Patent Publication Number: US-7909161-B2

Title: Case configured to hold portable computer and method of manufacturing and using the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to packaging, and relates more particularly to cases for portable computers and methods of manufacturing and using the same. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND 
     Portable computers have become ubiquitous in today&#39;s society. Working almost anywhere and at any time on a portable computer has become a part of the daily lives of millions of people. 
     To transport portable computers from place to place, most people use computer cases. Computer cases provide protection from mechanical shock due to accidental impacts and also provide some degree of protection from environmental hazards, such as heat, light, and dust, for example. To provide adequate protection from this multitude of hazards, however, most computer cases are large and bulky, and are designed such that the computer must be removed from the computer case prior to use. 
     Moreover, with the decreasing cost of portable computers and increasing availability of wireless networks and applications, many families have replaced desktop computers with portable computers as their primary home computers. 
     While traditional large and bulky computer cases offer the protection necessary for moving computers over long distances (e.g. for work to home), these computer cases are cumbersome to use within the home. Before moving the computer, traditional computer cases require a time consuming process of shutting down the computer and disconnecting wires, power supplies, and peripherals. A user then packs the computer, power supplies, wires, and peripherals in the case. Because of this lengthy process, home portable computer users usually eschew using computer cases when moving the computer around the home (e.g. from room to room) and, thus, risk damage from accidental impacts or environmental hazards. 
     Therefore, a need exists for a lightweight computer case that provides protection from environmental hazards and accidental impacts, but also allows the user quick and easy access to the computer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case, according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front, right isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 1  in an open position, according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front, right isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 1  in the open position with a portable computer located within the computer case of  FIG. 1 , according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a right, top isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 1  in a closed position, according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a left, bottom isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 1  in the closed position, according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view along line  6 - 6  ( FIG. 4 ) of the computer case of  FIG. 1 , according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case, according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a front, right isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 7  in an open position, according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case, according to a third embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a front, right isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 9  in an open position, according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a front, left isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 9  in the open position with a portable computer located within the computer case of  FIG. 9 , according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a right, bottom isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 9  in a closed position, according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case, according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a front, right isometric view of the computer case of  FIG. 13  in an open position, according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a flow chart for a method of manufacturing a case configured to hold a portable computer, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a flow chart for an action of providing a cover shell, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a flow chart for a method of operating a computer, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “on,” as used herein, is defined as on, at, or otherwise adjacent to or next to or over. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically and/or mechanically, either directly or indirectly through intervening circuitry and/or elements. Coupling (whether only mechanical, only electrical, or both) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. 
     The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS 
     In a number of embodiments, a case can be configured to hold a portable computer with a keyboard. The case can include: (a) a base shell having: (1) a base panel with a first side; and (2) one or more pads extending from the first side and positioned such that a bottom of the portable computer is capable of resting on the one or more pads; and (b) a cover shell coupled to the base shell and configured to move between a first position relative to the base shell, in which a user cannot type on the keyboard of the portable computer while the portable computer is inside of the case, and a second position relative to the base shell, in which the user can type on the keyboard of the portable computer while the portable computer is inside of the case. 
     In other embodiments, a clamshell structure can be configured to contain a portable computer with a keyboard. The clamshell structure can include: (a) a bottom casing; (b) a top casing having: (1) an outer top casing with one or more apertures; and (2) an inner top casing with one or more apertures; and (c) a hinge pivotally coupling together the top casing and the bottom casing. In these embodiments, the inner top casing can be coupled to the outer top casing such that a pocket is formed between the outer top casing and the inner top casing. The one or more apertures in the outer top casing and the one or more apertures in the inner top casing can open into the pocket. Moreover, a user can use the keyboard of the portable computer while the portable computer is inside of the clamshell structure. 
     In yet other embodiments, a case can include: (a) a first compartment; and (b) a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment and having an opening at an exterior of the case. In these embodiments, the opening of the second compartment is a first portion of a handle for the case. 
