Abstract:
A tablet sling pack is disclosed, intended to allow a user easy access to an enclosed tablet computer. The tablet computer is contained within the tablet sling, the tablet sling being easily accessed by allowing the bulk of the bag to be easily rotated around the user, into an accessible position. 
     A hinge with stops is used to support the tablet when the tablet plat form is open, allowing easy access to the screen of the tablet without interference by straps. The combination of a tablet platform and stop-hinge type hinge allows a user to easily access a tablet in standing position without the encumbrance of straps. The tablet platform is internally self supporting for user convenience and ease of access.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of backpacks and more particularly to a system for using a tablet computer while standing. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Computers have become a part of our everyday lives. The declining use of paper has led to an increased need for ready access to a computing device as a source of information. A constant internet connection has become commonplace, accompanied by the expectation of rapid communication and constant availability. 
         [0003]    As a result, it is no longer sufficient to have access to a computer only at one&#39;s desk, or when it is convenient to sit down and open a notebook computer. Such requirements are impractical for students, who are often on the move around campus, and urban commuters, for whom there may not be the space to sit down in order to work. 
         [0004]    These social changes are coupled with a change in the form factor of computers. While notebooks are still prevalent, tablet computing has emerged as the new area of growth. In the weekend following the early 2012 release of Apple&#39;s new tablet computer, the iPad, three million units were sold. Competing products are also showing strong sales. 
         [0005]    But the use of tablets while standing is awkward. While a tablet can be held in one hand and operated using the other, tablets commonly weigh one and one-half pounds or more. Over time such use becomes tiring. Additionally, operation using two hands is more efficient and comfortable. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a device that allows a user to comfortably use a tablet computer while standing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The tablet sling allows for safe storage of a tablet computer in a manner that provides easy access, but comfortably supports the weight of the tablet and its accessories. 
         [0008]    In industry terminology, a hinge that holds a position at a specific angle is a “stop hinge.” The combination of a tablet platform and stop-hinge type hinge allows a user to easily access a tablet while standing without the encumbrance of straps holding the tablet in position. The tablet platform is internally self supporting for user convenience and ease of access, transferring the weight of the tablet to the central portion of the bag, in turn held to the user by a shoulder strap. 
         [0009]    Easy access to the tablet computer contained within the tablet sling is made possible by allowing the bulk of the bag to be easily rotated around the user. This is made possible by the use of a single strap that takes an oblique path across a user&#39;s body. This oblique path crosses over one shoulder, across the user&#39;s chest, around the portion of the waist opposite the shoulder, and across the back to return to the shoulder. 
         [0010]    Tablet computers occupy a unique space in the area of electronics size. Small electronics, such as mobile phones, are easy to carry in one&#39;s pocket. Large electronics, such as laptop computers, are often carried in a bag, but there are many bags designed for such use. Tablets fall in-between in size. Often tablets, such as the iPad or iPad mini, are too large for a pocket, but when placed in a bag its small size causes it to float within the pockets, making it difficult to easily access. This requires the user to search through the bag in order to locate the tablet, wasting time. 
         [0011]    Items that are difficult to use are forgotten or avoided. The tablet sling makes access a tablet effortless, making it practical and easy to access. The tablet sling opens new markets for tablets, where the previous limitations of accessibility prevented penetration. 
         [0012]    The example embodiment of the tablet sling includes a single shoulder strap, but it is anticipated that the tablet sling could include two or more straps. The single shoulder strap of the tablet sling crosses a user&#39;s body over either shoulder. The user will likely prefer that the bag is used on the shoulder that is opposite of the user&#39;s handedness. For example, a right-handed user will likely prefer that the bag cross over her left shoulder. This allows the user to use her dominant hand, here the right hand, to reach across her torso and access compartments on the shoulder strap. Or, the user can use her right hand to grip the handle that allows her to rotate the bag along its oblique path. 
         [0013]    The strap itself is adjustable to allow the tablet sling to be used by users of various shapes and sizes. While there are many ways to make the strap length adjustable, the example embodiment does so by making the strap from two separate, overlapping pieces. The main compartment of the tablet sling can be rotated either over a user&#39;s shoulder, or under the user&#39;s arm. When the bag contains heavy items it is likely easier to rotate the tablet sling under the user&#39;s arm to avoid having to pull the weight over the shoulder. Given this arrangement, it is preferable that the lower portion of the strap overlap the upper portion of the strap. In this way, when the main compartment is being rotated to the front of the bag there is surface against the user&#39;s clothing is smooth, with no ends to snag on clothing. This again simplifies the process of accessing the contents of the tablet sling. 
