Abstract:
A portable display apparatus and method for transporting and displaying sample products along with an electronic device is disclosed. The portable display apparatus comprises a container, a platform, and a cover, wherein the cover is removably attached to the container. Removal of the cover allows for both a display portion and compartments within the container to be accessed. The present invention is useful in presenting a product to prospective customers at any location necessary.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to the field of protective cases and more particularly, to protective cases for the transport and display of electronic devices and sample products. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The life of a salesman or company representative is a tumultuous one. Constant travel is often required, and with such travel comes the logistical problems of transporting sample wares and presentation equipment. Whether it be driving from point A to point B, or traveling by aircraft, more equipment means a more difficult commute. For years, the daily life of a salesman has been further complicated by these factors. 
   Often times, a salesman will have sample products or devices and other equipment, such as a laptop computer. These products are often necessary to make a presentation to a prospective client or purchaser. However, the transportation of such materials is difficult. Expensive laptop computer equipment is often fragile and requires specially tailored carrying cases. Similarly, the products or devices being peddled are fragile and may also require special accommodations. Many times this requires the use of more than one carrying case and/or container. With each additional case, the complications involved in transportation of such increase. 
   Additionally, a salesman may require a display space for making a pitch or presentation. Often, cases utilized in transporting presentation equipment and various wares must be stored. This may further complicate the situation and possibly clutter the display space. Therefore, there is a need to provide a carrying case that can properly embrace both a presentation device and a sample ware, while also providing a transportable display area for both. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A portable display apparatus comprising a container including a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, two adjacent side walls, and an opening wherein the container includes at least one compartment therein, a surface for holding an electronic device associated with one of the at least one compartments in the body, and a cover for removable engagement to the container including a top member that covers the opening, wherein removal of the cover allows the at least one compartment to be accessed. 
   A display apparatus and carrying case comprising a container including a front wall for displaying a product, a rear wall, a bottom wall, two adjacent side walls, and an opening wherein the container includes three compartments therein, a platform for holding an electronic device associated with one of the three compartments in the body, wherein the platform is slidably engaged with the body, and a cover for removable attachment to the container including a front member that covers a substantial portion of the front wall, a top member that covers the opening, and rear member that covers at least a portion the rear wall, wherein removal of the cover allows the three compartments to be accessed and the front wall of the container to be exposed. 
   A method of displaying a product comprising placing a product on an exterior surface of a portable display apparatus including at least one internal compartment, disposing an electronic device including a display screen and a main body in said at least on internal compartment, such that the display screen of the electronic device is visible to a person viewing the product on the surface while the main body of the electronic device is contained with the at least one compartment. 
   A method of displaying a product comprising providing a portable display apparatus including a container having a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, two adjacent side walls, and on opening where the container includes at least one compartment therein, a surface for holding an electronic device associated with on the at least one compartments in the body, and a cover for removable engagement to the container including a front member that covers at least a portion of the front wall, a top member that covers the opening, wherein removal of the cover allows the at least one compartment to be accessed, storing at least on product within the display apparatus, storing at least one electronic device within the display apparatus, removing the cover from the container, displaying a portion of the electronic device, and displaying the at least one product. 
   A portable display and storage apparatus comprising a container having a compartment for holding an electronic device, a flat planar display surface adjacent the compartment, such display surface being aesthetic and suitable for display of products in sales presentations, and an opening providing access to the compartment and allowing a display screen of an electronic device stored in the compartment to extend substantially above and adjacent the display surface. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cover partially removed, wherein the internal compartments can be seen; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cover partially removed; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a front view of the container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the container according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the compartments and the platform can be seen; and, 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the container according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the display of the electronic device and instruments can be seen. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matter illustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific term so selected, and is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalence which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
   Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portable display case designated generally by reference numeral  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the case  10  includes container  12  and cover  14 . As best shown in  FIG. 3 , cover  14  is removably attached to container  12  in a manner more fully set forth below. Cover  14  further includes handle  16  for facilitating easy transport of the case  10 , and fasteners  18  for securing the cover  14  to the container  12 . Case  10  is shown as being constructed of substantially rigid material. However, it is contemplated that other materials can be utilized. For example, the entire case, or portions thereof, can be constructed of soft woven material or other textile material. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is shown case  10  with cover  14  partially removed from container  12 .  FIG. 3  shows the interior of container  12  housing an electronic device  64  and sample wares  70  (not shown). The interior of container  12  is defined by front wall  20 , rear wall  22 , bottom wall  24 , two side walls  26 ,  28 , and opening  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the interior of container  12  includes a surface for holding an electronic device, which may be in the form of a platform compartment  32  and two storage compartments  34  and  36 . Platform compartment  32  and storage compartments  34  and  36  are further defined by interior walls  38  and  40 . These walls extend from bottom wall  24  to opening  30 , thereby defining three separate compartments. Upon the placement of cover  14  on container  12 , the three compartments are completely enclosed to form three separate compartments. It is contemplated that any number of compartments may be included in the interior of container  12 . In addition, it is contemplated that the compartments may be of any size and/or shape. 