     In still further embodiments, a method of manufacturing a case configured to hold a portable computer can include: (a) providing a base shell; (b) providing a cover shell including: (1) providing a first panel with one or more first openings; (2) providing a second panel with one or more second openings; and (3) coupling the first panel to the second panel to form a pocket between the first panel and the second panel; (c) providing a hinge; (d) coupling the hinge to the cover shell; and (e) coupling the hinge to the base shell. 
     In additional embodiments, a method of operating a computer can include: (a) providing a computer case having: (1) a first shell; (2) a second shell having: (i) a first panel with an interior side; and (ii) one or more pads extending from the interior side; and (3) a hinge coupling the first shell to the second shell; (b) placing the computer on the one or more pads; and (c) operating the computer while the computer is resting on the one or more pads. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case  100 , according to a first embodiment.  FIG. 2  illustrates a front, right isometric view of computer case  100  in an open position, according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 3  illustrates a front, right isometric view of computer case  100  in the open position with a portable computer  350  located within computer case  100 , according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 4  illustrates a right, top isometric view of computer case  100  in a closed position, according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 5  illustrates a left, bottom isometric view of computer case  100  in the closed position, according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 6  illustrates a cross-sectional view along line  6 - 6  ( FIG. 4 ) of case  100 , according to the first embodiment. It should be understood that case  100  is merely exemplary and that the present invention may be employed in many different cases not specifically depicted herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , computer case  100  can be configured to hold a portable computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ) and allow a user to type on a keyboard  351  ( FIG. 3 ) of computer  350  while computer  350  is inside of case  100 . As an example, case  100  can be a clamshell structure and include: (a) a bottom casing or base shell  120 ; (b) a top casing or cover shell  110 ; (c) a hinge  140 ; (d) one or more support straps  141 ; and (e) a closure mechanism  115 . In some examples, cover shell  110  and base shell  120  have a non-conformal shape around computer  350 . 
     In some embodiments, cover shell  110  is coupled to base shell  120  and configured to move between a closed position relative to base shell  120 , in which a user cannot type on keyboard  351  while computer  350  is inside of case  100 , and an open position relative to base shell  120 , in which the user can type on keyboard  351  while computer  350  is inside of case  100 . For example, when cover shell  110  is in the open position, the edges of base shell  120  are lower than the top surface of keyboard  351 ( FIG. 3 ) to allow a user to use computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In various examples, case  100  is asymmetric in shape when cover shell  110  is in the closed position relative to base shell  120 . In many embodiments, base shell  120  is pivotally coupled to cover shell  110  by hinge  140 . In non-illustrated embodiments, at least two of hinge  140 , base shell  120 , and cover shell  110  are integrally formed with each other. 
     In the same or different embodiments, base shell  120  and cover shell  110  can also be coupled together by support straps  141 . Each of support straps  141  has an end  142  and an end  143  opposite end  142 . End  142  of each of support straps  141  can be coupled to the cover shell  110  inside of case  100 . Similarly, end  143  of each of support straps  141  can be coupled to base shell  120  inside of case  100 . In other examples, ends  142  and  143  are sewn to cover shell  110  and base shell  120 , respectively. In some embodiments, other attachment mechanisms, such as Velcro® material, buttons, string ties, or the like can be used in place of or in addition to support straps  141  to couple together cover shell  110  and base shell  120 . 
     In some examples, support straps  141  are configured to limit the movement of cover shell  110  relative to base shell  120 . In one embodiment, support straps  141  limit the angle between the interior of cover shell  110  and the interior of base shell  120 . In one example, support straps  141  limit the angle to 110 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, each of support straps  141  are formed by sewing together a strap  262  ( FIG. 2 ) and a strap  263  ( FIG. 2 ). The stitching in the center of support straps  141  acts as a hinge and allows support straps  141  to fold inward when case  100  is placed into the closed position. 
