Abstract:
The present invention is a single panel portable storage component for use with a computer housing. The single panel portable storage component is comprised of a flexible fabric panel having upper and lower surface. At least one storage component is located on both a first side and a second side of the upper surface. The storage compartments are positioned so that the single panel portable storage component can be configured in a tri-fold storage configuration. The single panel portable storage component further includes a weight balancing component capable of exerting a force which is counter to the force that may be exerted by an uneven weight distribution of objects placed in the storage compartments.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of storage devices, and in particular to a portable apparatus adapted to be transported in a tri-fold configuration or mounted on a personal computer. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c  illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component mounted on varying sizes of personal computer housings. 
           [0003]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate a top perspective view of two different embodiments of a single panel portable storage component in a flattened configuration. 
           [0004]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component with alternative types of weight balancing components. 
           [0005]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component in the tri-fold storage configuration. 
           [0006]      FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a single panel portable storage component system adapted for functional or decorative display of objects. 
         GLOSSARY 
         [0007]    As used herein, the term “storage component” means a component capable of holding items for future use. 
           [0008]    As used herein, the term “personal computer housing” means the enclosure that contains the main components of a desktop computer (e.g., motherboard, central processing unit, memory card, power supply unit). 
           [0009]    As used herein, the term “weight balancing component” means a component capable of holding a single panel storage component in place when the weight of the objects on one side of the storage component exceeds the weight on the other side of the storage component. Examples of a weight balancing component include hook-and-eye fabric (e.g., Velcro™), a panel which holds a single panel in place, an inner surface capable of creating a traction force sufficient to resist movement of the panel, hook structures, counterweights, bungee cords, or any other structure that may be fully enclosed within the single panel structure when it is folded. 
           [0010]    As used herein, the term “tri-fold storage design” means a design wherein a signal panel structure is designed to be folded into thirds for transport and storage. A tri-fold storage design may further include fasteners, reinforced seams, handles, securing components and storage compartment configurations to facilitate portability. 
           [0011]    As used herein, the term “tri-fold storage fastener” is a fastener or securing device such as a hook, snap, tab, bungee, strap, cord, wrap or other component for securing and apparatus in a tri-fold position. 
           [0012]    As used herein, the term “grasping component” means a strap, handle, or outer casing with a strap, handle, drawstring, harness, hook, bungee or any other component adapted for carrying or grasping. 
         BACKGROUND 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,687 (Stevens &#39;687) teaches a storage organizer device comprised of multiple rigid plastic panels to which modular storage units are selectively attached. This storage system is directed at solving the common problem of increasing storage space for personal computer accessories and office items by resting the storage on the outer housing of a personal computer enclosure. 
           [0014]    The system taught by Stevens &#39;687, however, has several drawbacks. The first drawback of the Stevens &#39;687 design is that it requires attachment of numerous separately configured components through separate processes. The plastic panels are rigid and include “separately constructed” floor walls which join two plastic walls. The separate construction of the various walls and the modular component results in substantial manufacturing costs. Moreover, the apparatus in Stevens &#39;687 requires the back and front panel to be secured by separately attached “fabric closures” which must also be separately attached and configured. 
           [0015]    A second problem with the apparatus taught by Stevens &#39;687 and similar devices known in that art is that the apparatus is not designed to be portable. The separate panels and closures are not capable of being folded for storage without appendages or attachments being easily lost in transit. 
           [0016]    A third problem with the apparatus taught in Stevens &#39;687 is that it does not readily accommodate the proliferation of personal computer types and sizes having varying casing dimensions. The apparatus disclosed by Stevens &#39;687 is constructed of separate side and top panels which must be cut in proportions that correspond to the personal computers on which they are being used. In particular, the top panel must have a width that is narrower than the top of the personal computer on which it is being used. In addition, the hinged portion or seam between the panels must align and/or correspond to the corners or the angles of the personal computer housing. 
           [0017]    It is desirable to have a personal computer storage apparatus that can be used for any size computer housing, without the need to stock varying sizes of the apparatus. 