     FIG. 5  shows cover  14  removed from container  12 . Cover  14  includes front member  42 , top member  44 , and rear member  46 . The cover of the preferred embodiment is substantially J-shaped. In this preferred embodiment, when cover  14  is attached to container  12 , front member  42  substantially covers front wall  20  and rear member  46  covers a portion of rear wall  22 . When attached, top member  44  completely covers opening  30 , thereby enclosing platform compartment  32  and storage compartments  34  and  36 . It is contemplated that front member  42 , top member  44 , and/or rear member  46  may cover any portion of the respective areas of container  12 . In another embodiment, both front member  42  and rear member  46  substantially cover front wall  20  and rear wall  22  respectively, while top member substantially covers opening  30 . It is also contemplated that cover  14  may include additional members (not shown). In this embodiment, cover  14  is tube shaped thereby covering all surfaces of container  12  except one such surface. This would allow cover  14  to attach to container  12  by sliding over its exterior, only leaving one surface uncovered. The surface left uncovered can be any surface on container  12 . For example, in one embodiment, the surface of side wall  26  can be left uncovered, while in another embodiment, the surface of bottom wall  24  can be left uncovered. However, it is contemplated that various other combinations can be utilized. 
     FIG. 5  further depicts other components of the cover  14 . Cover indicia  48  can be seen on front member  42 . Markings of this sort can be utilized to signify something about the product to be displayed, for example the product name or company name or logo. However, other uses for cover indicia  48  are contemplated. It is contemplated that cover indicia  48  can be excluded from the present invention or easily interchanged to allow for the displaying of different products with the use of the same case  10 . Handle  16  can also be seen including hinges  50 . Hinges  50  allow for handle  16  to be folded against cover  14  and extended while case  10  is being transported by a person. It is contemplated that other handle connections can be utilized for mounting handle  16  to cover  14 . For example, it is contemplated that handle  16  can be folded into a recess located on top member  44  of cover  14 , to allow less of a profile while storing. Similarly, a fixed or non-folding handle can be employed. It is also contemplated that a shoulder strap or other means allowing for easier transport can be included. Various combinations can be used as known to one of ordinary skill in the prior art. 
     FIG. 6  shows container  12 , without cover  14 , rested in its display position. In the display position, rear wall  22  of container  12  is placed against a surface. This allows for front wall  20  to face upwards, the position generally utilized for displaying both an electronic device and various wares. Pliable material  52  is shown covering front wall  20 . This material is utilized to better facilitate the display of the various wares. Material of this type provides a higher frictional coefficient, thereby providing better holding of the various instruments thereon. Further, material of this type is utilized to better protect fragile instruments from placement on the surface. In a preferred embodiment, pliable material  52  is a rubber-like material. However, it is contemplated that other materials can be utilized. Additionally, it is contemplated that front wall  20  may be entirely made of such material or only portions thereof may be covered. Finally, it is contemplated that front wall  20  may be left uncovered. 