     In some examples, closure mechanism  115  can couple cover shell  110  to base shell  120 . In one embodiment, closure mechanism  115  couples an outer edge  216  ( FIG. 2 ) of base shell  120  to an outer edge  217  ( FIG. 2 ) of cover shell  110 . Closure mechanism  115  can securely hold case  100  in the closed position, but can also be opened or removed to allow access to the interior of case  100 . In one embodiment, closure mechanism  115  is a zipper assembly. In other embodiments, other attachment mechanisms, such as Velcro® material, buttons, string ties, or the like, can be used instead of or in addition a zipper for closure mechanism  115 . 
     In one example, base shell  120  can include: (a) a panel  121  with a side  144  and a side  145  opposite side  144 ; (b) a panel  122 ; and (c) one or more pads  231  ( FIG. 2 ) extending from side  144  and positioned such that a bottom of computer  350  is capable of resting on pads  231  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     In some examples, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , pads  231  ( FIG. 2 ) can include: (a) one or more raised portions  126  of panel  122  with each one of raised portions  126  have a top surface  127  and a bottom surface (not shown) opposite top surface  127 ; (b) one or more portions  125  located adjacent to top surface  127 ; and (c) one or more internal supports  123  located adjacent to the bottom surface of raised portions  126 . In some examples, internal supports  123  are located between panel  121  and panel  122 . In various examples, portions  125  are non-skid pads. In one embodiment, portions  125  are formed from a molded elastomer. 
     When computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ) is placed inside of case  100 , pads  231  are positioned such that the bottom of computer  350  rests at portions  125 . When the bottom of computer  350  is resting on pads  231 , computer  350  is elevated above panel  121 , and ventilation for a cooling system (e.g. the fan) of computer  350  is provided. That is, pads  231  separate computer  350  from base shell  120  to create an air gap (not shown) therebetween. Accordingly, heat can dissipate from computer  350  without passing through base shell  120 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , pads  231  have an end  278  and an end  279  opposite end  278 . End  279  can be closer to hinge  140  than end  278 . In some embodiments, a height  276  of pads  231  at end  278  is less than a height  277  of pads  231  at end  279 . In one example, height  276  can be approximately ten millimeters above side  144  of panel  121  and height  277  can be approximately nineteen millimeters above side  144  of panel  121 . In one embodiment, an incline plane is formed by the varying height of pads  231  between ends  278  and  279 . For example, the top side of pads  231  can be sloped at an angle of approximately three degrees between ends  278  and  279 . When computer  350  is placed on pads  231 , keyboard  351  is sloped upward from front to back to allow a more ergonomic position of a user&#39;s hands on keyboard  351 . Other heights, angles, and slopes are contemplated herein. 
     In alternative embodiments, the height of pads  231  does not vary between ends  131  and  132 . In these embodiments, the pads can have a height of 15 millimeters, for example. 
     Returning back to  FIG. 1 , internal supports  123  can have an end  151  and an end  152  opposite end  151 . End  152  can be closer to hinge  140  than end  151 . In some embodiments, a height of internal supports  123  at end  151  is less than a height of internal supports  123  at end  152 . The heights of portions  125  and raised portions  126  can be constant such that internal supports  123  provide the angle or slope of pads  231  described above. 
     Panel  122  can be coupled to panel  121 . In some embodiments, an edge  118  of panel  121  is coupled to an edge  119  of panel  122 . For example, stitching around edge  118  and edge  119  can be used to couple together panels  121  and  122 . In another example, an adhesive can be used to couple together panels  121  and  122 . In a further embodiment, panel  122  and panel  121  are a single panel. In one example, panel  122  can be formed from molded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and can have a cloth fabric (e.g., polyester) cover at the exterior side of panel  122  and case  100 . Panel  121  can also be formed from molded EVA and have a cloth fabric cover at side  144 . 