           [0018]    It is further desirable to have an economically manufactured storage apparatus which can be configured from a single panel. 
           [0019]    It is further desirable to have an apparatus which can be packaged in substantially flat configuration for shipping and storage. 
           [0020]    It is further desirable to have an apparatus which does not require the use of components to join or affix panels covering opposite sides of the personal computer in order to secure it. 
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
         [0021]    The present invention is a single panel portable storage component for use with a computer housing. The single panel portable storage component is comprised of a flexible fabric panel having upper and lower surfaces. At least one storage compartment is located on a first side and a second side of the upper surface. The storage compartments are positioned so that the single panel portable storage component can be configured in a tri-fold storage configuration. 
           [0022]    The single panel portable storage component further includes a weight balancing component capable of exerting a force which is counter to the force that may be exerted by an uneven weight distribution of objects placed in the storage compartments. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0023]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of a single panel portable storage component, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent materials, dimensions and configurations may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention. 
         [0024]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, emphasis has been placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals in the various drawings refer to identical or near identical structural elements. 
         [0025]    Moreover, the terms “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b  and  1   c  illustrate a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of single panel portable storage component  100  mounted on varying sizes of personal computer housings  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c . Single panel portable storage component  100  is comprised of flexible panel  20  which has storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  located on the ends of flexible panel  20  for storing computer-related accessories and other items. 
         [0027]    The dimensions of single panel portable storage component  100  allow it to be placed over personal computer housings  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c  of varying dimensions. In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component  100  has a length of 24 inches and a width of 16 inches; however, in other embodiments may have a length ranging from 15 to 24 inches and a width ranging from 10 to 19 inches. 
         [0028]    Storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  may be used to store items frequently used with a personal computer such as type pads, keyboards, computer mouses, flash drives, external hard drives, digital cameras, mp3 players, game controllers, UBS and Ethernet cables, cellular phone cords, chargers for electronic items, and compact discs or any other item that an individual may want easy access to near a computer, such as instruction manuals, paper and pens. Storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  allow an individual to store frequently or infrequently used items clearing up space while maintaining easy access to these items. 
         [0029]    In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component  100  further includes optional flaps  30   a ,  30   b  which enclose the items stored inside storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  and optional expandable panels  40   a ,  40   b  which allow larger components to be stored inside storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b.    
         [0030]    In the embodiment shown, flexible panel  20  and storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  are comprised of a canvas material, but in other embodiments may be comprised of leather, Naugahyde™, vinyl, wool, mesh, other materials capable of supporting the weight of various accessories and items or combinations thereof. 
         [0031]    Single panel portable storage component  100  may be comprised of any color of fabric and may or may not include a pattern or design on the outer surface. In addition, single panel portable storage component  100  may be designed to match or blend into the room or area in which single panel portable storage component  100  is to be used for concealment. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  illustrate a top perspective view of two different embodiments of single panel portable storage component  100  in a flattened configuration with storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  visible. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 2   a , storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  of single panel portable storage component  100  are each comprised of three equally sized pockets  28  which are separated by fabric dividers  32 . In the embodiment shown, dividers  32  are canvas, but in other embodiments may be leather, Naugahyde™, vinyl, wool, mesh, or other types of fabrics and/or may contain or be comprised of rigid material (e.g., cardboard). 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 2   b , storage compartment  25   a  is comprised of a single pocket  28  and a plurality of horizontal sleeves  35  which are sized to hold a compact disc. Pocket  28  and horizontal sleeves  35  are separated by divider  32  which is comprised of the same material as single panel storage component  100 . In the embodiment shown, horizontal sleeves  35  are comprised of a transparent plastic; however in other embodiments may be comprised of a fabric or another material and may or may not be transparent. 
         [0035]    In the embodiment shown, storage compartment  25   b  is comprised of two pockets  28  of unequal sizes and a plurality of vertical sleeves  38  which are designed to hold pens, pencils or another similarly shaped component. Pockets  28  and vertical sleeves  38  are each separated by dividers  32 . 
