Abstract:
A bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer where the computer is mounted to an outside surface of the bag for quick and convenient access where a user can perform computing tasks ergonomically with the hands and eyes in their normal positions. The bag includes a means for providing electrical connections to access the interior surface of the bag. The bag further provides extra storage for carrying additional computer components, accessories or peripherals.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional application from U.S. application Ser. No. 11/001,428, filed Nov. 30, 2004. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a carrying case for a computer and peripherals. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Most computer bags are made for a lap top with the primary purpose of carrying them from desk to desk in safety. Further, most carrying cases for portable computers enclose the computer within the case. Some carrying cases are adapted for use as both a carrying case for a computer and as a work platform for the computer. One apparatus has been described as an article of luggage or a carrying case which protects the laptop computing device during periods of non-use, including transport and further provides a means for stabilizing the computing device on one&#39;s lap during use. The carrying case remains in contact with the computing device during use of the computer when positioned on a user&#39;s lap. However, the problem is that the carrying case is designed so that the user can only use the computer on a user&#39;s lap while the computer is in contact with the carrying case. A user cannot perform computing functions while standing and when mobile. 
         [0004]    Others describe a carrying case for small electronic devices that serves as both a carrying case and work platform for use while the wearer is sitting or standing and particularly when the wearer is also mobile. The carrying case comprises a case structure, and a strap arrangement which supports the case over a wearer&#39;s shoulder for transporting a computer contained within the case structure. The strap arrangement is attached to the case structure in a manner which enables the wearer to position the case structure in a generally horizontal position in front of the wearer when the wearer is standing. The problem here is that the structure of the carrying case is strictly designed to carry only the portable computer. The case does not provide any storage means should the user desire to carry additional peripherals. 
         [0005]    Still others describe a laptop computer support which provides a portable computer support that a user may wear over the shoulders and across the back so that a user may stand erect and be mobile while using a portable computer. The support base is attached with quick connect/disconnect buckles to shoulder straps near the support base&#39;s leading edge, and back straps attached near the support base&#39;s trailing edge. When the laptop computer is not use, utility flaps are folded over the computer and joined to each other, providing a protective pocket in which the computer may be kept. However, the disadvantage is that the computer unit is stored within the carrying case and must first be unpacked before it is used. Further, besides the utility flaps and pockets, the carrying case does not provide general storage for other computer peripherals. 
         [0006]    Still others describe a protective carrying bag which allows a user to carry as well as operate a general purpose portable computer without removing the computer from the bag. This carrying bag provides a foldable protective jacket for the portable computer. The problem here is similar to other apparatuses such that the protective carrying bag is strictly designed to carry only the portable computer. The case does not provide any additional storage room for the user to carry additional peripherals. 
         [0007]    Other apparatus for providing an improved protective case for carrying portable electronic devices are available. One such apparatus describes a flexible, protective case for a disc or tape drive unit having adjustable windows in the case. Wiring connections pass through the windows and to the ports to establish wiring connections to the power source and to the computer. While the carrying case provides a means to pass wiring connections to a computer through adjustable windows in the case, the computer drive case does not provide housing for a computer unit. A separate carrying case is required for carrying the computer. 
         [0008]    While these prior computer bags are mainly for use with a laptop computing device which protects the device during transport as well as provides a work platform for a portable computer, these bags do not provide additional storage compartments for computer peripherals. Additionally, many prior carrying cases have the portable computers enclosed within the carrying case and require unpacking and set-up of the computer before use. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there is a need in the art for a carrying case for a computer unit that allows a user to have the computer ready to use with no unpacking and limited set up because the computer is mounted on the outside of the bag. The prior approaches are primarily focused on enclosing the computer within the case for protection during transport. Other prior art disclose a computer carrying case that allows a user to carry as well as operate a general purpose portable computer without removing the computer from the bag while the wearer is sitting or standing and particularly when the user is also mobile. However, these carrying cases do not provide extra storage for carrying additional computer components, accessories or peripherals. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a carrying apparatus for a portable computer and desired peripherals which enables a user to use and carry a computer ergonomically with the hands and eyes in their normal resting positions. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a carrying apparatus which allows quick and ready access to the computer with minor set up because the computer is mounted on the outside of the bag. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide a carrying apparatus that appears as a normal accessory item and does not interfere with the user&#39;s everyday clothing. 