     Cover shell  110  can include: (a) a panel  112 ; and (b) a panel  111 . Panel  112  can be coupled to panel  111  such that a pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ) is located or formed between panel  111  and panel  112 . In one example, an edge  149  of panel  112  is sewn to an edge  148  of panel  111  to form pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ). Pocket  630  provides an interior space within case  100  where wires, power adapters, cords, cables, peripherals, and the like can be stored. 
     To allow a user easy access to the items stored in pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ), panel  111  can have at least one opening  135  into pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ). Likewise, panel  112  can have at least one opening  136  into pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In some embodiments, opening  136  can be used to thread cables, wires, cords, or the like from pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ) to computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ). In some examples, opening  136  can be sized to allow one or more cables, wires, cords, or the like to pass simultaneously through opening  136 . Opening  136  can be circular and have a diameter of approximately thirty millimeters in one example. In other examples, opening  136  can have other shapes and sizes. 
     Additionally, opening  136  can be adjacent to or covered by a cable grommet  139 . Other than improving the aesthetics of case  100 , cable grommet  139  can help hold and organize cables, cords, wires and the like running through opening  136 . 
     Opening  135  can be a larger opening than opening  136  and give the user full access to pocket  630  ( FIG. 6 ) through panel  111 . In one example, opening  135  can have a length of approximately 181 millimeters and width of approximately 60 millimeters. Other dimensions are also contemplated. 
     Opening  135  can also be configured to be used with an indention or handle portion  537  ( FIG. 5 ) of panel  122  to carry case  100 . When case  100  is in a closed position, a user can place his four fingers inside of opening  135  and his thumb against handle portion  537  ( FIG. 5 ) to carry case  100 . In one embodiment, the portion of panel  111  around opening  135  is lined with a rim  153  to reinforce opening  135  and improve the aesthetics of case  100 . Furthermore, to support the increased weight and pressure placed on opening  135  of panel  111  when opening  135  is used as a handle, a reinforcement and/or padding element  138  can be coupled to the interior side of panel  111  around or near opening  135 . 
     In one embodiment, panel  111  can be formed from molded EVA and have a cloth fabric on the exterior side of panel  111  and case  100 . Panel  112  can also be formed from molded EVA and have a cloth fabric on the interior side of panel  112  facing towards panel  121 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, case  100  can be considered to include: (a) a compartment  659  between panels  112  and  121 ; and (b) a compartment or pocket  630  between panels  111  and  112  and adjacent to compartment  659  and having an opening  135  ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, compartment  659  is formed by panel  112 , panel  121 , hinge  140 , and closure mechanism  115 . Compartment  659  can be designed to allow one or more cords, wires, cables, or the like to be coupled to computer  350  without requiring the cords or wires to extend outside of case  100  when computer  350  is located within compartment  659 . 
     In some examples, compartment  659  is designed to be, sealable. For example, compartment  659  can be sealed using closure mechanism  115 . Pocket  630  can be designed to remain open (i.e. opening  135  does not have a cover or closure mechanism). Compartment  659  can be accessible through pocket  630 . In one example, compartment  659  can be accessed from pocket  630  through opening  136  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Compartment  659  can be sized to fit a laptop computer, such as computer  350 . Pocket  630  can be sized to hold at least a power cord and a transformer for the laptop computer. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket  630  is larger than compartment  659 . In alternative embodiments, compartment  659  is larger than or approximately the same size as pocket  630 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case  700 , according to a second embodiment.  FIG. 8  illustrates a front, right isometric view of computer case  700  in an open position, according to the second embodiment. Similar to case  100  ( FIGS. 1-6 ), case  700  is configured to hold computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ) and allow a user to type on keyboard  351  ( FIG. 3 ) of computer  350  while computer  350  is inside of case  700 . 
     As an example, case  700  can include: (a) a base shell  720 ; (b) a cover shell  710 ; (c) hinge  140 ; (d) support straps  141 ; and (e) closure mechanism  115 . 