         [0036]    In other embodiments, storage compartments  25  are comprised of any number of equally or unequally sized pockets and/or sleeves designed to accommodate a variety of computer-related accessories and other items. In still other, embodiments, pocket  28  may further include another pocket or smaller enclosed area for storing smaller items associated with a larger item. For example, pocket  28  may be sized to hole an external hard drive and contain a smaller pocket for storing the USB cable. In still other embodiments, one or more storage compartments  25  or pockets  28  may further include a rigid insertion member. For example, the inside of storage compartment  25  may have a thin piece of rigid plastic along the top edge which increases the sturdiness of storage compartment  25 . 
         [0037]    In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b , pockets  28  and dividers  32  are comprised of the same material; however, in other embodiments, pockets  28  and dividers  32  may be comprised of varying materials. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  illustrate a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of single panel portable storage component  100  with weight balancing components. 
         [0039]    In  FIG. 3   a , weight balancing components  50   a ,  50   b ,  50   c ,  50   d  are pieces of hook-and-loop fabric secured to the lower surface of single panel portable storage component  100  using adhesive. The corresponding pieces of hook-and-loop fabric would be secured to personal computer housing  10  (not shown) (e.g., by adhesive). In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer weight balancing components  50 , the size and location of which may also vary. 
         [0040]    In  FIG. 3   b , weight balancing components are comprised of hook  60   a  and loop  60   b . Hook  60   a  is secured near the bottom of the sides of personal computer housing  10 . Loop  60   b  is attached to the lower surface of single panel portable storage component  100  and when single panel portable storage component  100  is placed over personal computer housing  10 , loop  60   b  is secured around hook  60   a  securing single panel portable storage component  100  to personal computer housing  10 . In the embodiment shown, loop  60   b  is a stretchable cord, e.g., a bungee cord. 
         [0041]    In other embodiments, weight balancing components may be counterweights or another component which is capable of keeping single panel portable storage component  100  on personal computer housing  10  even when the weight of items stored in storage compartments  25   a  and  25   b  are different. For example, the underside of flexible pane  20  may be comprised of a material or have components (e.g., rubber components) which provide traction and prevent sliding when single panel portable storage component is placed over personal computer housing  10 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of single panel portable storage component  100  folded in a tri-fold. In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component  100  further includes an optional fastener, such as hook-and-loop fabric, a tie, a buckle, or a clasp, which allows single panel portable storage component  100  to be secured in the tri-fold configuration and ensure that items stored in storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  are secured while single panel portable storage component  100  is being transported. 
         [0043]    In the embodiment shown, single panel portable storage component  100  further includes grasping component  70  which allows single panel portable storage component  100  to be easily carried. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b  and  5   c  illustrate a perspective view of exemplary embodiments of single panel portable storage component  100  adapted for functional or decorative display of objects. 
         [0045]    In  FIG. 5   a , single panel portable storage component  100  includes expandable panels  40   a ,  40   b , but the top of storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  are open to allow the user easy viewing of and access to the items stored in pockets  28 . 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 5   b , storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  contain pockets  28  and sleeves  35  which are transparent allowing the user to view the items stored. 
         [0047]    In  FIG. 5   c , storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  have flaps  30   a ,  30   b  for enclosing storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  and for concealing the items stored. In the embodiment shown, storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  do not include expandable panels reducing the depth of storage compartment  25   a ,  25   b  and the size of the items which may be stored. In other embodiments, flaps  30   a ,  30   b  may further include a fastening mechanism, such as hook-and-loop fabric; a tie, a buckle, or a clasp, which secures flaps  30   a ,  30   b  to the outer surface of storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b.    
         [0048]    In other embodiments, the configuration of storage compartment  25   a ,  25   b  may vary. For example, storage compartment  25   a  may include expandable panel  40   a  and flap  30   a , while storage compartment  25   b  may be without expandable panel  40   a  and/or flap  30   b . In still other embodiments, storage compartments  25   a ,  25   b  have an aperture adapted for displaying stored objects.