         [0013]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that can be used as both a computer bag and a general purpose bag such that extra baggage is not needed. 
         [0014]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that can be used with various computer makes and models. 
         [0015]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that allows the user to move the computer with all files and programming to a new bag for purpose of style, replacement or upgrading. 
         [0016]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a carrying case that is easy to manufacture. 
         [0017]    Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems and address the drawbacks of the approaches in the above description. An embodiment of the present invention includes a bag apparatus that mounts a computer to the outside surface of the bag where a user can perform computing tasks ergonomically with the hands and eyes in their normal, resting positions. 
         [0019]    An embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a rigid panel and a docking port. The rigid panel is fixed to the inside surface of the bag. The docking port is fixed to the outside surface of the bag. Various attachment means such as snap pins, stamped plate, and stamped plate with receptacle mounts, clips or other fasteners are used to attach the docking port located on the outside surface of the bag to the rigid panel located on the inside surface of the bag. A computer is attached to the docking port on the outside surface of the bag. 
         [0020]    An additional alternative embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a rigid rim. The rigid rim is sewn or similarly attached onto the exterior surface of the bag and uses a rigid wire or elastic band along the edge to secure the computer. A computer slides in place from the top or sides behind the rigid rim. Alternatively, the rigid rim may be used with a hook attachment for securing the computer from the front instead of sliding in from the top or sides. 
         [0021]    A further embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a holster. The holster is sewn or similarly attached onto the outside surface of the bag. The computer unit slides into the holster and is secured to the outside surface of the bag through a retaining flap attachment. The retaining flap may have snaps, toggles, velcro or buttons which match complementary fixtures on the computer module for securing the computer to the outside surface of the bag. 
         [0022]    Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer, having a molded front part. The molded front part may be attached to the outside surface of the bag and may comprise the entire bag front. The molded front part contains an opening for an electrical plug to pass electrical connections between the inside and outside surfaces of the bag. The molded front part may embed in or protrude out from the front surface of the bag. Various attachment means are used in conjunction with the molded front to secure the computer to the outside surface of the bag. 
         [0023]    Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having an exterior panel. The exterior panel is attached to the outside surface of the bag by sewing, riveting, gluing, or thermal bonding. The exterior panel may receive attachments such as a hanger for securing the computer to the outside surface of the bag. The exterior panel may be a pocket A hanger attached to the computer fits snuggly into the pocket. The hanger attached to the computer has teeth, pins, or snaps. Small openings in the pocket are used to accept teeth, pins, or snaps that are fixed on the hanger to further secure the computer. An electrical docking port attached to the outside surface of the bag may be used with the pocket to provide electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surfaces of the bag. 
         [0024]    Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer where the computer removably attaches to the outside surfice of the bag by attachment parts. Attachment parts are fixed to the outside of the bag by such attaching means as sewing, riveting, gluing, or thermal bonding. 
         [0025]    Another embodiment of the present invention is a bag apparatus for carrying a portable computer having a flap panel mounting. The computer is secured to the inside surface of the flap mounting through attachment to a rigid panel, rim, holster, exterior panel, or attachment parts rigidly fixed to the inside surface of a flap panel. 
         [0026]    These and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  refers to a basic structure of a computer bag apparatus having a rigid panel for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  refers to a computer bag apparatus having a rigid rim for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  refers to a computer bag apparatus having a holster for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3B  refers to a computer bag apparatus having a two corner piece holster attachment for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4A  refers to a computer bag apparatus having a molded front part comprising the entire front of the bag for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4B  refers to a computer bag apparatus having a molded front part that attaches to the front wall of the bag by hinging, snapping, or toggling, for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  refers to a computer bag apparatus having an exterior panel for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  refers to a computer bag apparatus where the computer is mounted directly onto the outside of the bag according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  refers to a computer bag apparatus having a flap panel for mounting a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only. 