     In some embodiments, base shell  720  can include: (a) a panel  721  with an exterior surface  744 ; (b) a panel  722 ; (c) a panel  771 ; and (d) portions  125  at exterior surface  744 . In some examples, panel  721  and panel  722  are identical to or similar to panels  121  and  122 , respectively, except that panel  722  does not have any raised portions  126  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Panel  771  is located between panel  721  and  722 . In some embodiments, panel  771  can be a foam pad or some other type of material capable of absorbing a mechanical shock. In one example, panel  771  has an end  727  and an end  728  opposite end  727  with end  728  is closer to hinge  140 . In this example, the height of panel  771  at end  727  can be less than the height of panel  771  at end  728 . The height of panel  771  can be varied such that an inclined plane is formed and such that the front end of panel  721  is lower than the back end of panel  721 . Thus, when computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ) is placed in case  100 , keyboard  351  ( FIG. 3 ) is sloped upward from front to back to allow a more ergonomic positioning of the user&#39;s hands on keyboard  351  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In other embodiments, case  700  does not include a panel  771 . In yet still further embodiments, a foam pad or other shock absorbing material is incorporated into panels  721  and/or  722 , and panel  771  is eliminated. 
     In one embodiment, cover shell  710  can include: (a) a panel  712  with an opening  736  and an interior surface  797 ; (b) a panel  111 ; and (c) a pocket or pocket assembly  795 . In some embodiments, panel  712  can be identical to or similar to panel  112  ( FIG. 1 ) except opening  736  differs from opening  136  ( FIG. 1 ). In alternative embodiments, panel  712  is identical to panel  112  ( FIG. 1 ). Panel  111  and panel  712  can form a compartment  730  in addition to or as a replacement for pocket assembly  795 . Compartment  730  can be similar to compartment  630  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     In one example, panel  712  is coupled to panel  111  with pocket assembly  795  located between panel  712  and panel  111 . In some embodiments, pocket assembly  795  can include an opening (not shown) into compartment  730 . Pocket assembly  795  can be located adjacent to interior surface  797  and opening  736 . In some embodiments, opening  736  can be a U-shaped laceration in panel  712  with a mechanism  796  to hold opening  736  closed. For example, a zipper or Velcro® material can be used to close the U-shaped laceration. In the same or different embodiment, a portion of panel  712  can be formed of a vented material (e.g., mesh) to allow heat to dissipate through opening  736  into pocket assembly  795  and out of case  700 . 
     In some embodiments, panel  111  can include or be adjacent to one or more feet  718  at an exterior surface  783 . Feet  718  can be used to help hold case  700  upright when the case in the closed position and leaning against a wall. In one example, feet  718  are formed from a hard polyurethane. 
     Turning to further embodiments,  FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case  900 , according to a third embodiment.  FIG. 10  illustrates a front, right isometric view of computer case  900  in an open position, according to the third embodiment.  FIG. 11  illustrates a front, left isometric view of computer case  900  in the open position with computer  350  located inside of computer case  900 , according to the third embodiment.  FIG. 12  illustrates a right, bottom isometric view of computer case  900  in a closed position, according to the third embodiment. 
     Similar to case  100  ( FIG. 1 ), case  900  is configured to hold computer  350  and allow a user to type on keyboard  351  of computer  350  while computer  350  is inside of case  900 . As an example, case  900  can include: (a) a base shell  920 ; (b) a cover shell  910 ; (c) a hinge  940 ; (d) at least one support strap  941 ; and (e) a closure mechanisms  915  and  1299  ( FIG. 12 ). When case  900  is the open position, the edges of base shell  920  are lower than keyboard  351  ( FIG. 3 ) to facilitate use of computer  350  ( FIG. 3 ). Base shell  920  and cover shell  910  can be pivotally coupled by hinge  940 . In the illustrated embodiment, base shell  920 , cover shell  910 , and hinge  940  are integrally formed. In the same or different embodiments, base shell  920  can have an opening  1055  ( FIG. 10 ), and cover shell  910  can have an opening  1054  ( FIG. 10 ). In some examples, opening  1054  and  1055  in combination with cover shell  910  and base shell  920  can function as a handle for case  900 . 