         [0014]    A half-rotation brings the body of the bag to the front of the user. This allows the user to access the contents of the bag. 
         [0015]    After the main compartment of the tablet sling has been rotated to the front of the user, the tablet compartment can be unfolded. The tablet compartment folds down and away from the user. This lowers the tablet, exposing the display. 
         [0016]    Ideally, the tablet is to be held at a roughly ninety-degree to one hundred and twenty degree angle with respect to the user&#39;s chest. Different users may prefer different angles, but this is likely to be an appropriate starting point because it results in the tablet display pointing up and toward the user&#39;s face, while making the screen accessible to the hands. 
         [0017]    There are numerous ways that the tablet compartment can be supported. One or more straps may extend from a portion of the tablet compartment to the body of the bag. Adjusting the tension of such straps alters the angle of the bag. Any load placed on the tablet by the user&#39;s hands will be borne by the connection between the tablet compartment and the body of the bag, as well as the one or more straps. 
         [0018]    Alternatively or additionally, the hinged connection between the body of the bag and the tablet compartment acts to limit the angle. The use of a hinged connection eliminates the need for straps to support the tablet platform. Straps interfere with a user&#39;s access to the tablet screen, limiting usability. 
         [0019]    Additionally, because straps rely on gravity to hold the tablet in position ninety-degrees away from the user&#39;s chest, alternative positions cannot be used. In contrast, the tablet sling can be set down on a desk, holding the tablet upright through use of the stops incorporated into the hinge. 
         [0020]    Supporting the tablet platform through the use of a hinge requires stiffening members to provide support for the tablet compartment. These stiffening members may be extensions to the hinge, one or more flat plates, or other means of stiffening portions of the tablet sling. 
         [0021]    The hinge itself can be of many different types. A barrel hinge, much like that used on a door, can be used. A piano hinge, or continuous hinge, is also acceptable. A living hinge, or portion of a plastic member that is shaped to allow bending, is also acceptable. 
         [0022]    To hold the tablet platform at the desired angle, a stop hinge is suggested. A stop hinge is a hinge with an integral support or stop that stops the bending motion at a particular angle. For example, a stop hinge may allow a range of motion from zero degrees to ninety degrees. 
         [0023]    A quadrant hinge is a type of stop hinge, but with the mechanism for maintaining a specific angle being external and visible. A quadrant hinge includes the same components as a barrel hinge, but moves the stop mechanism outside the barrel itself. Instead of the stop being within the barrel the stop connects the back plate and the bottom plate directly, without interacting with the barrel. Viewing the barrel as the fulcrum, and the back plate and the bottom plate each as levers, with a stop hinge that includes stops intrinsic to the barrel there is very little distance between the fulcrum and the force of the stop, but with a load that may be very far away from the fulcrum (the tablet acting as the load). A quadrant hinge moves the force away from the fulcrum, which stiffens the hinge by lowering the force required to counteract the load of the tablet, and shortening the unsupported portion of the bottom plate, or lever arm. 
         [0024]    While most items will be stored in the body of the bag, certain smaller items that need to be accessed quickly or easily are stored on the strap itself. Such items include a cell phone, wallet, car/house keys, headphones, cell phone charger, etc. These items are stored in interchangeable cases or sleeves. Because not all users require storage of the same items, making these cases interchangeable allows the user to select the appropriate cases, without needed to wear unused sleeves and cases. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the tablet sling, with the tablet sling positioned across a user&#39;s chest. 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the tablet sling, with the tablet sling positioned across a user&#39;s back. 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  illustrates a view of the strap portion of the illustrated embodiment of the tablet sling. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  illustrates an open view of the illustrated embodiment of the tablet sling, positioned across as user&#39;s chest. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates an open view of the illustrated embodiment of the tablet sling, showing positioning of the hinges. 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  illustrates hinges of the illustrated embodiment of the tablet sling. 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  shows the tablet sling in an alternative position, positioned on a flat surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0034]    As used herein, the term fastener refers to any known or yet to be developed means for at least temporarily fixing the relative position of objects or parts, closing an opening, or for joining together two objects or parts at least initially intended to be separate. Examples of suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook and loop closures, catches, hasps, clasps, latches, buckles, clips, clamps, magnetic closures, slide fasteners such as zippers and profiled linkages, reusable adhesives, and pressure sensitive closures. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the tablet sling  1  in a closed position will be described. The tablet sling  1  includes a handle  3  that allows the user to easily swing the tablet sling  1  from the position shown in  FIG. 1 , across the user&#39;s chest, to the position shown in  FIG. 2 , across the user&#39;s back. The shoulder strap  67  has two portions, a shoulder portion  68  (not shown) and a waist portion  70  (the waist portion  70  is shown near the shoulder in  FIG. 2  because the tablet sling  1  has been rotated across the user&#39;s back). The waist portion  70  has a zippered strap pouch  66  for storage of items within the shoulder strap  67 . The zippered strap pouch  66  includes a pocket (not shown) within the shoulder strap  67 . A hidden pocket zipper  80  is included in the central portion of the bag  2 . The hidden pocket zipper  80  leads to a pocket or pouch (hidden) for storing items. 