         [0038]    An embodiment of the present invention includes a computer bag apparatus as shown in  FIG. 1 . Bag  1  has a front wall  2 , an opposing back wall  3 , a bottom wall  10 , and side walls  4  connecting the front wall to the back wall. Bag  1  has a front wall  2 , an opposing back wall  3 , a bottom wall  10 , and a plurality of side walls  4 , bottom wall  10  and side walls  4  connect the front wall  2  to the back wall  3 . Each wall has an inside surface and an outside surface. A front side edge of the side walls  4  attaches to a side edge of the front wall  2  and a back side edge of the side walls  4  attaches to a side edge of the opposing back wall  3 . A front side edge of the bottom wall  10  attaches to a bottom edge of the front wall  2  and a back side edge of the bottom wall  10  attaches to a bottom edge of the opposing back wall  3 . The preferred material for the bag walls is a waterproof synthetic fabric, although not limited to this material. Front wall  2  has an opening  8  for providing electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surface of the bag  1 . Attached to the inside surface of front wall  2  is a support panel which may be a rigid support panel  5 . Rigid panel  5  has a backing plate  6 , facing back wall  3 , and attachment parts  7 . Attachment parts  7  project through openings  2   b  in front wall  2  and attach to complementary fixture parts, not shown, on computer  13 . Attachment parts  7  can be snap pins, stamped plate, stamped plate with receptacle mounts, clips, bent or molded edge, screw, or hook and pin attachments. There may be a semi-rigid panel, not shown, between rigid panel  5  and front wall  2 , designed to add fullness to the material. The semi-rigid panel may be placed on either or both sides of rigid panel  5  and may be made of a thin sheet of closed cell flexible foam. The semi-rigid panel(s) may extend beyond rigid panel  5  edges for the purpose of creating a softer bump absorbing edge. The semi-rigid panel(s) have openings for attachment parts  7  to pass through and secure to computer  13 . The semi-rigid panel(s) may also have an opening for allowing electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surfaces of bag  1 . 
         [0039]    A further embodiment of the present invention may include a docking port  9  that is attached to the outside surface of front wall  2 . Docking port  9  has a back side and a front side. The back side has receiving parts, not shown, for attaching to attachment parts  7  of rigid panel  5 . The front side of docking port  9  has matching parts  12  for attaching to complementary fixture parts, not shown, on computer  13 . Docking port  9  acts to seal the connection to the interior of bag  1  and to seal the connection with computer  13 . Further, docking port  9  mounted on the outside of bag  1  allows computer  13  to be easily shifted to another bag. 
         [0040]    Bag apparatus  1  may further include an electrical docking port such as a plug, mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the inside surface and the outside surface of bag  1 . An opening  8  in front wall  2  provides electrical access to the inside of bag  1 . An opening  8  in docking port  9  and rigid panel  5  allow electrical wires to pass between computer  13  mounted on the outside of bag  1  to the inside of bag  1 . Wires leading to the inside of bag  1  could include those for computer components, such as but not limited to telecommunications, computer link, power, sound, microphone, antenna, and cell phone SIM card mounts. The wires may also lead to plugs or to a common receptacle that is mounted to the interior of bag  1 . 
         [0041]    Bag apparatus  1  may also include a lining, not shown, attached to the inside surface of bag  1  to support and carry other computer peripheral attachments, such as but not limited to a head mounted display, battery case, external disks, scanner, portable printer, joystick, antenna, and camera. The lining may also cover wiring or provide a mount for an electrical connection receptacle. 
         [0042]    Bag apparatus  1  may further include a flap  15  attached to the outside surface of bag  1  to cover mounted computer  13 . Flap  15  may be a fold back flap  15  and may cover computer  13  by elastic, spring mounting, roll-up, slide-down, zipper, or Velcro means. 