     In one embodiment, cover shell  910  includes: (a) a panel  911 ; and (b) a panel  912 . Panels  911  and  912  can be coupled together by sewing in one example. In the same or different embodiment, base shell  920  includes: (a) a panel  921 ; and (b) a panel  922 . Panels  921  and  922  can be coupled together by sewing panel  921  to panel  922 . In one example, panel  922  can include one or more raised portions  926 . Raised portions  926  can be coupled to and extend from panel  922  in one embodiment. Portions  125  can be coupled to raised portions  926  and arranged such that computer  350  is capable of being placed on portions  125 . 
     Closure mechanism  1299  ( FIG. 12 ) can be adjacent to an exterior of the base shell  920 . Case  900  can be secured in the closed position by coupling closure mechanism  915  to closure mechanism  1299 . In one example, closure mechanism  915  is a cloth flap with a Velcro hook patch and closure mechanism  1299  is a Velcro loop patch. Closure mechanism  915  can be coupled to cover shell  910  by sewing one end of the cloth flap between panel  911  and panel  912 . In one embodiment, closure mechanism  915  can be coupled to closure mechanism  1299  through openings  1054  and  1055 . 
     In some examples, panel  911  and/or panel  912  can include curved edge sections  942  and  943 , respectively. When case  900  is in the closed position, curved edge sections  942  and  943  can prevent computer  350  from sliding out of case  900 . 
     In some embodiments, hinge  940  pivotally couples panel  921  to panel  912 , and support strap  941  couples panel  922  to panel  911 . Support strap  941  can be configured to limit the movement of cover shell  910  relative to base shell  920 . In one example, when case  900  is in the open position, support strap  941  can limit the angle between cover shell  910  and base shell  920  to 110 degrees. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an exploded view of a computer case  1300 , according to a fourth embodiment.  FIG. 14  illustrates a front, right isometric view of computer case  1300  in an open position, according to the fourth embodiment. Similar to cases  100  ( FIG. 1 ), case  700  ( FIG. 7 ), and case  900  ( FIG. 9 ), case  1300  is configured to hold computer  350  ( FIGS. 3 and 11 ) and allow a user to type on keyboard  351  ( FIGS. 3 and 11 ) of computer  350  ( FIGS. 3 and 11 ) while computer  350  ( FIGS. 3 and 11 ) is inside of case  1300 . 
     As an example, case  1300  can include: (a) a base shell  1320 ; (b) a cover shell  1310 ; (c) hinge  140 ; (d) support straps  141 ; and (e) two closure mechanisms  1315 , which can be similar to closure mechanism  115  ( FIG. 1 ). Base shell  1320  and cover shell  1310  can be pivotally coupled together by hinge  140 . Base shell  1320  and cover shell  1310  can have handle supports  1383  located around the edges of handles  1496  and  1497  ( FIG. 14 ). In some examples, handle support  1383  can help strength and support handles  1496  and  1497  ( FIG. 14 ). 
     In some embodiments, cover shell  1310  includes: (a) a panel  1311 ; and (b) panel  912 . In the same or different embodiments, base shell  1320  can include: (a) a panel  1321 ; and (b) a panel  1322 . Panels  1311  and  1321  can be identical or similar to panels  911  and  912 , respectively ( FIG. 9 ), except that panels  1311  and  1321  are not integrally formed with hinge  140 . Moreover, panel  1322  can be identical or similar to panel  922  ( FIG. 9 ) except that extension portions  1326  have one or more apertures  1384 . Apertures  1384  can help disperse heat from computer  350 . 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a flow chart  1500  for a method of manufacturing a case configured to hold a portable computer, according to an embodiment. In some examples, the case can be identical to or similar to case  100 ,  700 ,  900 , or  1300  of  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 , or  13 , respectively. 