         [0036]    A zipper for accessory pocket  86  leads to a pocket (not shown) for items that need to be easily accessible, but may be too large for other pockets. 
         [0037]    The tablet platform  100 , shown folded down in  FIG. 4 , includes a number of features. Cable penetration  82  allows for the entrance and exit of cables, such as power cables or data cables. The tablet platform  100  is held closed by a fastener, which is shown as either buckle  102 , zippers  110 , or a combination thereof. 
         [0038]    Outside wall  116  is the outer portion of the tablet platform  100 . Upper wall  118  joins the tablet platform  100  and the shoulder strap, shoulder portion  68 . Lower wall  120  joins the tablet platform  100  and the shoulder strap, waist portion  70 . 
         [0039]    Near the user&#39;s body is a netbook zipper  84  for netbook compartment/storage compartment (not shown). Locating this pocket near the user&#39;s body is helpful because a netbook or laptop is likely heavy, and locating such a weight too far away from the user may make the tablet sling  1  cumbersome. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a front view of an embodiment of the tablet sling, with the tablet sling positioned across a user&#39;s back, is illustrated. Handle  3  is more clearly visible, and the shoulder strap, shoulder portion  68  is shown at the user&#39;s shoulder. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , a view of the strap portion of the tablet sling is illustrated. A smartphone pouch  40  is located in the shoulder strap, shoulder portion  68 . The shoulder strap, shoulder portion  68  may include foam padding  64  to avoid concentrated pressure on the user&#39;s shoulder. 
         [0042]    The shoulder strap  67  can be seen to pass across the user&#39;s chest at an oblique angle, passing from one shoulder to the waist opposite that shoulder. 
         [0043]    The shoulder strap, shoulder portion  68  is connected to the shoulder strap, waist portion  70  by a quick-release buckle  60 , which includes adjustment straps  62 . The quick-release buckle  60  is any type of fastener, of any material, that allows a user to connect and disconnect the two portions of the shoulder strap  67 . A zipper for accessory pocket  106  is shown, allowing the user to hold small items near her waist even when the tablet sling is placed across her back. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an open view of the tablet sling  1 , positioned across a user&#39;s chest, is illustrated. An exemplary tablet  114  is shown within the tablet compartment  108  of the tablet platform  100 . A suitable tablet computer includes an iPad, Android based tablet computer, Kindle, Nook, or a tablet computer by any other manufacturer. A clear cover  124  shields some or all of the face of the tablet platform  100  to allow the user to see the displayed graphics and interact with the tablet  114  without risk of harm to the tablet from rain, dirty hands, etc. A penetration for cables  104  is included to provide a path for wires to enter/exit the tablet portion  100  while the tablet portion  100  is folded down. 
         [0045]    The tablet compartment  108  is surrounded by an elastic surround  112 , sized to securely enclose the tablet  114  and maintain its position. This prevents the tablet  114  from changing position when the tablet platform  100  is moved from a lower position to a raised position, or when the tablet sling  1  is moved from position in front of the user to the user&#39;s back. The tablet surrounding wall  126  connects the clear cover  124  to the inside lower wall  128 , which in turn connects to the tablet surrounding wall  126  and outside wall  116 . 
         [0046]    The tablet surrounding wall  126  with inside lower wall  128  may be of many materials, including elastic but padded materials such as neoprene. 
         [0047]    When the tablet platform  100  is in a raised position, the clear cover  124  rests against the inside upper wall  122 . 
         [0048]    The tablet platform is connected to the central portion  2  of the tablet sling  1  by one or more hinges  160 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an open view of the tablet sling, showing positioning of the hinges, is illustrated. The hinges  160  connect the tablet platform  100  to the central portion of the bag  2 . Using hinges  160  instead of straps allows the user to have complete, unencumbered access to the tablet. The use of straps to connect the central portion  2  of the tablet sling  1  to the tablet platform  100  would interfere with the user&#39;s hands, which are likely to come to the side of the tablet platform. Furthermore, straps can only support the tablet platform  100  when gravity acted to pull the tablet platform  100  downward. 