         [0043]    Bag apparatus  1  may further include one or more side pockets  45  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. Side pockets  45  may contain wire leads for connecting to one or more computer peripheral accessories, such as but not limited to a head mounted display. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , is a computer bag apparatus  20  where the support panel is a rigid rim  21  attached to the outside surface of front wall  2  for mounting computer  13 . Rigid rim  21  may be comprised of a rigid wire, an elastic band along the edge of rim, redoubled material, distortion resistant material, or extra heavy material, for securing computer  13  to the outside surface. Computer  13  may slide in behind rigid rim  21  from the top or the sides of rigid rim  21 . Alternatively, rigid rim  21  may also be used with a hook attachment, not shown, for securing computer  13  from the front instead of sliding in computer from the top or sides. 
         [0045]    Bag apparatus  20  may further include an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface of bag  20 , an opening  8  in front wall  2  for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside of bag  20 , a lining attached to the inside surface of bag  20  to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, a flap  15  for covering mounted computer  13 , and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  20  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0046]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a computer bag apparatus  30  where the support panel is a holster  31  for mounting a portable computer  13 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . Holster  31  is attached to outside surface of front wall  2 . Holster  31  may be a panel attached to the outside surface of front wall  2 . Computer  13  fits snuggly into holster  31 . A retaining band  32  may be attached to the outside surface of front wall  2  at an opposite end than holster  31 . Retaining band  32  may have a flap attachment  33 . Flap attachment  33  may have a snap, toggle, Velcro strip, or button which attaches to a matching fixture on retaining band  32  for securing computer  13  to holster. An electrical docking port may be mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2 . An opening in front wall  2  may allow wire connections to pass from the outside to the inside surface of bag  30 . Wires to the interior may include, but are not limited to, wiring for other computer components, telecommunications, computer links, power sources, sound, microphone, and cell phone SIM card mounts. 
         [0047]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a computer bag apparatus  34  where the holster  31  of  FIG. 3A  may alternatively be a two-corner piece attachment  35 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Front wall  2  should be sufficiently rigid to keep two-corner piece attachment  35  evenly spaced to prevent computer  13  from disengaging if bag  34  is full. A flap attachment  33   a  may be attached to front wall  2  for securing directly to computer  13  to two-corner piece attachment  35 . Flap attachment  33   a  secures computer  13  to holster  35 . Flap attachment  33   a  may have one or more snaps, toggles, Velcro strips, or buttons which secure directly to complementary fixtures on computer  13 . 
         [0048]    Bag apparatus  34  may further include an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface of bag  34 , an opening in front wall  2  for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside of bag  34 , a lining attached to the inside surface of bag  34  to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, a fall down flap  15   a  for covering mounted computer  13 , and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  34  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 4A , a further embodiment of the present invention may include a computer bag apparatus  40  where support panel is a molded front part  41  for mounting portable computer  13  to the outside of bag  40 . Molded front  41  may comprise entire front wall  2 . Molded front  41  may be conditioned with a stiffener making it rigid. Alternatively, molded front  41  may be made of regular plastic. Molded front  41  may attach to side walls  4  by sewing, crimping or thermal bonding. Molded front  41  may be a depression or an outward projection, not shown. A preferred embodiment includes matching parts  41   a  rigidly fixed to molded front  41  that directly attach to complementary fixture parts, not shown, on computer  13 . Alternatively, a sewn-in elastic band or a flap, not shown, may be used with molded front  41  to mount computer  13  to the outside of bag  40 . A docking port  46  may attach to molded front  41  by riveting, screwing or thermal bonding means and is used for sealing the connection between computer  13  and molded front  41 . Docking port  46  has an opening  46   a  for allowing electrical connections to pass between the inside and outside surfaces of bag  40 . Docking port  46  may also have openings  46   b  for allowing matching parts  41   a  to connect to computer  13 . Further, docking port  46  allows computer  13  to be easily shifted to another bag with similarly configured matching parts  41   a , if desired. 
