the “sandwich” after the layers of material have been laminated together and heat molded to different widths; 
     FIG. 3 is a cut away view of the case showing the different widths around the case; 
     FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the case; 
     FIG. 5 is a back plan view of the case; 
     FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the case; 
     FIG. 7 is a left side perspective view of the case, showing the adapter port with port cover; 
     FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the case; 
     FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the case; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the case open at approximately 40° with the safety strap employed; 
     FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the D-ring and hook/clasp safety cord system; 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the case open with a laptop computer inside, showing a basic cord retractor and the adapter; 
     FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of a basic cord retractor; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the protective pads; and, 
     FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the case, showing the change in width of the shield from the front to the back. 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       4  Surface Material 
       6  Polyethylene Layer 
       8  Velcro Lining 
       10  Flexible Shield 
       12  Carrying Case 
       14  Shoulder Strap D-rings 
       16  Carrying Handles 
       18  Front Handle Reinforcement 
       20  Logo Indentation 
       22  Front Pocket Zipper 
       24  Reinforcements For Zipper Stops 
       26  Front Pocket 
       28  Back Handle Reinforcement 
       30  Case Zipper 
       32  Adapter Port Cover 
       34  Hinge 
       36  Back Reinforcement Depression 
       38  Safety Strap 
       40  Safety Hook D-ring 
       42  Safety Hook Clasp 
       44  Portfolio 
       46  Portfolio Hook Clasps 
       48  Portfolio Anchor D-rings 
       50  Cord Retractor 
       52  Laptop Computer 
       54  Adapter 
       56  Adapter Cord 
       58  Adapter Cord Spindle 
       60  Cord Retractor Clip 
       64  Velcro Pad 
       66  Rectangular Velcro Pad 
       68  First Side 
       70  Second Side 
       72  Plug 
       74  Plug Cord 
       76  Cord Port 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for purposes of limiting the invention, FIG. 1 shows the three layers (surface material  4 , polyethylene layer  6 , and fastening layer  8 ) of a flexible shield  10  before the shield  10  has been treated. Before treatment, the polyethylene layer  6  is of a uniform width throughout as shown in FIG.  1 . In the preferred embodiment the polyethylene  6  has a uniform width of 10 millimeters. It is to be understood that the use of polyethylene is only a preferred embodiment, and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. The flexible shield  10  can be made of any elastically deformable material. By “elastically deformable” it is meant the material returns substantially to its original shape after being compressed. Polyethylene is preferred because it improves shielding of the delicate equipment and decreases the weight of the case  12 . 
     With reference now to FIG. 2, manufacturing a carrying case  12  begins with the materials that comprise a first side  68  and second side  70  of the case  12 . FIG. 2 depicts lightweight polyethylene  6 , which is laminated between the surface material  4 , chosen for the outside appearance, and the Velcro® inside lining  8 . The polyethylene used may be of varying thickness and densities determined by the ultimate hardness that is desired and the type of case  12  being manufactured. The surface material  4  can be any number of materials including ballistic nylon, leather, or swimsuit material. Consequently, colors may be changed easily. The flexible shield  10 , which is comprised of cover material  4 , polyethylene  6 , and Velcro®  8 , in that order, is then heat molded and water cooled to a varying thickness as depicted in FIG.  15 . The Velcro® lining  8  is used as a fastening layer for attaching protective foam pads  64 ,  66  as shown in FIG.  14 . The fastening layer  8  can be any material chosen using sound engineering judgment. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the mold for the case  12  is constructed so that the front and back (shown, but not referenced) of the first and second sides  68 ,  70  have a thickness of 5 millimeters, the thickness being increased through the radius of the curve that forms the case  12 , to a thickness of 8 millimeters at a case zipper  30 , leaving a thin edge for sewing piping and zippers. In the preferred embodiment, the area of the shield  10  that is 5 millimeters thick is a high density polyethylene and the 8 millimeter thick area is a low density polyethylene. The different densities of polyethylene allow the force to be more effectively dissipated away from the equipment. When the shield  10  is formed into the sides  68 ,  70  of the case  12  and a cross section of the case  12  is viewed, as shown in FIG. 15, the width of the shield  10  increases from the front of the first side  68  to the case zipper  30  and increases in width from the front of the second side  70  to the case zipper  30 . This variance in width allows the shock of an impact to be deflected to the sides of the case  12 , thereby preventing most of the force from impacting the equipment in the case  12 . 
     With reference now to FIGS. 6,  11 ,  12 , and  13 , once the sides  68 ,  70  are molded, any excess is trimmed and then a cord retractor sheath  62 , safety hook D-rings  48 , front pocket zipper  22 , case zipper  30  and piping (not shown) are attached to the case  12 . Handles  16  and their reinforcements  18 ,  28 , shoulder strap D-rings  14 , and the adapter port cover  32  are also attached. The safety hook D-ring  48  for a safety hook clasp  40  and a safety strap  38  also are attached to the case  12 . The safety hook D-rings  48  are attached to the case  12  and the hook clasps  40  hook into the D-rings  48 . If a logo (not shown) is desired it may be stamped onto faux leather and sewn into an indentation  20 . 
     The safety strap  38 , as shown in FIG. 10, which is to prevent the electronic equipment from falling out of the case  12 , attaches to the clasps  40 . The safety strap  38  allows for extra protection of the equipment if the equipment becomes loose in the case  12 . The operation of the safety strap  38  is very simple. The safety hook clasp  42  is simply hooked to the safety hook D-Ring  40 . The safety strap  38  is approximately 12 inches long and therefore, when hooked, will allow the case  12  to only open approximately 40°. At this angle the case  12 , when held by a carrying handle  16 , will be kept upright, restricting the spillage of computer  52  or its peripherals. 