         [0050]    The hinges  160  support the tablet platform  100  and are braced by the inside upper wall  122 , which in turn transmits the force to the user through the shoulder strap  67  by way of the upper wall  118  and lower wall  120 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , hinge embodiments of the tablet sling are illustrated. Two exemplary embodiments of the hinge  160  are shown,  160 A without a back plate extension and  160 B with a back plate extension. 
         [0052]    Parts of an exemplary hinge  160 A include back plate  162 A, bottom plate  166 A, and barrel  168 A. When open, the hinge  160 A creates an angle between the back plate  162 A and bottom plate  160 A, the angle created being angle  170 A, shown as approximately ninety degrees. When closed, hinge  160 A creates a lesser angle, shown as approximately zero degrees. 
         [0053]    Parts of an exemplary hinge  160 B include back plate  162 B, bottom plate  166 B, and barrel  168 B. When open, the hinge  160 B creates an angle between the back plate  162 B and bottom plate  160 B, the angle being angle  170 B, shown as approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees. When closed, hinge  160 B creates a lesser angle, shown as approximately ninety degrees. Hinge  160 B further includes back plate extension  164 B. Back plate  164 B extension increases the distance or gap between the back plate  162 B and the bottom plate  166 B when the hinge  160 B is in a closed position. This is useful because it creates space for the material thickness of the tablet sling  1  and the thickness of the tablet  114  when the hinge  160 B is in the closed position. 
         [0054]    It can be see that the hinge  160  has an open position and a closed position. When in the open position the back plate  162  and the bottom plate  166  are substantially perpendicular. In this position the tablet platform  100  is rotated away from the central portion  2  of the tablet sling  1 , facilitating access to the tablet platform  100  by a user. The user wears the table sling  1  across her chest, and when in the closed position the back plate  162  and bottom plate  166  are substantially parallel with the tablet platform  100  resting against the central portion  2  of the tablet sling  1 . 
         [0055]    The barrel  168  acts both to allow motion between the back plate  162  and bottom plate  166 , and to hold their relative positions at specific angles  170 . For example, it is likely helpful to hold the tablet platform  100  in a closed position when not in use. While the user may further support the tablet platform  100  in a closed position using a fastener, such as the zipper from main pocket  110 , the hinge  160  can act to hold the tablet platform  100  in an open position while the zipper  110  is closed. 
         [0056]    Furthermore, the barrel  168  acts to hold the tablet platform  100  in an open position at an angle  170  that is conducive to operation by the user. As shown in  FIG. 4 , an angle of approximately ninety to one-hundred and twenty degrees is likely most comfortable for access to the tablet by the user. In industry terminology, a hinge that holds a position at a specific angle is a “stop hinge.” The combination of a tablet platform  100  and stop-hinge type hinge  160  allows a user to easily access a tablet  114  in standing position without the encumbrance of straps. 
         [0057]    While the hinge  160  is illustrated using sharp corners and angles, the shape of the hinge  160  is not important. Any shape is acceptable as long as the tablet platform  100  is supported by the hinge  160 . 
         [0058]    The hinge  160  can be of many types. A barrel/butt type hinge is shown, but a piano (or continuous) hinge is acceptable, as is a living hinge (a thin, flexible hinge made from plastic that joins two rigid parts together), etc. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , tablet sling  1  in an alternative position, positioned on a flat surface is shown. The tablet sling  1  can also be used in an alternative position because the hinges  160  allow the tablet platform  100  to be self supporting. The tablet sling  1  is shown on a flat surface, with the portion of the tablet sling  1  that is normally against the user&#39;s torso, instead placed on the flat surface. The hinge  160  continues to support the tablet platform  100 , holding the platform at an angle between ninety and one-hundred and twenty degrees, allowing the user to comfortably view the tablet  114 . 
         [0060]    The present disclosure has been illustrated as particular embodiments that are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is capable of many modifications and variations while remaining within the scope of the disclosure. For example, directional references such as “top,” “base,” “bottom”, “end,” “side,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “middle,” “lower,” “front,” and “rear” do not limit the respective walls of the tablet sling to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these walls from one another. 
         [0061]    References to the hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a junction including a single hinge only. It is envisioned that a hinged connection be formed from one or more potentially disparate means for hingedly connecting materials. 
         [0062]    Any of the embodiments may be constructed of any suitable material, including satin, microfiber, leather, plastic, suede, woven fabric, and the like. 
         [0063]    Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the characteristics of the bags described herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather simply provide context for the environment of the disclosure. In addition, any suitable materials and closure devices may be used in addition to or instead of zippers and snaps, including magnets, non-permanent adhesives, or hook and loop fasteners. 
         [0064]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. 
         [0065]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.