     FIG. 6  also illustrates the apparatus used in slidably attaching the cover  14  to the container  12 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a portion of bottom wall  24  and side walls  26  and  28  extends beyond the pliable material  52 , which covers front wall  20 . Included on each of these portions is a slot for receiving three edges of front member  42  of cover  14 . Side wall  26  includes side slot  54 , side wall  28  includes side slot  56 , and bottom wall includes bottom slot  58 . Each of the respective slots  54 ,  56 , and  58  is slightly wider than the width of front member  42  of cover  14 . The side slots  54  and  56  are open at their end adjacent to opening  30 . Upon attachment of cover  14  to container  12 , front member  42  is slid into side slots  54  and  56  at their open ends. To effectuate closing of case  10 , front member  42  is slid into slots  54  and  56  until top member  44  rests against opening  30  and a portion of front member  42  rests in bottom slot  58 . In this closed position, rear member  46  extends over rear wall  22 , thereby covering a portion thereof. An example of the preferred embodiment in this closed position can be seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   It is contemplated that any portion of front wall  20  or rear wall  22  may be covered by front member  42  and rear member  44 , respectively. For example, in another embodiment, cover  14  of the present invention may be substantially U-shaped. Similar to the attachments means set out above, bottom wall  24  and side walls  26  and  28  may extend beyond both the front wall  20  and the rear wall  22 . In this embodiment, both the front member  42  and the rear member  46  are slid into slots on either sides of the side walls  26  and  28 . Upon the covering of opening  30 , portions of both front member  42  and rear member  46  rest in bottom slots situated on the extended portions of bottom wall  24 . Furthermore, it is contemplated that other modes, known to those of ordinary skill in the art, of attaching cover  14  to container  12  can be employed. For example, cover  14  can be hingeably attached to container  12 . 
   As mentioned above, it is also contemplated that cover  14  may include additional members (not shown). In this embodiment, cover  14  is tube shaped thereby covering all surfaces of container  12  except one such surface, and cover  14  is attached to container  12  by sliding over its exterior, only leaving one surface uncovered. Here, there is no need for the extensions of the various walls, or the slots located therein. Cover  14  simply encompasses all surfaces except one, which can be any surface on container  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the fasteners  18  of the cover  14  to the container  12  are shown. Fasteners  18  are employed to retain cover  14  on container  12 . Fasteners  18  include knobs  19  and arms  21 . Knobs  19  are connected to arms  21  wherein rotational movement of knobs  19  provides corresponding rotational movement to arms  21 . Upon attachment of cover  14  to container  12 , and the covering of opening  30 , knobs  19  are rotated to cause arms  21  to engage notch  23 . This coupling provides a fixed attachment of cover  14  to container  12 , and allows for the transportation of case  10  through the use of handle  16 . It is contemplated that other fixable attachment means may be employed, for example, mechanical locking devices requiring a key or other means as known in the ordinary art. It is also contemplated that any number of fasteners  18  can be used, for example, in one embodiment, only one fastener is required. 
   In a preferred embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , front wall  20  includes a vent opening  60  to permit cooling of an electronic device contained therein. The vent opening  60  is shown as an elongated opening that extends through front wall  20  and pliable material  52 . However, it is contemplated that any shape or plurality of shapes can be utilized. For example, a plurality of circular holes can be dispersed on front wall  20 . Generally, the vent opening  60  is situated in an area that corresponds to a heat producing region of the electronic device.  FIG. 6  also shows front wall indicia  62 . Like cover indicia  48 , front wall indicia  62  is utilized to signify something about the product to be displayed, for example the product name or company name. However, other uses for front wall indicia  62  are contemplated. It is contemplated that front wall indicia  62  can be excluded from the present invention or easily interchanged to allow for the displaying of different products. Finally, container  12  may include external speakers or other sound amplifying devices (not shown). The storage of electronic device  64  within container  12  may muffle or block any sound amplifying means included in electronic device  64 . Therefore, container  12  may include external speakers or other sound amplifying devices for connection with electronic device  64 . For example, container  12  may include small speakers, as known in the art, with electronic connections for coupling with like connections (i.e. audio output ports) of electronic device  64 . These small speakers may be situated in any manner that allows any sound to be properly amplified. In one embodiment, the speakers are attached to container  12  so that a portion of the speakers extend through front wall  20 . 
     FIG. 7  depicts the platform  72  and its relation to the present invention. Platform  72  includes pads  74  for supporting electronic device  64 . Platform  72  is slidably interposed within platform compartment  32  of container  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the width dimensions of platform  72  are slightly smaller than those of platform compartment  32 . Similarly, the height dimensions of platform  72  with electronic device  64  disposed thereon are slightly smaller than those of platform compartment  32 . This allows for the easy removal of platform  72  and displaying of the display portion  66  of electronic device  64 . In a preferred embodiment, the user simply slides the entire platform  72 , with the electronic device  64  disposed thereon, out from the platform compartment  32 , displays the display portion  64 , and slides the entire platform  72  back into the platform compartment  32 , so that body  68  of electronic device  64  remains therein. 
