Notebook computer protection device

• US 20040112776A1
• Filed: 10/31/2003
• Published: 06/17/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hotwire Development LLC
• Original Assignee: Hotwire Development LLC
• Inventors: Lord, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,359,184 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/320
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer

Abstract

A notebook computer protection device forming a protective sleeve adapted to securely receive a notebook computer. The protection device is formed of a semi-rigid translucent material having a plurality of access openings permitting both a physical and visual inspection of the notebook computer lateral portions when secured therewithin. The protection device protects the notebook computer when subject to the examination process at airports and other transportation hubs, particularly when subject to the x-ray process at security checkpoints. The notebook computer protection device is light weight, inexpensive, and effectively protects a notebook computer during the inspection process, without requiring the removal of the notebook computer therefrom during the inspection process.

Claims

1. A notebook computer protection device, comprising:

a reinforced body member having a sleeve adapted to both receive and secure a notebook computer therewithin, the body member having at least one opening permitting access to a lateral portion of the received notebook computer while secured therewithin.

2. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member has a plurality of openings permitting access to a plurality of lateral portions of the notebook computer while secured therewithin.

3. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 2 wherein the body member has a plurality of extensions defining the openings therebetween.

4. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member has a port coupled to the sleeve and is adapted to receive the notebook computer and also to permit retrieval therethrough.

5. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 4 further comprising a retractable handle disposed across the port and adapted to permit manipulation of the body member when the notebook computer is received therein.

6. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 5 wherein the handle is pivotably retractable.

7. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 5 wherein the handle curves outwardly from the body member.

8. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member further includes a security device adapted to provide an alert when the notebook computer is removed from the body member.

9. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member is comprised of a translucent material permitting a visual inspection of substantially all of the notebook computer when received therewithin.

10. The notebook computer protection device as specified in claim 1 wherein the body member further comprises a resilient member disposed proximate the sleeve and adapted to securely cushion the notebook computer when received therewithin.

11. In combination:

a notebook computer; and

a reinforced body member having a sleeve adapted to both receive and secure a notebook computer therewithin, the body member having at least one opening permitting access to a lateral portion of the received notebook computer while secured therewithin.

12. The combination as specified in claim 11 wherein the body member has a plurality of openings permitting access to a plurality of lateral portions of the notebook computer while secured therewithin.

13. The combination as specified in claim 12 wherein the body member has a plurality of extensions defining the openings therebetween.

14. The combination as specified in claim 11 wherein the body member has a port coupled to the sleeve and is adapted to receive the notebook computer and also to permit retrieval therethrough.

15. The combination as specified in claim 14 further comprising a retractable handle disposed across the port and adapted to permit manipulation of the body member when the notebook computer is received therein.

16. The combination as specified in claim 15 wherein the handle is pivotably retractable.

17. The combination as specified in claim 15 wherein the handle curves outwardly from the body member.

18. The combination as specified in claim 11 wherein the body member further includes a security device adapted to provide an alert when the notebook computer is removed from the body member.

19. The combination as specified in claim 11 wherein the body member is comprised of a translucent material permitting a visual inspection of substantially all of the notebook computer when received therewithin.

20. The combination as specified in claim 11 wherein the body member further comprises a resilient member disposed proximate the sleeve and adapted to securely cushion the notebook computer when received therewithin.