     Flow chart  1500  of  FIG. 15  includes an action  1510  of providing a base shell. For example, the base shell can be identical to or similar to base shell  120 ,  720 ,  920 , or  1320  of  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 , or  13 , respectively. 
     Flow chart  1500  of  FIG. 15  continues with an action  1520  of providing a cover shell. For example, the cover shell can be identical to or similar to cover shells  110 ,  710 ,  910 , or  1310  of  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 , or  13 , respectively. Actions  1510  and  1520  can be also performed in revised order or simultaneously with each other. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment for action  1520  of providing a cover shell. Action  1520  of  FIG. 16  includes a procedure  1610  of providing a first panel with one or more first openings. For example, the first panel with one or more first openings can be identical to or similar to panels  112  or  712  of  FIGS. 1 and 7 , respectively. 
     Action  1520  of  FIG. 16  continues with a procedure  1620  of providing a second panel with one or more second openings. The second panel with one or more second openings can be identical to or similar to panels  111  of  FIGS. 1 and 7 , respectively. 
     Next, action  1520  of  FIG. 16  includes a procedure  1630  of coupling the first panel to the second panel to form a pocket between the first panel and the second panel. The pocket can be identical to or similar to pocket  630  of  FIG. 6  of pocket  730  of  FIG. 7 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 15 , flow chart  1500  continues with an action  1530  of providing a hinge. In some examples, the hinge can be identical to or similar to hinge  140  or  940  of  FIGS. 1 and 9 , respectively. 
     Next, flow chart  1500  of  FIG. 15  includes an action  1540  of coupling the hinge to the cover shell. In one example, the hinge can be coupled to the cover shell in a manner identical to or similar to the coupling of hinge  140  to cover shell  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or the coupling of hinge  140  to cover shell  710 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the coupling can be identical or similar to the coupling of hinge  940  to cover shell  910 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , or the coupling of hinge  140  to cover shell  1310 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     Subsequently, flow chart  1500  of  FIG. 15  includes an action  1550  of coupling the hinge to the base shell. In one example, the hinge can be coupled to the base shell in a manner identical to or similar to the coupling of hinge  140  to base shell  120  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  or the coupling of hinge  140  to base shell  720  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the coupling can be identical or similar to the coupling of hinge  940  to base shell  920 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , or the coupling of hinge  140  to base shell  1320 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In one embodiment, actions  1510 ,  1520 ,  1530 ,  1540 , and  1550  are performed simultaneously with each other, as in the embodiment of  FIGS. 9-12 . In another embodiment, the sequence of actions  1540  and  1550  is reversed. Other variations to the sequence of actions are also contemplated. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates a flow chart for a method of operating a computer, according to an embodiment. Flow chart  1700  of  FIG. 17  includes an action  1710  of providing a computer case including; (a) a first shell; (b) a second shell having: (1) a first panel with an interior side; and (2) one or more pads extending from the interior side; and (c) a hinge coupling the first shell to the second shell. In some examples, the case can be identical to or similar to cases  100 ,  700 ,  900 , or  1300  of  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 , or  13 , respectively. 
     Flow chart  1700  of  FIG. 17  includes an action  1720  of placing the computer on the one or more pads. The computer can be placed on the one or more pads in a manner identical to or similar to the placement of computer  350  on the pads as shown in  FIG. 3  or  11 . 
     Subsequently, flow chart  1700  of  FIG. 17  includes an action  1730  of operating the computer while the computer is resting on the one or more pads. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Various examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that the system discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, and may disclose alternative embodiments of the invention. As one specific non-limiting example, each of base shells  120 ,  720 ,  920 , and  1320  in  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  9 , and  13 , respectively can comprise a single panel. 
     All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the invention claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. 
     Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.