         [0050]    Bag apparatus  40  may further include an electrical docking port  43  mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface of bag  40 , an opening in front wall  2  for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside of bag  40 , a lining  44  attached to the inside surface of bag  40  to cover wiring and to cany other computer peripheral attachments, a flap  15  for covering mounted computer  13 , and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  40  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4B  shows another embodiment of the present invention having a molded front  48  which may be attached to front wall  2  of bag  47  by sewing, hinging, snapping, toggling, gluing, or other fastener means. Molded part  48  may include a plurality of matching parts  49 . Matching parts  49  attach to complementary fixture parts, not shown, on computer  13  for securing computer  13  to molded front  48 . Bag apparatus  47  may further include an electrical docking port mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2 , for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface of bag  47 , an opening in front wall  2  for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside of bag  47 , a lining attached to the inside surface of bag  47  to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  47  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0052]    Another embodiment of the present invention includes a computer bag apparatus  50  where the support panel may be an exterior panel  51  for mounting a portable computer  13  to the outside surface of bag  50 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Exterior panel  51  may be made out of metal, plastic or cloth material, and exterior panel  51  may further be sewn, riveted, glued, or thermally bonded to the outside surface of front wall  2 . Exterior panel  51  may be a pocket for receiving a hanger  52 . Hanger  52  is fixed to computer  13  and fits snuggly into exterior panel  51 . Hanger  52  may have teeth, pins, or snaps, not shown, that fit into complementary holes  53  in exterior panel  51  for further securing computer  13  to exterior panel  51 . A retaining flap  15   b  attached to front wall  2  covers computer  13  when retaining flap  15   b  is down and in the closed position. Retaining flap  15   b  may be lifted up in an open position to allow access to computer  13 . 
         [0053]    Bag apparatus  50  may further include an electrical docking port  43  mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface of bag  50 , an opening in front wall  2  for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside of bag  50 , a lining attached to the inside surface of bag  50  to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  50  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0054]    Still another embodiment of the present invention is a computer bag apparatus  60  where a computer  13  may directly attach to the outside surface, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Attachment parts  61  such as but not limited to tabs, flaps or snaps are fixed to the outside surface of bag  60  by sewing, riveting, gluing, or thermal bonding. Attachment parts  61  removably secure to complementary fixture parts, not shown, on computer  13  to mount computer  13  to the outside of bag  60 . 
         [0055]    Bag apparatus  60  may further include an electrical docking port  43  mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the inside and outside surface of bag  60 , an opening in front wall  2  for passing wiring leads between the inside and outside of bag  60 , a lining attached to the inside surface of bag  60  to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments, a flap  15  for covering mounted computer  13 , and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  60  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0056]    Still another embodiment of the present invention is a computer bag apparatus  70  where a computer  13  may be mounted to a flap panel  71 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Flap panel  71  may be attached to the outside surface of the front wall  2  by sewing, hinging, snapping, toggling, gluing, or other fastener means. Flap panel  71  has an inside surface and an outside surface. A flap seal  72  is attached to the outside surface of front wall  2  for keeping flap panel  71  folded up and in a closed position. Flap seal  72  has one or more attachment parts  72   a  for securing flap panel  71  in the closed position. When flap panel  71  is in the closed position, the inside surface of flap panel  71  faces toward bag  70 . When flap panel  71  is unfolded and in an open position, the inside surface of flap panel  71  faces away from bag  70 . Computer  13  may be mounted to the inside surface of flap panel  71  through attachment to a rigid panel, rim, holster, exterior panel, or attachment parts  71   a  rigidly fixed to the inside surface of flap panel  71 , as previously described in detail above. Computer  13  mounted to flap panel  71  faces away from bag  70  when flap panel  71  is in the open position, thus allowing a user access to computer  13 . 
         [0057]    Flap panel  71  may have wire leads embedded within flap panel, that connect to an electrical docking port  43 . Electrical docking port  43  may be mounted to the outside surface of front wall  2  for connecting electrical connections between the outside and inside surfaces of bag  70 . 
         [0058]    Bag apparatus  70  may further include a lining attached to the inside surface of bag  70  to cover wiring and to carry other computer peripheral attachments and one or more side pockets  45  attached to the outside of bag  70  for storing accessories or other computer peripherals. 
         [0059]    Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments of the foregoing description, but rather is indicated by the appended claims. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents within the claims are intended to be considered as being embraced within the spirit and scope of the claims.