   It is contemplated that other embodiments of the platform  72  can be utilized. For example, in one embodiment, platform  72  can be connected to platform compartment  32  by extendable attachment means. One such example of this embodiment, which is known in the art, is a series of rails that are interposed with respect to one another and extend upon the application of force. In another embodiment, platform  72  includes wheels that allow for easy removal with respect to container  12 . In yet another embodiment, platform  72  is fixed within platform compartment  32  and to container  12  or constructed integrally with container  12 . In this embodiment, removal of the electronic device  64  is achieved by movement of the electronic device  64 , rather than the platform  72 . It is contemplated that pads  74  can be of any size, shape or material and may or may not be employed in the various embodiments. It is also contemplated that the dimensions of the platform compartment may vary depending on the electronic device dimensions and/or embodiment of platform employed. It should be noted that various combinations of the above embodiments are contemplated. 
     FIG. 8  shows the apparatus in use to display a product. As shown, cover  14  (not shown) is removed from container  12 , and rear wall  22  is placed on a surface. Display portion  66  of electronic device  64  can be seen protruding above front wall  20 . Body  68  (not shown) of electronic device  64  is contained within platform compartment  32  of container  12 . Products  70  are disposed on pliable material  52  of front wall  20 . This allows a user to simultaneously show a front wall indicia  62 , an image or multiple images on display portion  66 , and products  70 . In one embodiment, electronic device  64  is a portable or laptop computer, and a presentation, corresponding to products  70 , is shown on its display. In this embodiment, display portion  66  of the portable or laptop computer is preferably fully viewable, but also may be 75% viewable, or more preferably 90% viewable. It is contemplated that other electronic devices can be utilized. It is also contemplated that different variations of the above discussed elements can be used. For example, in one embodiment, cover  14  can be utilized to increase the display size of front wall  20 . In this embodiment, cover  14  is situated so that front member  42  aligns with front wall  20 . In this situation, rear member  46  provides contact between the cover  14  and the surface upon which the display case  10  is located. Means for attaching cover  14  to container  12  in this manner may be included. 
   Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of displaying products, generally in a sales or informational sense. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes placing a product on an exterior surface of a portable display apparatus and disposing a display screen of an electronic device, while the body of the electronic device is contained within the portable display apparatus. The display screen of the electronic device is utilized to show an image or group of images thereon, relating to an aspect of the product being displayed. Additionally, the product and the electronic device can easily be stored within the portable display apparatus for transport. It is recognized that many variations of performing this method can be performed, and that many variations of the portable display apparatus can be employed. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, a preferred portable display apparatus  10 , as discussed above, is employed. The user stores at least one product or instrument  70  within one of the storage compartments  34  and  36  and an electronic device  64  having a display portion  66  and body  68  within the platform compartment  32 . In a preferred embodiment, electronic device  64  is a laptop computer. The user transports the apparatus  10  with the electronic device  64  and the instruments  70  to a destination. Cover  14  is then removed from container  12 . This may require the facilitation fasteners  18 , but this step is not necessary in all embodiments. The apparatus  10  is then placed on its rear wall  22 , so that front wall  20  covered with pliable material  52  faces upward. 
   The user then removes both the laptop computer on the platform  72  and instruments  70 . The instruments  70  are placed on the pliable material  52  of front wall  20 . The laptop is opened and the body of the laptop along with platform  72  is slid back into the platform compartment  32  of the container  12 . This allows for the screen of the laptop to remain in a viewable position relative to the front wall  20  and the products  70  placed thereon. It is contemplated that the laptop can be removed in various fashions in accordance with the different embodiments of the platform  72  as set forth above. With both the laptop and the instruments  70  in these positions, an image or group of images (presentation) may be viewed on the screen of the laptop, while the products  70  are also in view. Additionally, a front wall indicia  62 , which corresponds to the instruments  70 , may be viewed. This method allows for an impressive presentation to be provided at almost any location required of a user. 
   The instruments  70  referred to throughout can be of any type or related to any field of use. In a preferred embodiment, instruments  70  relate to medical devices and more particularly to devices used in orthopedics. However, it is contemplated that various instruments, within various fields can be used in conjunction with the present invention. 
   Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.