     Lastly, a nylon hinge  34  is attached to the case  12 , connecting the first and second sides  68 ,  70  of the case  12 . The hinge  34  allows the case to be opened such that the first and second sides  68 ,  70  are at a 180° angle with respect to each other. A cord retractor  50  is attached to the case  12  by a cord retractor clip  60 , by slipping the clip  60  into the cord retractor  50 . The cord retractor  50  and adapter  54  will be discussed in more detail later. 
     With reference now to FIG. 12, in the preferred embodiment, a portfolio  44  for holding loose papers, folders, etc. is constructed separately and the portfolio hook clasps  46  are affixed so that the portfolio  44  may be attached to the portfolio anchor D-rings  48  that have been attached to the case  12 . The portfolio  44  is located in the inside of the second side  70  of the case  12 , opposite the laptop computer  52 . The 180° opening of the case  12  allows easy simultaneous access to both the portfolio  44  and the computer  52 . 
     With reference now to FIGS. 12 and 13, the most preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the cord retractor  50  that allows the laptop computer  52  to be recharged without opening the case  12 . The cord retractor  50  is attached to the case  12  by the cord retractor clip  60 . The cord retractor  50  can be attached to the case  12  in any manner chosen using sound engineering judgment. The operation of the cord retractor  50  is well known in the art and, for the sake of brevity, will not be discussed herein. Contained with the cord retractor  50  is a cord spindle  58 , around which an adapter cord  56  and a plug cord  74  are wrapped. The adapter cord  56  and plug cord  74  can either be two separate cords from the beginning or the cords  56 ,  74  can be spliced at cord ports  76 . A plug  72  is located at the end of the plug cord  74 . The plug  72  plugs into the computer  52  so that the power source (not shown) is connected to the computer  52 . An adapter  54  is located at the end of the adapter cord  56 . The adapter  54  is plugged into the power source. The adapter  54  is detachable from the adapter cord  56 , so that when the computer  52  has been recharged, the adapter  54  is removed from the adapter cord  56  and the adapter cord  56  is retracted into the cord retractor  50 . The plug  72  is also removed from the computer  52  and retracted into the cord retractor  50 . If the computer  52  is already connected the to the plug  72 , then the computer battery (not shown) may be recharged without opening the case  12 . 
     Theory of Operation 
     The operation of the flexible shield  10  is easily illustrated by considering the operation of a convex dome when force is applied. If one was to place a convex dome pointing up on the floor with the rim of the dome on the floor and apply G force to the outside of the dome, the force is obviously transferred across 360° to the large surface area of the rim that is resting on the floor. Compared to a flat rectangular surface, similar to the construction of most laptop cases, the rectangular surface allows the force to penetrate the structure because the force is not being transferred efficiently throughout the structure. This is why the flexible shield  10  of the present invention is spherical in shape. To help dissipate and deplete the force further, the flexible shield  10  uses different densities of polyethylene. To understand this concept compare a flexible shield laptop case to the convex dome example above. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Flexible Shield Laptop Case: (the dotted line inside circle is the case zipper)                           
     When the outside of the flexible shield laptop case  12  is bumped and G force is generated, the force is quickly dispersed across 360° and into a lower density polyethylene where the lower density polyethylene acts as a cushion and absorbs the energy, minimizing jostling and shock to the laptop computer  52 . Please note, as with the circle depicted above the inventive case  12  also has a relatively large area of lower density polyethylene cushion on both sides of the case zipper  30 . The area most likely to be bumped is the high density front of the case  12 . The total effect of the flexible shield  10  is to deflect blows that strike the high density face area into the low density polyethylene where the force will be dissipated minimizing force transfer to the laptop computer  52 . 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Another illustration to clarify this concept would be to imagine having a normal soccer ball and a flexible shield soccer ball with its middle made up of polyethylene in the proportions shown in Example 1. Someone kicks both balls from a starting line, kicking each with the same force. The normal soccer ball would bounce and soar for a long distance. The flexible shield ball&#39;s bounce would be severely hampered by the dissipation of force caused by the cushioning of the low density area of the ball. Needless to say, the flexible shield ball would not travel as far. Hard laptop cases bounce similar to the soccer ball. Fabric laptop cases transfer the force of the blow directly to the delicate electronic devices inside, minus the cushioning effect of the foam. The present invention strives to minimize jostling by deflecting the blow through its convex shape, channeling and dissipating the energy in the lower density cushioning section of the shield  10 . 
     Operation of the Invention 
     The operation of the flexible shield  10  is very simple; force that impacts the case  12  is transferred throughout the encasement, thereby dissipating the energy of the blow. This minimizes the negative effect of the blow to the laptop computer  52  or device encased. 
     Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope of Invention 
     Thus the reader will see that the carrying case of the present invention provides a very functional, light weight, high volume case that provides superior protection for the delicate devices contained therein. While the above description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, thicker width polyethylene could be used to make a sturdier case. The cover material could be changed from swimsuit material to leather. Additionally, as smaller adapters meet the requirements for laptop cases and they are sold with the laptop computers, an adapter need not be installed at all, but simply have the case manufactured with an adapter port and easily used cord retractor. 
     The invention is not limited to cases for laptop computers and electronic equipment. The invention encompasses any case to carry an item that needs to be protected from impact. A non-exhaustive list includes, musical instruments, pottery, porcelain dolls, computers, breakable foodstuffs, glass, and other potentially breakable items. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended by applicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.